It has become one of the highlights of the year: the Rumporter editorial team reveals its favorite rums of 2025. Whether tasted on site, at a trade show, in a bar, or at home, these rums have inspired us and left a lasting impression. Some were launched in 2025, others before, but all are worth trying. Raise your (tasting) glasses!
By Adrien Bonetto, Javier Herrera, Fabien Humbert & Alexandre Vingtier
New Grove Inception, 21 ans – Île-Maurice
It was at the very friendly Papa O Rhum restaurant (243 rue du Faubourg Saint-Antoine, 75011) that we had the opportunity to taste the oldest of the New grove rums. This vintage demonstrates, if proof were needed, just how important Mauritius has become on the rum map. It ticks all the boxes of the most venerable molasses rums (roundness, aromas of caramelized sugar, candied fruit, spices), while retaining a beautiful freshness and avoiding the pitfalls of this type of rum, as it is neither too woody nor too heavy on vanilla and other flavors. That said, Newgrove is definitely one to watch over the next 21 years (at least)!
70 cl – 50 % PVC : 160€
Available chez Rhum Attitude
Chantal Comte – L’arbre du voyageur – Madère
We had the chance to taste the entire current range of the “grande dame of rum” during a masterclass at the Saveurs 2025 et savoirs festival in Uzès. As we can’t list all of its vintages here, we had to choose just one. And that one is Arbre du Voyageur. Produced by the Engenhos Do Norte distillery in Madeira, it was selected by Chantal Comte during a visit to Dominique Honoré’s Chais Saint-Eloi.
Half of it was aged in terracotta amphorae (made in Tuscany) and half in red Cognac barrels. Subtly woody and spicy, it gives pride of place to aromas of sugar cane (Roxa variety) and citrus fruits. A great rum, as one would say of a great wine.
70 cl – 63 % – 99€
Available chez Rhum Attitude
DBM – XO – Guadeloupe
The revelation of 2025 is called DBM, a permanent range that stands out with its three references—VO, VSOP, and XO—each with its own unique character, leaving no one indifferent. If I had to choose just one, it would be the XO, a blend of molasses rums aged between 6 and 15 years, which won me over with its complexity and pastry notes.
70 cl – 43 % – PVC : 65 €
Available chez Rhum Attitude
Havana Club Icónica Tributo 2025, Redbreast Finish – Cuba
The gems created by the Cuban Maestros Roneros working for Havana Club are a reminder, if one were needed, that Cuba is a land of great rums, both complex and balanced. From the brand’s Iconica range, we have chosen Tributo, a series of limited edition rums that change every year. For its eighth edition, Asbel Morales wanted to blend (via a finish) an aged rum with a Redbreast Single Pot Still Irish whiskey. The result is a rum that is both smooth and complex, with notes of candied citrus, quince paste, noble wood, and spices!
70 cl – 43 % – 450 €
Frigate 21 – Panama
An extra-aged rum from Panama, aged for 21 years in ex-bourbon oak barrels. Distilled at the Las Cabras distillery in Panama using high-quality molasses. An elegant, smooth rum that is easy to drink.
Confrérie du Rhum X Rhum J.M – Martinique
The latest vintage from the Confrérie du Rhum, produced this time in partnership with J.M, brings a breath of fresh air: for the first time, the Confrérie has created an AOC Martinique rum, a vintage that captivates with its balance and personality. This certified organic rum was distilled in 2022 and aged for nearly three years in stainless steel vats. Its price is also worth noting, as it is particularly affordable considering the quality of this spirit.
58,2 % – 70 cl – PVC : 39 €
Available chez Rhum Attitude
On Ti Dousè – Crème de Rhum à la Pistache
Pure indulgence, as is often the case with Steeve Firmin’s recipes. A subtle combination of pistachio and agricultural rum, ideal for accompanying a dessert!
70 cl – 17 % – PVC : 39,90 €
Available chez Rhum Attitude