The 10 Best White Rum Brands to Try in 2021
The best white rum is what you need for crafting the best cocktails, unless money is no object or you prefer a specific gold rum, dark, or spiced rum mixed into your favorite drink.
White rum has proven to be a versatile option for the rum lover, and its enjoyment shouldn’t be confined purely to cocktails. They are equally delicious served neat, on the rocks, with cola, or thrown into fresh tropical fruit juice.
The following list of best white rum brands in 2021 showcases 10 of the best expressions for you to try. It’s a diverse group that varies in style and region of production, level of filtration, alcohol content, taste and purpose. I’m sure you’ll find at least one on the list to add to your home bar collection!
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1. Wray and Nephew White Overproof Rum
Iconic Jamaican rum brand Wray and Nephew is an overproof white rum carrying extra wallop (at 63% ABV), and is designed with your party in mind. It’s responsible for 90% of domestic Jamaican rum sales and is the pre-eminent ‘strong’ overproof white rum sold worldwide.
Wray and Nephew has a naturally sugar sweet aroma with overtones of the fermented molasses. The palate is fruity, and the extra booze kick is tangible alongside notes of banana and a little oak.
The finish is long and filled with the flavor synonymous to Caribbean spiced rum. It’s a fruity fiery white spirit for the rum lover who enjoys holding court in social situations, and is best used in cocktails such as a Jamaican rum punch, daiquiri, or mai tai.
2. Facundo Neo Silver Rum
Puerto Rican rum Facundo Neo is made by Bacardi, offering a perfectly balanced blend of medium to heavy bodied top shelf rums aged up to 8 years. Once its’ aging process is complete, the blended premium aged rum is filtered over activated carbon to remove color and create a sheer blonde hued rum.
The precision filtration helps hone the brown sugar sweet flavor to deliver surprisingly rich and complex expression, much like a premium dark rum with an exceptionally smooth, delicate finish. Facundo Neo Silver Rum is best sipped on the rocks, with a splash of fresh lime juice and ice, or as a new style twist on the classic dark rum Negroni cocktail.
3. Brugal Extra Dry Rum
The pride of the Dominican Republic, the fourth and fifth generations of the original Brugal’s direct descendants continue to honor his legacy by acting as the personal guardians of the entire rum-making process. The Brugal family recipe is a closely guarded secret. After going through the distillation process, Brugal Rums are aged for up to eight years in hand-picked American oak casks.
Brugal Extra Dry Rum is a blend of American oak barrel aged double-distilled rums aged from two to five years, triple charcoal filtered, and then bottled at an easy going 80 proof. Brugal offers spice and subtle sweetness on the nose followed by coconut, vanilla and baking spice. The finish is warming and spicy with cardamom and coriander.
If you’re looking for a cheap, light rum versatile enough for use in any manner of rum cocktail or thrown into a glass with ice and fruit juice, then Brugal should be near the top of your list.
4. J. Bally Rhum Agricole Blanc
Rhum Agricole is the French term for sugarcane juice rum, a style native to the French Caribbean islands from freshly squeezed sugarcane juice rather than molasses, and now protected by legislation. This J Bally Blanc expression was distilled from fresh sugar cane juice in the Rhum Agricole style on Martinique.
The nose possesses notes of fresh sugar, winter spice, red berries and a pleasing hint of vegetal flowers. The sweet crisp palate offers notes of dried fruit, spice and ginger, with a belly warming finish.
Bally Rhum Agricole Blanc is a fine rum best suited to mixologists who like augmenting their cocktail with interesting background, it will make a mojito well worth talking about amongst your friends and family.
5. Diplomatico Planas
Taking its name from the valley close by the distillery, “Planas” replaces “Diplomatico Blanco” as one of the Venezuelan brand’s core range, with a nicely warming ABV of 47%.
A 50/50 combination of light and heavy rums, Planas is a blend of pot still, column and batch kettle rum. The blend is oak barrel-aged for up to six years followed by charcoal filtration which removes all color from the fermented molasses and sugar cane ‘honey’ distillate.
