Rum has effortlessly secured its place as one of the most versatile spirits out there on the racks. So much so that there are countries that have perfected their own versions of the drink.
Each variation is crafted with a surprising flavour that’s personal to the region. Which is why knowing what’s in your bottle becomes your one-step guide to truly appreciating the drink.
Be it Rum, Rhum, or Ron – it’s the same formula, but packed with a different culture and a different kick. So, let’s dive further to understanding what goes beyond the name!
Rum
Bottled in the lands of Jamaica, Barbados, The Virgin Islands, Antigua, St. Lucia, and Trinidad & Tobago.
The classic English style ‘Rum’ is a textbook definition of the spirit produced from sugarcane molasses.
It uses the technique of pot-still distillation to produce a simple yet high-strength alcohol. Processing it in this manner ensures that the rather dry rum would be enhanced with a richness that balances it perfectly.
But this very rich nature can also get a little tricky when mixed with rum cocktails. It carries the potential to overpower the mixes if not done right. So, make sure you don’t get wasted in an attempt to mix your poison. Or you could simply choose to play it safe and enjoy the sipping drink the way it’s meant to be enjoyed – Plain and neat.
Rhum
Bottled in the lands of Martinique, Guadeloupe, and Haiti.
This French-style version of the rum comes with a floral and fruity note that is sure to transport you to the breezy tropical islands.
Also known as the Rhum Agricole, the drink undergoes simpler processing unlike the classic rums, which is distilled from fermented molasses. In Agricole, the cane is crushed and the juice sluiced out of it directly goes into fermentation, after which it heads to column stills
It is made from fresh-pressed sugarcane, so despite being drier than the rest, it comes with a unique aftertaste that shines best when poured with cocktail mixes.
If you are to get your hands on the Agricole, make it a point to enjoy it as a Daiquiri or even a Mojito paired with herbs. You could also go for the popular and simple mix that involves Rhum, sugarcane syrup, and a generous amount of lime.
Ron
Bottled in the lands of Cuba, Puerto Rico, Venezuela, Guatemala, The Dominican Republic, Nicaragua, and Panama
Similar to rum, the Spanish Ron is made by fermenting molasses but has a lot lighter flavour. Since it does not carry an overpowering effect, it makes for a better and smoother alternative than rum for cocktails – a feature that can be enjoyed in most Central American rums.
A Ron mix that you can never go wrong with is a Piña colada. It adds a perfect balance that tones down both the sweetness of the pineapple juice and the heaviness of coconut milk.
Journeying further ahead to the Canary Islands will also introduce you to an interesting variant called Ron Miel or Honey Rum. It gets its name for carrying a sweet tinge in the form of 2% honey in its rum. These are among the few types of rum that you’d possibly see around, and we’re sure there’s more! So, join the conversation and tell us your thoughts on the Rum Culture.