Barceló
Barceló is rum from the Dominican Republic: smooth, rounded and approachable, with caramel, nuts and vanilla. From Gran Añejo for rum and cola to Imperial for drinking neat.
Smooth rum from the Caribbean
Barceló comes from the Dominican Republic, the country that shares the island of Hispaniola with Haiti. The brand was founded by Julián Barceló, a Spaniard who emigrated to the Dominican Republic. Barceló has grown into one of the best-known rum brands there and is sold in many countries.
Dominican rum belongs to the Spanish-speaking rum tradition: light in style, smooth and rounded. It has little of the heavy, funky flavor found in Jamaican rum. Barceló ages its rum in American oak, giving it the typical notes of caramel, vanilla, nuts and a touch of coconut. The brand has two lines: Gran Añejo for everyday use and long drinks, and the Imperial family, which is aged longer and intended for drinking neat.
In brief
Six Barceló bottles, from Gran Añejo to Imperial
Gall & Gall sells six types of Barceló, all dark rums. The two Gran Añejo bottles are for mixing, while the four from the Imperial family are for sipping.
Barceló Gran Añejo
Amber-colored rum, aged in American oak. Buttery caramel, nuts and spices, with a dry finish of toasted coconut.
Barceló Gran Añejo Dark
Aged for six years in double-toasted American oak barrels. Darker, with fruit, a hint of coffee, nuts and tobacco.
Barceló Imperial
Aged for a long time in American oak. Copper-colored, with buttery toffee, delicate flowers and dried fruit. The brand's best-known bottle.
Barceló Imperial Onyx
Aged in double-charred American oak barrels and then filtered through black onyx stone. Tighter and somewhat darker in character.
Barceló Imperial Porto Cask
From the Rare Blend Collection. Aged in casks that previously held port, giving it dried fruit, vanilla and caramel flavours.
Imperial Premium Blend 40th Anniversary
First aged for ten years in American oak, then for another two years in large French oak casks. Crème brûlée, caramelised raisins and dried spices.
What is the difference between white, dark and spiced rum? You can read about it on our rum page.
Caramel, nuts and vanilla
Caramel & nuts
Buttery caramel and toffee, with nuts and a spicy note. With Imperial, these are joined by floral notes and dried fruit; with Porto Cask, raisins.
Smooth and rounded
Lightly sweet and smooth, with vanilla and oak from the barrels. Gran Añejo is drier and medium-bodied, while Imperial is fuller and rounder.
Dry and warm
A warm finish with dry caramel and a pinch of pepper. Longer in the older bottles, with oak and dried spices.
Flavour profile of Barceló Imperial. Gran Añejo is drier and lighter; the 40th Anniversary is more full-bodied.
Three ways to drink Barceló
In the Dominican Republic, rum is often simply enjoyed over ice. That works here too, especially with the Imperial.
Over ice
4 cl Imperial in a tumbler with a few large ice cubes, optionally with a slice of orange or lime. The ice makes the rum fresher and takes the edge off.
Glass: tumbler →With cola and lime
5 cl Gran Añejo over plenty of ice, top up with cold cola and a generous lime wedge. The rum’s dry caramel pairs well with the cola.
Cuba Libre recipe →Taste it neat
Pour the Porto Cask or the 40th Anniversary at room temperature into a tulip-shaped tasting glass. Let it stand for a few minutes; this allows the dried fruit and oak to emerge more clearly.
Glass: tasting glass →Cocktails with Barceló
Barceló is dark rum, so choose cocktails in which the caramel and oak add something.
Cuba Libre
Rum, cola and lime over plenty of ice.
Rum Old Fashioned
Aged rum, sugar and bitters, stirred over ice.
Piña Colada
Rum, pineapple and coconut. Fuller in flavour with dark rum.
Daiquiri
Rum, lime and sugar, shaken hard.The right glass for Barceló
A sturdy tumbler for rum over ice and rum and cola, and a tulip-shaped tasting glass for the Imperial and the 40th Anniversary. These are the glasses we recommend ourselves.
Everything else you wanted to know about Barceló
Can't find your question here? Read more about rum or explore our rum cocktails.
To rum →Where does Barceló rum come from?
How much alcohol is in Barceló?
What is the difference between Barceló Gran Añejo and Imperial?
How do you drink Barceló Imperial?
Which glass do you use for rum?
What is Barceló Imperial Onyx?
Buy Barceló
Want the bottle at home right away? Order Barceló online from Gall & Gall. Gall & Gall has 6 in stock.
Prices as of October 8, 2026, as provided by Gall & Gall. You can see the current price and stock at Gall & Gall. Glazen.nl receives a small commission if you buy something through these links; you pay nothing extra. No 18, no alcohol.