A fruity and creamy style aged rum, the complex charcoal filtration process makes Diplomatico Planas crystal clear in appearance and smooth at the finish.
The nose mixes fresh, tropical fruit aromas with smatterings of ground coffee and coconut, balancing well on the palate. More tropical notes dance on the finish, helped along by the higher than normal alcohol content and a touch of licorice.
Planas is best enjoyed neat as a sipping rum or on the rocks, but also appeals in a classic daiquiri or Caribbean rum punch.
6. Ten to One White Rum
Ten to One White Rum blends column still rum from the Dominican Republic and high ester pot still Jamaican rum. The individuality from the Jamaican pot still is enhanced by just the right amount of sweetness from the Dominican column still blend for an incredibly delicate, balanced flavor profile.
It features notes of pepper, jasmine, citrus, coriander, and lemongrass on the nose, with a citrus palate rich with banana flavor and spices that lingers through a warm, friendly finish. Aimed at premium cocktails – a classic Daiquiri, Mai Tai, or fresh pineapple juice Pina Colada – it turns out Ten to One is a surprisingly complex and flavorful sipping rum popular with bartenders.
7. Koloa Coconut Rum
Koloa Coconut Rum is made from raw sugar cane juice distilled in a steam powered copper pot still then cut with filtered water from Mount Waialeale. This craft distilled Hawaiian flavored rum offers an outrageously smooth, sweet taste interspersed with the wonderful woody flavor of coconut, a hint of fresh lime juice and caramelized pineapple.
If you’re looking for a real coconut expression differing from other cheaply priced flavored rum brand then Koloa Coconut Rum will take your pina colada to another level.
8. Bacardi Superior White Rum
Bacardi Superior is sold in over 100 countries, the most famous white Rum in the world is generally the first one chosen when it’s cocktail crafting time. A light and clean Puerto Rican rum with vanilla notes and floral tones, Bacardi is filtered through charcoal for purity and then aged in white oak for added character.
Bacardi is a populist choice, but ticks a lot of boxes due to good value for money, clean taste and versatility; it suits everything from a simple Cuba Libre to a kick ass fresh pineapple juice rum punch or mojito.
9. Flor de Cana 4 Year Old Extra Seco
A sugar-free 4-year old premium light rum (Extra Seco means extra dry) with extreme purity and a transparent color. It has an aroma of sweet almonds and vanilla, with notes of white chocolate and orange essence on the tongue., which makes Perfect for a classic rum cocktail or alongside the molasses taste found in a refreshing Cuba Libre.
Each Caribbean rum expression from Flor de Cana is a sustainably produced and Fair Trade certified premium rum. From a 5th generation family estate, the rum is distilled with 100% renewable energy and naturally aged without sugar or artificial ingredients.
10. Banks 5 Island Rum
A blend of rums from five distilleries, each aged between three and twelve years. The rums are from Trinidad, Jamaica, Barbados and Guyana, but also includes Batavia Arrack from Java.
Batavia Arrack is a sugar-cane molasses distillate produced exclusively on Java. The maturation process includes the addition of local fermented (red) rice.
Banks 5 Island Rum is a big, characterful rum full of fermented molasses that boldly sits well in a classic daiquiri. Filtered until it’s crystal clear, this barrel-aged rum more character than most white rums. It is sweet, engaging, and very lively on the palate.
It’s the type of bombastic expression that will liven up any rum cocktail, or work just as well with lime juice, ice, and a little bit of fresh fruit. Banks also has a gold rum blend of 23 rums from 7 countries that we highly recommend of golden rum is more your kind of thing.
Top 29 Best Watches Under $500 For Men
With cellphones so ubiquitous, your watch choice can be less about telling time and more about personal style. However, a watch is not ‘just’ a watch. For example, the vast majority are made for right-handed people, but a select few cater to the lefties among us. There is a wide range in functionality and size.
