We were recently gifted a bottle of Bumbu Crème — a rum-based cream liqueur that’s been quietly building a bit of a following. If you’ve heard of Bumbu before, it’s probably for their spiced rum with the big gold “X” on the bottle. But this one’s a bit different. It leans hard into indulgence — think thick cream, sweet vanilla, warm spice — and honestly, it’s more pudding than punch.
I wasn’t sure what to expect at first. Cream liqueurs can be a bit hit or miss — they either nail that sweet, smooth balance or fall into syrupy-overkill territory. But this Bumbu Crème liqueur has a charm to it, and I found myself coming back for “just one more taste” more often than I’d like to admit.
First Impressions
Let’s talk packaging. Bumbu’s bottles always feel heavy in the hand — this one’s no exception. White glass with raised lettering, gold trim, and that signature pirate-style “X” branding front and centre. It looks premium, a little flashy, but not over the top. You could pop this on the Christmas drinks table or bring it to a dinner party and it wouldn’t look out of place.
Now onto the pour: it’s thick and creamy, somewhere between Baileys and RumChata in colour and texture. The aroma hits you straight away — vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg, and something that reminded me of rice pudding. Definitely dessert vibes.
The Taste
Neat, it’s rich — very rich. You get a big hit of sweet vanilla and caramel upfront, followed by those warming baking spices. There’s definitely a rum note in the background, but it’s subtle and smooth, not boozy or harsh. Some people say it reminds them of chai latte with a rum kick, and honestly, that’s not far off. I even caught a bit of almond or coconut in there too, though that might just be the spice mix playing tricks.
It’s indulgent, no doubt — so if you’re not into sweet liqueurs, this won’t convert you. But if you’ve got a sweet tooth or enjoy a creamy after-dinner drink, Bumbu Crème goes down very easily. Almost too easily.
I tried it chilled, straight from the fridge, and that’s where it really shines. Over ice it softens a little, and that thick texture turns velvety. You could also serve it over ice cream for a lazy affogato-style dessert, or add it to coffee for a boozy brunch treat.
Cocktail Play
While it’s probably best served neat or over ice, there are definitely some fun ways to play with it. I gave it a go in a Caramel Carajillo – it was decadent, rich, and dangerously drinkable. A few people online have added it simply to a hot chocolate with whipped cream on top – and to be honest, I can’t think of many better ways to finish off a cold evening.
That said, this isn’t the most versatile bottle in the world. It’s not going to work in your sours or citrus-forward drinks. It’s for sweet, comforting serves — and that’s perfectly fine as long as you know what you’re getting.
So, Who’s It For?
Anyone who enjoys a sweet, creamy liqueur will get on very well with this. If you like Baileys, RumChata, or Amarula, Bumbu Crème is one for you to try. It’s especially good for after dinner or around the holidays — a proper treat in a glass.
But if you’re looking for a serious rum-forward experience, you won’t find it here. This is a liqueur first and foremost, and the rum influence is more of a gentle warmth than a standout flavour.
It’s also worth noting that the sweetness might be a bit much for some. A few people online have said it’s too artificial or overpowering, and I can see where they’re coming from — it’s definitely rich, and probably not something you’ll drink loads of in one sitting.
The Verdict
Bumbu Crème is unapologetically indulgent. It’s creamy, sweet, and packed full of dessert-like flavour. Whether that’s a good thing or a bit too much will come down to personal taste — but there’s no denying it’s well made and seriously drinkable.
You can purchase Bumbu Crème here.
Photo courtesy of Bumbu.
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