Are you looking for a rum with alluring vanilla notes? Then you’ve come to the right place! Rum is a versatile spirit available in many different flavours, and vanilla is one of the most popular notes. In this article, you’ll find out which rums taste of vanilla and why this flavour is so special.

Why does rum taste of vanilla?

The vanilla notes in rum come mainly from the ageing process in oak casks. During ageing, the rum absorbs aromas from the wood, and vanilla is one of the most common flavours resulting from the rum’s interaction with the casks. Some producers also add vanilla pods or vanilla extract to enhance the flavour.

Popular rums with vanilla notes

Here are some rums that are known for their pronounced vanilla notes:

Diplomático Reserva Exclusiva:
This Venezuelan rum is known for its rich aromas of vanilla, chocolate and caramel. Diplomático Reserva Exclusiva is aged for up to 12 years in oak casks and offers a velvety, sweet flavour profile that is perfect for enjoying neat or as a base for cocktails.

Ron Zacapa 23:
Hailing from Guatemala, Ron Zacapa 23 is a real treat for vanilla lovers. It is aged at high altitudes, which gives it its complex and intense aromas of vanilla, caramel and oak. An excellent rum to enjoy neat.

Mount Gay Black Barrel:
This rum from Barbados offers intense notes of vanilla, combined with caramel and toasted oak aromas. Mount Gay Black Barrel is matured in double-charred casks, which give it its deep and complex flavour notes.

El Dorado 12 Year Old:
Another superb rum from Guyana, renowned for its vanilla notes. El Dorado 12 Year Old is matured in ex-bourbon casks, which give it its sweet, vanilla-like aromas that harmonise perfectly with notes of honey and tropical fruits.

What’s the best way to enjoy vanilla-flavoured rum?

Vanilla-flavoured rum is incredibly versatile and can be enjoyed in a variety of ways:

Neat: Enjoy your rum neat to experience the full vanilla notes. Use a nosing glass to better appreciate the aromas.
On the rocks: A few ice cubes can bring out the rum’s aromas and make it even more enjoyable.
In cocktails: Vanilla-flavoured rum is an excellent base for many cocktails. Try it in a classic Old Fashioned, a rum punch or a Mai Tai.