22 Rum-Related Gifts To Spice Up Men’s Retirement
August 18, 2023We recommend the best products that we believe will offer value for our readers —learn more about our review process . If you buy through links on our site, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
After years and years of service in any field, people deserve to retire and live out the rest of their days doing whatever they want. This milestone is a great opportunity to give the retiree an awesome gift that aligns with their hobbies and interests.
For this post, we will focus on men who love rum , so the gifts range from tools they can use to have better rum drinking experiences to interesting bottles of rum they should try. Without further ado, here are the best retirement gifts for men who love rum!
Our Top Picks
1. Best Container: Kobi & Knight Premium Skull Decanter
Rum is often associated with pirates, and skulls are often symbols for the latter, which is why this decanter makes a great gift for rum lovers. It is crafted using a traditional 4,000-year-old technique, making it a work of art.
Aside from the mouth-blown, lead-free borosilicate glass decanter, it also comes with a leakproof crystal stopper and a deluxe black gift box with foam protection and silky black satin lining. The skull detail also makes it a great display in home bars !
Related: Types Of Decanter
2. Best Aged Rum: Ron Barcelo 40th Anniversary Imperial Blend
“This premium sipping rum is perfect for the man in your life with exquisite taste. A special blend of Barceló Imperial's private reserves of Barceló Imperial has been set aside for additional aging,” says Kelly Carr, account executive of CURICH|WEISS .
She adds, “In casks made from selected cuts of white oak that were previously used for the aging of highly prestigious Bordeaux wines, these ten-year-old reserves were aged for an additional two years.”
Related: What Is An Aged Spirit?
3. Best For Tiki Lovers: Smuggler's Cove: Exotic Cocktails, Rum, and the Cult of Tiki
This book is perfect for retirees who appreciate the Tiki culture. Authored by Martin and Rebecca Cate, the masterminds behind the acclaimed Smuggler's Cove tiki bar, this book comprehensively explores tiki's origins.
Our favorite highlight of it is its unique approach to understanding rum, shedding light on the different varieties and nuances of this beloved spirit. It also offers over 100 delightful cocktail recipes, including original creations and historical classics.
Related: The Best Tiki Drink Garnishes
4. Best Sipping Rum: Ron Zacapa Centenario XO Solera Gran Reserva Especial
“With a deep understanding of rum and its aficionados, I strongly recommend the Ron Zacapa Centenario XO Solera Gran Reserva Especial, a unique rum hailing from Guatemala and is known for its exceptional quality and rich heritage,” states Damein Jaywalter, co-founder of DirectUnlocks .
“With a splendid blend of sweetness, spice, fruit, and spirit, it gives a well-rounded and complex tasting experience. It is presented in an elegant decanter-style bottle with a beautifully designed band depicting Guatemalan motifs. It showcases the respect for tradition and attention to detail that went into creating the spirit inside,” he adds.
Related: Rum Vs. Whiskey
5. Best For History Lovers: And a Bottle of Rum, a History of the World in Ten Cocktails
If the retiree you know loves a combination of rum cocktails and history, this book will be an enjoyable read for sure. Written by Wayne Curtis, it spills the beans on the epic role rum played in big events and is packed with cool insights into how rum shaped the Caribbean and North America.
It also includes topics on spirits trade, patriotism, and even the legacy of slavery; it's all in there, setting the record straight on myths and stuff. Wayne also creatively split the rum history into different ages, each having its favorite cocktail.
Related: What Can You Mix With Malibu Coconut Rum?
6. Best For Rum Cocktail Drinkers: Rum: Shake, Muddle, Stir: Over 40 of the Best Cocktails for Serious Rum Lovers
This book is a treat for rum lovers who are looking for unique cocktails for a spruced-up experience. It is crafted by the talented Dan Jones and is packed with over 40 mind-blowing rum cocktails that'll rock the retiree’s taste buds.
The author tackles all the significant names the reader must know in the world of rum-making. We also appreciate that this book keeps it simple and engaging with cool illustrations and an easy-to-understand format for recipes of fancy punches, aperitifs, teas, and more.
