Jump to:
Spiced rum with a pirate or white rum with a bat on the bottle? This is the age-old question when choosing which rum to purchase.
Well probably not, but the mascot is one factor that can be used in making a decision if everything else is equal.
Thankfully there are other distinctions between Captain Morgan vs Bacardi that should help you make a choice before logos and mascots come into the equation. If you prefer clean and light qualities, Bacardi could be your rum. If bold spice is more your thing then Captain Morgan could be the right choice.
Captain Morgan vs Bacardi
Captain Morgan Rum is undoubtedly the new kid on the block when discussing Captain Morgan vs. Bacardi. Captain Morgan Rum is a Jamaican Spiced Rum that started in the 1940s.
Then in the early 1980s Captain Morgan hit the shores of the United States and hasn’t looked back since.
In the intervening years, the Captain Morgan brand has added an array of variants and flavors although the Spiced Rum remains the king of the collection.
The brand was also acquired by the considerable beverage company Diageo plc which also owns brands like Bulleit Bourbon and Don Julio Tequila.
The Bacardi vs Captain Morgan battle isn’t one-sided. Bacardi Rum has an exceptional product and a much longer history.
Bacardi’s roots can be traced back to 1862 in Cuba. Bacardi Rum is best known for Bacardi Superior White Rum but over the years they have also built a large portfolio.
This collection includes white rum, aged rum, flavored rum, and ready-to-drink rum cocktails. Bacardi Rum has remained under private ownership and the parent company, Bacardi Limited, has grown considerably by acquiring brands like Grey Goose Vodka and Bombay Sapphire Gin.
How Are They Made?
Rum is a spirit made by fermenting sugarcane or molasses before distilling and aging the alcohol. It may sound like a simple process but there are many twists and turns that can be taken to get the desired qualities of rum you’re looking for.
Bacardi Rum achieves its distinct flavor and quality by using its own patented Bacardi yeast and fermenting the rum for 30 hours in closed tanks.
After fermentation, the rum is aged in former bourbon barrels for at least one year and often much longer.
While Bacardi’s signature is due to the fermentation, Captain Morgan’s uniqueness is due to the distillation. Captain Morgan uses a continuous still which allows more clean, flavorful rum to be produced than with a pot still.
What Are They Made Of?
Both Captain Morgan Spiced Rum and Bacardi Rum are made with molasses as the base. Captain Morgan Spiced Rum uses a “secret recipe” of spices and natural flavors to achieve the spice.
Although secret there are definite notes of cardamom, clove, and cinnamon. While Bacardi does have a spiced rum in its lineup the white rum is the star.
How Are They Similar?
The original versions of each of these rums are arguably very different. Over time the brands have evolved to have broad appeal to many drinkers both in offerings and in price.
Bacardi has a killer white rum and Captain Morgan specializes in spiced rum. They both now offer white rum, spiced rum, flavored rum, and ready-to-drink cocktails.
Price, Size, Color, Alcohol Percentage Comparison
Captain Morgan’s product line now consists of multiple types of spiced rum, white rum, flavored rum, premium rum, and pre-mixed rum cocktails.
Captain Morgan varieties range from 70 Proof to 100 Proof, mild to spicy to sweet, and are clear to very dark in color depending on the variety.
- Captain Morgan Original Spiced Rum
- 70 Proof
- Golden, bold, and spicy
- 750 ml, From $14.99
- Captain Morgan Silver Spiced Rum
- 70 Proof
- Blend of white rum and spiced rum
- 750 ml, From $21.99
- Captain Morgan Black Spiced Rum
- 6 Proof
- Darker and bolder spice
- 750 ml, From $21.99
- Captain Morgan 100 Proof Spiced Rum
- 100 Proof
- Intense but smooth
- 750 ml, From $21.99
- Captain Morgan White Rum
- 80 Proof
- Clean
- 750 ml, From $15.99
- Captain Morgan Private Stock
- 80 Proof
- Rich and refined
- 750 ml, From $26.99
- Captain Morgan Flavored: Sliced Apple, Coconut, Cherry Vanilla, Pineapple, and Orange Vanilla Twist
- 60-70 Proof
- Sweet and smooth
- 750 ml, From $14.99
- Captain Morgan Cocktails: Tropical Punch, Long Island Iced Tea, and Mai Tai
- 26-34 Proof
- Pre-mixed, sweet, and refreshing
- 75 L, From $19.99
The Bacardi Rum collection is highlighted by Bacardi Superior White Rum. From there Bacardi ventures into spice, flavored rum, aged rum, and ready-to-drink cocktails.
