Six rums earn top honors at 2025 International Wine and Spirit Competition

The 2025 International Wine and Spirit Competition (IWSC) has announced its top rums for the year, awarding six bottles the prestigious Gold Outstanding medal. These rums, each scoring between 98 and 100 points in blind tastings by a panel of industry experts, are now contenders for the IWSC Rum Trophy, which will be presented at the organization’s gala event in November. The competition, held annually since 1969, is recognized as one of the most respected global judging events for spirits.

This year’s winners reflect the diversity and evolution of rum production worldwide. Among them is Worthy Park Estate 109 Rum from Jamaica. Produced at a distillery that was named IWSC Rum Producer of the Year in 2023, this high-proof rum is made from a blend of three-year-old spirits aged in ex-bourbon casks. Judges described its aroma as earthy with dark dried fruit, caramel, and chocolate notes. The palate was noted for its smooth creaminess and flavors of dried fruits, caramel, and molasses, finishing with a touch of pepper.

From Martinique, Clément Rhum 15 YO Private Cask Whisky Brokers Associates Exclusive also received top honors. This Rhum Agricole is crafted from fresh sugarcane juice and aged for 15 years in ex-bourbon barrels. The private cask selection was overseen by Cellarmaster Julien Thimon. Judges highlighted its ginger cake, molasses, dried fruits, dark chocolate, and polished wood on the nose. The palate offered rich fruitcake and cigar notes with orange zest and baking spices.

Barbados was represented by Foursquare Rum Distillery Equidem 14 YO Rum. Master Distiller Richard Seale blended two different 14-year-old rums—one aged in ex-bourbon then ex-cognac casks, the other spending most of its time in ex-bourbon before finishing in Camus Cognac casks. Judges praised its vibrant tropical fruit aroma with wood, warm spices, and caramel. The palate was described as creamy with molasses and dried fruit, ending with a long sweet and peppery finish.

Australia’s Mt. Uncle Distillery earned recognition for its Fnq Palladium Rum. Based in North Queensland and established in 2001, Mt. Uncle uses locally sourced sugarcane syrup distilled in-house. Although not yet released to the public, this small-batch rum impressed judges with creamy vanilla aromas mixed with oak and peppery heat. Flavors included caramel, banana, coconut, and raisin with a rich sweet finish.

Jamaica’s Monymusk Special Reserve 10 YO Rum is produced by National Rums of Jamaica Limited—a joint venture that operates both Long Pond and Clarendon distilleries. Monymusk blends pot and column still rums aged at least ten years. Judges noted gingerbread latte and cinnamon on the nose with baking spices, tropical fruits, sweet oak, nutmeg on the palate, and a long complex finish featuring banana and fruity nuances.

Finally, Hong Shing Winery Co’s Nine To One Red Sugar Cane Rum from Taiwan rounds out the list. Made using a custom continuous distiller built by the team at Nine to One and using regional ingredients, this rum is only available in Asia for now. Judges found green apples and sugary banana juice on the nose with a warm smooth texture on the palate balanced by an off-dry character and a clean lingering finish.

These six rums showcase both traditional craftsmanship and innovative approaches from producers around the world. Each bottle stands as a testament to how far rum has come since its early days in the Caribbean centuries ago. The IWSC’s recognition places them among the most sought-after bottles for collectors and enthusiasts alike this year.