Related: The Best Rum Cocktails For Fall
7. Best Pop Culture Reference: Why Is The Rum Always Gone - Pirates of the Caribbean T-Shirt
It’s time to dump the old uniforms and see them in a comfortable shirt that displays their love for rum. If they’re a fan of Pirates of the Caribbean, they’ll recognize the shirt design right away: “Why Is The Rum Always Gone.” It’s even printed in a distressed font, making it more “pirate-y.”
Also, this shirt will bring comfort as it feels light against the skin and is breathable. It comes in various colors, too, such as black, red, gray, etc., and is available in different sizes.
Related: The Best Gifts For Nerds
8. Best Blended Rum: Chairman’s Reserve 1931
“There is not really any rum in the world like the Chairman’s Reserve 1931. It is an eclectic assembly of several rums from various pot stills, molasses, and sugarcane distillates, as well as some of the rums have aged in wine casks and port casks. It is an ideal gift for a man who has it all, but I bet he does not have this,” remarks Ben Jones, managing director of Spiribam .
Related: The Best Rums For Mai Tai
9. Best For Budding Rum Makers: American Oak Barrel Personalized Rum Making Kit
With this kit, you won’t only be gifting items but also the experience of making spiced rum! The laser-engraved personalization adds to its appeal, which features a name, established year, last name, and even a city/state.
Also included in the kit are essential accessories, like the bung, spigot, aging stand, Skeeter's Reserve Premium Essence, cleaning kit, and more!
Related: Is Spiced Rum Keto?
10. Best Print Design: Greenline Goods Kraken Whiskey Glasses
For a simple gift choice, you could never go wrong with a glass set! These cool ones feature a black Kraken tentacles design, another pirate reference. The heft of these sturdy glasses is unmistakable, thanks to their heavy-weighted base.
And there’s no need to worry about safety, as they're 100% lead-free. Moreover, when the fun is over, you can easily toss them in the dishwasher. Greenline Goods even offers a 100% Money Back Guarantee for peace of mind!
Related: The Best Drinking Glasses
11. Best Portable: Viski Leather Wrapped Flask
“This sleek, stylish carrier is great for those who love to travel with their rum. It holds five ounces and can be a companion for your rum-loving friend during his retirement travels,” says Andhi Ermawan, founder of MyProsAndCons .
“Furthermore, it's a practical yet thoughtful gift that speaks volumes about your understanding of his love for rum,” he notes.
Related: The Best Hidden Flasks
12. Best Gift That Keeps On Giving: Taster’s Club Rum Of The Month
If you don’t mind spending money on a great and memorable gift, this subscription is awesome! It offers flexibility with 3-, 6-, or 12-month prepaid memberships, as well as a Three Bottle Gift Pack and a month-to-month subscription.
Moreover, we like how Taster's Club offers the convenience of home delivery, which is now available in 46 states. It offers a range of price options, from $55 to $900, making it suitable for every budget.
Related: Why Join A Wine Club?
13. Best For Economics Lovers: Charles Coulombe’s 'Rum: The Epic Story of the Drink That Conquered the World
“I’d always choose a copy of Charles Coulombe’s 'Rum: The Epic Story of the Drink That Conquered the World’ as a little knowledge can accentuate your enjoyment of whatever it is you love,” expresses Chris Reed, executive marketing director of Protect Line .
“It’s great if they like to accumulate knowledge and talk about their passions or just enjoy sipping a glass of grog and savoring its flavor when the day is done. And it’s perfect for anyone retiring, as they’ll have the time to actually read it and discover all there is to know about their favorite tipple,” he adds.
14. Best Experience: Mount Gay Rum Distillery Tour
It’s right what they say: “Experiences result in greater happiness.” On this tour, the retiree can see the distilling house and aging bonds where Mount Gay Rum develops its complex flavors over time.
They will also gain insight into the meticulous production process and heritage that goes into each bottle, among other things. It's full of memorable and immersive experiences, including sampling two signature rums in a curated tasting that showcases the distillers' expertise.
15. Best For Captain Morgan Fans: Personalized Captain Morgan Rum Glass
To make recipients feel closer and more connected to your gift, you can give them something tailored for them. This top-notch highball glass can be customized with the retiree’s name through engraving, and we assure you the details are neat and boast longevity.
