Scotch whiskey bottle, glass and old wooden barrel. With copy space. Top view flat lay
At home, rum is a key part of a well-stocked bar. Even though you may feel overwhelmed with such a wide variety of styles, brands, and processes. In this article, we will break down four key types of rum and the reasons why you should include them in your home bar.
White rum, also called silver rum or light rum, is a type of rum made from sugarcane byproducts. These distillates are usually clear in color with a light flavor profile and offer a wide range of subtle aromas, ranging from sweet floral scents to earthy notes. Many think that white rum is unaged; however, most are aged at least one year and then filtered to obtain a clear product. Actually, light rum runs the gamut from full-flavored to neutral; this all depends on the distillation process.
The best white rums are delicate and fragrant; still, we don’t drink them on the rocks. This variety allows the sugarcane to come through, providing the base for juices, spices, and other flavors. Therefore, it’s the go-to option for many rum cocktails like Mojitos, Hurricanes, Daiquiris, Piña Coladas, Mai Tais, and Cuba Libres, among others.
Brands of white rum include:
Rum is particularly well-suited to all the nuances of a barrel; thus, aged rum carries many of the same characteristics as whiskey or brandy. Aged rums are older rums that have matured and lost more rum from the barrel thanks to evaporation. It’s a rich base spirit, bringing in oak, vanilla, and caramel flavors.
Aged rums often refer to rums worthy of sipping. They are best enjoyed neat or on ice, allowing the flavors to shine unadulterated. Still, they can also provide depth to cocktails, and you can even use them as a replacement in some whiskey standards.
This style of rum features rich and complex flavors with a smooth and mellow taste that comes from being aged in oak barrels. Without a doubt, it’s a sophisticated and delicious addition to any home bar.
Among the fantastic options available on the market, you can find:
10 Budget-Friendly Aged Rums that Are Amazing and Cost Less than $30
Rhum Agricole is a type of rum distilled directly from fresh sugarcane juice rather than fermented juice or cane byproducts, which is how most rums are made. AOC (Appellation d’Origine Contrôlée) standards place strict restrictions on the production process for rhum agricole in order to guarantee quality and authenticity.
The sugarcane used to create Rhum Agricole must be reaped between April 1st and June 30th each year, a harvest time that gets unceasingly observed. After harvesting, it is pressed within 24 hours to preserve its freshness and flavor profile. Then, the juice is fermented with yeast before being distilled twice in copper pot or column stills. The resulting spirit has an ABV ranging from 40–60%. Distillers often let the spirit rest in casks for an extended period of time, which gives it a smooth character and flavor.
It can come aged or ungagged and often lends a bit of funk, grassy aromas, and texture, giving it more character and backbone. Its fresh flavors can work very well in cocktails such as the Montego Bay or Ti’ Punch.
Rhum Agricole comes from the French Caribbean islands, although it’s also produced in Hawaii, Thailand, Mauritius, Puerto Rico, and Australia. Great options to try include:
Spiced rum is made from light or dark rum, and the spices used can vary depending on the brand. Spiced rum is often made with cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, allspice, and vanilla to give it a unique taste. The result is a sweet-tasting spirit with hints of spice that can be enjoyed neat or mixed into cocktails.
In general, rum and spices are infused together in an alcohol base. Botanicals and fruits may sometimes be included. This style of rum is very popular mixed in cocktails and punch and is usually sweet.
Some excellent spiced rums include:
As you can see, each of these types of rum offers its own unique profile and characteristics. So, grab one of each type mentioned, and you can prepare exquisite drinks with any of them.
Featured image source: iStock
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