Top 10 Rum-Making Countries

Colombia

Colombia’s climate makes it the perfect destination for cultivating sugarcane and producing and storing rum. Cartagena, one of the biggest cities in Colombia, is home to the Dictador distillery. Established in 1913, the distillery has been constantly producing rum, becoming one of the pioneers in the luxury spirit market and granting Colombia the title of one of the top 10 rum-making countries in the world.

Puerto Rico

Although Puerto Rico isn’t technically a country, it couldn’t be missing from the list of the top 10 rum-making locations. Puerto Rico holds the title of the “rum capital of the world” and is home to around 80 different brands of rum, including Bacardi and Don Q, which are among the most recognizable names.

The Bahamas

The birth of rum is associated with Christopher Columbus’s journey to America in the 15th century. He is said to have brought sugarcane seedlings to the New World, introducing them to the local population. The South American climate worked in favor of the plant, and soon its plantations spread across the continent.

The Bahamas is where Columbus landed first, making it the original birthplace of rum. To this day, the country is known for producing some of the best rum in the world.

Jamaica

Rum in Jamaica is primarily made in pot stills, meaning that the country is known for producing heavy rum. The island is a true legend when it comes to the production of rum, hosting some of the best-known rum distilleries in the world, such as Appleton Estate. Jamaica also holds the title of the country with the highest number of rum bars per square mile.

Martinique

As a former French colony, Martinique produces heavy rum typical of former French and British colonies. What makes Martinique unique is its production of rhum agricole, which is made from fresh sugarcane juice rather than molasses. This gives Martiniquan rum a characteristic flavor profile that sets it apart from other rums.

Barbados

While The Bahamas may be considered the birthplace of rum in terms of the first sugarcane plantations, the first records of rum production come from Barbados. The country is also home to the oldest rum distillery in the world, Mount Gay, which began production at the start of the 18th century and remains a global leader in premium rum distribution.

Cuba

Cuba is famous for its cigars, vintage cars, and rum. The country produces light rum, typical of former Spanish colonies, with its white rum being a particular favorite among locals and visitors alike. Known as “vitamin R” in Cuba, the spirit is best enjoyed straight or on the rocks to fully appreciate its unique flavor.

The Philippines

The Philippines might not be the first country that comes to mind when thinking of rum, but the nation is the largest producer of rum globally. The country’s climate is perfect for sugarcane cultivation, and it is home to Tanduay Distillers, the biggest rum producer in the world. The Philippines is a rising star in the world of rum production.

Trinidad and Tobago

Though Trinidad and Tobago has only one rum distillery, it deserves its place on the list of the top 10 rum-making countries. Angostura, a famous distillery, not only produces rum but is also known for its bitters. Trinidadian rum is also blended into many well-known rum brands for its distinctive flavor.

Guyana

Guyana is home to the Diamond Distillery, the largest distillery in South America. Despite being the country’s only distillery, Diamond produces some of the most aromatic, full-bodied rum in the world, thanks to the perfect sugarcane-growing conditions along the Demerara River. Guyana is also among the top rum exporters in South America.

From South America to Asia, these are the top 10 rum-making countries in the world. If you can’t visit them in person, why not experience their culture through a bottle of rum from each location? Start your journey by sampling Colombian rum at Dictador's online store.

FAQs

What countries are known for rum?

Rum is produced in many countries, particularly in South America and the Caribbean, including Puerto Rico, Guyana, Colombia, Jamaica, and Barbados. Some Asian countries, such as the Philippines and India, are also known for their rum production.

What is the rum capital of the world?

Puerto Rico is often called the rum capital of the world due to its vast number of rum distilleries and the global recognition of its brands.

Where was rum originally from?

The first recorded rum production comes from Barbados in the 17th century. However, the story of rum also traces back to Christopher Columbus, who introduced sugarcane to South America in 1492, with the Bahamas playing a key role in rum’s early history.

What country has the best rum?

The best rum is subjective and varies by taste, but countries like Barbados, Jamaica, Colombia, and Puerto Rico are widely recognized for producing some of the finest rum in the world.

Which country is the largest producer of rum?

The Philippines is the largest producer of rum, with Tanduay Distillers being the biggest rum producer globally, defying the assumption that South America holds the title.