Rum is a popular hard liquor that even non-drinkers should be familiar with.
From rum cake, rum chocolates, even that little jig The Drunken Sailor, rum can evoke thoughts of wonder. But what does rum taste like exactly? What makes the seasoning of pastries, and elixir of pirates so famous?
Let’s explore the experience that is rum, and find out for ourselves the what’s, why’s, and how’s of this beloved drink.
What’s Considered Rum?
Rum is an alcoholic beverage that’s produced through the fermentation then distillation of sugarcane juice, syrup or molasses. There really aren’t any clear-cut definitions of what constitutes rum, as an actual standard doesn’t really exist.
Nations that produce rum have local regulations, and they apply only in that locality. The US has its own definition under the Standards of Identity of the Code of Federal regulations 27 CFR § 5.22 (f).
As per US law, rum is the alcoholic distillate of the aforementioned ingredients, and other by-products of sugarcane.
It should be produced at less than 190° US Proof, or 95% alcohol by volume, and bottled when it’s at least 80° US Proof or 40% Alcohol by volume.
The law itself states that if it meets the first requirements and has the taste, aroma, and characteristics that are usually attributed to rum, then it can call itself rum.
So, what does rum taste like? If you were to ask for the actual legal definition, rum should taste like rum. Not exactly helpful.
The only other legal requirement regarding rum is for the Brazilian Cachaca to be produced in Brazil and meet Brazilian regulations.
How Do You Make Rum?
Rum’s taste really depends on how it’s produced. Because the loose definitions, and practically nonexistent guidelines, any manufacturer can dictate their own blend.
Even with the free-for-all standards though, most rum makers still follow common production methods.
Fermentation
A majority of rums are made from sugarcane molasses. The quality of the rum is dictated by the quality of the sugarcane used to produce it.
Soil type, and climate in turn affect the condition of the sugarcane plants.
Water and yeast are then added to the sugarcane juice, syrup, or molasses to kick-start fermentation. The type of yeast can greatly affect how rum tastes.
Some producers use wild yeasts which vary the flavors wildly, though mist manufacturers tend to use specific strains to maintain consistent taste. What does rum taste like? The fermentation process is where that question begins to be answered.
Distillation
Like the standards for rum itself, the distillation process is a free-for-all. Some use pot stills, making rum in small batches, while some actually use column stills that distill liquor continuously.
Pot still distillation produces a lot more of what is known as congeners, or chemicals other than ethanol. This is the reason why many consider pot distilled rum as having a fuller body taste wise.
Aging and Blending
If the answer to what does rum taste like begins at fermentation, it’s given finality at the aging and blending process.
Aging is done in either new or used wooden casks, or even steel tanks. Most nations require rum to be aged for at least one year. Aging beyond that is up to the manufacturer’s own discretion.
Once aged, rum is blended either by filtering, or the addition of flavorings in order to get at least a consistently flavored product. It’s at the blending stage that most rums attain their color, especially for dark rums.
The Different Types of Rum
Although rum has no real classification standards, a lot of manufacturers and connoisseurs divide rum into commonly accepted categories. These types of rum differ from each other through color, aroma, taste, and alcohol strength.
Dark Rum
Named for their color, dark rums come in varieties of browns, reds, or blacks. Dark rums get their color from caramel added during aging, or by being fermented from caramelized sugar or molasses.
Dark Rums have a very strong flavor, as they tend to be aged longer in charred barrels.
Their ingredients give the drink undertones of molasses or caramel, which makes it popular for use in cooking. Some dark rums have spices added to them to further enhance flavor.
Gold Rum
Also known as amber rums, gold rums are the middle ground between light and dark rums.
They gain their color from the wooden casks that they’re aged in, usually casks already used in the making of bourbon whiskey. They have a stronger taste, and more flavor than light rums, and are considered as middle-bodied.
Light Rums
Also known as silver or white rum, light rums don’t have much flavor other than the standard sweetness that comes from the fermentation of sugarcane.
The colorless quality is gained from filtration after the rum is aged. The muted character of light rum makes it more popular as a cocktail mixer rather than a standalone drink.
Flavored Rum
As the name would suggest, flavored rums are liquors infused with the taste of fruits like bananas, coconut, pineapples, mangoes, oranges, starfruits, or lime.
The infusion of these flavors is made during the aging and blending process.
Chemicals are added to the alcohol itself to simulate the flavors of the fruits that it wants the rum to taste like. Flavored rums are usually less than 80° US Proof, or 40% alcohol by volume, and are frequently used in cocktails, though drinking it neat isn’t considered unusual.
Overproof Rums
As the name suggests, overproof rums are those that have higher than standard 80° proof alcohol content. Some overproof rums can go up to 160° proof and are usually used as cocktail mixers.
Premium Rums
Premium rums are what’s considered as boutique brands. They sell to a niche market and are produced with rather exacting methods of production.
The flavors of premium rum are considered to have more character than the other types and are usually drunk straight. Often, they’re more expensive than other types of rum.
Spiced Rums
Usually produced from gold rums, spiced rums are those which are flavored by the addition of caramel, spices, or both.
The spices give these rums a strong flavor and are generally drunk on their own. Cheaper versions of spiced rums are made from light rum that are colored using caramel.
Distinct Flavors
What does rum taste like? The answer isn’t really as clear cut as you would like. The lack of any real general standard means that each brand has their own distinct flavor. And there are practically as many flavors as there are brands.
Rum can be strong, light, or something in between. It can be flavored like fruits or be simple and sweet. With the many characteristics of rum, you’re sure to find a flavor to suit your palette.