Is all dark rum spiced?

Rum is a popular distilled spirit that is made from sugarcane or molasses. The spirit has been around for centuries and has evolved into many different variations. One of the most common variations is dark rum. It is typically associated with being spiced, but is all dark rum spiced? In this blog post, we will explore the different types of rum, the differences between dark rum and spiced rum, and whether or not spiced rum is a good replacement for dark rum. Buying rum online hugely depends on your knowledge of rum types if you want to enjoy your alcoholic spirits to their fullest.

The different types of rum

Before we dive into the differences between dark rum and spiced rum, it is important to understand the different types of rum. In previous articles, we’ve covered that there are a variety of rum types and we’ve also offered an answer to the question of what is rum made of.

For a brief recap, let’s go over the most popular types of rum:

White Rum

White rum, also known as silver or clear rum, is a type of rum that is usually aged for a short period or not at all. It has a light, sweet flavour and is often used in cocktails like mojitos, daiquiris, and piña coladas. White rum is typically clear in color and has a relatively neutral flavour profile, making it a versatile base spirit for mixing with other ingredients. A good representative of white rum is the Chairman’s Reserve White Rum.

Gold Rum

Gold rum, on the other hand, is aged in oak barrels for a period of time, typically between one and three years. This aging process gives the rum a golden color and a smoother taste than white rum. Gold rum has a slightly sweet, caramel flavour and is often used in cocktails like the Cuba Libre and the Mai Tai. A best-selling gold rum in our shop is the Bacardi ‘Reserva Ocho’ 8 Year Old Rare Gold Rum.

Dark Rum

We’re now getting to the interesting part. What is considered dark rum?

Dark rum is aged for a longer period than gold rum, typically between three and seven years. This extended aging process gives the rum a darker color and a richer, more complex flavour profile. Dark rum has a deep, molasses-like flavour and is often used in cooking and baking, as well as in cocktails like the Dark and Stormy and the Rum Runner. A popular product in this category is the Captain Morgan Dark Rum but if you trully want to savour a superior spirit, then try the Diplomático Reserva Exclusiva Dark Rum which is a go-to for connoisseurs.

Spiced Rum

Spiced rum is a type of rum that has been infused with spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and clove. This gives the rum a sweet and spicy flavour profile that is perfect for use in cocktails like the Spiced Rum Sour and the Spiced Rum and Cola. Spiced rum can be made using any type of rum as a base, so you can find white, gold, and dark spiced rums on the market. One of the most popular products in the UK is the Dead Mans Fingers Spiced Rum as it’s a versatile classic, perfect for sipping on its own or as part of a cocktail.

Is dark rum spiced?

From the explanation above, you can probably assume that dark rum and spiced rum are two separate categories. Dark rum and spiced rum are not the same, although they are often associated with each other. Dark rum is a type of rum that is aged longer than gold rum and has a darker color and a richer flavour.

It is often used in cooking and baking. Spiced rum, on the other hand, is a type of rum that is infused with spices and stands out with a sweet and peppery taste that makes it a great selection for a range of cocktails.

Explaining the difference between dark rum and spiced rum

Now that we know that dark rum and spiced rum are not the same, let’s explore the differences between them.

Color

One of the most noticeable differences between dark rum and spiced rum is their color. Dark rum is typically aged for a longer period of time than other types of rum, giving it a deep, rich brown color. In contrast, spiced rum can be made using any type of rum as a base, and is usually lighter in color than dark rum.

Flavour

As noted above, dark rum has a distinct, molasses-like flavour that comes from the aging process. It has a rich, complex flavour profile that can include notes of caramel, vanilla, and oak.

In contrast, spiced rum is infused with spices like the ones mentioned above, giving it a sweet and spicy flavour profile. While the exact flavour of spiced rum can vary depending on the spices used, it typically has a more pronounced flavour than dark rum.

Use in Cocktails

Both dark rum and spiced rum are commonly used in cocktails, but they are often used in different ways. Dark rum is typically used in cocktails that require a rich, complex flavour profile, such as the Dark and Stormy or the Mai Tai.

Spiced rum, by contrast, is often used in cocktails that require a sweeter, spicier flavour, such as the Spiced Rum and Cola or the Spiced Rum Sour.

Age

Dark rum is typically aged for a longer period of time than spiced rum. While the exact aging time can vary depending on the brand, dark rum is typically aged for several years in oak barrels.

Conversely, spiced rum is usually not aged for an extended period, as the spices used in the infusion can mask any subtleties that might develop during aging.

Is spiced rum a good alternative to dark rum?

While spiced rum and dark rum are not the same, they can be used interchangeably in some cases. For example, if a recipe calls for dark rum but you only have spiced rum on hand, you can use the spiced rum instead.

However, keep in mind that the flavour profile will be different, so the final product may taste slightly different than if you had used dark rum.

Conclusion

In conclusion, while dark rum and spiced rum are both types of rum, they have distinct differences in color, flavour, use in cocktails, and aging process. Dark rum is aged for a longer period of time, resulting in a rich and complex flavour profile that includes notes of caramel, vanilla, and oak. In contrast, spiced rum is infused with spices like cinnamon and nutmeg, giving it a sweet and spicy flavour.

Both types of rum have their own unique place in the world of cocktails and can be used to create a wide variety of delicious drinks. So whether you’re a fan of the rich and complex flavour of dark rum or the sweet and spicy kick of spiced rum, there’s a rum out there that’s perfect for you. Check out our online catalog that offers a wide diversity of rum options, select the right one for you and enjoy a brilliant time with this loved drink.