Jester crowned World’s Best at the World Rum Awards 2026

We’re delighted to announce that Jester Rum Cask Strength Sherry Expression has won all three rounds in its style at the prestigious World Rum Awards 2026, culminating in the title of World’s Best Rum.

After five years of patient maturation in ex-Bourbon and Oloroso Sherry casks, our award-winning Jester White Rum returns transformed. Bottled at natural cask strength, this limited-edition release is a masterful marriage of both cask types, delivering exceptional depth, rich layers of flavour, and remarkable complexity. Every drop has been crafted entirely from scratch at our Stratford-upon-Avon distillery, from fermentation and distillation through to maturation and bottling.

The World Rum Awards are widely regarded as one of the most respected and influential competitions in the global rum industry. Bringing together entries from producers around the world, the awards are judged through a rigorous blind-tasting process by an expert panel of industry specialists, writers, and spirits judges.

Following the initial judging rounds in Norwich earlier this year, Jester Rum Cask Strength Sherry Expression was awarded Gold and named UK Style Winner in the Hybrid Still (5 Years and Under) category. It then progressed to the international finals, competing against category winners from around the world, before being awarded World’s Best Hybrid Still at the World Rum Awards Finals in London on Tuesday 2 June.

To receive recognition on such a prestigious international stage is an incredible honour for our team and a proud moment for British rum production.

Director, Simon Picken, said:

“Having our rum recognised by our peers on the world stage is a huge testament to the dedication and skill of our distillery team here in Stratford-upon-Avon. To be named World’s Best Hybrid Still among entries from across the globe is an achievement we’re immensely proud of and one that reflects the passion, patience and craftsmanship that goes into every bottle we produce.”

The Jester name takes its inspiration from Shakespeare’s iconic characters – bold, playful and often scene-stealing. True to its name, this latest expression leaves a lasting impression. We remain one of only a handful of UK producers creating rum entirely onsite, maintaining complete control over every stage of production.

Jester Aged British Rum (Sherry Expression) officially launches on 4 June and is available online and in our 1 High St and Distillery shops for £48 per 50cl bottle and £7.25 per 5cl bottle. Click here to get your bottle!

For those looking to experience a truly world-class rum, crafted in the heart of Stratford-upon-Avon, there has never been a better time to discover Jester.