Rum is a fascinating and versatile spirit with a rich history spanning hundreds of years. From classic white rum to smoky dark rum, many different types and flavours exist to experience! Discover the unique characteristics of each type and learn tips for enjoying them here.
Learn the History of Rum
Rum has a long and fascinating history that dates back centuries. The spirit originates in the Caribbean, where colonists began producing a crude version in the 17th century. Since then, production has spread worldwide, with variations developed in places like England, Puerto Rico, and Jamaica. As a result, it’s now a popular spirit celebrated for its diverse flavours and styles.
Understand the Different Types of Rum
With so much variation in rum production and many distilleries making the spirit, it’s no wonder there are various rum types. Generally, they can be divided into light, flavoured, spiced, and dark. Light rums tend to have the most subtle flavour as they are aged for less time during production. Next are flavoured or spiced spirits which include any type that has added ingredients like vanilla or cinnamon. Lastly, dark rums often display notes of caramel and toffee thanks to their extended ageing process.
Try an Aged Rum for a More Complex Flavor Profile
Rum can be aged for many years, much like whisky or cognac. The longer it is aged, the richer the flavour and texture become. This kind of rum has a distinct smoothness to the taste and an attractive yellow hue due to the barrel ageing process. Aged rum is the perfect way to appreciate all that rum has to offer – from savoury tones of banana, nuts and spices to sweet notes of honeycomb and vanilla. Try an aged rum for a more complex flavour experience.
Mix Up Classic Cocktails with Different Rums
Experimenting with different rums is a great way to broaden your flavour experience. Use different rums to make classic cocktails for a unique twist! Dark rum adds depth and spice to traditional Daiquiris and gives the piña colada an intense complexity. White rum can lighten up the flavours of Mojitos and Margaritas, giving them a freshness that you won’t get with darker spirits. So grab a bottle of your favourite rum and mix classic drinks with a twist.
Try Sipping It Neat or With a Few Drops of Water to Experience Its Subtle Notes
Rum can showcase its subtle layers when tasted neat or with a few drops of water. Swirl the liquid around in the glass before bringing it to your nose to understand what the rum smells like. Then take a sip and roll it over your tongue to identify its flavour notes – spicy, floral, smoky – as they emerge. Enjoy exploring the different rums available and discovering all of their unique characteristics.