Light golden rums have generally been aged for a relatively short period of time in oak casks, adding colour and character. They are therefore perfect for good quality cocktails, although the better quality examples are also very enjoyable sipped neat over ice.
Vat 19 is a three year-old light golden rum made in Trinidad (where it has a cult following) by Fernandes Distillers (aka Trinidad Distillers) and this imported version is bottled, rather brilliantly, in Chorley, Lancs.
From probably the oldest rum distillery in the world (dating from 1703), comes this legendary Barbados golden rum. Mount Gay Eclipse is absolutely superb value for money.
From the superb Santa Teresa producer in Venezuela comes this lightly aged rum. Medium-bodied with a delicate sweetness, Claro is an excellent all-purpose mixing rum ideal for parties or summer get-togethers.
Appleton Special is a fine, medium-bodied golden rum, made up of full-flavoured traditional pot still rums and lighter character modern column still rums.
19 Spiced is the spiced version of Trinidadian cult favourite Vat 19. Please note, under EU rules this is not officially a rum as the strength is slightly below 37.5%
A quality mixing rum from Cuban maestros Havana Club, Anejo Especial contributes plenty of flavour to classic rum cocktails, but can also be enjoyed on its own with ice.
Probably the most prestigious light Cuban rum, Havana Club 3 year old infuses an extra touch of quality into rum cocktails and is great with just about any mixer we can think of.
One of the many bottlings chasing after the flavour of the last generation of spiced rum, and one that comes pretty close. Rich and sweet with a fair whack of vanilla in the mix.
The universally-lauded flagship brand for Appleton Estate, this is an exceptional blend of several rums of varying types between five and ten years old.
This marvellous aged Paraguayan rum has got a very shiny halo - not only is it organic, but it's also Fairtrade! Its carbon footprint's probably not great, but that kind of goes with the territory for rum.
Bundaberg Rum is a famous spirit with a cult following from Northern Queensland in Australia. 'Bundy', as it is affectionately known, is an institution in Oz and continues to win new fans abroad.