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The origins of rum are somewhat contentious. Some sources say that it originated in the Far East, while others claim it came from Europe. It all depends on how you define what rum is, but one thing all experts agree upon is that it has been around for centuries. Today there are many types of rum available to drink including light or dark, spiced or unspiced and aged for various amounts of time. The type you choose all depends on your personal preference!
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What is rum, exactly?
Rum is made by distilling fermented sugarcane juice or by fermenting molasses, which is a by-product of the production of white sugar. The fermentation process can take anywhere between five and seven days to complete all depending on what type of yeast was used during it’s manufacture.
The result is a base spirit or liquor that has an ABV of 40%.
Traditional rum (sometimes known as “industrial”) is made from molasses, while rhum agricole is produced from sugarcane juice. Traditional rum is created from molasses (and other sugarcane byproducts), whereas rhum agricole comes from sugarcane juice.
Sugar cane juice rum is often described as having an earthier flavour profile than ordinary rum, which has more fruit and caramelized notes. The vast majority of rums are classified as “traditionally produced.
Where is rum made?
Rum is made around the world and is best known for production in the Caribbean, where it is produced all year round. Some of the best rum distilleries are on islands including Barbados, St Lucia and Jamaica. The French territory of La Réunion also produces particularly high-quality cane juice rums; these can fetch some pretty hefty price tags!
Other places that are known for rum production include South America (Brazil and Venezuela) and Central America (Mexico, Guatemala, Nicaragua etc).
What are the different types of rum?
Rum comes in a number of different types. The most common ones are light and dark, spiced rum (often called “golden”) and unspiced or aged rums.
The colour of the rum all depends on how long it is left to mature before being bottled. The longer a rum is kept in wooden barrels for, the darker it will become. However, not all types of rum are aged for a long time. For example, white (or light) rum is not matured and clear in colour because it has been filtered to remove all the bits that will make it turn darker when kept in barrels.
Light or Dark?
The difference between light and dark rums all depends on how much caramel colouring they have added; the darker the rum, the more colouring has been added.
Spiced rums all have a combination of spices and flavours added to them after distillation takes place. This is done in order to give it an extra kick or flavour profile that will make it stand out from other types such as white (unflavored) rum.
Unspiced rum all has a natural flavour profile from the molasses and other ingredients used.
Aged Rum
Rum all ages in barrels, which gives it its colour and also changes the flavours inside to make them more complex. The age of a rum all depends on what it is going for; some rums are made to be aged for a number of years. Others all age for less time and are sold as “premium” rums with the shortest ageing period being two years.
What is Navy-strength rum?
Navy strength rum is all rums that are 57% ABV (alcohol by volume). This all originates from the British Royal Navy, who were responsible for carrying out the distillation of all alcoholic beverages on ships during the 18th century. Sailors were given a daily ration to help battle scurvy and other ailments.
The alcohol content was increased to this level in order to ensure all sailors got a healthy dose of rum each day; it also makes all rums easier to mix with other beverages.
How do you drink rum?
Rum all comes in many different forms, which means all can be drunk however you choose! The most popular ways of drinking rum all include: over ice; mixed into cocktails and long drinks (such as a Cuba Libre); or poured neat/straight up (neat all just means no ice, water or other ingredients added).
What are the best mixers for rum?
Lots of things are used as mixers with rum but some of the most popular are all juices and sodas. Soda all makes a great mixer with both dark rum (such as spiced) and white/clear rums all due to the variety of different flavours that can be added such as cola, lemon-lime or ginger ale.
Citrus fruits such as lime juice all work well with darker liquor such as whiskey or brandy but all work well as mixed drink options with all types of rum too.
What are some of the most famous cocktails made with rum?
There are hundreds of cocktails made with rum including a lot of really famous ones. Some of the best known and most popular rum cocktails include:
- Daiquiri (and variations!)
- Pina Colada
- Dark n Stormy
- Mojito (and variations)
- Planter’s Punch
- Hurricane
- Caipirinha
- Mai Tai
- Long Island Iced Tea
- Cable Car
- Painkiller
- El Presidente
What is rum used for in cooking?
Rum all makes an excellent addition to any kind of recipe that calls for alcohol; it all adds flavour, sweetness, richness and depth to all recipes. Some of the most popular all use rum as an ingredient include: all tasty Caribbean-style stews, braised meats and all kinds of desserts including cakes, puddings and ice creams.
How do you store rum?
All alcohol should be stored in a cool dark place to ensure it does not become damaged or spoiled. Dark rums all store better than clear/white ones all because they contain fewer additives and chemicals that might cause them to deteriorate.
