E. León Jimenes 110 Aniversario Named 'Best in Show' at Favorite Sipping Rum Competition

The Ultimate Awards recognize excellence in premium rums through blind judging and professional tasting standards.

Published on Feb. 12, 2026

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The 2026 Ultimate Awards - Favorite Sipping Rum Competition, presented in partnership with the Wine & Spirit Education Trust (WSET), concluded on February 5, 2026 in Miami. Leading rum producers from around the world entered exceptional sipping rums that were evaluated through blind tastings by a panel of WSET-certified judges and guest experts. The E. León Jimenes 110 Aniversario Rum was named 'Best in Show', with other category winners including Burdekin Rum Virgin Cane Spirit, Hampden Estate 1753, Ron Abuelo 7 Year, and Copalli Organic Cacao Rum.

Why it matters

The Ultimate Awards highlight the growing appreciation and demand for premium, craft-distilled rums that can be enjoyed as sipping spirits. As the rum category continues to evolve, competitions like this help identify and celebrate the best examples of balanced, complex, and expertly produced rums from around the world.

The details

The competition evaluated rums across several categories based on balance, complexity, aroma, flavor, and finish. Top honors were awarded to expressions that best exemplified excellence and craftsmanship within their respective classes, including unaged rums, 1-3 years aged, 4-7 years aged, 8+ years aged, and flavored rums.

  • The 2026 Ultimate Awards - Favorite Sipping Rum Competition concluded on February 5, 2026.
  • The awards ceremony took place during the official weekend of the Miami Rum Congress.

The players

E. León Jimenes 110 Aniversario Rum

The rum named 'Best in Show' and 'Best 8+ Years Aged Rum' at the competition.

Wine & Spirit Education Trust (WSET)

The prestigious organization that partnered with The Ultimate Awards to present the Favorite Sipping Rum Competition and provide the judging panel.

Total Wine & More South Beach

The venue that hosted the awards ceremony during the Miami Rum Congress.

Burdekin Rum

The producer of the 'Best Unaged Rum' Burdekin Rum Virgin Cane Spirit, as well as several other medal-winning expressions.

Hampden Estate 1753

The rum named 'Best 1-3 Years Aged Rum' at the competition.

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The takeaway

As the rum category continues to evolve, competitions like the Ultimate Awards help identify and celebrate the best examples of balanced, complex, and expertly produced rums from around the world, showcasing the craftsmanship and innovation happening in the premium spirits space.