If there's one thing the Caribbean is known for as much as its beaches, it's its rum. The spirit was first distilled on the islands during the 17th century when sugar plantation slaves discovered molasses – a byproduct of the refining process – could be fermented into alcohol. Caribbean rum producers have spent the centuries since perfecting the process of distillation, aging and blending, and many of the world's best rums come from the Caribbean.
The top 10 winners in the category Best Caribbean Rum Distillery are as follows:
- Topper's Rhum - Sint Maarten
- Appleton Estate - Jamaica
- Ron del Barrilito - Puerto Rico
- Casa Bacardi - Puerto Rico
- Clarke's Court Rum - Grenada
- John Watling's Distillery - Nassau, Bahamas
- Cadushy Distillery - Bonaire
- Callwood Rum Distillery - Tortola, British Virgin Islands
- Demerara Distillers - Guyana
- St. Nicholas Abbey - Barbados
A panel of experts partnered with 10Best editors to pick the initial nominees, and the top 10 winners were determined by popular vote.
Congratulations to all these winning rum makers!
The Experts
Alyssa Bierzynski
Alyssa Bierzynski is an island girl on an... Read More
Alyssa Bierzynski is an island girl on an adventure! A Grenadian writer, storyteller and travel blogger, Alyssa is on a mission to tell stories inspired by the people and places around her. Follow her adventures on her blog, Adventures of an Island Girl or over on Instagram - @alybiz.
Alyssa Bierzynski
Alyssa Bierzynski is an island girl on an adventure! A Grenadian writer, storyteller and travel blogger, Alyssa is on a mission to tell stories inspired by the people and places around her. Follow her adventures on her blog, Adventures of an Island Girl or over on Instagram - @alybiz.
Melanie Reffes
Melanie is an island girl at heart . Born in... Read More
Melanie is an island girl at heart . Born in Manhattan, she now lives on the sunny island of Montreal and covers the Caribbean for a variety of publications including USA TODAY 10Best, CaribbeanTravel.com and MarryCaribbean.com. A journalist with a boatload of writer awards under her belt, Melanie's affection for the Caribbean started young when her family vacationed in Puerto Rico. An avid fan of spicy food, Melanie enjoys the diversity of Montreal - especially during the warmer months -when she's not en route to the Caribbean. She holds a Masters Degree in Social Work from the University of Toronto.
Melanie Reffes

Melanie is an island girl at heart . Born in Manhattan, she now lives on the sunny island of Montreal and covers the Caribbean for a variety of publications including USA TODAY 10Best, CaribbeanTravel.com and MarryCaribbean.com. A journalist with a boatload of writer awards under her belt, Melanie's affection for the Caribbean started young when her family vacationed in Puerto Rico. An avid fan of spicy food, Melanie enjoys the diversity of Montreal - especially during the warmer months -when she's not en route to the Caribbean. She holds a Masters Degree in Social Work from the University of Toronto.
Ming Tappin
Residing in New Brunswick, Canada, Ming has been... Read More
Residing in New Brunswick, Canada, Ming has been in the cruise industry for 27 years. Ming spent over 20 years in the retail travel sector, working with travel agencies in marketing initiatives, cruise training, and promoting cruise vacations to their clients. In 2015, Ming created Your Cruise Coach and transitioned into travel writing, preaching the merits of cruising via her partnerships with Canadian travel trade publications as well as consumer media outlets. An avid cruiser since 1991, Ming has sailed on nearly 60 cruises and has experienced over 20 ocean and river cruise lines.
Ming Tappin

Residing in New Brunswick, Canada, Ming has been in the cruise industry for 27 years. Ming spent over 20 years in the retail travel sector, working with travel agencies in marketing initiatives, cruise training, and promoting cruise vacations to their clients. In 2015, Ming created Your Cruise Coach and transitioned into travel writing, preaching the merits of cruising via her partnerships with Canadian travel trade publications as well as consumer media outlets. An avid cruiser since 1991, Ming has sailed on nearly 60 cruises and has experienced over 20 ocean and river cruise lines.
Sarah Greaves-Gabbadon
Sarah Greaves-Gabbadon (aka JetSetSarah) is a... Read More
Sarah Greaves-Gabbadon (aka JetSetSarah) is a travel writer, on-screen host and self-described “Carivangelist,” who goes to the beach and beyond to share the culture, lifestyle and personalities of the Caribbean with the world. Based in Miami, she is a special correspondent for Travel + Leisure magazine and creates content for outlets including Condé Nast Traveler; Afar; Food & Wine; Islands.com; and the U.K.’s Telegraph newspaper. Sarah is also jetsetter-in-chief at JetSetSarah.com where her passions – travel, style and fitness – meet. Follow her adventures on Instagram and Facebook @JetSetSarah.
Sarah Greaves-Gabbadon

Sarah Greaves-Gabbadon (aka JetSetSarah) is a travel writer, on-screen host and self-described “Carivangelist,” who goes to the beach and beyond to share the culture, lifestyle and personalities of the Caribbean with the world. Based in Miami, she is a special correspondent for Travel + Leisure magazine and creates content for outlets including Condé Nast Traveler; Afar; Food & Wine; Islands.com; and the U.K.’s Telegraph newspaper. Sarah is also jetsetter-in-chief at JetSetSarah.com where her passions – travel, style and fitness – meet. Follow her adventures on Instagram and Facebook @JetSetSarah.
Ursula Petula Barzey
Ursula Petula Barzey is a digital marketing... Read More
Ursula Petula Barzey is a digital marketing consultant and founder of the award-winning digital platform and blog Caribbean & Co. Passionate about all things related to the Caribbean, especially Montserrat from which her family hails, she loves traveling the region in search of the best cultural and foodie adventures, places to stay, and live/work opportunities. Established in 2014, Caribbean & Co. has won five travel media awards! Follow Ursula’s adventures via her Caribbean & Co. website and social media channels, including Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.
Ursula Petula Barzey

Ursula Petula Barzey is a digital marketing consultant and founder of the award-winning digital platform and blog Caribbean & Co. Passionate about all things related to the Caribbean, especially Montserrat from which her family hails, she loves traveling the region in search of the best cultural and foodie adventures, places to stay, and live/work opportunities. Established in 2014, Caribbean & Co. has won five travel media awards! Follow Ursula’s adventures via her Caribbean & Co. website and social media channels, including Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.
10Best Editors
10Best.com provides users with original, unbiased... Read More
10Best.com provides users with original, unbiased and experiential travel coverage of top attractions, things to see and do, and restaurants for top destinations in the U.S. and around the world.
10Best Editors

10Best.com provides users with original, unbiased and experiential travel coverage of top attractions, things to see and do, and restaurants for top destinations in the U.S. and around the world.