Discover Your Next Favorite Rum: TheRumLab’s Pairing Guide

The world of rum is in the midst of a renaissance, with a wealth of flavors and traditions that are once again gaining prominence on the international stage.Join us on a journey through the fascinating world full of traditions and secrets that this much-loved drink contains. 

The rich history of rum: from its origins to today

A look at the history of rum

To fully understand the resurgence of rum, it is essential to go back in time and explore its roots. The history of rum is as rich and varied as the flavors this revered beverage can offer.

Rum made its first documented appearance in the 17th century in the Caribbean colonies, although its origin can be traced to much earlier, with artisanal productions of fermented sugarcane-based beverages in Asia and Africa. However, it was in the Caribbean that rum found its true home, establishing a legacy that will endure through the centuries.

Over time, rum became not only a popular drink among sailors and pirates, but it also achieved relevance in high society, becoming known as “the nectar of the gods”. Over the following decades, distillation techniques were perfected, resulting in a drink of higher quality and refinement.

My name is Camilo Cesarino from Caracas, Venezuela. In addition to being one of TheRumLabs writers, I am a Foodie. As most Venezuelan Rum and Food is part of our culture. So let me share with you one what I consider to be the ideal Rum and Food Pairing Guide. 

Discovering the Hidden Flavors of Rum

Entering the world of rum is embarking on an adventure of discovery where each bottle has a universe of flavors waiting to be discovered. As palates refine and manufacturers innovate, rum aficionados have the opportunity to explore an ever-increasing diversity of flavor profiles.

The Most Prominent Flavor Profiles in Rum

Identifying the main notes

When it comes to uncovering rum’s hidden flavors, it’s critical to learn how to identify the most prominent flavor notes. The first step is to familiarize yourself with the basic aromas, which can range from sweet and fruity to spicy and woody. When tasting a rum, pay attention to the following main notes:

Sweet Notes: Often found in dark, aged rums, these notes can be reminiscent of molasses, caramel, or even dried fruits.

Spice Notes: They can be the result of an aging process in special barrels, giving the rum tones of cinnamon, pepper, or clove.

Citrus Notes: Common in lighter and fresher rums, they can be reminiscent of lemon, orange, or even notes of grapefruit.

Woody Notes: They often come from the aging process, and can feature shades of oak, cedar, or even a subtle smoky touch.

Learning to identify these notes will allow you to better appreciate the complexity and richness of each bottle of rum you try.

Sweet or dry? Knowing the extremes of the rum spectrum

In the vast universe of rum, we find a wide range ranging from the sweetest to the driest rums, each offering a unique experience. 

Sweet Rum: This type of rum, often with rich and deep notes, offers a predominantly sweet palate, with undertones that may resemble vanilla, chocolate, or ripe fruits. They are ideal for those who prefer a soft, velvety drink, and can be enjoyed alone or over sweet cocktails.

Dry Rum: At the other end of the spectrum we find dry rums, which tend to have a crispier and cleaner profile. These rums can offer herbal, citrus, or even salty notes, making them great for blending into drier cocktails or enjoying with a simple slice of lemon.

To discover your next favorite rum, we invite you to explore both ends of the rum spectrum, as well as the numerous options that exist between these two poles. Whatever your preference, there’s a perfect rum waiting to be discovered.

Perfect pairing: What to combine your favorite rum with?

Rum, with its wide range of flavors and aromas, offers a fertile ground for experimentation and the creation of unforgettable pairings. From cocktails that highlight their best features to dishes that complement them perfectly, there is a universe of possibilities waiting to be explored.

Classic and modern cocktails with rum

Rum is the soul of many classic cocktails that have stood the test of time, as well as modern innovations that seek to surprise and delight. Here are some options to explore:

Classics: 

1. Mojito – A refreshing blend of white rum, sugar, lime, spearmint and soda.

2. Daiquiri – A simple yet classic drink featuring white rum, lime juice and sugar, served chilled.

3. Cuba Libre – An iconic cocktail that combines rum, Coca-Cola and a touch of lime.

4. Piña Colada – A tropical cocktail that mixes rum, coconut cream and pineapple juice, usually garnished with a slice of pineapple or a cherry.

