The Best of the Barrel: Maggie's Farm Rum

Step aside, whiskey, there’s a new spirit we need to talk about: rum. And you can’t find a better bottle of it than at Maggie’s Farm Rum — at least according to the panel of judges for the American Craft Spirits Association. At the 3rd Annual Convention and Judging of American Craft Spirits, all six rums that Maggie’s Farm submitted left with medals, but one in particular made a strong impression (and not just because of its 90 proof composition). “Our Single Barrel aged rum was awarded the Best-in-Class honor for rum,” says Tim Russell, founder and head distiller. The true honor came when the association announced the award for Best-in-Show, a title that whiskeys, vodkas, rums, brandys, and liqueurs from over 400 distilleries were all competing for. Maggie’s Farm took that one, too. “I think the biggest deal is that we beat out whiskey,” Russell says. “Everybody loves whiskey right now; it’s considered America’s favorite spirit.” While the Single Barrel is currently out of stock, visit the distillery to taste other award-winning rums during the week, and try them in craft cocktails over the weekend.

Maggie’s Farm Rum, 3212A Smallman St., Strip District. 412.709.6480. maggiesfarmrum.com.