The glass itself is crafted from a durable type of glass with amazing brilliance. It's securely packaged in a presentable wooden box, making it a breeze to present with pride.
16. Best For Grilled Food: Fire Sense 60508 Notebook Charcoal BBQ Grill
If there’s one thing that never fails as a rum pairing, it’s grilled food. Grilling is made easy with this portable, compact, and foldable griller, which includes a charcoal and grill rack! It’s even easier to carry around with its innovative handy handle, just like a sleek case!
In terms of durability, this boasts high-heat-resistant-painted steel. The grill rack is also crafted from food-grade stainless steel, guaranteeing safe and rust-free cooking.
Related: The Best Whiskey Flavored Sauces
17. Best For Hosting Parties: ROYAL CRAFT WOOD Bamboo Cheese Board
Cheese or charcuterie boards are also iconic rum pairings. We recommend this cheese board because it is made from 100% sustainably sourced bamboo wood, making it beautiful and eco-friendly. It is designed with deep grooves on each side for holding crackers, nuts, or fruits.
Accidental slipping is also prevented with the included slip-resistant tabs on the bottom. In addition, this board’s surface is non-porous and water-resistant, which calls for worry-free cleaning!
Related: Wine And Cheese Pairings
18. Best Healthy Option: RumISH - Non-Alcoholic Rum Alternative
Sometimes, old age requires us to stop drinking rum. But thankfully, non-alcoholic rum exists, and RumISH from ISH Spirits is one of the best! It strictly uses all-natural botanicals, resulting in a harmonious symphony of caramel, vanilla, and nutmeg notes.
RumISH has earned widespread acclaim, being honored with three Gold Medals for its exceptional taste and quality. But its highlight is its sugar-free and low-calorie formulation, and it’s completely vegan!
Related: The Best Non-Alcoholic Spirit Brands
19. Best Practical: Riedel Mixing Rum Glass Set
“The experience of enjoying rum is more than just about the drink itself. The aesthetic and atmosphere contribute significantly to the pleasure,” says Clay Cary, lead analyst at CouponFollow .
“Specialized rum glasses from Riedel enhance the rum-tasting experience with their thoughtfully designed shape. They carry a charm that accentuates the flavors and adds a stylish touch to the occasion,” he adds.
20. Best For Home Bars: LoopyArtDesigns Personalised Bar Sign
With this bar sign, you have the freedom to add any name and date, making it truly memorable. The design is expertly printed onto high-quality 300g fine art media and then carefully mounted onto a sturdy MDF board.
It is available in two sizes - standard and large- and arrives ready to hang, which is very convenient. We adore how this sign exudes rustic and retro vibes simultaneously - it’s truly a conversation starter!
Related: The Best Gifts For Home Bartenders
21. Best For Chocoholics: Ship in a Barrel & Truffle Gift
This gift is an impressive ensemble that’s sure to impress. Inside, you'll discover a carefully curated collection that includes a bottle of your chosen liquor, a mesmerizing ship-in-a-barrel decanter, a delectable box of chocolate truffles, and a long acacia serving board.
With the decanter’s elegant and reflective gold-toned handle and spout, it's bound to become an eye-catching centerpiece. The chocolates may not last as long as the decanter, but you’re guaranteed to have an awesome time eating them while drinking the best rum.
22. Most Unique Rum: Amagi 9 Year Rum
“A bottle of Amagi Rum from Japan is the perfect retirement gift! This one-off rum comes from nine casks of kokuto-sugar-based rum that were found quietly aging -- honestly, forgotten – in the attic of Shinozaki distillery,” states Stephen Lyman , ambassador of Honkaku Spirits .
He continues, “This rum was given 95 points from The Ultimate Beverage Challenge. Due to being made using koji fermentation for 15 days, which is what gives other Japanese specialties like soy sauce and mirin the unmistakable umami, the rum is incredibly tasty with notes of sweet orange pastry, tropical kiwi fruit, and overripe banana.”
Related: The Best Japanese Whiskies
Final Verdict
For the retirement of a loved one who loves rum, help him catch up on his favorite drink by giving him useful and interesting gifts. Whether you’ll give him an experience or a long-lasting item, these will surely make him appreciate the beloved drink more.