5. Mai Tai – An exotic cocktail combining dark white rum with orange, almond and lime liqueur.

6. Dark ‘n’ Stormy – A simple drink that combines dark rum with ginger beer, garnished with a slice of lime.

7. Zombie – A potent cocktail that mixes various types of rum with fruit juices and various syrups and liqueurs.

8. Rum Punch – A festive blend of rum with various fruit juices, often served in large quantities at celebrations.

9. The President – An elegant cocktail that combines rum, vermouth, curaçao and grenadine.

10. Rum Swizzle – A delicious drink featuring rum, lemon juice, simple syrup and angostura, mixed with plenty of ice.

Modern:

1. Rum Basil Smash – A modern variant that incorporates rum instead of gin, combined with fresh basil, lemon juice, and plain syrup.

2. Hibiscus Rum Cooler – A floral cocktail that mixes rum with hibiscus tea, lime juice and a touch of simple syrup.

3. Spiced Rum Old Fashioned – An update of the classic Old Fashioned that uses spiced rum, combined with narrowness, a slice of orange and a hint of sugar.

4. Rum Espresso Martini – An elegant cocktail that mixes dark rum with coffee liqueur and an espresso shot, perfect for coffee lovers.

5. Coconut Rum Shaker – A tropical cocktail that combines rum with coconut cream, pineapple juice and lime, stirred until very cold.

6. Passionfruit Rum Sour – A sweet and sour cocktail that mixes rum, passion fruit puree, lemon juice and plain syrup.

7. Smoked Rum Negroni – An interesting version of the classic Negroni, where rum takes the place of gin, and a smoky touch is added with a wooden liqueur or by smoking the cocktail with apple wood, for example.

8. Salted Caramel Rum Hot Chocolate – A warm cocktail perfect for winter, combining rum with hot chocolate and a hint of salted caramel sauce.

9. Rum and Pineapple Punch – A fresh, modern punch that uses rum, pineapple juice, lime, and a little agave syrup, garnished with mint leaves.

10. Chai Rum Latte – A comforting cocktail that mixes rum with chai tea and hot milk, sweetened with a little brown sugar.

Ideal gastronomic pairings for rum

When it comes to pairing rum with food, the possibilities are virtually endless. Here are some suggestions to get you started:

Meat

1. Rum with notes of caramel and bittersweet pork – The sweetness of the rum will perfectly complement the bittersweet profile of the pork.

2. Dark rum and barbecue ribs – The robustness of dark rum harmonizes well with the smoky, caramelized flavor of barbecue ribs.

3. Spiced Rum and Curried Chicken – Spiced rum can balance and highlight the spicy, spicy flavors of a curry.

4. Aged Rum and Roasted Lamb – The deep and complex flavor of aged rum perfectly complements the richness of lamb.

5. White rum and fish tacos – A lighter rum can go well with light fish dishes, bringing a fresh note to the whole.

6. Golden Rum and Seafood Paella – The medium profile of golden rum can complement the varied flavors of a seafood paella, without overwhelming them.

7. Rum with citrus touches and grilled chicken breast – The citrus tones of rum can accentuate and refresh the flavor of grilled chicken.

8. High-end rum and grilled beef steak – A high-end rum with complex notes can be a sublime companion to a well-prepared beef steak.

9. Rum with notes of vanilla and roasted duck with cranberry sauce – The vanilla of the rum can highlight the fruity flavors of the cranberry sauce.

10. Dark rum and pork chop with apple icing – The robust profile of dark rum can complement the sweetness of an apple icing on a pork chop.

Desserts:

1. Aged Rum and Chocolate Cake – Aged rum can bring out the deeper notes of chocolate, creating an exquisite and elegant pairing.

2. Dark rum and brownies with nuts – The strong and robust character of dark rum perfectly complements the richness of brownies, especially those containing nuts.

3. Rum with notes of vanilla and rice pudding – The vanilla present in rum can enhance the delicate taste of rice pudding, providing an aromatic counterpoint.

4. White rum and lemon sorbet – White rum, with its light profile, can complement the acidity and freshness of lemon sorbet, providing an extra touch of liveliness.

5. Golden rum and apple pie – Golden rum, with its balance of flavors, can harmonize beautifully with an apple pie, highlighting the sweet and sour notes of the fruit.

6. Spiced Rum and Carrot Cake – Spiced rum can enhance the spicy flavors present in a carrot cake, creating a deep and rich combination of nuances.