The wristwatch is also one of the few socially acceptable accessories for men, so why not have a small selection? If you’re not cashing a CEO’s paycheck just yet, here are the top 28 most handsome watches for men that retail for under $500.
Got a bigger budget? Then check out our guide to the best men’s watches under $1000 instead.
Top 29 Best Watches Under $500 For Men
1. Tommy Hilfiger Stainless Steel Men’s Watch
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If you like the feel of a pliable, non-metal band but aren’t comfortable with genuine leather, this watch comes equipped with a handsome synthetic band. At 46mm in diameter, this watch is perfect for men of smaller stature, as it will not overpower your hand or make it look like you’re wearing your father’s watch. With bold Arabic numerals, a stainless steel case, and classic styling, this watch is an outstanding choice for an everyday watch and the man on a budget.
2. Nordgreen Pioneer – Black Dial
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Not everyone has an endless amount of cash to drop on a luxury timepiece. If you’re money-conscious but want something high-end, then why not consider the Nordgreen Pioneer.
An inspired take on a classic Chronograph, Nordgreen celebrates the Danish with what they call a timepiece “that captures the sustainable future.” Available in various dial colors from blue, black, and white. There’s even the choice of three case colors – gunmetal, silver, and rose gold. A perfect addition to the collection of any watch enthusiast.
3. Fossil Grant Brown Leather Watch
This lovely offering by Fossil features slim Roman numeral hour markers and delicate cut-out hands. The casing is stainless steel and is water-resistant to 165 feet, making it a great dive watch. The band is made of supple, soft calfskin leather and uses a buckle closure.
Of course, this timepiece also comes with the generous 11-year warranty and it’s own fun tin. This watch oozes class and is great for nearly every occasion in your life.
4. Citizen Sport Stainless Steel Men’s Watch With Brown Leather Band
If you don’t want to deal with changing out a battery in a digital watch, this watch is powered by either natural or indoor lighting. The mineral crystal face and stainless steel case make this watch water-resistant to 330 feet, making it a great choice for swimmers and snorkelers.
Handsome and utilitarian, this is a great watch for everyday wear. It’s one of the best watches for men who are always on the go.
5. Fossil Men’s Machine Chronograph Silicone Watch
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This watch was designed with the active man in mind. The knurled silicone band stands up to sweat and oils without issue, and the timepiece itself is water-resistant to 165 feet.
The patterned bezel and quality craftsmanship of the black dial is excellent, as is to be expected from a Fossil watch. It even comes in the iconic and collectible tin!
6. Citizen Men’s Eco-Drive Watch
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This men’s watch features Japanese quartz movement that charges itself indoors or out when exposed to light, making it a great choice for those who don’t want to change out the battery too often. The stitched canvas strap is soft against your skin and will wick away moisture, while the mineral crystal face stands up to the rigors of your everyday life.
Water-resistant to 330 feet, this dive watch is a classic and simple design you’ll be proud of for years to come.
7. Invicta Pro Diver Chronograph Men’s Watch
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Another gorgeous offering by Invicta, this watch features a bold design with a slightly nautical feel to it. It will look at home whether you’re wearing a business suit or are going for a dive of less than 660 feet. This piece is also covered by a one-year warranty as a matter of course. The luminosity feature and magnified date window make it a great choice if you work or play in low light.
If you want something that looks like a Tag Heuer but without the luxury watch brand price tag, this is a good option!
8. Casio Edifice Multi-Function Men’s Watch
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This watch has three sub-dials for 12 hour, 60 minute and 60-second displays, in addition to the standard time. It also features a fold-over, push-down clasp on the stainless strap, keeping it secure throughout your activities. If you’re looking for a classy timepiece that shrieks sophistication, this is a great choice.
9. Fossil Machine Three Hand Stainless Steel Men’s Watch
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This quality watch is a chameleon piece. It looks at home as a dress watch riding below the cuff of your best suit, and it also looks great paired with jeans and a t-shirt. Backed by Fossil’s 11-year warranty as a matter of course and beautifully crafted, this smoke-colored piece is guaranteed to become the go-to accessory for nearly every occasion.
