Rum 101

Anything to do with rum

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Rum 101

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Curious about rum? What is rum? How is rum made? Let’s learn about rum. Our Rum 101 primer is here to help.

First, the rum basics. Rum is a distilled spirit made from the sugar cane plant.
Rum 101: Legal Definition
Rum 101 - Rum Basics: Light Rum, Aged Rum, Dark Rum

Rum is produced in many styles and variations

Rum is an alcoholic spirit made from sugar cane, or its derivatives. According to the United States Government Federal Standards of Identity, the following paragraph offers an official definition of rum.

(f) Class 6; rum. “Rum” is an alcoholic distillate from the fermented juice of sugar cane, sugar cane syrup, sugar cane molasses, or other sugar cane by-products, produced at less than 190 proof in such manner that the distillate possesses the taste, aroma and characteristics generally attributed to rum, and bottled at not less than 80 proof; and also includes mixtures solely of such distillates.
Factors Affecting Rum Quality

Significant factors that affect the taste, quality, color and viscosity of rum include:

the raw fermenting materials
the method of fermentation
the types of yeast used to convert sugars to alcohols
the method(s) of distillation
the process of maturing the spirits over time
the blending of various barrels of rum
the quality of water used to dilute the final product

Raw Materials Used For Making Rum

Sugar Cane spirits vary greatly in the manner in which they are created and by the products from which they are fermented.
Fresh Cane Juice

Some rums are made directly from cane juice, which is fermented immediately after being crushed. This raw sugar cane liquid typically contains 18 to 24 percent sugar in solution. Rums made from fresh sugar cane juice include the cachaças from Brazil and the Rhums Agricole from Martinique. Raw cane juice is not able to be stored for extended periods and must be fermented soon after being crushed.
Molasses

Most of the rum distilled in the world today is made from molasses, a by-product of the crystalline sugar making process. After all of the crystalline sugar has been removed from the sugar cane juice, the left-over molasses still contains fermentable sugars and can be stored for extended periods of time. Often, the term “Black Strap” is used to refer to a low grade of molasses that has the least amount of sugar remaining in the liquid.
Cane Syrup

A third type of rum stock is concentrated sugar cane syrup, sometimes referred to Sugar Cane Honey or Sweet Table-Grade Molasses, which still contains all the sugars present in cane juice, with most of the water removed. This concentrated cane syrup may contain more than 90 percent sugar and is able to be stored to be fermented and distilled at a later date.
How Rum Is Made

The process for making rum is centuries old. Although technologies have changed and methods have been improved, the process for making rum still comes down to some basic factors that won’t change.
Rum 101 - Rum Basics: converting sugar cane to rum

The traditional method of converting sugar cane to rum involves a series of processes from fermentation and distillation, to aging and blending.
Rum Basics: Fermentation and Distillation

When sugar cane juice or other sugar-based liquids are allowed to rest, yeast in the air is attracted to the natural sweetness of the liquid. The process of fermentation occurs as sugars are converted by yeast into alcohols, at approximately the strength of wines.
Rum 101 - Rum Basics: fermentation of rum

in a typical fermentation of rum, water and yeast are mixed with molasses in large vats to begin the process of converting sugar to alcohol

In a modern distillery, fermentation takes place in large vats where select, often hybridized yeast can interact with the sugars in the liquid for a designated period of time. This can be as short as 24 hours or as long as three weeks, depending on the strain of yeast used and the style of rum being produced.

Lighter bodied rums are typically fermented quickly, while rich, full-bodied rums are often fermented much longer to create more complex flavor profiles.

To further concentrate these alcohols, the process of distillation isolates much of the alcohol components by evaporating and condensing them into a second holding tank.

The resulting distilled liquid contains mostly alcohol, plus some other ingredients that provide unique flavors.

In some cases, additional distillation cycles are used to further purify the alcohol. The more these alcohols are isolated, the fewer flavor components remain in the solution.
Old School: The Classic Plantation Or Estate Method

In simple terms, the classic centuries-old process of making rum from sugar cane juice is straightforward. When the cane fields are harvested, the stalks of cane are crushed and the juice (or molasses) is fermented to begin the rum process.

Open vats are used to attract yeast from the surrounding environment. Slowly, over time, the yeast converts sugars to alcohols.

The resulting fermented solution is then heated (distilled) one batch at a time to concentrate the percentage of alcohol by separating the components.

Since alcohol evaporates at a lower temperature than water, a careful heated mixture will allow the alcohol to evaporate, while leaving behind water and other heavier elements.
Rum 101 - the Pot Sill

Pot Still Theory – a sign for visitors at the St. Lucia Distillery explains the simple process by which their old pot stills were operated. This distillery still operates three different pot stills.

After separation, the alcohol is rested in wooden barrels to mature. The interaction with wood mellows the liquid and adds color, while creating pleasant aromas and flavors.

