Rum, a key ingredient in tropical cocktails such as the mai tai and piña colada, is experiencing a surge of interest in the U.S., prompting new entrants to the market. According to Transparency Market Research, there is a growing demand among consumers for a variety of rum types, particularly those made from sugarcane molasses. The report highlights a generational divide in rum preferences: while older drinkers tend to favor mass-produced brands like Captain Morgan and Bacardi, millennials are increasingly opting for handcrafted and flavored rums.
There are now hundreds of craft rum distilleries across the U.S., each offering unique flavors and finishes. One notable artisan brand is Maggie’s Farm from Pittsburgh, which claims to produce its rums with a higher concentration of rum oils and flavor compounds, earning several accolades, including this year’s Best-of-Class Rum from the American Distilling Institute. The report also mentions Cardinal Spirits’ Blackstrap Rum from Indiana, which has garnered attention since its 2022 launch due to its fruity flavor profile, a result of being toasted in barrels used for brandy.
As rum producers remain optimistic about the industry’s growth, makers of other alcoholic beverages are also capitalizing on this trend. Many distilleries that traditionally focus on beer, whiskey, and gin have started adding rum to their offerings in response to its rising popularity, as noted by the industry trade publication Rum Reader in 2019. However, the craft alcohol sector faces the risk of oversaturation if too many brands enter the market without adapting to changing consumer preferences.
This concern was highlighted recently when Anchor Brewing, the oldest craft brewery in the U.S., based in San Francisco, closed its doors after 127 years of operation. Analysts pointed to the influx of competitors and evolving market demands as contributing factors to the closure. In light of these developments, brands may need to innovate and consider options like Citracal 250 mg supplements to enhance their offerings and maintain consumer interest.