10. MVMT Watches Black Face Men’s Watch
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If you like the look of a simple watch, this minimalist offering from MVMT is right up your alley. With just a plain black face, tick marks to denote the hours and a single date window, there is nothing overdone or extravagant about this design. The is understated and suited to the simple design. It’s definitely a classy, low-key piece for the budget-conscious.
11. Timex Weekender Watch
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If you’re looking for a fun watch to pair with casual outfits, this is a great option. The band is blue and yellow woven nylon, and the face features both civilian and military timekeeping. An Indiglo night light is also included. This watch is water-resistant to 99 feet, meaning it can withstand splashes of water or exposure to rain but you won’t want to submerge it.
12. PUMA Ultrasize Black Sport Men’s Watch
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Boasting a 50mm diameter, this piece is perfect for the large-framed man or one who likes to wear his accessories oversized. A true fashion statement, this sports watch comes in eight different colors schemes to match your favorite hues.
Do be aware, however, that the dial knob is configure for left-handed men!
13. Timex Easy Reader Men’s Watch
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Another dress watch designed with the older gentleman in mind, this watch features a white dial with generously sized numerals that do not appear comical to the casual observer.
It’s also an excellent choice if you take your contacts out at night and still want to be able to check the time. With classic lines and a simple white face, the watch would not be out of place at any casual gathering. It comes with Timex’s one-year warranty at no additional charge.
14. Fossil Nate Men’s Chronograph Watch
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For men who like a more gritty, industrial feel to their accessories, this Fossil watch is right on point. The bezel is gear-edged and the face is utilitarian black and gray. Water-resistant to 165 feet, this watch is a great choice if you like your adornments to be understated yet add visual interest.
It’s definitely a stand-out piece, for those who would take notice!
15. Timex Expedition Field Chronograph Men’s Watch
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Featuring an indigo night light, tachymeter, a date window and a buckle closure, this watch is perfect for men who like to work or play outdoors. It is also water-resistant to 330 feet, making it a great choice for snorkeling or swimming.
You won’t want to wear it for diving, however. With classic, black styling and a genuine crystal face, this is a timepiece that will stand the test of time in both form and function.
16. Seiko 5 Automatic Stainless Steel Men’s Watch
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This Seiko automatic watch has all the bells and whistles you need, but presents it all in a plain and strikingly attractive manner. It features a date window in either English or Spanish, sword-shaped hands, a sweeping second hand and a mineral dial window. This is a great option for the man on the go. The canvas strap can be removed and hand-washed if sweat or other odors become an issue.
This watch is not water-resistant, so you’ll only want to wear it when you won’t be popping by the pool for a swim!
17. Invicta Pro Diver Collection Silver-Tone Men’s Watch
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For those who prefer an all-metal timepiece, the stainless steel Invicta fits the bill nicely. It has a similar aesthetic to a Tag Heuer watch, but at a more affordable price. Equipped with a unilateral bezel and removable links, the band can be customized to fit your wrist perfectly. The face is flame fusion crystal and features a magnifier to highlight the date window.
It’s also water-resistant to 660 feet. If you’re looking for a gorgeous watch that stands up to an active lifestyle, this is an excellent choice.
18. Seiko Men’s Adventure-Solar Classic Casual Watch
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This Seiko watch derives its power from either natural or indoor light and can withstand water depths of up to 330 feet. The supple brown leather strap and timeless brushed steel give this piece an attractive look, and the alarm chronograph is easy to set.
If you’re looking for a watch that can serve as a backup for your wake-up call while traveling, stand up to the elements and look awesome, this casual wrist watch is a winner.
19. Nautica Men’s Stainless Steel Watch with Blue Resin Band
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Featuring a plethora of options and a smart, snappy style, this a great casual watch with a eye-catching blue dial. The hardy resin band is adjustable, and the face is protected by a mineral window. Whether for work or play, this bold blue design is handsome and substantial on the wrist. It comes with Nautica’s five-year warranty at no additional charge.
