The Ultimate Awards Unveils Top Sipping Rums for 2026

The results of the 2026 Favorite Sipping Rum Competition have been officially released following a rigorous blind tasting event in Miami. Conducted alongside the Wine & Spirit Education Trust (WSET), the competition evaluated global entries based on their aroma, complexity, and craftsmanship. E. León Jimenes 110 Aniversario emerged as the premier winner, taking home the "Best in Show" title.

Other notable category winners included Burdekin Rum Virgin Cane Spirit (Unaged), Hampden Estate 1753 (1–3 Years Aged), Ron Abuelo 7 Year (4–7 Years Aged), and Copalli Organic Cacao Rum (Flavored). The judging panel consisted of WSET-certified professionals and industry experts, including Bacardí Master Blender Troy Arquiza. The awards highlight spirits that provide a superior experience when enjoyed without mixers.

BEST IN SHOW

E. León Jimenes 110 Aniversario Rum

CATEGORY WINNERS

Unaged Rums Category

• Burdekin Rum Virgin Cane Spirit — Gold / Best Unaged Rum

Gold Medals:

• Copalli Organic White Rum
• Saint James Rhum White 55%

Silver Medals:

• Saint James Rhum White 40%
• Stade's Rum Barbados Beach Vat No. 1

Bronze Medals:

• Burdekin Rum Distillers Edition – JP Edition
• Providence Dunder & Syrup Rum

1–3 Years Aged Rums Category

• Hampden Estate 1753 — Gold / Best 1–3 Years Aged Rum

Gold Medals:

• Ron Abuelo Añejo
• Copalli Organic Barrel Rested Rum
• Burdekin Rum Vintage Cane Spirit

Silver Medal:

• Saint James Rhum Royal Ambre 40%

Bronze Medals:

• Ron Abuelo Añejo Blanco
• Burdekin Rum Distillers Edition – Burnt Cane Spirit
• Burdekin Rum Distillers Edition – Premium VO Rum
• Burdekin Rum Premium Aged Rum

4–7 Years Aged Rums Category

• Ron Abuelo 7 Year — Gold / Best 4–7 Years Aged Rum

Gold Medal:

• Ron Tepuy Destino

Silver Medals:

• Ron Tepuy Monumento
• Desert Diamond Distiller D3 Gold Miner Barrel Reserve 6 YRS Rum
• Ozama Rum Gran Añejo

8+ Years Aged Rums Category

• E. León Jimenes 110 Aniversario Rum — Gold / Best 8+ Years Aged Rum | Best in Show

Gold Medals:

• Dos Maderas Rum Origen Thailand
• Ron Abuelo 12 Years Rum
• Ron Abuelo Two Oaks Rum
• Wicked Dolphin Oak 10 Years
• E. León Jimenes 1903 Rum
• Shakara Thailand Rum 12 Years

Silver Medal:

• Desert Diamond Distiller Gold Miner Barrel Reserve Rum 10 YRS

Flavored Rums Category

• Copalli Organic Cacao Rum — Gold / Best Flavored Rum

Gold Medals:

• Planteray Cut & Dry Coconut

Silver Medals:

• Big 5 Cafecito Rum
• Reif Rum

Bronze Medals:

• Bacan Guaro Azul (24%)
• Bacan Guaro Naranja (29%)
• Big 5 Coconut Rum
• Homosassa Distillery Mangrove Bay Black Rum
• Karnak Rum
• Desert Diamond Distiller Gold Miner Agave Rum

JUDGING PANEL

WSET Judges

• Rob McCaughey - WSET Level III
• Rhiannon Enlil - WSET Level III
• Deniece Bourne - WSET Level III
• Lisa Belczyk - WSET Level III
• Lyn Farmer - WSET Level III
• Shawn Martin - WSET Level III
• Ramon Almao - WSET Level I

Guest Judges

• Rodrigo Iturbide - Unidos por el Ron
• Daniel Gonzalez - Unidos por el Ron
• Matt Pietrek - Historian & Author
• Troy Arquiza - Bacardí Rum Master Blender
• Raul Bejar - Unidos por el Ron