Rum is a widely enjoyed alcoholic beverage, particularly in the Caribbean Islands. It stands out from other alcoholic drinks like beer, whiskey, vodka, and tequila due to its distinct flavor and aroma, which comes from being made of sugarcane and molasses. The two main types of rum are dark rum and white rum, and while many people are familiar with the color difference, they may not know the other distinctions between the two. This article will discuss these differences to help rum enthusiasts choose the one they prefer.
The color of rum is influenced by its aging process, which involves storing the finished product in various types of casks. Rum starts as a clear alcoholic beverage but takes on different shades during storage or aging. It is made from sugarcane byproducts like juice and molasses, which require fermentation and distillation several times. The resulting alcoholic beverage is white, but it only becomes rum after its aging in different material casks is complete. Some countries, such as Australia, Cuba, Puerto Rico, Venezuela, and others in South America, prefer white rums over darker varieties.
White Rum
White rum, also known as light rum or silver rum, is fermented in steel casks. It has a slightly sweet taste, while golden rums, aged in oak casks, have a deeper and richer flavor. At the end of the spectrum are dark rums, aged in charred oak casks, which have the deepest flavors and taste. Light rums are stored in stainless steel barrels for up to a year and then filtered. These rums have a subtle taste and are enjoyed by rum lovers for being smooth. White rum is mostly used in making cocktails.
Dark Rum
Dark rums are considered ideal for heavy drinkers, as they are heavy-bodied and have been aged for a long time in charred oak casks. They are typically consumed straight or used to make rum punches, like the popular Hurricane.
Key Takeaways
- All rums start as a clear liquid, and their final color depends on their aging process.
- White rums are lighter in aroma and sweeter in taste, while dark rums are heavier and rich-flavored.
- White rums are aged in steel barrels for a year before being filtered, while dark rums are aged for a longer period in charred oak casks.