7. Rum with notes of coconut and coconut flan – The complementarity of the flavors of rum and coconut can create a sublime pairing, highlighting the tropical notes of both.

8. Dark Rum and Fruitcake – The strong, rich profile of dark rum can be an excellent counterpoint to the intense, sweet flavors of a fruitcake.

9. Aged Rum and Caramel Cheesecake – Aged rum can complement and deepen the caramelized notes of cheesecake, creating a truly indulgent dessert.

10. White rum and mango mousse – White rum, with its light and fresh profile, can harmonize perfectly with a mango mousse, highlighting the sweetness and tropicality of mango.

Seafood:

1. White rum and fish ceviche – The freshness of white rum perfectly complements the citrus and marine flavour of ceviche, creating a perfect balance of flavors.

2. Golden Rum and Garlic Shrimp – The soft, subtle profile of golden rum can bring out the flavors of garlic and enhance the natural sweetness of shrimp.

3. Spiced Rum and Seafood Paella – Spiced rum with its warm and spicy notes can perfectly complement the complex and rich flavors of a seafood paella.

4. Aged rum and grilled lobster – Aged rum, with its rich and deep profile, can be the perfect accompaniment to the richness of grilled lobster, highlighting its sweet and succulent taste.

5. Dark rum and seafood soup – A dark rum can beautifully complement a rich, deep seafood soup, adding an extra dimension of flavor.

6. Rum with Coconut Notes and Seafood Curry – Rum with coconut notes can bring out the tropical and exotic flavors of a seafood curry, creating a perfect harmony of flavors.

7. White rum and fish tacos – Light, fresh white rum can be the perfect companion for fish tacos with a citrus twist.

8. Golden Rum and Seafood Risotto – The balanced profile of golden rum can complement the creaminess of risotto, while highlighting the flavors of the sea.

9. Dark rum and teriyaki salmon – Dark rum, with its rich and complex notes, can beautifully contrast with the sweetness of teriyaki, creating a unique flavor experience.

10. Aged rum and oysters – An aged rum, possibly served in a small shot, can be an excellent choice to accompany fresh oysters, highlighting their salty taste and complementing their texture.

TheRumLab Tips for Choosing Your Next Favorite Rum

On your way to discovering your next favorite rum, a little guidance can make a big difference. In this section, we’ll share with you TheRumLab’s top tips for making an informed and satisfying choice.

Key considerations when buying rum

How to Read a Rum Label

The art of selecting a good rum starts with understanding what your label dictates. Here you will find vital indications such as age, origin and predominant ingredients. When interpreting the label, look for elements such as:

Age: Make sure to check the age of the rum, which indicates the time the drink has spent in barrels, perfecting its taste.

Origin: Know the region of origin of the rum, since each region imparts different characteristics to its rum.

Ingredients: Identify the key ingredients, which can give you an idea of the predominant flavors and aromas in that rum.

The importance of provenance in your choice

The origin of a rum not only speaks of its place of manufacture, but also of the history, tradition and artisanal techniques used in its creation. When considering provenance, keep in mind:

Tradition: Each region has its own set of traditions that influence the making of rum.

Terroir: The natural environment where sugarcane is grown has a significant impact on the flavour profile of rum.

Expert recommendations: The rums that are giving you something to talk about

TheRumLab Team’s Favorite Rums

TheRumLab team has had the privileged task of tasting a wide variety of rums, and here we share with you some of our favorites:

• Diplomatic Rum Exclusive Reserve A Venezuelan rum, known for its sweet and complex profile.
• Appleton Estate 12 years: A Jamaican classic that offers a perfect balance between sweetness and complexity.
• Mount Gay XO: This Barbados rum is renowned for its balance and complexity, offering notes of banana, almond and vanilla.
• Ron Zacapa 23: A Guatemalan rum famous for its aging process using the solera system, which gives it a rich and deep flavor profile with notes of caramel, dried fruits and spices.
• El Dorado 15 años: A Guyanese rum known for its characteristic sweetness and notes of tropical fruits, spices and oak.
• Havana Club 7 years: This Cuban rum is appreciated for its soft and light profile with notes of tobacco, vanilla and cocoa.
• Clement VSOP: An agricultural rum from Martinique that stands out for its herbaceous and citrus notes, typical of agricultural rums.
• Brugal Rum 1888: A double-aged Dominican rum, first in bourbon barrels and then in sherry barrels, offering a rich and complex flavor.
• Flor de Caña 18 Year Old Rum: A Nicaraguan rum known for its smooth, well-balanced flavor with notes of caramel and vanilla.
• Don Q Gran Añejo: A Puerto Rican rum with a mild flavor profile and notes of toffee, nuts, and dried fruits.
• Foursquare 2005: A Barbados rum that has won multiple awards for its exceptional quality and well-balanced and complex flavour profile.
• Chairman’s Reserve: This Saint Lucian rum is known for its balance of sweetness and spices, offering notes of ripe fruit and molasses.

