The Gold Outstanding medal winners in the rum category from the 2025 IWSC.
Sophia Lindenberger
Rum has come a long way since it was first distilled on sugarcane plantations in the Caribbean Island in the 17th century. Back then, it was a much rougher spirit that was known by the names “kill-devil” and “rumbullion” due to its high proof, pungency, and harsh flavors, not the smooth sipper of today. Spread across the globe by the British Navy, it became one of the first truly international spirits.
Luckily, those days are gone, and we are blessed with an abundance of rum distillers from across the globe crafting some fantastic liquid sunshine. From traditional rum houses in the Caribbean to up-and-comers in Australia, everywhere you turn, there is a new and exotic bottle of rum just begging to be sipped. If you are looking to find the best of the best, look no further.
The International Wine and Spirits Competition (IWSC), one of the oldest and most prestigious annual global spirit judging events, just released the results for their 2025 event. Six rums were awarded a Gold Outstanding award by earning a score between 98-100 points from its blind judging panel made up of industry experts. Each of them is in the running for the IWSC’s Rum Trophy to be awarded at their gala event in November.
Any one of these bottles would be a worthy addition to any collection if you can lay your hands on one. Here is a brief recap of each with the judge’s notes.
Worthy Park Estate 109 Rum
From the heart of Jamaica, Worthy Park’s 109 is a potent invitation to pure, unadulterated rum flavor. This isn’t for the faint of heart; it’s a high-proof, pot-still masterpiece, bursting with the wild, untamed “hogo” that defines Jamaican rum. It’s a raw, unfiltered experience from a distillery that was named the IWSC Rum Producer of the Year in 2023. Made from a blend of 3-year-old rum aged in once-used American White Oak ex-bourbon casks, it is packed with flavor.
Here is what the judges had to say about it: The nose opens with earthy notes and dark dried fruit, complemented by a hint of caramel and chocolate. The palate reveals a smooth creaminess, bursting with dried fruits, caramel, and molasses. A long, pleasant finish with a touch of pepper.
Clément Rhum 15 YO Private Cask Whisky Brokers Associates Exclusive
A rare gem from Martinique, this 15-year rum from Clément Rhum is a testament to the elegance of Rhum Agricole, a style that is rapidly gaining fans due to its terroir-driven character. Crafted from fresh sugarcane juice, it transcends typical rum, offering a grassy, vegetal complexity that deepens with age. This private cask selection, made exclusively for Whisky Brokers Associates, was aged for 15 years in ex-bourbon barrels and is a result of a selection of casks chosen by Cellarmaster Julien Thimon. It’s a collector’s dream and a journey into the heart of Martinique’s rum heritage.
Here is what the judges had to say about it: Ginger cake, molasses, and dried fruits, complemented by a hint of dark chocolate and polished wood. The palate unfolds with a rich fruitcake and cigar, brightened by orange zest and baking spices, leading to a warming finish.
Foursquare Rum Distillery Equidem 14 YO Rum
From Barbados’s master blenders, Foursquare, comes Equidem, a 14-year-old expression of balanced brilliance. Master Distiller and Blender Richard Seale’s rums are celebrated worldwide for their deeply complex flavors and subtle blends. In fact, this rum took home the 2024 IWSC Rum Trophy and is crafted from a mix of two 14-year-old rums. The first was aged five years in ex-bourbon barrels and nine years in ex-cognac casks, and the second spent twelve years in ex-bourbon barrels and two years in ex-Camus Cognac casks. The resultant liquid is quite special.
Here is what the judges had to say about it: The aroma entices with vibrant tropical fruit and subtle hints of wood, complemented by warm spices and caramel. On the palate, it unfolds smoothly, revealing creamy molasses and dried fruit. The experience lingers with a long, sweet, and peppery finish.
Mt. Uncle Distillery: Fnq Palladium Rum
Hailing from North Queensland, Australia, the Mt. Uncle Distillery is the perfect poster child for today’s modern rum makers. Opened in 2001, they have made a name for themselves by pushing the boundaries and challenging the assumptions surrounding rum. For their small-batch FNQ Rums (Far North Queensland), they used locally sourced sugarcane syrup distilled in-house in a pot still. Not much else is known about the rum since it hasn’t been released to the public yet. However, rest assured that when it does, it will quickly disappear.
Here is what the judges had to say about it: The aroma reveals creamy vanilla intertwined with subtle oak, peppery heat, and balanced jalapeño. The palate showcases alluring touches of caramel, banana, and coconut, rounded off by classic raisin. A rich, sweet finish lingers with a delightful complexity. Outstanding.
National Rums of Jamaica Limited: Monymusk Special Reserve 10 YO Rum
Monymusk Plantation Rums are distilled and blended by the National Rums of Jamaica. This joint venture distiller owns the legendary Long Pond and Clarendon Distilleries on the island. Made in their historic facilities, the team behind this rum has hundreds of years of experience to draw upon in crafting Monymusk. The name originates from a sugar estate that once produced rum and sugar before the abolition of slavery and continues to support the distillery with Jamaican molasses to this day. Monymusk Special Reserve is a blend of matured rums that have been aged for at least 10 years before bottling. Blending pot and column still rums, it balances the signature Jamaican “funk” with the smoothness of age.
Here is what the judges had to say: Gingerbread latte and warming cinnamon, accompanied by rich baking spices. Tropical fruits and sweet oak, masterfully balanced with nutmeg. The experience lingers, revealing a long, complex finish that echoes banana and fruity nuances, leaving a beautifully oily grip.
Hong Shing Winery Co: Nine To One Red Sugar Cane Rum
This one is a mystery. Made by Hong Shing Winery Co. in Taiwan, Nine to One Rum is only available in the Far East. It is made in a custom continuous distiller that the team at Nine to One crafted themselves and uses ingredients from the region. If you are an adventurous individual who finds yourself in Taiwan and is looking for a great rum, search it out. Otherwise, you probably won’t see it anytime soon in the global market.
Here is what the judges had to say about it: A vibrant nose revealing green apples with a hint of sugary banana juice. On the palate, a warm, smooth texture that balances beautifully with its off-dry character. The finish is clean and well-structured, exhibiting a delightful lingering warmth.
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