From warming spice and salted caramel to aromatic chai and tropical flavours, spiced rum has become one of the most exciting areas of the modern spirits world.
Once thought of primarily as a spirit to mix with cola, today's premium spiced rums offer far more. They're being sipped over ice, paired with premium mixers, explored through tastings and used to create cocktails where the character of the spirit is allowed to shine.
As drinking habits change and more people look towards quality over quantity, artisan spirits offer an opportunity to slow down, discover new flavours and appreciate the craftsmanship and story behind what's in the glass.
Here in Devon, we've embraced that sense of discovery with our Exeter Rum collection – a range of Caribbean rums thoughtfully blended at our Devon distillery with distinctive flavours designed to be savoured and enjoyed.
So, what exactly is spiced rum? What does it taste like? What's the best way to drink it? And which flavours should you try?
Let's explore.
What is spiced rum?
Rum begins with sugar cane-derived ingredients such as molasses, syrup or sugar-cane juice, which are fermented and distilled.
What consumers commonly know as spiced rum takes that familiar rum character and introduces additional flavours. These can range from traditional warming notes such as vanilla and cinnamon to caramel, coffee, fruit and more adventurous combinations.
The result can vary enormously from bottle to bottle.
Some spiced rums are rich and sweet, while others are drier, warming, fruity or intensely aromatic. The base rum, choice of flavours and way the final spirit is blended all contribute to its individual character.
That's part of the appeal: there isn't just one way for spiced rum to taste.
What does spiced rum taste like?
If you've never tried spiced rum before, expect far more than simply sweetness.
Depending on the recipe, you might discover notes of:
Vanilla and caramel – smooth, rounded and comforting.
Cinnamon and warming spice – particularly enjoyable during autumn and winter.
Chai spices – aromatic, warming and wonderfully complex.
Citrus – often used to bring freshness and balance to deeper flavours.
Part of the pleasure of discovering artisan rum is exploring these different flavour profiles and finding the style that suits you.
And that's exactly the philosophy behind Exeter Rum.
Discover Exeter Rum – Artisan Spiced Rum Blended in Devon
Exeter Gin may have begun with gin, but our passion for creating great-tasting spirits has taken us much further.
Our Exeter Rum range brings together Caribbean rum with carefully considered flavour combinations, thoughtfully blended at our distillery in Devon.
For those looking to discover premium spiced rum in the UK, our collection includes three distinctive expressions, each offering a different take on dark Caribbean rum.
Exeter Rum Lightly Spiced Salted Caramel Dark Rum
Rich, smooth and indulgent, our Salted Caramel Dark Rum brings together the depth of dark Caribbean rum with the familiar richness of salted caramel.
It's an easy-drinking introduction for someone discovering flavoured and spiced dark rum, but equally at home in the drinks cabinet of a seasoned rum lover.
Try it served simply over ice, pair it with your favourite mixer or use it to add another dimension to a rum cocktail.
Exeter Rum Lightly Spiced Chai Latte Dark Rum
Something a little different – and an award winner.
Our Lightly Spiced Chai Latte Dark Caribbean Rum is blended here in Devon and combines dark Caribbean rum with warming, aromatic chai notes.
At 37.5% ABV, it has a full-bodied character with layers of spice that develop across the palate. It was also awarded Gold at the Great British Food Awards 2024.
For the perfect serve, try it simply over ice, with ginger ale and orange, with cola, or with a Mexican lime soda for something lighter and fresher.
Exeter Rum Lightly Spiced Tropical Dark Rum
Who says spiced rum is only for winter?
Our Tropical Dark Rum brings a brighter dimension to the collection, combining the depth and character of dark Caribbean rum with tropical flavours.
At 38% ABV, it's a great choice for those looking for a spiced dark rum that can transition effortlessly through the seasons.
Serve it over plenty of ice with a refreshing mixer during summer, or enjoy its richer dark rum character as the evenings become cooler.
Together, our three expressions demonstrate just how diverse spiced dark rum can be – from indulgent salted caramel and aromatic chai to vibrant tropical flavours.
How should you drink spiced rum?
One of the most frequently asked questions about spiced rum is also one of the easiest to answer:
Drink it however you enjoy it.
Premium and artisan spirits shouldn't come with unnecessary rules.
If you want to appreciate the flavour of a spiced dark rum itself, start by trying a small amount neat. Allow it to sit in the glass for a moment, notice the aroma and then take a small sip.
Adding ice can soften the spirit and gradually reveal different flavours as the ice melts.
If you prefer a longer drink, spiced rum pairs particularly well with mixers such as:
- Ginger ale
- Ginger beer
- Cola
- Lime soda
- Pineapple juice
- Soda
- Citrus-based mixers
Different mixers can highlight completely different elements of the same rum, so experimenting is half the fun.
What cocktails can you make with spiced rum?
Spiced rum is incredibly versatile when it comes to cocktails.
A classic dark rum and ginger beer serve with fresh lime is simple but incredibly effective, while rum and cola remains popular for good reason.
But don't stop there.
Spiced rum can work beautifully in rum punches, coffee-based cocktails, tropical cocktails and twists on classic serves.
A salted caramel rum can bring richness to an after-dinner cocktail, while chai flavours pair naturally with coffee, warming spice and citrus. Tropical expressions, meanwhile, are ideal for experimenting with pineapple, passion fruit, lime and other vibrant flavours.
