Let’s be honest — Captain Morgan is the household name when it comes to spiced rum in the UK. But as your taste matures (or your cocktails get more adventurous), it’s only fair to wonder: what else is out there?

Luckily, the UK rum scene is booming with new players and bold flavour profiles that challenge the norm.

Here are 5 spiced rums you need to try if you’re ready to level up — starting, of course, with the rebellious SLY DOG.

🥇 1. SLY DOG Spiced Rum – The Natural Rule-Breaker

• Origin: Dominican Republic

• ABV: 40%

• Why it wins: 100% natural ingredients, carbon-neutral distillery, and winner of World’s Best Spiced Rum 2023

• Flavour: Smooth, fiery, slightly sweet with deep tropical spice

• Drink it: Neat, over ice, or with ginger beer for a perfect kick

SLY DOG isn’t just a drink — it’s a vibe. Modern, confident, and made for drinkers who want real flavour without the artificial junk. If you’re ditching Captain Morgan, this is your first (and possibly final) stop.

👉 Explore SLY DOG Spiced Rum

🥈 2. Dead Man’s Fingers Spiced Rum – The Wildcard

• Origin: Cornwall, UK

• ABV: 37.5%

• Flavour: Fruity, smooth, slightly sweet

• Vibe: Quirky branding and bold bottle design

• Best with: Cola or in tropical cocktails

It’s fun, approachable, and more playful than punchy — ideal for the rum-curious.

🥉 3. Kraken Black Spiced Rum – The Dark and Mysterious One

• Origin: Caribbean

• ABV: 40%

• Flavour: Rich molasses, coffee, and vanilla notes

• Best with: Cola, or in a dark rum Old Fashioned

If you prefer darker, more intense rum, Kraken is a bold step up from the sweet lightness of Captain Morgan.

🏅 4. Cut Spiced Rum – The Craft Blend

• Origin: UK

• ABV: 37.5%

• Flavour: Orange peel, pepper, and vanilla

• Sustainability: Also boasts clean-label ingredients

• Best with: Ginger beer or in a rum punch

Cut is a solid option for those looking for a more craft-led alternative with subtle complexity.

🎖️ 5. Sailor Jerry Spiced Rum – The OG with Attitude

• Origin: Caribbean

• ABV: 40%

• Flavour: Vanilla-heavy with a cinnamon finish

• Vibe: Tattoo culture and rock-and-roll roots

• Best with: Cola or in a spicy rum sour

A classic brand with a bolder bite than Captain Morgan, though arguably less refined than newer players.

🐾 Final Pour: Who Wins?

There’s no shortage of Captain Morgan alternatives in the UK — but few combine natural ingredients, award-winning flavour, and carbon-neutral values like SLY DOG does.

If you're ready to taste what real spiced rum should feel like in your glass, SLY DOG is your new best friend. Bold, cheeky, and crafted to be sipped, mixed, and gifted with pride.

👉 Ready to join the pack?

Shop SLY DOG Spiced Rum now and experience what Captain never dared deliver.