Embark on a Unique Rum Tasting Experience

The rum tasting is not only an opportunity to discover new favorites, but a sensory experience that allows you to delve into the rich culture and tradition surrounding this spirit. From preparing your palate to attending world-renowned events and festivals, we guide you every step of the way to an enriching tasting experience.

Tips and tricks for a successful tasting

Preparing your palate for tasting

Before starting the tasting, it is vital to prepare your palate to appreciate the subtleties of rum. Here are some tips:

1. Avoid spicy or strongly flavored foods: These can alter your sense of taste, making it difficult to identify more subtle notes in rum.
2. Hydration: Make sure you are well hydrated, as this can help neutralize your palate.
3. Take a sip of water between each sample: This allows you to clean your palate, offering a “clean slate” for each new rum you try.

Essentials for a Rum Tasting Session

To run a successful tasting session, you’ll need a few essentials, such as:

1. Suitable glasses: Opt for glasses that allow you to fully appreciate the aroma and taste of rum.
2. Water: To cleanse the palate between tastings and for hydration.
3. Notes: Keep a notebook to record your impressions of each rum you try.

Rum events and festivals you can’t miss

Events organized by TheRumLab

Stay tuned for exciting events TheRumLab has planned for you. From workshops to exclusive tastings, each event is designed to give you an experience of deep immersion in the world of rum.

• Miami Rum Congress
• Puerto Rico’s International Rum Festival
• Chicago Rum Fest
• New York Rum Festival & Congress
• Piña Colada Day
• Los Angeles Rum Festival
• San Francisco Rum Festival

Other Rum Festivals Around the World

For true rum enthusiasts, rum festivals around the world offer a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in rum culture, discover new products, and learn from industry experts. Some of the most prominent festivals include:

• Miami International Rum Festival (United States) – An annual event that brings together some of the world’s most prestigious rum brands, along with experts and fans to celebrate the spirit.
• RumFest in London (UK) – A festival that celebrates all things rum, with seminars, tastings and the chance to meet the master distillers.
• Rum Renaissance Festival (United States) – This festival, located in Florida, is one of the largest rum events in the world, offering a wide range of exhibitions and seminars focused on rum culture.
• Berlin Rum Festival (Germany) – An event that brings together rum enthusiasts and professionals from around the world in the German capital to taste, learn and celebrate all things rum.
• RumFest by BarLife (Czech Republic) – Located in Prague, this festival attracts a wide range of rum producers from all over the world, offering workshops and presentations.
• Paris Rhum Fest (France) – This festival is a massive celebration of rum culture in the heart of Paris, where fans can sample a vast selection of rums and participate in masterclasses.
• Athens Rum & Whisky Festival (Greece) – Although not exclusively about rum, this festival in Athens offers an impressive variety of rums for tasting, along with whiskies.
• Rum Day Milano (Italy) – This Italian festival is known for bringing together some of the best rum producers in the world, offering a platform to discover new brands and products.
• Madrid Rum Festival (Spain) – This festival brings together rum lovers in Spain to discover new brands, learn from industry experts, and of course, enjoy great cocktails.
• Spirits In The Sky (Belgium) – This Belgian festival, although not exclusive to rum, devotes a large section to this spirit drink, offering tastings and educational seminars.
• Sydney Rum Festival (Australia) – An event that is growing in popularity, where fans can explore a wide range of rums, both local and international.
• The National Rum Festival (UK) – Held in several cities across the UK, this national festival allows visitors to explore a huge selection of rums from around the world.

Sources

• Ron Diplomático
• Appleton Estate
• Asociación de Productores de Ron del Caribe (WIRSPA)
• Rum Journal
• Got Rum? Magazine
• The Rum Collective
• Rum Diaries Blog
• Reddit r/rum
• TheRumLab

Featured image: Freepik