Which rum-related retirement gift will make it to your loved one’s retirement party? We’d love to know your thoughts in the comments below!
Retirement Gifts For Men Who Love Rum Buying Guide
Looking for retirement gifts may be confusing at first but with the help of guidelines or factors, you’ll have an easier time narrowing down your choices.
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Compatibility/ Preferences
Choosing a retirement gift that is appropriate and compatible with the recipient is important. You need to consider what type of rum drinker he is. Is he a die-hard fan of rum or an occasional drinker? Does he drink his rum neat or as a cocktail?
Billy Parker, director of Gift Delivery , says, “If the man in question is a fan of craft cocktails, a home bar set with all the necessary tools and ingredients could be a great option. Alternatively, if he’s more of a traditionalist, a bottle of his favorite rum or a subscription to a rum-of-the-month club could be a great choice.”
Furthermore, Jimmy Doheny, Director of SimplyCodes , advises, “Take into account the retiree's preferred rum styles and flavors. Some individuals may enjoy dark, aged rums with rich flavors, while others may prefer lighter, spiced rums.
He adds, “Consider their favorite brands or regions as well. Understanding their taste preferences will help you select a rum or rum-related gift they will truly appreciate.”
Finally, Gareth Boyd, managing director of Boyd Hampers , states, “Considers the level of the recipient's rum expertise. If they are connoisseurs who enjoy exploring new flavors, a unique limited-edition rum bottle could be an excellent choice.”
“On the other hand, if they are new to the world of rum, a rum cocktail recipe book could be a thoughtful and educational gift,” he notes.
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Quality
Make sure the gift will last and be enjoyed for years to come. For example, a nice rum decanter or bartender's kit made from quality materials can become a staple of his bar for years. Avoid any gifts that seem flimsy, low-quality, or non-durable.
Kay Velik, content director of Nine Peaks Media , says, “Look for reputable brands and well-reviewed products. Research different rum options and read reviews to ensure you're choosing a high-quality product that will provide an exceptional drinking experience.”
She adds, “Consider adding a personal touch to the gift. Personalized rum barrels, engraved glassware, or custom labels can make the gift even more special and memorable.”
On the other hand, consumable gifts like rum or food should also possess a certain level of quality. Ensure the recipient likes the rum or food you’re giving, and always check if they have food restrictions.
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Benefits
Consider gifts that will be useful and serve a purpose in the recipient’s retirement lifestyle. For example, a set of glasses gives them something to use anytime they enjoy rum. Decanters or bar tools allow them to pursue mixology, while books on rum provide learning and entertainment.
While consumables and experiences don’t last long, they also benefit the retiree in the form of great memories and satisfaction.
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Price
Setting a budget appropriate for your relationship with the retiree is prudent. Extravagant, costly gifts may not align if you are a casual coworker, but that is reasonable for a close family member.
It’s also okay if your budget is low because there are affordable items that make amazing gifts. Set a spending range you are comfortable with and look for the best quality item possible at your price point.
Retirement Gifts For Men Who Love Rum FAQ
1. What is the purpose of a retirement gift?
The purpose of giving a retirement gift is to show appreciation and gratitude to an employee who is leaving the workplace after a long career.
Often, retirement gifts have sentimental value and remind the retiree of the wonderful years spent with friendly colleagues and bosses.
2. What retirement gift can I give to a co-worker?
Luckily, you've got plenty of cool retirement gift ideas for your coworker! First of all, you can't go wrong with something personalized, like a bar sign for their man cave or custom rum glasses engraved with their name and retirement date.
Then, of course, a bottle of their favorite rum or a liquor subscription service would put an instant smile on their face.
Or, if you’re focused on creating memories together, sign up for a distillery tour with other colleagues where you can make your own spirits, sample different types of rum, and chat about all the good times you shared in the office throughout the years!
3. How much should I spend on a retirement gift?
The amount you spend on a retirement gift depends on a few factors: your relationship with the retiree, office norms and gift expectations, and what you can reasonably afford.
Some general guidelines are to aim for $25-$50 if you are colleagues but not close, $50-$100 for someone you work with regularly, and $100-$200 or more for a mentor or someone very influential in your career. Some offices take up a collection to get one larger gift.
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