In the spirited world of collectibles, rum has sailed upwind, capturing the hearts of connoisseurs and investors alike. As we navigate through the rich waters of aged distillations, the year 2023 has seen remarkable growth in the value of certain coveted bottles. SpiritRadar, the beacon for rum and whisky aficionados, has charted the course to uncover the most impressive performers in the rum market this year.
The rum investment landscape in 2023 is a complex interplay of heritage, scarcity, and consumer taste. The most insightful analysis comes from examining not just the bottles that have shown remarkable growth, but also the brands behind them, some of which have defied the general market trends.
Our journey begins with a meticulous selection process, anchored by data from SpiritRadar's expansive database. The criteria for making it onto this prestigious list are stringent: only limited edition bottles with an initial valuation exceeding €80, suitable for investment, have been considered. Furthermore, each bottle has been vetted to ensure a minimum of five offers, guaranteeing a robust dataset for accurate valuation.
A fine example of Guadeloupe rum, known for its rich and complex flavor profile.
Limited Edition: 34 bottles produced
Distilled in 2001 and bottled in 2015 in Guadeloupe by Bielle Distillery.
Brand: Bielle
Current Market Value: €1,107.00
Market Value 1 Year Ago: €293.00
Growth: 277.80%
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This single cask rum is celebrated for its balance and elegance, with a smooth finish.
Limited Edition: 460 bottles produced
Distilled in 2005 and bottled in 2013 in Martinique by Trois Rivieres.
Brand: Trois Rivieres
Current Market Value: €360.00
Market Value 1 Year Ago: €98.00
Growth: 275.00%
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A treasure from Cuba, this rum boasts a rich heritage and an even richer palate.
Limited Edition: 344 bottles produced
Distilled in 1999 and bottled by Hunter Laing under the Kill Devil label.
Brand: Kill Devil (Hunter Laing)
Current Market Value: €402.00
Market Value 1 Year Ago: €125.00
Growth: 244.60%
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A rare find from Caroni, featuring a bold navy strength and deep, complex flavors.
Limited Edition: 140 bottles produced
Brand: That Boutique-y Rum Company
Current Market Value: €747.00
Market Value 1 Year Ago: €223.00
Growth: 244.40%
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This Barbados rum features a robust proof and a rich tapestry of flavors, indicative of Foursquare's masterful distillation process.
Limited Edition: 62 bottles produced
Distilled in 2006 and bottled in 2016 in Barbados by Foursquare Distillery.
Brand: Transcontinental Rum Line
Current Market Value: €187.00
Market Value 1 Year Ago: €71.00
Growth: 163.80%
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A high-proof gem from Jamaica, Appleton Estate's 151 Proof is a testament to the distillery's longstanding expertise in creating full-bodied and intensely flavored rums.
Limited Edition: 26 bottles produced
Brand: Appleton Estate
Current Market Value: €161.00
Market Value 1 Year Ago: €83.00
Growth: 103.80%
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Celebrated for its singular estate origin, this 15-year-old rum offers a sip of Jamaica's spirited history with every pour.
Limited Edition: 262 bottles produced
Distilled in 2007 and bottled in 2022 in Jamaica by Clarendon Distillery.
Brand: Decadent Drinks
Current Market Value: €257.00
Market Value 1 Year Ago: €134.00
Growth: 95.40%
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From the revered Caroni Distillery, this Bristol Classic rum carries the legacy of Trinidadian rum-making in its remarkably rich and intense flavor profile.
Limited Edition: 35 bottles produced
Distilled in 1997 and bottled in 2017 in Trinidad by Caroni.
Brand: Bristol Classic
Current Market Value: €643.00
Market Value 1 Year Ago: €329.00
Growth: 95.40%
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Samaroli's Pacific Oblivion offers a journey through the Pacific Islands with its tropical notes and exquisite smoothness.
Limited Edition: 325 bottles produced
Distilled in 2009 and bottled in 2018, likely in a Pacific region by Samaroli.
Brand: Samaroli
Current Market Value: €243.00
Market Value 1 Year Ago: €139.00
Growth: 95.40%
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This unique multimillésime blend from Rhum J.M marries the best vintages of early 2000s, creating a complex and harmonious flavor.
Limited Edition: 13,000 bottles produced
Distilled in 2003-2005 and bottled in Martinique by J.M Crassous de Medeuil.
Brand: Rhum J.M
Current Market Value: €158.00
Market Value 1 Year Ago: €81.00
Growth: 95.40%
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Dictador's Best of 1987 Altisimo captures the essence of Colombian rum with its exceptional age and sublime richness.
Limited Edition: 300 bottles produced
Distilled in 1987, with no specific bottling year given, from Colombia.
Brand: Dictador
Current Market Value: €425.00
Market Value 1 Year Ago: €218.00
Growth: 95.00%
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The Zacapa Black Label is a celebration of legacy, a limited release that showcases the depth of aged Guatemalan rum.
Limited Edition: 230 bottles produced
Brand: Ron Zacapa
Current Market Value: €819.00
Market Value 1 Year Ago: €440.00
Growth: 86.10%
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The Neisson 1991 Armada is a treasure trove of flavor, representing over two decades of aging in Martinique's tropical climate.
Limited Edition: 230 bottles produced
Distilled in 1991 in Martinique by Neisson.
