When it comes to liquor, most would wander the more affordable aisles when finding a selection. But some of us want a statement piece in collections or parties. If you’re one of the latter, then you might want to check out the most expensive rum ever sold, either through auction or currently for sale.
From common household names like Bacardi to luxury brands like Dictador, rum is one liquor that has a unique and strong flavor that only a select few enjoy. Read on to explore the most expensive rums.
12. Havana Club Máximo Extra Añejo, $1,350
The Havana Club is all about bringing in their Cuban culture and rich heritage. Since they’re founding in 1934, they’ve aimed to make delicious and true rum in Cuba. Their Máximo Extra Añejo rum is one such product that has heads turning.
This blend of rare, old rums from their extensive reserves is just one of 1,000 bottles that are made per year, which sets their price at a hefty $1,300.
11. Brugal Papa Andres, $1,700
Brugal’s Papa Andres rum is one of the most expensive rums ever sold. It’s named after the founder, Don Andres Brugal, and is a blend of cask-aged rums. The rum was initially for the Brugal family but was eventually released to the public in 2018.
With only 1,000 handmade decanters made for this rare and luxurious rum, the price of $1,700 is worth it for many. The limited-edition rum was created by Jassil Villanueva Quintana — the first-ever female Master Blender.
10. Clément Très Vieux Rhum Agricole 1952, $1,826
Distilled in 1952 and housed in barrels for more than thirty years at Clements Home, this rum is one of the most expensive bottles ever sold. Clement Rhum is known for its greatest vintages and is considered a classic.
The amount of bottles that are still around is unknown, but with each one being a highly-desired item, it’s no wonder Christie’s auction house sold one for $1,826.
9. Original Royal Naval Rum Tot, $2,650
This unique entry isn’t just about bottles of luxurious rum, but of historical and military items. In 2022, the last flagons of dark rum issued by the Military of Defense to Royal Navy sailors are now on sale after 52 years.
Each flagon is full of 4.5 liters of dark rum and was sold for a little over $2,500 each. The tradition of giving sailors daily rum rations ended in 1970 due to safety reasons, so the use of these flagons is no longer needed. Not only is this memorable for historical reasons, but the flavors of these rums are outstanding.
8. Bacardi Superior Rum Bottled in Spain 1940s, $2,825
Bacardi is one of the biggest names in the rum industry thanks to its flavor variety and smoothness. But while they offer extremely affordable bottles of rum for the average person, they also have some of the most expensive rum ever sold, like their Superior rum bottled in Spain from the 1940s.
A 750-millimeter bottle of Bacardi Superior is only $21. However, this is one of the oldest bottles of Barcardi rum when they were still made in Cuba, where they were first established, and is priced at a steep price of $2,825.
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7. 50-Year-Old Appleton Estate, $6,500
Appleton Estates is known for producing a notable range of rum blends that are all aged in oak casks in Jamaica. They have several limited edition rums, but the most expensive rum sold is their 50-year-old limited edition rum that honors the 50th Anniversary of Jamaica’s Independence.
With only 800 bottles worldwide, and only a select number of retailers selling them, this bottle has a worthy value of over $6,000. The bottle is hand-crafted crystal, a beautiful vessel for such an exquisite rum. They also have a 37-year-old bottle of rum from 1984 that can be found for around $1,180.
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6. Goslings Auld Trophy Rum, $10,000
This unique rum is a 49-year-old rum — the oldest in the Goslings warehouse. The bottle is aged 10 to 12 years before being stored in glass flagons and is blended and bottled before even more aging. It’s rich and smooth with deep notes of caramel. But the flavor isn’t why it’s so expensive. Goslings has been around since 1806 and is one of the best names in the spirit industry.
It’s also the decanter that puts this bottle at a value of $10,000. The handmade crystal and silver decanter is in the shape of the famous trophy known as the Auld Mug to commemorate the American Cup race. The rum and decanter was released in 2017 and can still be found for a steep price on their website.
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5. Legacy by Angostura, $25,000
One of the most expensive rums ever sold goes to Legacy by Angostura. The brand released Legacy in 2012 to celebrate 50 years of Trinidad & Tobago’s independence. The bottle is valued at $25,000 and a nip, or mini, is over $1,200.
It’s a blend of 7 rums and is in an Asprey hand-blown crystal decanter with a gorgeous butterfly and cane leaf sterling silver topper. Angostura has been in the rum industry for over 180 years. With their exquisite taste and the beautifully crafted decanter, it’s no wonder this bottle is worth so much.
4. Harewood Barbados 1780, $29,999
One of the most expensive rums ever sold is also one of the oldest rums in the world sold in 2023. The bottle was originally sold at Christie’s in 2013 for only $9,500 but is now going to a collector in Switzerland.
The Miami-based company sold a bottle of Harewood Barbados rum made in 1780. In 2011, 59 bottles were found in the basement of Harewood House in the UK. Out of the 59, 28 were described as dark and the rest were light rum. In 2020, one of the light rum bottles was sold for a little under $30,000 as well.
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3. Dictador Generations 1976 En Lalique, $41,950
Dictador prides itself on its luxurious products, particularly spirits. From quality rum, coffee, and cigars, Dictador goes above and beyond to create a masterpiece with its liquor. And they’re also known for having the most expensive rum ever sold.
Their Generations 1876 En Lalique bottle sold in 2021 for a staggering price of over $41,000, which set a record for Sotheby’s auction house at the time. The rare rum is only one of 300, and is Bottle No.0, or the “proof bottle”. The bottle was made in partnership with the house of Lalique, a French luxury brand.
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2. J. Wray & Nephew 1940s, $54,000
J. Wray and Nephew began in 1825 when the founder, John Wray, opened The Shakespeare Tavern in Kingston, Jamaica. Once successful, Wray and his nephew started their rum business, which flourished.
With origins in Jamaica, it’s no wonder this rum is part of the most expensive bottles. The 1940s bottle is believed to contain 25-year-old rum distilled around 1915. The price is at $54,000 due to only four confirmed bottles being left.
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1. Dictador M-City Golden Cities Series, $1.5 Million
The most expensive rum ever sold is Dictador’s M-City Golden Cities Series. The brand works on creating investment-grade rum and is committed to revolutionizing the industry with AI and cutting-edge technology.
In 2022 the brand created bottles of rum for the elites, creating a 24-karat gold bottle to put their names on the map. The sales were so exclusive that purchasing a bottle was by invitation only. The price for each bottle started at $1.5 million, and they only sold a few, hoping to have the rarest rum bottles ever. Once the sales figure reached $1 billion, they stopped selling the bottles.
