Rum enthusiasts take note: Everything you need to know for the perfect selection
A unique spirit with a long history that seduces both cocktail lovers and connoisseurs. Rum is a versatile drink that is made from sugar cane and comes in many different styles and flavors. From light, fresh rums that are perfect for cocktails to dark, rich rums that are great for sipping, there's a rum for every taste and occasion. If you're planning to buy rum, there are a few things to keep in mind.
Understanding the basics of rum
Before you set out to buy rum, it's helpful to know what sets this particular alcohol apart. There are many different types of rum and they all have their own unique character.
What is rum?
To be precise, rum is an alcoholic beverage made mainly from sugar cane or a byproduct of sugar cane such as molasses. The production of rum begins with the harvest and processing of the sugar cane to obtain juice or molasses. After the juice or molasses is extracted, it is fermented. During this fermentation process, yeasts convert the sugar into alcohol through a process known as fermentation. Once fermentation is complete, the fermented juice or molasses is distilled. Distillation is a process in which the liquid is heated and then cooled to concentrate the alcohol and remove impurities.
The different types of rum
There are many different types of Rum, some of which vary greatly in taste and style. Here are some of the most common:
- White Rum: White rum, also known as light or silver rum, is characterized by its clear color and light taste. It has a fresh and subtle sugar flavor that makes it pleasantly sweet. Unlike dark rum, white rum is usually stored for a short time or not at all. Its light and refreshing quality makes it an ideal choice for a variety of cocktails, including famous drinks like the Mojito or Daiquiri. Despite its mild flavor, however, it's important to remember that white rum still has a high alcohol content.
- Golden (or amber) rum: also known as golden or amber, this medium-bodied rum is characterized by a richer and more intense flavor than its white counterpart. Unlike white rum, which is often used in cocktails, this golden or amber rum is often enjoyed neat or served over ice due to its full-bodied flavor. The color and flavor of this rum are the result of a longer aging process in oak barrels, which gives it added depth and complexity.
- Dark (or black) rum: Dark rum, also known as black rum, is known for its rich and full-bodied aroma. Its distinctive flavor usually comes from molasses, a byproduct of sugar production, which gives it a deeper sweetness and complexity. This dark or black rum is often enjoyed neat to appreciate its full flavor. However, it is also often used in various Cocktails where it adds depth and character. Although dark rum is strong in flavor, it offers a pleasantly balanced drinking experience.
- Spiced Rum: This particular type of rum is characterized by the addition of various spices. Some of the commonly used spices are cloves, cinnamon and vanilla. These additions give the rum a unique and intense aroma that sets it apart from other rums. The exact blend and concentration of spices can vary, depending on the producer and the specific flavor profile they are trying to achieve.
- Overproof Rum: This is a special type of rum that is characterized by a particularly high alcohol content. While typical rum usually has an alcohol content of around 40%, the alcohol content of overproof rum significantly exceeds this figure. With an impressive alcohol content of over 57%, these rums are not only stronger, but also offer a more intense taste experience. Due to their high alcohol content, they are best enjoyed with caution and are very popular with spirits aficionados.
How to choose the best rum
If you're planning to build your own stock of high-quality rum, or just buy a bottle as a gift, there are some important factors to consider.
Price-performance ratio
One of the most important aspects of buying spirits is value for money. It can be tempting to simply choose the most expensive item available, assuming that it will also offer the best quality. But that is not necessarily always the case.
Origin of the rum
The origin of a rum can say a lot about its taste. Caribbean rum, for example, tends to be sweeter, while Latin American tends to taste drier.
Age of the rum
The character of a rum is often also related to its age. A younger rum tends to be lighter in flavor, while older varieties can develop more complex flavors due to their longer barrel aging.
From stores to the web
There are many places where you can buy good rum good rum. Wine and liquor stores offer a wide range of brands, and in the best case you will be assisted by professionals. Alternatively, you can visit online stores - they often offer exclusive brands that are not available in local stores.
With this in mind, have fun discovering the world of rum! Whether you're a connoisseur or just starting to get to grips with this fascinating spirit. Hopefully, you can take away some useful information to help you choose your next bottle of rum more consciously.