Top Ron – discover Ron Barceló
Dominican brand Ron Barceló has established its leading presence on the international stage by leveraging its unique origin, heritage, and award-winning quality.
Ron Barceló was born from the vision of one man: Julián Barceló, who aimed to create a rum recognised worldwide for its quality and character. He arrived in the Dominican Republic in 1929 with the singular goal of producing the best rum in the world. What began as one man’s dream nearly a century ago has since evolved into one of the most exported dark rums globally, becoming the most internationally awarded brand from the Caribbean country.
As one of few rums produced under the Dominican Rum appellation of origin, Ron Barceló benefits from a unique terroir. Made by using 100% pure sugarcane juice sourced from its own fields, the brand belongs to the 10% of all rums made directly from the cane fresh-pressed material. Ron Barceló, with a strong commitment to tradition, innovation and quality, not only represents Dominican culture and craftsmanship but also symbolises distinction and excellence in the global alcoholic beverage market.
The brand’s success on the global stage began in 1980 with the launch of Barceló Imperial, the world’s first premium rum from the Dominican Republic. The expression is a blend of rums aged for up to 10 years in ex-Bourbon barrels, featuring various degrees of toasting. Barceló Imperial not only serves as a flagship expression in the brand’s portfolio, but it is also the most awarded rum from the island.
Among its many accolades, Imperial was recognised as the very first Best Rum in the World by the Beverage Testing Institute in Chicago in 1999, a feat also accomplished in the year 2000 with the highest score of 97/100.
Building on its successful formula, Barceló’s portfolio now includes the Imperial Premium Blend 40th Anniversary, Imperial Onyx, and the latest expressions, the Imperial Rare Blends Collection trio of rums: Mizunara Cask, Maple Cask, and Porto Casks. The core range features rums such as Blanco Añejado, Dorado Añejado, Añejo, Gran Añejo, Gran Añejo Dark, alongside innovative varieties including Barceló Organic and Barceló Cream.
Captivating style
With a history filled with numerous awards and recognitions, Barceló has established itself as a leader in the world of rum, especially in the premium category. Its rums are not only tailored to meet the expectations of international consumers but also impress competitive judges.
The brand has captivated panels in global competitions with its standout aroma, flavour, and character. Over the years, Barceló has received a variety of industry accolades, including recognition from Forbes, The Spirits Business’ Rum & Cachaça Masters, and the World Spirits Competitions in San Francisco, New York, and Miami. Additional honours include the SIP Awards, the London Spirits Competition, Spirits Selection by CMB, and the IWSC.
In 2025, Barceló has already received numerous medals across various categories, confirming the quality of its products to end consumers, influencers, and enthusiasts in the world of rum and spirits.
Chiara Pennacchio, global marketing director at Ron Barceló, explains: “Ron Barceló remains committed to bottling the finest spirits possible in each of our varieties, as meeting the multicultural demands of our consumers in nearly a hundred countries where we sell our products requires attention to microscopic details. However, it is a challenge that motivates us every day to exceed our limits. That is why we are the most internationally exported dark rum in the world, and the most international and award-winning Dominican rum.”
The brand has maintained a consistent trajectory over its nearly 100-year history, known for its socially and environmentally sustainable practices, quality processes, product innovation, and milestones. Today, Ron Barceló is available in more than 90 countries, including Spain, the US, Germany, Italy, France, Chile and Peru, where it serves as the ambassador of the Dominican spirit.
Related news
V Rum turns to 100% recycled glass
