If you thought rum was always sweet, you stand corrected. It is illegal to add sugar to spirits that are bottled in countries like Martinique, Jamaica, or Barbados. White rum can be as dry as any other spirit. Aging in oak gives tannins and wood flavors resulting in a dark rum so strong. Amidst a whole range of aromas, explore our collection and buy rum online.
Any region where sugarcane is grown or imported can be a place that distills this spirit. The majority of the world's rum is currently produced in the Caribbean and Latin America. The short and literally sweet word ‘rum’ originates from a variety of terms, from many regions. Rum is written ‘ron’ in Spanish-speaking countries, which is simply the Spanish spelling of the English word ‘rum’. This is spelled ‘rhum’ in French-speaking areas like Martinique and Haiti. These multiple spellings may show on different bottles, but they all indicate the same liquor.
So how exactly are rums made? It is a fine process that directly ferments the sugarcane juice, converts it into concentrated syrup and ferments the by-product. But rum can also be made by turning the juice into molasses and fermenting the juice. Nevertheless, soil and climate will deeply influence a sip of any rum. Most distillers use molasses, but know that all molasses are not created equal!
The distilling of Rum has been in practice since the 17th century. It is done in copper or steel stills, then aged in wooden casks. White, dark, golden, spiced, Cachaca, Rhum Agricole and overproof rum are the kinds available all over the world. Before it is sold, white rum is typically matured for less than a year. And when it matures, the color is normally removed using charcoal filtration.
Dark rums are often matured for a longer time period in charred oak barrels to provide rich color and a bold flavor. Also known as black rum, this pairs deliciously well with coke, ginger beer, and stormy drinks! Golden rums are often softer than dark or white rum. They have a sweeter taste than light rums, with hints of vanilla, molasses, chocolate, banana, and butterscotch. Rhum Agricole takes on a fruity and earthy flavor than molasses-based rum, which gives it more depth and strength.
Matured rum is a luxury sip, mainly because it has a distinction above the rest. This type is so smooth that one wouldn't need a mixer to compliment the notes. This ‘sipping rum’ is also quite expensive compared to the other types.
Besides being used as a commodity, rum was offered to sailors as a daily ration. They mixed this with lime juice to prevent the disease scurvy. So what’s the deal with pirates and rum? Pirates have existed for hundreds of years, and their history is widely documented. During the golden age, this spirit was one of the most popular drinks among pirates. They could use it as cash or trade with other folks they attacked.
Rum develops its own flavor as it absorbs the natural wood richness of the barrel. Large flamethrowers burn the interiors of the oak barrels, giving the aging rum a toasted flavor. It is typically served neat, in balloon glass or snifter with a wide top and a cone-shaped bottom. To enjoy it best, swirl the spirit around the glass while allowing it to aerate and release the aromas. A note to beginners- never judge the rum on the first sip.
This is the alcohol that every well-stocked bar needs. The versatility in cocktail mixology elevates the feel of the spirit. Most rum is bottled at 40% ABV although a few varieties such as overproof can be an exception. Seen those bartenders setting different spirits on fire? That’s mostly a rum with increased alcohol content!
When there’s a reason to drink, there’s a rum for everyone. From hot buttered cocktails to Rum and coke, the brands are plenty when you need to buy rum online. Smoky, sweet and smooth like silk, this is the drink you need for a strong buzz. Have you checked out bottles from our rum online store yet? Think less, and think rum.