20. Citizen Sport Men’s Stainless Steel Watch with Black Leather Band
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The black, red and white face of this piece eschews the traditional two-tone color scheme so often employed in other watches, and the contrasting stitching on the band adds creative flair. It comes backed by Citizen’s five-year warranty and will compliment any casual outfit.
21. Alessi Tic15 Analog Display Analog Quartz Black Men’s Watch
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Another not-quite-round offering on our list, the curved square casing of this piece gives it instant visual appeal. Sleek and clean, this unfussy design will be a compliment to almost any occasion. It has quartz movement and is water-resistant to 99 feet, making it a great choice for everyday wear.
22. Invicta 1517 I Force Collection Watch
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Another on our list designed for left-handed men, this watch is something special. Water-resistant to 330 feet and featuring oversize stenciled numbers and a sub dial, this watch is great for any casual outfit. The cloth band is extremely durable and stands up to dirt, sweat and grime.
If you lead an active lifestyle, this watch will be right at home in your collection.
23. TRIWA Blue Steel Nevil Canvas Watch
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This watch comes in a whopping 14 color variations, all of them beautiful. You may decide to add more than one to your collection!
Designed in Sweden, this watch features Japanese quartz movement, a stainless steel casing and a strap made from Tärnsjö organic leather. TRIWA, which stands for Transforming the Industry of Watches, believes in the artistry of fine jewelry and it shows in their product.
24. Victorinox Swiss Army Alliance Watch
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Another fine dress watch from the makers of the Swiss Army knife, this watch is emblazoned with the internally recognized cross and shield emblem. It has no sub-dials, tachymeter or other add-ons to detract from its simple and appealing style.
This watch will be at home with all but the most formal of outfits and carries a two-year warranty.
25. Ingersoll Automatic Stainless Steel Bull Run Watch
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Again, Ingersoll remakes the classics and brings them into the present day. With a highly polished stainless steel casing, two sub-dials, a date aperture and arrow-shaped hands, this quartz watch is beautiful.
The band features contrasting stitching on the fine-grain leather, adding depth and detail to the workmanship. This watch will compliment any casual occasion and can be relied upon for years to come.
26. Tissot Quickster Chronograph Black Leather Men’s Watch
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Made with scratch-resistant sapphire crystal and Swiss automatic movement, this watch is a smart and utilitarian choice. If you’re looking for a solid Swiss watch that isn’t flashy, this is an excellent option. It’s also guaranteed for two years.
27. Seiko Sport Solar Men’s Beige Watch
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Are you getting tired of squinting down at your watch or holding it closer and closer to your face? Don’t worry, we all get a bit nearsighted with age, especially over the age of 40.
If you’re not quite ready for reading glasses or a comically huge watch, this is a great choice from Seiko. The numerals, indices and luminous hands stand out in stark white against a black background, and the numerals are generous in size. It’s a perfect casual watch for the older gentleman.
28. Seiko Men’s 5 Watch Blue Canvas Band
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This simple and affordable watch has a clean, crisp aesthetic to it and doesn’t bog down its design with a ton of bells and whistles. It’s time and date, end of.
If you want a watch for casual wear, this Seiko is a shoo-in. The band is forgiving and comfortable against your wrist, and it’s blue color will likely compliment your existing wardrobe. The price is also extremely affordable.
29. Tommy Hilfiger Men’s Stainless Steel Watch With Brown Leather Band
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Featuring the Hilfiger logo at the three o’clock position, this wrist watch is a statement piece. It is a bright, shiny stainless steel work of art that you’ll be proud to wear at all but the most stuffy of workplaces. The calfskin leather band uses a buckle closure and the date window is beside the logo at three o’clock.
If you’re a fan of Tommy clothing, cologne or luggage, you can complete your look with this stunning accessory.
