Are you looking for some affordable options for your rum collection? Stick around as we share a list of the best budget-friendly rum brands below.

Unlike other types of spirits out there, the beauty of rum is that you don’t have to spend much just to get a good one. As a matter of fact, some of the most affordable rums in this list rival even some of the high-end brands a run for their money.

If you’re on a budget, learn about some of the best cheap rum on the market today.

Best Cheap Rum Under $20

Bacardi Superior – $12.99

One of the biggest names you’ll find on this list is Bacardi Superior. Bacardi, after all, is one of the most popular spirit brands in the world. Unlike other rums on this list, the Bacardi Superior variant tends to take on a drier and crisper consistency. This may be because it is a white type of rum.

Instead of the floral notes usually associated with rum, the Bacardi Superior variant is more herbaceous and earthy, a welcome change that is downright refreshing. There are still some botanicals you’ll notice, such as orange peel, vanilla, and even coconut, making this somewhat sweet and aromatic.

Captain Morgan’s Original Spiced Gold Rum – $14.79

Captain Morgan’s Original Spiced Gold Rum makes use of different Caribbean rums to create a distinct spirit. With deep caramel flavors and subtle hints of vanilla, this spiced rum gives some warmth and heat thanks to the use of cinnamon and citrus.

Fruity notes are also present in this spiced rum and this complements Captain Morgan’s use of brown sugar. This is best for people who want a smooth finish with just the right depth.

Pros:

• Captain Morgan Spiced Gold Rum is a popular and well-known rum that can be used in a variety of cocktails.
• The rum has a smooth and warm taste with hints of vanilla and spices, making it easy to drink straight or mixed with other ingredients.

Cons:

• Some customers have reported that the rum can be a bit too sweet or artificial-tasting for their liking.

If you want a famous and easy-to-use rum for making different kinds of drinks, try Captain Morgan Spiced Gold Rum. It has a smooth vanilla taste. You can drink it by itself or mix it with other things. The 750 ml bottle is a good deal for the money.

Cruzan 9 Spiced Rum – $16.93

The Cruzan 9 Spiced Rum is perhaps one of the more complex rums on this list that’s still largely affordable and accessible. It is made using spices such as juniper berry, vanilla, ginger, clove, mace, nutmeg, pepper, allspice, and cinnamon.

Havana Club Añejo Clasico $19.99

This Havana Club iteration is one of the best budget rums on the market. After all, this spirit is patterned after the original recipe that has long been protected in Cuba in the 1930s. An homage of sorts to the country, this rum boasts a robust taste that has prominent notes of oak and vanilla.

As you drink this, you’ll notice some tropical fruity notes mixed in as well. While it has a hint of sweetness, there’s a deeper and more complex flavor that’s reminiscent of caramel. This results in a somewhat bittersweet drink that’s balanced perfectly. It also pays that this rum has a smooth finish and this is complemented by its richness.

Best Cheap Rum Brands Under $30

Gosling’s Black Seal Rum – $20.99

Gosling’s Black Seal Rum is one of the brands that age its rum for three years, thereby creating its unique flavor. The main difference is that this brand’s creation results in a caramel-like taste, with hints of burnt sugar, vanilla, and even butterscotch making themselves present in the rum.

Pros:

• Gosling Black Seal Bermuda Rum is a premium and high-quality rum that is well-regarded by rum enthusiasts.
• The rum is a blend of rums aged in oak barrels for up to 8 years, resulting in a rich and intricate flavor profile with notes of butterscotch, vanilla, and caramel.
• The 700 ml bottle is a good value for the price.

Cons:

• Some customers may find the flavor profile of Gosling Black Seal Bermuda Rum too complex or overpowering for their liking.
• The product may not be widely available in all regions, as it is sold through Amazon and may not be available in some countries.

This rum is quite rich and dark and this may read like an indulgent choice, perfect when you’re celebrating a special occasion without breaking the bank. In fact, if you’re making a Dark ‘n Stormy, this is the ideal choice, especially since Gosling’s also makes its iconic ginger beer to pair it with.

This rum is priced well under $30 which is great if you’re looking for a good cheap rum.

Appleton Estate’s Signature Blend – $21.99

Jamaica is said to be one of the best rum makers in the whole world and this Signature Blend from Appleton’s Estate very well stands its own ground. Earthy tones permeate this blend and this is balanced with tropical fruit flavors, giving just enough sweetness to counter the bitterness in the spirit.

Pros:

• Appleton Estate Signature Blend Rum is a premium and high-quality rum that is well-regarded by rum enthusiasts.
• The rum is a blend of 15 aged rums distilled at Jamaica’s Appleton Estate, resulting in a complex and nuanced flavor profile with notes of orange peel, tobacco, and molasses.

Cons:

• Some customers may find the flavor profile of Appleton Estate Signature Blend Rum too complex or intense for their liking.

The fruity taste and aroma are quite heady, reading some notes of peaches and apricots laced with molasses, with some even tasting notes of bananas. On the nose, however, you could smell hints of vanilla wafting through.

El Dorado 8-Year Rum – $26

El Dorado has a lot of types of rums under its name. This 8-year-old is particularly noteworthy as it boasts of the perfect balance between its complex flavors. With some richness to it, this rum from El Dorada tastes like butter mixed with some coconut notes.

Pros:

• El Dorado Rum 8 Years Old Demerara Rum is a premium and high-quality rum that is well-regarded by rum enthusiasts.
• The rum is aged for eight years in oak barrels, resulting in a smooth and complex flavor profile with notes of toffee, vanilla, and spice.

Cons:

• Some customers may find the flavor profile of El Dorado Rum 8 Years Old Demerara Rum too complex or intense for their liking.

Overall, this rum is priced at about $26 which is a great deal for a premium-flavored rum. The spices make it sweet, aromatic, and earthy. Aged in oak barrels, these are smooth and strong, no question about it. This is great for sipping as you get to enjoy its flavors on its own.

The Takeaway

Classic rums are aplenty in the market. If you are looking for great yet flavorful rums, make sure to check out the best cheap rums on this list. Whether you’re making a cocktail or drinking this on its own, you’re sure to find one that tickles your fancy without breaking your wallet.

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