At the New York World Spirits Competition (NYWSC), three rums were shortlisted for the coveted title of “World’s Best Rum”. Including Pampero Aniversario from Venezuela as the Best Dark/Gold Rum.
Top three rums that redefined excellence at NYWSC 2024
Among the more than 100 countries producing this prized spirit, three exceptional rums took first place in one of the world’s most prestigious competitions.
Representing a variety of regions, the finalists highlight the global appeal and diverse craftsmanship of the rum industry.
Star & Key Rum: Single Barrel VSOP, 40% ABV, 750 ml
Hailing from the historic Labourdonnais estate in Mauritius, Star & Key Rum was crowned the World’s Best Rum for 2024 at the NYWSC. This eighth-generation family-run estate, established in 1856, spans 607 hectares of sugarcane fields and orchards, nurtured by the island’s volcanic soil and subtropical climate, ideal for sugarcane cultivation.
Star & Key Rum is a single-estate premium spirit that reflects Mauritius’s unique terroir. Made from freshly pressed juice of red and yellow cane varieties grown on the estate, the rum is distilled in a Coffey column still, located near the fields to preserve the freshness of its ingredients.
The result is a deep amber rum with golden highlights. Its aroma is rich and sweet, offering notes of toffee, butterscotch, and nutmeg, complemented by hints of vanilla, plums, and figs. On the palate, it is smooth and luxurious, with flavors of burnt sugar, honeycomb, hazelnuts, orange, and apricot. Subtle green and herbal undertones evoke the agricole rums of French-speaking Caribbean islands. The finish is long and sweet, with lingering notes of cinnamon, dried orange zest, toasted oak spices, and chocolate.
Palm Republic Silver Rum, 40% ABV, 750 ml
Taking the title of Best White Rum, Palm Republic Silver Rum is a premium spirit co-created by Eric Winter, known for his role in ABC’s The Rookie. Inspired by tropical vibes, the brand aims to deliver a high-quality rum experience. Palm Republic currently offers both white and aged rums.
Their silver rum is crafted from a curated blend of rums sourced from Jamaica and the U.S. Virgin Islands, combining the distinctive profiles of Caribbean and Latin American rums. The result is a harmonious spirit with flavors of sweet cane juice, lime, a touch of pineapple, and a dash of white pepper.
Pampero Aniversario Rum, 40% ABV, 750 ml
Recognized as the Best Dark/Gold Rum, Pampero Aniversario is a symbol of Venezuela’s rich rum-making tradition. Known for its innovative approach, Pampero revolutionized the rum industry in Venezuela with its emphasis on extended aging processes.
Pampero Aniversario was created in 1963 to celebrate the company’s 25th anniversary and has since become a cornerstone of their premium collection. This rum is crafted from a blend of spirits aged in American white oak barrels that previously held bourbon and sherry.
On the palate, it is full-bodied, creamy, and smooth, with a distinctive oily texture. It offers flavors of dark chocolate, caramel, a touch of cinnamon, and a hint of clove, creating a well-rounded and indulgent experience.
These three remarkable rums demonstrate the artistry and diversity within the world of rum, setting new benchmarks for excellence in the global spirits industry.
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