We recommend the 3-rum blend described below, but you can get by with a single rum as well. For the latter, we highly recommend a smooth and elegant aged rum (something you would enjoy sipping by itself): see Dos Maderas 5+3.
Dos Maderas 5+3 - First aged five years in the Caribbean inside American oak casks, then aged an additional three years in Spain inside 20-year sherry casks, the result is a very smooth vanilla aroma and unique flavor. It’s also easy to drink neat or on the rocks.
Banks 5 Island - Great for mixing, this white rum blends 20+ rums from (no surprise) five rum producing islands. If you’re unable to source Banks, Planteray is a good substitute, with rum from Barbados, Jamaica, and Trinidad.
Smith & Cross - A traditional high proof Jamaican rum, most people would enjoy a certain level of dilution to get the most out of it. That said, Smith & Cross really rounds out this rum blend and ratchets up the intensity of this cocktail to a Category 5.