Single Pot Rum

Single Pot Rum represents one of the most traditional and characterful styles of rum production, where the spirit is distilled entirely in a pot still, a batch distillation method that concentrates flavour and texture. This style, while less common than column-distilled rum, is highly prized for its depth, weight, and individuality, making it a favourite among serious rum enthusiasts and collectors.

The term “single pot” in rum parallels “single malt” in whisky: it refers to rum made at a single distillery using pot stills rather than continuous column stills. Pot stills, typically made from copper, operate by distilling a fermented wash in batches, allowing the distiller greater control over which flavour compounds are retained. The result is a spirit with a richer, more robust profile, often carrying complex congeners, the flavour molecules that give rum its distinctive aromas and taste.

Historically, pot still rum was the standard in the Caribbean during the 17th and 18th centuries, with islands like Jamaica, Barbados, and Guyana renowned for their heavy, aromatic rums. While many modern producers have shifted to column stills for efficiency and lighter styles, pot stills remain a cornerstone of heritage rum-making, especially in premium and small-batch bottlings.

Single pot rum production often starts with molasses, a by-product of sugar production, though some artisanal distillers use fresh sugarcane juice. Fermentation length can vary dramatically; short fermentations create cleaner, lighter spirits, while long, wild fermentations produce heavier rums loaded with esters and funk. Distillation in copper helps remove unwanted sulphur compounds, while enhancing fruity and spicy aromas.

Maturation plays a crucial role in shaping single pot rum’s profile. Many are aged in ex-bourbon barrels for vanilla sweetness, with some also using sherry, port, or wine casks for added complexity. Tropical ageing, common in the Caribbean, accelerates interaction between spirit and wood, creating richer flavours in less time compared to continental ageing in Europe.

Flavour-wise, single pot rums are known for their full body, oily texture, and concentrated aromas. Depending on origin, you might find flavours ranging from ripe tropical fruit, dark molasses, and cocoa, to briny olive, peppery spice, and herbal depth. This complexity makes them ideal for sipping neat, mixing into robust rum cocktails like a Mai Tai, or enjoying in a simple rum and lime to highlight their bold character.

Our Single Pot Rum selection showcases examples from across the Caribbean and beyond, with both unaged, high-proof bottlings that capture raw distillery character and mature, cask-aged releases that display extraordinary complexity. Whether you’re a whisky drinker exploring rum for the first time or a seasoned cane spirit lover seeking the boldest expressions, single pot rum offers a direct link to rum’s heritage, robust, distinctive, and packed with flavour.