Statista reports that the out-of-home (on-trade, e.g., bars and restaurants) rum revenue in the UK is forecast at around £528m in 2025.
In Scotland there has been a noticeable upsurge in craft rum distilling driven by small, innovative producers including Badachro’s Surfin Puffin Rum which was launched in 2024. The golden rum unites three Caribbean-aged rums with local heather, myrtle, and Seville orange to bring a Highland twist to a classic tipple. It was shortlisted in the International Blended Rum category at the 2024 Scottish Rum Awards and is praised for its balanced sweetness, making it ideal for cocktails or mixers.
Scottish rum distilleries leverage naturally soft Scottish water, which requires less mineral adjustment than hard water regions. This gives Scottish rum a naturally smooth profile that complements rather than competes with the base molasses character.
Producing one 25oz bottle of rum generates between 1.2-3 kg of CO2 – equivalent to charging 240 smartphones. Forwardthinking venues are highlighting low-carbon rum brands to environmentally conscious consumers.
Most rums ferment for 1–7 days depending on style, with lighter rums on the short end and high-ester or Jamaican styles often much longer (up to 10 days). Shorter fermentation produces cleaner profiles; longer fermentation develops more complex esters and congeners that create distinctive “funk” in Jamaican-style rums.
Unlike most rums aged in tropical climates, The Outlaw Rum Company takes a bold twist: they import their rum from the Caribbean and age it in single malt Scotch whisky casks in Aberdeenshire, Scotland. This cooler climate and whisky cask influence give the rum a smoother, more complex profile— blending Caribbean fire with Scottish finesse.
While rum isn’t as heavily celebrity-branded as spirits like tequila or whiskey, several stars—especially from music have taken ownership or creative roles in rum brands. Bruno Mars, Ciara, Kenny Chesney, Sammy Hagar, Chris Blackwell, and Lil Wayne each bring their flair to their respective lines, with fans offering mixed but sometimes positive feedback.
Aging Stops at Bottling Unlike wine, but like all spirits, rum stops aging once bottled. All flavour development occurs in the barrel through chemical reactions with oxygen, wood tannins, and ambient temperature. This makes vintage dating more meaningful.
Rum’s historical connection to the Triangular Trade (molasses to New England, rum to Africa, slaves to Caribbean) makes it one of the few spirits with genuine historical significance in global commerce. This heritage adds gravitas to premium rum presentations.
Caribbean rums vary by region, and knowing these styles helps bartenders craft better cocktails and guide guests with confidence. Jamaican rums are funky and bold great for tiki drinks. Barbados offers smooth, balanced rums suited for both sipping and classics. Cuban rums are light and clean, ideal for mixers like Mojitos. Martinique’s rhum agricole, made from fresh sugarcane juice under strict AOC rules, brings grassy, earthy notes perfect for refined cocktails. Understanding these differences enhances menu curation and staff training.
Many “spiced rums” are technically rum liqueurs if the added sugar and flavourings exceed regulatory thresholds, rather than true rums.
In a 2024 UK survey, the Mojito came out on top as the favourite, with Piña Colada second and Long Island Iced Tea third (although that is not typically rum only.)
In the US data from Union (covering on-premise sales up to May 2023) shows that Mojitos currently account for 39% of all rum cocktail orders, with Piña Coladas and Daiquiris growing in popularity and closing the gap. In cocktail hubs like New Orleans, classic rum drinks like the Hurricane, Dark ‘n’ Stormy, and Frozen Daiquiri are popular.
The Oldest Distillery Mount Gay Rum is the oldest commercial rum distillery (dating from 1703) beginning with a pot still house on a sugar cane plantation. It has maintained continuous production for over 300 years and the distillery was named after Sir John Gay Alleyne, who managed the estate in the 18th century
Age Statement Strategy Unlike whisky, rum age statements aren’t regulated globally. A “12-year” rum might contain spirits aged 12+ years but blended with younger rums.