Sugarcane plantations in the Caribbean began distilling rum during the 17th century from molasses, an inexpensive byproduct of the sugar refining process. The spirit came to the U.S. in 1664 with the opening of the first rum distillery on Staten Island and continued to grow in popularity through the Revolutionary War. Rum has come a long way since those early days, and distilleries across the nation are experimenting with how to craft the finest variations.
The top 10 winners in the Best Craft Rum Distillery category are as follows:
- Wicked Dolphin - Cape Coral, Fla.
- Drum Circle Distilling - Sarasota, Fla.
- Arizona Craft Beverage - Elgin, Ariz.
- Cannon Beach Distillery - Cannon Beach, Ore.
- Lyon Distilling Company - St. Michaels, Md.
- Privateer Rum - Ipswich, Mass.
- Lost Spirits Distillery - Los Angeles
- Roulaison Distilling Co - New Orleans
- Manulele Distillers - Kunia Camp, Hawaii
- Far North Spirits - Hallock, Minn.
A panel of experts partnered with 10Best editors to pick the initial 20 nominees, and the top 10 winners were determined by popular vote. Experts Emily Arden Wells (Gastronomista); Martin Cate (Smuggler’s Cove); Brian Christensen (Artisan Spirit Magazine); Ziggy Eschliman, one of America's most authoritative and entertaining libation experts; Kevin Gray (Bevvy); Eric Grossman (Craft Spirits) and Jack Robertiello, a spirits competition judge, were chosen for their knowledge of the American craft spirits scene.
Congratulations to all these winning distilleries.
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The Experts
Emily Arden Wells
Emily Arden Wells is the editor and founder of the... Read More
Emily Arden Wells is the editor and founder of the award-winning cocktail and travel website Gastronomista. Follow her on Instagram at @gastronomista_
Emily Arden Wells

Emily Arden Wells is the editor and founder of the award-winning cocktail and travel website Gastronomista. Follow her on Instagram at @gastronomista_
Martin Cate
Martin Cate is a rum and exotic cocktail expert,... Read More
Martin Cate is a rum and exotic cocktail expert, author, and owner and creator of Smuggler’s Cove in San Francisco. Smuggler’s Cove features the largest rum selection in the United States and features cocktails from over three centuries of rum history. In a global industry survey for Drinks International Magazine, Smuggler’s Cove has been named one of the Top 50 Bars in the World for six consecutive years.
Martin Cate

Martin Cate is a rum and exotic cocktail expert, author, and owner and creator of Smuggler’s Cove in San Francisco. Smuggler’s Cove features the largest rum selection in the United States and features cocktails from over three centuries of rum history. In a global industry survey for Drinks International Magazine, Smuggler’s Cove has been named one of the Top 50 Bars in the World for six consecutive years.
Brian Christensen
Brian Christensen is the co-founder of Artisan... Read More
Brian Christensen is the co-founder of Artisan Spirit Magazine, the most trusted distilling trade journal in America, and the Still Talking Podcast, an irreverent distilling podcast his wife won’t even listen to. He is a member of multiple industry committees, advisor boards, and spirits competitions around the country. Brian is lucky enough to spend his days working with distillers, suppliers, state guilds, and industry associations around the world to tell stories that both inform and educate.
Brian Christensen

Brian Christensen is the co-founder of Artisan Spirit Magazine, the most trusted distilling trade journal in America, and the Still Talking Podcast, an irreverent distilling podcast his wife won’t even listen to. He is a member of multiple industry committees, advisor boards, and spirits competitions around the country. Brian is lucky enough to spend his days working with distillers, suppliers, state guilds, and industry associations around the world to tell stories that both inform and educate.
Ziggy Eschliman
Known on the airwaves as Ziggy the Wine Gal, Ziggy... Read More
Known on the airwaves as Ziggy the Wine Gal, Ziggy Eschliman is among America's most enthusiastic, authoritative and entertaining libation experts. Her internationally known company, ZigStyle, combines her artistry for wine country entertaining and gardening while integrating her expertise of wine & spirits, showcasing a unique lifestyle. For over 25 years Ziggy has set and reported trends in all things wine and spirits. Her radio shows are broadcast throughout wine country and are available online.
Ziggy Eschliman

Known on the airwaves as Ziggy the Wine Gal, Ziggy Eschliman is among America's most enthusiastic, authoritative and entertaining libation experts. Her internationally known company, ZigStyle, combines her artistry for wine country entertaining and gardening while integrating her expertise of wine & spirits, showcasing a unique lifestyle. For over 25 years Ziggy has set and reported trends in all things wine and spirits. Her radio shows are broadcast throughout wine country and are available online.
Kevin Gray
Kevin Gray is the co-founder and editor-in-chief... Read More
Kevin Gray is the co-founder and editor-in-chief of Bevvy, an online service dedicated to enhancing people's drinking experiences though cocktail recipes, spirit reviews and helpful tips, plus entertaining articles about the people and brands behind the bar. Kevin was formerly the founder of CocktailEnthusiast.com, and has also written for numerous publications including the Dallas Morning News, Men's Journal, Tasting Table and more.
Kevin Gray

Kevin Gray is the co-founder and editor-in-chief of Bevvy, an online service dedicated to enhancing people's drinking experiences though cocktail recipes, spirit reviews and helpful tips, plus entertaining articles about the people and brands behind the bar. Kevin was formerly the founder of CocktailEnthusiast.com, and has also written for numerous publications including the Dallas Morning News, Men's Journal, Tasting Table and more.
Eric Grossman
Eric Grossman is a travel and F&B writer based in... Read More
Eric Grossman is a travel and F&B writer based in Boston. Highlighting 250 of the world’s most important producers, his book Craft Spirits (DK; Penguin Random House) has been published in more than a dozen countries. Besides keeping tabs on the latest in industry trends by visiting the world's best bars, Eric has blended pisco in Peru, sourced gin botanicals in Holland and experienced baijiu culture in China.
Eric Grossman

Eric Grossman is a travel and F&B writer based in Boston. Highlighting 250 of the world’s most important producers, his book Craft Spirits (DK; Penguin Random House) has been published in more than a dozen countries. Besides keeping tabs on the latest in industry trends by visiting the world's best bars, Eric has blended pisco in Peru, sourced gin botanicals in Holland and experienced baijiu culture in China.
Jack Robertiello
Jack Robertiello has worked with or written about... Read More
Jack Robertiello has worked with or written about spirits, wine, food and restaurants for most of his adult life, for many publications. He speaks frequently at conferences and meetings, and judges at numerous competitions, including the annual San Francisco World Spirits Competition. Robertiello also gives private classes and seminars on tasting wine and spirits, and has advised producers, importers, marketers and publicists about the field. He lives in Brooklyn, NY.
Jack Robertiello

Jack Robertiello has worked with or written about spirits, wine, food and restaurants for most of his adult life, for many publications. He speaks frequently at conferences and meetings, and judges at numerous competitions, including the annual San Francisco World Spirits Competition. Robertiello also gives private classes and seminars on tasting wine and spirits, and has advised producers, importers, marketers and publicists about the field. He lives in Brooklyn, NY.