The Ultimate Ranking Of Coconut Rums

Although there is no definitive date for the invention of rum, written records attest to the presence of the spirit in and around the Caribbean since the mid-17th century (via Britannica). The vast majority of rum is made from a by-product of sugar production, known as molasses. As such, the spirit has had a long association with sugar-producing countries throughout the Caribbean and beyond. 

Today, a large portion of rum production still occurs in and around the Caribbean (via BBC). Naturally, the spirit has often been flavored with other ingredients typically found in the area, including coconut (per Bartender). However, coconut rum hit the mainstream with the creation of Malibu, a prominent brand of coconut rum that was introduced to the United States in the late 1970s. Since this time, numerous other brands have sought to cash in on this iconic flavor pairing, albeit with mixed results. Fortunately, there are several brands of coconut rum that are elevating the quality of this flavored liquor to previously unseen heights. What follows are a few of our favorites. 

As the product that kickstarted the coconut rum sub-sector, Malibu simply had to appear on our list (per Drinks Digest). To this day, the brand has managed to retain a large proportion of its popularity, ranking as the 11th most popular spirit in America (via YouGov America). It's also the 4th most popular in the United Kingdom (per YouGov). This is probably due to the simple, sweet, and unchallenging flavor profile the spirit is known for. This familiar presence is further softened by the spirit's low strength. In fact, Malibu has such a low ABV that it cannot technically be called a rum but rather a rum liqueur, as noted by VinePair.

Liquor.com highlights that this lower ABV and lack of nuanced flavor is not something that has held Malibu back in international markets. To the contrary, it has made it the de facto coconut rum for mixing just about any sweet drink. In fact, Malibu cocktails are a favorite for everything from pool parties to summer weddings. The brand is cheap, simple, and cheerful. A fact that has won it just as much praise as it has derision.

As the most popular rum brand in Puerto Rico (via Distiller), Don Q has a legacy of excellence that it has been upholding since the 19th century (via Don Q). This legacy has included the launching of Don Q rums to the United States mainland in 2006, a move that has seen Don Q's range of rums receive greater exposure.

One rum that has been well received by both the Puerto Rican and mainland American populations is Don Q's coconut rum. This award-winning spirit has gained acclaim largely due to the fact that it provides an intense taste of coconut without tinges of artificial flavorings running across the palate. This provides Don Q Coco Rum with a distinctive, authentic flavor that goes some way in setting it apart from other competitors. It's complex, with notes of white chocolate, making it perfect for adding to everything from frozen drinks to holiday cocktails.

While New York might not be the first place that comes to mind when you think of rum, Montauk, a family-run distiller named after the town where it is based hopes to change that (via Montauk Rum Runners). In a written interview the four co-founders of Montauk Rum Runners explained why they decided to start distilling in this slightly obscure location. They tell Whalebone, "We started this business about a year ago with the hope of bringing our family closer together, celebrating our family's history in Montauk and celebrating all the hardworking families that pioneered the old Montauk Fishing Village and that make up this town today. We wanted to make sure that our brand covered the individual tastes of everyone in our family, which is how we decided to make a rum, whiskey, and gin. Also, these were the prominent liquors imported by rum runners during prohibition, so it was an easy decision." 

The small batch spirit, which is only available in New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut, is a study in smooth, lightly flavored rum, (via Total Wine & More). A fact that may surprise those drinkers who have become accustomed to the industry standard of almost syrupy coconut rums. Drink it neat to enjoy the subtle flavors or combine it with a light mixer. However, it is best to avoid using Montauk's coconut rum in a busy cocktail as the delicate flavors will most likely be drowned out.

As we have previously mentioned, one of the defining — and most polarizing — features of numerous coconut rums is their incredible sweetness. For some, this is where the spirit's appeal lies. However, for others, this sweetness not only dominates their palate but also raises concerns over sugar and flavoring consumption and the associated impacts this might have on health. A brand that has identified this is Aluna, as cofounder Guy Ritchie explains to The Buyer, "After years of being exposed to synthetic, sugary coconut flavors, one of the biggest challenges we found was re-introducing people to reconsider coconut rum." He goes on to explain, "This is made from first-press sugar cane fermented with yeast from the pineapple plant to give a subtle natural sweetness. We add sustainably sourced pure coconut water when we cut to bottling strength and this softens the mouthfeel and extends the coconut flavor."

As a healthier alternative, Aluna coconut rum prides itself on being low in sugar while still maintaining an impressive amount of flavor (via The Telegraph). Being a blend of both Caribbean and Guatemalan rums, Aluna demonstrates an interesting flavor marked by low levels of sweetness, a tinge of bitterness, and the distinct flavor of coconut (via Difford's Guide). In short, this is a high-quality, healthier coconut rum that presents adult flavors for those who like their rum neat or in pared-down cocktails.

Another high-quality coconut rum made in the state of Florida, St. Petersburg Distillery's coconut rum is a perfect example of how to create a coconut-dominant spirit without sacrificing other flavors (via St. Petersburg Distillery). Distiller contributor Amanda Schuster describes it as, "A coconut rum that doesn't taste like it was made in a lab! Sweet vanilla and icing sugar flavors mix with true coconut. It tastes almost like drinking a good coconut cake, with a slight floral note. Finishes clean and subtle."

The aforementioned floral notes are not something frequently expressed in coconut rums yet it allows this one the opportunity to star in a range of cocktails from Bahama Mamas to an elevated rum and Coke. That being said, many customers state that the spirit is so well-balanced that all it requires is a smattering of ice cubes (via Total Wines & More). We will leave you to work out your preferred means of consumption.

As highlighted by Hawaii Beverage Guide, Kōloa Rum Company was launched in 2007 to fill the gap left by Hawaii's abandoned sugar trade. Interestingly, all rum Kōloa Rum Company is made using cane sugar and not molasses, as CEO Bob Gunter explains, "Our rum is unique and distinctly different; the flavor profile and depth of our rum is from not using molasses. The fact is that it's a byproduct of the sugar-making process. It's been stripped. It's been cooked and processed, and cooked and processed. All that's left is a thick, dark mess to deal with, and a mess to dispose of as opposed to starting with cane juice and syrup, which is very clean and benign."

The spirit has won numerous awards including a gold medal at the 2022 San Francisco World Spirits Competition and a double gold at the 2022 SIP Awards (via Kōloa Rum Company). The coconut rum is further improved by the natural, volcanic-filtered water taken from nearby Mount Wai'ale'ale. Add to this a relatively high 40% ABV and you get a rum that is dry on the palate with strong hints of coconut and citrus (via Drizly). This is a tasty combination that is sure to surprise even the most seasoned drinker.