Brand: Neisson
Current Market Value: €5,342.00
Market Value 1 Year Ago: €2,937.00
Growth: 81.80%
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S.B.S's 2013 Cuban rum is a vibrant expression of the island's rum-making heritage, with a robust flavor and smooth finish.
Limited Edition: 257 bottles produced
Distilled in 2013 and bottled in 2019, possibly in Cuba.
Brand: S.B.S
Current Market Value: €154.00
Market Value 1 Year Ago: €85.00
Growth: 81.20%
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A remarkably rare release from Saint Lucia Distillers, Batch No.3 of the 1931 Edition is a tribute to the art of St. Lucian rum.
Limited Edition: 7 bottles produced
Brand: Saint Lucia Distillers
Current Market Value: €150.00
Market Value 1 Year Ago: €83.00
Growth: 80.70%
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The Saint James 24th Cuvee is an anniversary edition that celebrates the brand's storied past with a rum that's rich in history and flavor.
Limited Edition: 500 bottles produced
Bottled in 2005 in Martinique by Saint James.
Brand: Saint James
Current Market Value: €260.00
Market Value 1 Year Ago: €698.00
Growth: 80.30%
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Samaroli's 2001 Demerara is a fine expression of Guyanese rum, aged 15 years to achieve its distinctive smoothness and complexity.
Limited Edition: 120 bottles produced
Distilled in 2001 and bottled in 2016 in Guyana.
Brand: Samaroli
Current Market Value: €429.00
Market Value 1 Year Ago: €238.00
Growth: 80.30%
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This exclusive Caroni release by That Boutique-y Rum Company offers a glimpse into the legendary distillery's robust and characterful rums.
Limited Edition: 326 bottles produced
Distilled in 1997 and bottled in 2020 in Trinidad and Tobago by Caroni.
Brand: That Boutique-y Rum Company
Current Market Value: €748.00
Market Value 1 Year Ago: €260.00
Growth: 80.00%
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Karukera's 2011 Double Maturation showcases the dual influences of its aging process, resulting in a rum with depth and a distinctive profile.
Limited Edition: 342 bottles produced
Distilled in 2011 and bottled in 2017 in Guadeloupe by Karukera.
Brand: Karukera
Current Market Value: €226.00
Market Value 1 Year Ago: €126.00
Growth: 79.40%
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The S.B.S Martinique PX Cask Matured rum is an exquisite release, enriched by the sweet notes of Pedro Ximénez casks.
Limited Edition: 210 bottles produced
Distilled in 2019 and bottled in 2020 in Martinique.
Brand: S.B.S
Current Market Value: €183.00
Market Value 1 Year Ago: €103.00
Growth: 79.40%
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As we sip through the halfway mark of 2023, the rum market continues to unveil its complexities and delights. Connoisseurs and investors alike are turning their palates and portfolios towards what many are calling the best rums of the year—bottles that not only promise a rich tasting experience but also a significant return on investment.
Among the standout performers in the 2023 rum scene, limited editions reign supreme. These rare releases, often aged in unique casks, offer a blend of scarcity and story that can drive their value to new heights. For instance, a sherry cask-matured rum from a distillery like Flor de Caña or Mount Gay has captured the imagination and wallets of enthusiasts, showcasing the intricate dance between age, wood, and spirit.
While the overall rum category sees perennial favorites like Appleton Estate and Havana Club consistently perform well, 2023 has been a year of unexpected underdogs. Some lesser-known distilleries have released dark rums and reservas that have seen their market value skyrocket. These dark horses have tapped into the premium rum segment, often overshadowing the usual suspects known for their spiced rum or blended rum offerings.
July 2023 was a pivotal month for rum, with festivals and tastings providing a platform for new rum releases to shine. It was here that rum company representatives and distillers unveiled their latest creations—rums aged in toasted coconut or American oak that expanded the rum world's palate. These events have become crucial tasting locations for rum enthusiasts and investors, offering a first-hand look at which rums might lead the market trends.
When it comes to investment potential, the palate plays a pivotal role. A sipping rum with complex tasting notes, distilled with care and aged to perfection, can become the talk of the rum artesanal scene. Guyanese rums with their rich molasses base, or a Jamaican rum boasting a complex palate from its time in oak barrels, have become highly sought after. These bottles, like a 12-year-old Appleton Estate or a flor de Caña reserva, carry tasting notes that tell a story of heritage and craftsmanship.
The craft spirits movement continues to influence the rum industry, with rum artesanal becoming a key term among rum fans. These craft spirits often offer a blend of rums that bring something new to the table—whether it's a piña colada with a twist or a daiquiri made with super premium rum. The innovation in these rum cocktails has contributed to the overall growth of the rum category.
As the festive season approaches, the 2023 rum market shows no signs of slowing down. With premium spirits brands like Appleton Estate and Mount Gay leading the way, and craft distillers making a name for themselves, the rum family continues to grow and diversify. For investors, understanding these market trends and the unique stories each bottle tells is crucial. As we look towards the remainder of 2023, it's clear that the world of rum remains an exciting space for both connoisseurs and investors, full of opportunities to discover, sip, and invest in some of the best rums the industry has to offer.
Source: This list and the article was prepared by Tina from Spirit Radar.
