A look into the different flavours of rum

If you’re into rum and you consider it to be one of your all-time favourite drinks then you probably know that there are many different types of rum. Naturally, this leads to a plethora of flavours of rum worth trying.

No matter whether you’re an experienced rum drinker or a newbie trying to find answers to questions like what does rum taste like or is rum sweet, you’ll want to keep reading. In the following sections, we’ll introduce you to some of the most popular rum flavours. Having these insights will undoubtedly help you get to know rum better and will certainly come in handy when the time comes for your next purchase of rum online.

Traditional or “white” rum

White rum, also known as light or silver rum, is a type of rum that is made from molasses or sugarcane juice and is typically aged for a short period of time, usually one year or less. The ageing process is usually done in stainless steel tanks or oak barrels, but the rum is then filtered to remove any colour and impurities. The result is a clear, light-bodied rum with a subtle sweetness and a clean, crisp flavour.

White rum is typically used in mixed drinks and cocktails, such as daiquiris, mojitos, and piña coladas. It is also used as a base for liqueurs and other spirit-based beverages. Because of its light flavour and typical rum colour, it is a versatile mixer that can be paired with a wide range of fruits, juices, and other mixers.

Dark rum

So what is black rum? Black or dark rum, on the other hand, is a type of rum that is aged for a longer period of time, usually between 2 to 7 years or even more. If you’re wondering about the difference between white and dark rum, you’re about to find out.

The ageing process of dark rum is usually done in oak barrels, which gives it its dark colour and rich, complex flavour. During the ageing process, dark rum absorbs the flavours and colours from the wood of the barrel, which gives it notes of caramel, vanilla, toffee, chocolate, coffee and spices. But is all dark rum spiced? Certainly not.

Dark rum is typically sipped neat or on the rocks, and it is often used as a base for liqueurs and other spirit-based beverages. It also can be used in a variety of cocktails, such as the Dark and Stormy, the Mai Tai, and the Old Fashioned. Due to its rich and complex flavour, it pairs well with ginger beer, sweet vermouth and other mixers.

Jamaican dark rum is known for its full-bodied and fruity flavour, while Guyanese dark rum is known for its rich and complex flavour profile.

One of the specific characteristics of dark rum is that it has a higher alcohol content than white rum, usually between 40% to 50%. It also tends to be more expensive than white rum due to its ageing process.

Spiced rum

Spiced rum is another popular rum flavour that is worth trying as it’s a popular seasonal alcohol for autumn and winter months. Spiced rum is a type of rum that is infused with spices such as cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, vanilla, and other ingredients to give it a warm, aromatic flavour. The ageing process of spiced rum is similar to dark rum, it is aged in oak barrels for several years, but after the ageing process, spices and other ingredients are added to the rum. The combination of the oak barrel ageing and the spices give the spiced rum a unique and complex flavour profile.

Spiced rum is typically enjoyed neat or on the rocks, and it’s also used in a variety of cocktails such as the spiced rum and Coke or the Dark and Stormy. It can also be used as a base for liqueurs and other spirit-based beverages.

In the Caribbean, spiced rum is known for its warm and aromatic flavour, while American spiced rum is known for its sweeter and more complex flavour profile.

Flavoured rum

Flavoured rum is a type of rum that is infused with a variety of flavours such as coconut, lime, pineapple, and others. The process of making flavoured rum is similar to that of spiced rum, with the addition of flavourings and sweeteners after the ageing process. The flavouring agents are usually added to the rum after distillation and they are usually derived from natural or artificial ingredients. The result is a rum with a unique and distinct flavour that can range from sweet to sour, depending on the flavouring agent used.

This type of rum is typically enjoyed neat or on the rocks, and it’s also used in a variety of cocktails such as the Mai Tai, the Margarita, and the Daiquiri. It can also be used as a base for liqueurs and other spirit-based beverages.

One of the specific characteristics of this drink is that it is usually sweeter than traditional or white rum and it’s often used in mixed drinks or cocktails. Flavoured rums are usually lower in alcohol content than traditional or spiced rums, usually between 15% to 40%. They can have a lower alcohol content than traditional or spiced rum, thus making them more accessible to a wider range of consumers, and they also can appeal to people who prefer sweeter drinks.

Overproof rum

Next up – overproof rum. Overproof rum is a type of rum that has a higher alcohol content than traditional rum, usually between 60% to 75% alcohol by volume (ABV) or even higher. It is made by distilling the rum to a higher proof than standard rum, which results in a higher alcohol content.

Overproof rum is typically used in cocktails and mixed drinks, where a small amount of the rum is added to the drink to provide a strong alcohol kick. It can also be used as an ingredient in cooking and baking, but it should be used with caution as a small amount can go a long way. It is also used for lighting up drinks such as the flaming Dr. Pepper or the Zombie cocktail.

This type of rum is popular in countries with a strong rum-making tradition such as Jamaica and Guyana, where it is often used as a mixer in cocktails and punches. However, it should be used with caution, as the high alcohol content can lead to excessive drunkenness if consumed in large quantities.

One of the specific characteristics of overproof rum is that it has a high alcohol content and a strong taste. It is not meant to be consumed neat and it should be used in small quantities, as it can overpower the flavours of other ingredients in a drink. It should be handled with care as it is highly flammable.

Aged rum

Unsurprisingly, aged rum is a type of rum that is aged for several years in oak barrels, developing deeper and more complex flavours. It’s considered a rare alcohol type. The ageing process can vary from several years to several decades, and the longer the ageing, the richer and more complex the flavour will be. The ageing process also gives the rum its amber colour, as it absorbs the tannins and colour from the oak barrels.

It’s typically sipped neat or on the rocks, and it is considered a premium spirit. It is often compared to aged whiskey or brandy in terms of flavour and complexity. Due to the ageing process and the unique flavour profile, aged rum can be more expensive than other types of rum.

Conclusion

Overall, the easiest way to find out which type of rum suits your tastes best is to give them all a try and see for yourself. We welcome you to check out our online catalogue of rum selections and discover a type that you’re interested in testing. You never know, you may be completely surprised by the one that turns out to be your favourite!