“Let’s Take a Trip Down the Seas of Rum: A Journey Through Its History and Varieties”.
The world of rum is full of diversity and depth, and the spirit’s long history and range of flavours do not come without a story. Let’s take a journey down the sea of rum, exploring its colourful past, tasting its broad spectrum of styles, and discussing its modern incarnations.
Rum is one of the oldest spirits in the world, with its roots tracing back over 400 years. It originated in the Caribbean, and its production derived from the leftovers of the region’s vast sugarcane industry. After the cane juice was boiled and reduced to syrup, the remaining dark residue was scraped off at the bottom of the still and used for the production of rum.
From its early days, rum has been associated with bold, robust flavours. Traditional rum was produced from a double-distillation process that left the spirit with higher alcohol content and bolder flavours. In its distilled form, rum takes on characteristics such as molasses, caramel and oak, combined with sweet spices like cinnamon and nutmeg. Those flavours are usually added during a third “casking” process, where the rum is further aged in oak barrels.
There is a large variety of rum styles found all over the world. The traditional style of rum can be found in Barbados and Jamaica, but it also has a significant presence in Puerto Rico and Cuba. In these locations, rum typically has a deep copper colour, a sweet molasses scent and a full-bodied flavour packed with vanilla, spices and charred oak. Dark rums are darker in colour and richer in flavour, due to the extra time spent aging in charred barrels. Light rums, on the other hand, are lighter in colour and younger in age. They are often used to create delightful cocktails with a slightly sweeter edge.
Another type of rum is white or silver rum. It is clear in colour and is usually derived from a younger, aged rum. It is used primarily as a mixing spirit, though there is increasing interest in sipping white rum neat or on the rocks. Popular white rums come from Cuba (Bacardi Superior), Mexico (El Jimador Blanco), and Puerto Rico (Don Q Cristal).
Spiced rums are especially popular due to their fuller, sweeter flavour. They often have added ingredients such as allspice, cinnamon and clove, as well as other flavours like butterscotch, jellybeans, citrus and oak. Some of the most popular spiced rums are Captain Morgan’s Original Spiced Rum, Sailor Jerry Spiced Rum, and Cruzan Single Barrel Rum.
Modern craft distilleries around the world are bringing a new wave of creativity to the rum category. Many craft distilleries are blending traditional flavours with modern craft sensibilities. Some of these amazing rums can be found in Scotland’s Lost Loch Distillery, Martinique’s Saint James Distillery, and Japan’s Musa Shuzu Distillery.
Whichever rum you choose, there is no doubt that its history, varieties and uses captivate the palate, be it at a party, as a nightcap or simply in a glass with a bit of ice. Discovering great rum, whether it’s an age-old classic or a contemporary craft spirit, is a journey worth travelling. So, let’s take a trip down the sea of rum!