Rum is a distilled alcoholic spirit made from sugarcane byproducts, such as molasses or sugarcane juice, and is typically associated with tropical regions. Here are the main elements that define rum:

1. Ingredients: Rum is produced from sugarcane or its byproducts, most commonly molasses, but some rums are made directly from sugarcane juice.

2. Distillation: It is distilled to separate the alcohol from the fermented sugarcane product. The distillation process may vary based on the style of rum, with pot stills or column stills being commonly used.

3. Aging: While some rums are bottled immediately after distillation (white or light rums), others are aged in wooden barrels, typically oak, which imparts color and complex flavors. Aging can range from a few months to several years.

4. Types of Rum:

White or Light Rum: Clear and usually unaged or lightly aged, with a clean, mild flavor.

Gold or Amber Rum: Aged for a longer period, offering richer flavors and a golden color.

Dark Rum: Aged for an extended time in heavily charred barrels, often with a fuller, bolder flavor.

Spiced Rum: Infused with spices such as cinnamon, vanilla, or cloves.

Overproof Rum: Higher in alcohol content, often above 50% ABV.

5. Alcohol Content: Rum is typically bottled at 40% ABV, though stronger versions exist.

Rum is widely used in cocktails like mojitos, daiquiris, and piña coladas, and is also enjoyed neat or on the rocks, especially aged varieties.


Ten award-winning rums for National Rum Day

What’s the Difference Between White Rum and Dark Rum?

Maverick Distilling is releasing its first barrel-aged rum

After losing millennials, can rum make a comeback with Gen Z?

Avoid These Mistakes With Your Next Tropical, Rum-Based Cocktail

Meet Danielle David, The Woman Reclaiming The Story Of Rum

Papa’s Pilar Sherry Cask Finished Rum Review: A Sweet Sip for Rum Lovers

Ron Matusalem unveils Lefebre

Review: The Rolling Stones’ New Crossfire Hurricane Rum Offers Cocktail Satisfaction

Trade embargo bars lawsuit against Bacardi over ‘Havana Club’ rum, US judge rules

Facing a Shortage, Will Wray & Nephew Rum Be the Next Chartreuse?

Tasting: Holmes Cay Infinity Rum

How to Make a Seven Days in Berlin, the Rum Sour Cocktail With a Surprising Cameo

Facing a Shortage, Will Wray & Nephew Rum Be the Next Chartreuse?

The Rum Revival

Modern Caribbean Rum

The 30 Best Rum Brands (2023)

Brugal Rum is launching a new expression for coffee fans

Meet Islay’s Unexpected New Distillery: Islay Rum

Myers’s Rum Unveils Signature Legends, Cask Collections