Ratu is the flagship expression from the Rum Co. of Fiji — the only rum distillery in the island nation, producing rum since 1980 at their facility in Lautoka, Fiji. "Ratu" (pronounced rah-tu) is a Fijian word meaning Chief, and the range lives up to that name with age statements and craftsmanship uncommon in spiced rum. The sugarcane is hand cut from Fiji's fertile volcanic soil and the distilled spirit is filtered through charcoal made from coconut shells — a distinctly Fijian technique that contributes to the rum's notably clean and smooth character before it enters the barrel.
Ratu 5 Year Spiced is aged for five full years in charred oak barrels — a significant commitment for a spiced rum, where most producers skip aging entirely or limit it to a year or two. The tropical aging climate of Fiji accelerates maturation considerably, meaning five years in Fiji develops character equivalent to far longer in a northern climate. Spices including star anise, cinnamon, and vanilla are integrated into the aged rum base, resulting in a richly flavored but genuinely oak-influenced spiced rum. Gold Medal winner at the 2015 San Francisco World Spirits Competition and Silver Medal winner at the 2015 International Wine and Spirit Competition.
ABV / Proof
| Distillery |
Rum Co. of Fiji, Lautoka, Fiji (Est. 1980) — the only rum distillery in Fiji |
| Type |
Spiced Rum — 5 Year Aged |
| Production |
Hand cut Fijian sugarcane, filtered through coconut shell charcoal, aged 5 years in charred oak barrels |
| Spices |
Star anise, cinnamon, vanilla, citrus |
| Awards |
Gold Medal San Francisco World Spirits Competition 2015 | Silver Medal IWSC 2015 | Rum of the Year London Spirit Awards 2018 (inaugural) |
| Proof |
80 Proof |
| ABV |
40% |
| Bottle Size |
750ml |
| Country |
Fiji |
Tasting Notes
Color: Rich mahogany with deep amber warmth — five tropical years in charred oak
Nose: Complex charred oak and citrus lead — glazed orange, smoked oak, and intense vanilla. Toffee, caramel, and a light tropical freshness from the Fijian cane.
Palate: Smooth and rounded with no alcohol bite despite 40% ABV. Vanilla, caramel, candied orange, and liquorice are balanced by warm cinnamon and star anise. The oak base from five years of aging gives it more body and structure than typical spiced rums.
Finish: Long and warm — cinnamon, star anise, and vanilla linger with a pleasant citrus sweetness.
FAQ
What makes Ratu different from other spiced rums?
Most spiced rums are either unaged or very lightly aged before spices are added. Ratu Spiced starts with a 5 year old aged rum base — which in Fiji's tropical climate is the equivalent of far more years in a cooler country. The combination of proper aging, coconut shell charcoal filtration, and Fijian sugarcane gives it a depth and smoothness that most spiced rums simply cannot match.
How should I serve Ratu Spiced?
It is versatile — excellent neat or on ice to appreciate the complexity, and equally at home in a rum and ginger, a dark and stormy, or a tropical cocktail. The 40% ABV means it holds up well in mixed drinks without getting lost.
Where can I buy Ratu 5 Year Spiced Rum online?
Available here at Liquor On Broadway while stock lasts, with fast, insured shipping nationwide.
