A Rum Old Time
Rum as we know it began life in the 17th century Caribbean islands, where sugar cane was widely grown, easily fermented and then that fermented to create an alcoholic beverage before being distilled into a spirit. Rum became so popular that it often made-up part of a sailors pay, up until the mid-20th century, and was commonly used as currency to trade for tobacco, sugar, cotton, animal pelts and slaves. Over the years it began to be made anywhere that sugar was grown, including Mauritius, Brazil, Australia, South Africa and New England.
Rum is made by taking sugar cane, extracting its juice and mixing this with water to create a fermentable liquid. Once this liquid has been fermented it is put through a still, where it is reduced and concentrated into a spirit with an abv of at least 50% but it is not unusual to be between 60-75% abv. Once this process is completed you have rum and the next steps required depend on the style of rum desired. Sometimes it will be cut with water to achieve a lower final abv. It is often aged in oak casks and then blended before it is bottled.
Styles of Rum
Light Rum – Also known as ‘white’ or ‘silver’ rum, light rums are not aged in oak casks. These rums are release straight after distillation and have the mildest flavour profile of the various rum styles discussed here.
Gold Rum – This classic rum style is made by taking a white rum and aging it is oak casks. This style will have more colour and fuller flavours than a white rum but are not a intensely flavoured as the later options in this list.
Dark Rum – Usually made from caramelised sugar or molasses, these rums are usually aged in heavily charred barrels. They are darker in colour that golden rums and tend to have richer, more intense, deep flavours. These include smoky undertones, molasses, toffee, ripe banana, liquorice, spices such as cinnamon, vanilla and nutmeg, and dried fruits.
Flavoured Rum – Rums are sometimes infused with flavours such as lime, orange, mango mint, banana, coconut or pineapple. They are often used in cocktails and other themed drinks but the best can be enjoyed on their own over ice.
Spiced Rum – Spiced rums are usually made from a golden rum base and then infused with a blend of spices. The exact blend will vary from producer to producer but common spices include cinnamon, aniseed, cloves, pepper, vanilla, cardamom and nutmeg.
If all the talk of rum has wetted your pallet then here are some rums that we recommend, one of each style discussed above. Perfect for making cocktails, sipping in the late summer sun or warming yourself as the nights close in again.
Name / Producer: Diplomatico Planas Rum Diplomatico Region: / Price: £36.99
Planas is an extraordinary blend of pot still, column and batch kettle rums. Aged for up to 6 years, it is elegant, rich and surprisingly intense for a white rum. The complex charcoal filtration process carried out prior to bottling gives this rum its crystal-clear appearance and smooth finish with notes of coffee and coconut.
Name / Producer: Ron Abuelo Anejo Ron Abuelo Region: / Price: £31.99
Notable as one of the few Rum distilleries that grow their own sugar cane for production of the spirit, this Panamanian golden rum is aged for 5 years before release. Slowly distilled and patiently matured in small oak barrels, it is distinguished by its mellow, rich and smooth flavour.
Name / Producer: Watsons Trawler Dark Rum - 35cl Region: / Price: £13.99
Renowned for their smoothness and quality, this fine dark rum come from two of the greatest rum-producing countries in the world, Barbados and Guyana. Before blending, each rum is matured in oak casks in its country of origin to bring out its full character and flavour.
Name / Producer: Goldstone Spiced Rum Goldstone Region: Sussex / Price: £42.99
Bold and rounded on the pallet bursting with a full spiced flavour. Cassia and allspice bring forward notes followed by a hit of ginger and clove. A growth of cardamon, vanilla and orange follow towards the end. Delightfully light and bold without a sweet sickly aftertaste. Think hot cross bun or spiced ginger cake on the nose.
Name / Producer: Prohibition Spiced Rum - 70cl Harley House Region: Sussex / Price: £44.99
Hand produced and barrel aged in Sussex, Harley House Prohibition Rum is a true echo of the past with its traditional spice. This award winning rum is infused with warming spices and distilled in Sussex. Richly layered to evoke the spirit of the Prohibition era with notes of vanilla, cinnamon, and a hint of banana.