Different Types of Rum: A Guide for Rum Lovers
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Rum is a compelling spirit that’s been around for centuries. In fact, it traces its delicious roots back to the 17th century in the heart of the balmy Caribbean. Cleverly crafted from abundant sugarcane byproducts, many different types of rum have since emerged, cementing its reputation as a uniquely versatile spirit class around the globe.
Thanks to its all-rounder vibe, rum (and rhum) plays a starring role in countless cocktails, from zesty Mojitos to tropical Piña Coladas. Every type of rum comes to the cocktail shaker with a unique ensemble of flavours and characteristics, so there is plenty of room to experiment. In this guide we check out all the different rum varieties to help you find your fave.
Rum or rhum?
Did you know there’s a distinction between rum and rhum? While both are spirits made from sugarcane, their production methods set them apart. Rum, like Wray & Nephew Overproof Rum is usually crafted from molasses, the sweet byproduct of sugar refining, giving it a smooth, mellow flavour. It can be made worldwide.
On the other hand, rhum, particularly rhum agricole such as Trois Rivières, is made from fresh sugarcane juice. This gives the spirit a vibrant, verdant taste that is unique to the terroir of the French-speaking Caribbean, especially places like Martinique and Guadeloupe. So, whether you prefer the sweet notes of rum or the fresh zing of rhum, there’s a world of flavours to explore!
1. White rum
White rum is an undisputed darling of the cocktail world, enjoyed for its light and clean flavour profile. Usually distilled from molasses or sugarcane juice, this type of rum undergoes filtering to eliminate colour, yielding a crisp and versatile spirit.
Its subtle sweetness and smooth finish make it incredibly easy to mix and match, perfect for crafting cocktails or enjoying on its own. Think of it as a clean canvas for your mixology masterpieces!
Popular white rum cocktails
Also see: 10 Easy White Rum Drinks to Make at Home
2. Gold rum
Gold rum is the next step up in terms of complexity and flavour. This kind of rum undergoes a light aging process in oak barrels, which imbues it with a rich, amber hue and deeper flavours. Expect warm notes of caramel, vanilla, and a hint of spice.
This includes brands like Appleton Estate Jamaican rum, which speaks directly to the senses with fruit-forward aromas and tantalising notes of dried apricots, fresh peaches, and delectable hints of dark molasses.
Gold rum strikes a wonderful balance between easy-going and complex, making it ideal for enjoying neat or mixing into sassy sippers where you want a little extra character. Its adaptable profile shines in everything from tiki drinks to classic rum punches.
We suggest trying it in:
Read next: What to Mix with Rum (The Ultimate List of 2-Ingredient Rum Drinks!)
3. Dark rum
Dark rum is another exceptional expression of the spirit. Thanks to a longer aging process in charred barrels, this rum develops a deep, robust flavour that connoisseurs adore. It boasts rich notes of molasses, caramel, and baking spices, offering a sensory experience that is both bold and complex.
Ideal for sipping slowly or crafting heftier clinkers, dark rum invites you to savour its depth and warmth. It’s the perfect companion for cosy evenings by the fire or to elevate your favourite rum-based drinks.
Try it in cocktails like:
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4. Spiced rum
Spiced rum is a delightful exploration of flavour, infusing traditional rum with a medley of spices like vanilla, cinnamon, and cloves. This infusion creates an aromatic experience that delights the senses and adds depth to your sipping experience.
Spiced rum can be enjoyed on the rocks, in a cocktail, or even in boozy sauces. It’s a fantastic way to add a touch of warmth and character to your favourite drinks!
We love using it as an unexpected note in drinks like:
Also see: 14 Spiced Rum Cocktails to Spice Up Your Next Event
5. Flavoured rum
Flavoured rum is all about creativity and fun! This category embraces the fruity side of rum, offering tasty options like coconut, pineapple, mango, and beyond. These rums are perfect for folks who delight in the joyful tastes of the tropics, bringing vibrant flavours and a playful twist to your cocktails.
We recommend using it to add interesting nuances to clinkers like:
Sunny vibes: 12 Summer Rum Cocktails Perfect for a BBQ at Home
6. Aged rum
Aged rum represents the top tier of craftsmanship in the rum world. Typically aged for five years or longer, this spirit develops an incredibly complex flavour profile that evolves beautifully over time. Expect rich notes of oak, dark fruits, and a sophisticated blend of spices that dance on your palate.
For instance, Appleton Estate 15-year-old Black River Casks represent a tribute to the iconic Black River, the source of the limestone-filtered water used in all their rums. Their master distillers blend rare, cherry-picked pot- and column-still rums that have been aged for a minimum of 15 years in the tropical climes of Jamaica.
This yields an incredible copper-coloured rum with a honey gold ring of age, and gorgeous aromas of almond and hazelnut, flanked by notes of orange peel, vanilla, and glints of roasted coffee and molasses to round it all off.
To fully appreciate its depth and intricacies, it’s often best to enjoy aged rum neat or with a splash of water. It’s the ultimate indulgence for any rum enthusiast looking to savour the true essence of this timeless spirit.
Or you could use it to elevate drinks like:
Read next: 10 Frozen Rum Drinks to Embrace the Heat
Learn more about other spirits
Interesting stuff, right? If this piqued your interest, and you’re keen to learn more about other types of spirits and their variations, we’ve got you covered! Here you go:
There you have it besties – a short and sweet introduction to different types of rum, and how to use them in amazing cocktails. Remember to tag us when you share your picture-perfect rum creations on Instagram and sign up for our newsletter to receive more amazing insights delivered straight to your inbox. In the meantime, visit the Wray & Nephew and Appleton Estate websites for more rum cocktail recipes…