- Bacardi Superior White Rum
- 80 Proof
- Light and balanced
- 750 ml, From $14.99
- Bacardi Gold Rum
- 80 Proof
- Golden with a more complex flavor
- 750 ml, From $19.99
- Bacardi Spiced Rum
- 70 Proof
- Aged, spicy, smooth, and golden brown
- 750 ml, From $14.99
- Bacardi Flavored Rum: Coconut, Tropical, Limon, Lime, Dragonberry, Pineapple, Mango, and Raspberry
- 70 Proof
- Clear in color, sweet tropical taste
- 750 ml, From $15.99
- Bacardi Reserva Ocho
- 80 Proof
- Dark, aged for a minimum of 8 years, stone fruit & spice
- 750 ml, From $31.99
- Bacardi Añejo Cuatro
- 80 Proof
- Golden, aged for 4 years, mild & smooth
- 750 ml, From $21.99
- Bacardi Ready to Drink in Cans: Rum Punch, Mojito, Bahama Mama, Limon & Lemonade, Lime & Soda, and Sunset Punch
- 9 % ABV (11.8 Proof)
- Single-serve rum cocktails in a can
- 4 Pack 12 oz cans, From $12.99
- Bacardi Ready to Serve Bottles: Island Punch, Bahama Mama, Rum Punch, Mojito, Hurricane, Zombie, and Island Tea
- 25 Proof
- Pre-mixed premium cocktails
- 75 L, From $19.99
How to Drink?
Bacardi Superior Rum can be enjoyed straight or on the rocks but cocktails are where Bacardi shines. White Rum and specifically Bacardi is a great option for a Mojito or Daiquiri.
Bacardi Daiquiri
- 2 oz Bacardi Superior Rum
- 1 oz Lime Juice
- ⅓ oz Extra Fine Sugar
Stir sugar and lime juice in a cocktail shaker until dissolved. Add rum and ice, shake well, and strain into a chilled cocktail glass.
Captain Morgan Original Spiced Rum is primarily used as a mixer in a variety of exciting cocktails. Captain and Coke is an easy and popular drink. Captain Morgan is also a fine base for a rum punch or tropical drink.
Classic Rum Punch
- 1 oz Captain Morgan Original Spiced Rum
- 1 oz Captain Morgan White Rum
- 2 oz Pineapple Juice
- 1 oz Orange Juice
- 0.5 oz Lime Juice
- 0.5 oz Grenadine
- Orange & Maraschino Cherry (for Garnish)
Combine all liquid ingredients into a shaker, shake well, strain into an ice-filled glass, garnish and serve.
Alternatives
Captain Morgan and Bacardi are quality, versatile, and affordable options for spiced and white rum. That being said there are viable alternatives for each category.
Other viable Captain Morgan Spiced Rum alternatives are Sailor Jerry Original Spiced Rum ($14.99), Admiral Nelson ($8.99), and Kraken Black Spiced Rum ($18.99).
Sailor Jerry is the most similar in taste and price, Admiral Nelson is a cheaper rum, and Kraken offers a more expensive darker take on spiced rum.
Additional choices for white rum are Don Q Cristal Rum ($14.99) and Cruzan Aged Light Rum (From $13.99). Both of these options compare favorably to Bacardi Superior Rum.
A major difference between the white rums is that Cruzan is aged longer and Don Q is ultra distilled.
Captain Morgan vs Bacardi FAQs
Which rum came first?
Bacardi was on the rum scene before Captain Morgan. Bacardi’s start dates back to the 1860s and Captain Morgan launched in the 1940s.
Which rum is more popular?
This is a very close matchup. Both brands are at or near the top in popularity and overall sales.
Which rum is stronger?
When putting Captain Morgan Original Spiced Rum head to head with Bacardi Superior Rum, Bacardi is the stronger spirit. Bacardi is 80 Proof and Captain Morgan is 70 Proof.
When you start looking at the whole product line there is a big range of alcohol strength. Captain Morgan has two varieties that are very strong: Captain Morgan Black Spiced Rum is 94.6 Proof and Captain Morgan 100 Proof Spiced Rum is 100 Proof.
Which rum is vegan?
Both brands of rum are considered to be vegan-friendly meaning no animals were used in their production.
Which rum is gluten-free?
Bacardi and Captain Morgan are gluten-free. It should be mentioned that distillation removes all gluten but keep an eye out for any extra flavors added post distillation.