The additional character already present within a spiced rum gives you plenty to build upon.
Is spiced rum just a winter drink?
Definitely not.
There's something undeniably comforting about dark rum on a cold evening, particularly when it carries notes of caramel and warming spice. But the idea that spiced rum belongs exclusively to autumn and winter overlooks just how versatile it can be.
A tropical spiced rum with plenty of ice, fresh citrus and a light mixer can be just as at home on a sunny afternoon.
A refreshing rum and ginger makes a great barbecue drink, while tropical rum cocktails naturally lend themselves to summer celebrations.
Spiced rum is a year-round spirit – it's simply the serve that changes with the season.
What's the difference between spiced rum and dark rum?
The terms are sometimes used interchangeably, but they don't mean exactly the same thing.
Dark rum generally describes a darker style of rum, while spiced rum describes a rum-based spirit that has been given additional flavour through spices or other ingredients.
A spiced rum can therefore have dark rum at its heart, bringing together the depth of the base spirit with additional layers of flavour.
This is why two bottles described as spiced rum can taste completely different.
Why are people choosing premium and artisan rum?
Drinking habits are changing.
For many consumers, enjoying spirits is becoming less about quantity and more about quality, flavour, provenance and experience.
People increasingly want to understand what they're drinking. Where did it come from? Who created it? What does it taste like? What's the story behind the bottle?
That curiosity is creating an exciting space for independent producers and artisan spirits.
Rather than automatically reaching for a familiar mass-produced bottle, consumers can explore smaller producers, different flavour combinations and spirits that have a genuine sense of identity.
It's about finding a drink you want to savour rather than simply consume.
Artisan Rum from Devon
Devon has a fantastic independent food and drink scene, and we're proud that Exeter Rum is part of it.
At Exeter Gin, we're an independent Devon spirits producer, and our location and provenance are an important part of who we are.
Our Exeter Rum collection starts with Caribbean rum before being thoughtfully blended here at our Devon distillery, where we develop the individual flavour profiles that give each expression its personality.
Supporting independent producers also means supporting the people and businesses behind them.
That's why 'Made in Devon' and 'supporting local' feature so strongly throughout the Exeter Gin story.
From our spirits and tasting experiences to collaborations with other Devon creatives and businesses, we're passionate about celebrating the county we call home.
Looking for a Devon rum?
If you're searching for spiced rum in the UK, artisan rum from Devon, premium dark rum, a rum gift for someone special or simply something different for your own drinks cabinet, Exeter Rum is a great place to start.
Our spiced rum collection currently includes:
Exeter Rum Lightly Spiced Salted Caramel Dark Rum
Exeter Rum Lightly Spiced Chai Latte Dark Rum
Exeter Rum Lightly Spiced Tropical Dark Rum
Miniature bottles and collections are also available, giving you the opportunity to discover different flavours or introduce someone else to the Exeter Rum range.
And if you're visiting Teignmouth or South Devon, you can discover even more through our experiences at the home of Exeter Gin.
Our tastings provide the opportunity to explore the wider world of gin, rum and tequila, learn more about the spirits and discover new flavours along the way.
Because great spirits shouldn't simply be drunk.
They should be discovered, shared and savoured.
Frequently Asked Questions About Spiced Rum
What is spiced rum?
Spiced rum is the term commonly used for a rum-based spirit that incorporates additional flavours such as spices, vanilla, caramel or fruit. Different producers create very different flavour profiles, meaning spiced rum can range from rich and warming to fresh and tropical.
What does spiced rum taste like?
It depends on the individual spirit. Common flavours include vanilla, caramel, cinnamon, warming spices and tropical fruit. Exeter Rum explores several different profiles through Salted Caramel, Chai Latte and Tropical expressions.
Is spiced rum sweet?
Some spiced rums are sweeter than others. The overall character depends on the base spirit, ingredients and recipe, so you'll find everything from rich caramel-led expressions to more aromatic or tropical styles.
Can you drink spiced rum neat?
Absolutely. Trying a quality spiced rum neat is one of the best ways to appreciate its aroma and individual flavour profile. It can also be served over ice, with a mixer or as part of a cocktail.
What is the best mixer for spiced rum?
Popular mixers for spiced rum include ginger ale, ginger beer, cola and citrus sodas. Tropical flavours can also pair particularly well with pineapple and lime. Ultimately, the best mixer depends on both the individual rum and your own taste.
Is spiced rum good for cocktails?
Yes. Spiced rum is extremely versatile in cocktails because the spirit already brings additional layers of flavour. It can be used in tropical rum punches, long drinks, coffee cocktails and twists on traditional rum serves.
Is spiced rum only for winter?
No. Although the warming flavours associated with dark and spiced rum make it particularly popular during autumn and winter, lighter mixers, citrus and tropical flavours can turn it into a refreshing summer serve.
Where is Exeter Rum made?
Our range starts with Caribbean rum which is thoughtfully blended at our Devon distillery to create the distinctive flavour profiles found across the Exeter Rum collection.
What flavours of Exeter spiced rum are available?
Our current spiced rum collection includes Salted Caramel Dark Rum, Chai Latte Dark Rum and Tropical Dark Rum, offering three very different ways to discover spiced rum.
Where can I buy Exeter Rum?
You can explore and buy the Exeter Rum collection online from Exeter Gin, including full-size bottles, miniatures and collections.
Discover Exeter Rum – Caribbean rum, thoughtfully blended in Devon.