The Definitive Guide to Rum: The Rolls Royce of Booze and Beyond.
Rum has long been a contradictory drink. On one hand, it’s seen as a bubbly, fruity Caribbean spirit, and on the other, it’s a complex and sophisticated beverage, with a taste profile as diverse as its production methods. Whether you’re a rum connoisseur or just getting started, this Definitive Guide to Rum is the ultimate one-stop source for everything you need to know about the celebrated liquor.
First and foremost, let’s talk about what rum is and its origins. Rum is an alcoholic spirit distilled from molasses or, rarely, directly from sugar cane juice. According to legend, rum was first produced in the Caribbean Islands in the 1650s. It was used not only as a celebratory beverage, but also as a form of currency and payment to slaves. From there, it spread out through the world and found homes in Spanish and British colonies.
As many rum fans know, rum has had a rich and storied history. One of the most iconic rum brands is of course Bacardi, a mellow light rum made with honey and vanilla notes. Established in 1862, Bacardi has become not only the most popular rum in the world, but also a staple in many a spirit cabinet. Puerto Rican rums, namely Don Q and Palo Viejo, are another well-respected choice, with a base of aged Puerto Rican molasses that offers strong notes of blackstrap molasses, wood, and toffee. Cuban-style rum, such as Havana Club and Ron Varadero, is fuller-bodied and often has notes of caramel, butterscotch, and coconut.
In addition to the style of rum, there are various other factors that determine a rum’s flavor. First, there’s the type of sugar cane used to make the rum. Like wine grapes, the different types of sugarcane have varying flavors, so the type of cane used imparts its own unique taste. Then there’s the aging process. Simply put, the longer a rum is aged, the more developed its flavor and color become. Finally, each rum distiller also uses its own unique recipe, adding extra ingredients such as caramelized sugar or oak chips for added complexity.
Now that we’ve got the basics down, let’s move onto the tastiest part of our rum journey: how to enjoy it. The most common way to sample rum is by simply sipping it neat. However, there’s much more fun to be had than just drinking straight liquor. Rum-based cocktails, like the popular Mojito and Mai Tai, always seem to be on the menu at beach bars and summer soirees. Or why not try the classic Daiquiri, with white rum, lime juice, simple syrup, and a splash of seltzer?
As you can see, there’s much more to rum than just partying ways. Indeed, when created with passion and dedication, it can be just as complex, rewarding, and delicious as any other spirit. So grab a bottle of your favorite rum and enjoy the amazing flavors of this classic Caribbean spirit. Salud!