Fair Belize Rum XO
Fair Belize Rum XO is the rum with a conscience — 750mL at 40% ABV (80 proof), Fairtrade-certified and distilled in Belize, aged 4–6 years in American ex-bourbon barrels and bottled in Cognac, France — and you can order it online at Del Mesa Liquor, San Diego, CA.
- ABV: 40% (80 proof)
- Size: 750mL
- Aging: 4–6 years in American white oak ex-bourbon barrels
- Origin: single-column distilled at Traveller's Liquors, Belize; bottled in Cognac, France
- Fair-trade: Fairtrade-certified sugarcane from a co-op of ~6,000 independent Belizean farmers; a share of revenue supports the farming communities
- Awards: 93 pts — Wine Enthusiast 2023; Gold — Tipxy Awards 2023; Silver — BTI 2015; Silver — Rhum Fest Paris 2014
Good Rum That Does Good
FAIR's premise is simple: the cane matters as much as the barrel. This XO starts with Fairtrade-certified sugarcane from some 6,000 independent Belizean farmers, distilled in a single column at Traveller's Liquors with a 48-hour open-air fermentation, then aged 4–6 years in ex-bourbon American oak before the long trip to Cognac for bottling. It's vegan, non-GMO, with no added sugar — and the 93 points from Wine Enthusiast say the ethics don't cost a thing in flavor. Browse the store's rum collection or the spirits shelf, and see more from Fair.
Tasting Notes
Fresh chocolate, coffee and grilled bananas on the bouquet; balanced between sweet and spicy with hints of vanilla, chocolate and pear when shaken with citrus; smooth, lingering finish.
How to Enjoy
Neat or on ice to taste the full arc; the importer recommends an Old Fashioned, and Angostura bitters with mint are an exemplary match.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes FAIR Belize XO fair trade?
It's Fairtrade-certified: the sugarcane comes from a co-op of about 6,000 independent Belizean farmers, and a share of revenue is returned to the farming communities.
Where is it made and bottled?
Distilled at Traveller's Liquors in Belize, aged 4–6 years in ex-bourbon barrels, then shipped to Cognac, France for bottling.
How long is it aged?
4–6 years in American white oak ex-bourbon barrels.
Does it contain added sugar?
No — no sugar added, and it's certified vegan, non-GMO and gluten-free.
Drink well and do good — order Fair Belize Rum XO online from Del Mesa Liquor in San Diego, CA.