The classic plantation method is seasonal and the process is over after the harvest is complete. There are still a few rum making operations in the world that continue to follow the classic plantation method, but most use modern methods to allow them to operate all year round.
Modern Methods Of Making Rum
Batch Process: The Traditional Pot Still

Many artisanal rums are produced by small companies in small quantities. Many producers believe that pot stills allow them to produce the most desirable spirit.
Rum 101 - Rum Basics: copper pot still at DUSA

a traditional copper pot still with two retorts (thumpers)

The traditional pot still is a centuries-old method of distilling fermented product in relatively small batches.

The fine art of the distiller is the key to success for the traditional pot still method. The disadvantage is that each distinct batch may vary to some degree and high volume production is not always feasible.

The use of pot stills is not uncommon in some territories that retain traditional methods of production, such as Jamaica, Barbados, Guyana and St. Lucia.

Craft distillers typically choose pot stills and hybrid batch stills to give them more control over the process of making artisanal rum. The lesser efficiency and smaller quantities of rum produced often lead to higher production costs compared to the more efficient factory column stills.

The separation of heads, heart and tails in a batch still is a function of time. The first, lightest vapors to condense are heads (not desirable). Subsequently, the heart of the rum batch (sometimes called seconds) is collected for storage before the final stage (tails) is discarded for other uses.
Rum 101 - Continuous Column Still

a Continuous Column Still produces rum by separating the lighter alcohol compounds from the heavier non-volatile compounds in the fermented wash.
Continuous Process: The Column Still

Most modern, well known brands of rum are made from molasses distilled in large column stills. The process involves heating the fermented molasses wine (sometimes called beer or wash) in tall columns, while steam in these large pipes strips the alcohol from the fermented wash.

The alcohol rich vapor is collected on condenser plates throughout the column where it exits as a clear, high proof alcohol.

A traditional two-column still, often referred to as a Coffey Still (perfected by Aeneas Coffey) is used by many traditional distilleries. In 1830, Mr. Coffey was granted Patent #5974 for the design of his two-column continuous still, which revolutionized the process of distillation and was rapidly embraced by distillers around the world. He established Aeneas Coffey & Sons in London, a company that remains in operation today under the name John Dore & Co. Limited.

Some of the most modern refineries use massive five-column stills that further refine the process and produce a more consistent, nearly pure alcohol product. Generally speaking, the rums produced in these five column stills are lighter in body and contain higher percentages of alcohol, up to 96% abv.

In a continuous column still, the separation of heads, hearts and tails is not a function of time as with batch distillation. Rather, it’s a function of the height at which various compounds condense on plates in the column.

The column still is the preferred equipment for making large amounts of rum in the most efficient and cost effective manner, continuously, day and night, without stopping.
Resting And Maturing

Fresh rum, when first distilled, is clear and lacks the sophisticated flavors and golden amber hues of fine sipping rums. Most rum is aged before being bottled. Only a few rums are bottled without some amount of time spent in barrels.
Rum 101 - Rum Basics: barrels of rum resting in the aging warehouse

barrels of rum resting in the aging warehouse

Clear rums like Bacardi Silver and Don Q Cristal are aged at least one year to gain smoothness, then carbon filtered to remove the color gained from the barrels during the time spent aging.

Among premium rums on the market, aging in oak barrels is one key element to producing a superior product. The choice of used whiskey and bourbon barrels is common.

The alcohols in the rum interact with the wood to add subtle flavors, extract color and develop a smooth characteristic that is highly desirable to aged rums. For example, Appleton rums from Jamaica are aged in used Jack Daniels whiskey barrels from Tennessee.

Another method for maturing rums is the use of new oak barrels, often charred to an alligator-skin type texture, giving the rum a stronger interaction with the wood element in the maturing process. The size of the barrel makes a difference as well. Small barrels offer a higher wood to spirit ratio and tend to mature faster.
Creative Barreling Techniques

Some rums are aged in barrels previously used for sherry, cognac, port and other distillates, imparting their own unique characteristics. These variations can give a master blender a range of flavors with which to create unique blends.

Because methods of maturing can vary greatly, the simple age statement on a bottle of rum is not always an indication of the maturity of the spirit. Rums aged in small charred oak barrels, for example, can become quite mature at three to five years, while other methods take many more years to achieve similar wood-infused flavor profiles.
Color, Clarity and Viscosity
Rum 101 - Rum Basics: many styles of rum are produced around the world

rums exhibit a multitude of variations in color, clarity and viscosity

Rums generally gain golden and amber hues as they mature. Some distillers use burnt sugar or caramel coloring to further enhance or balance the color for consistency. Many dark rums gain most of their rich color and often their full-bodied flavor from added caramel or molasses.

Over time, some water and alcohol evaporates from the aging barrel. This missing liquid has long been called the “angel’s share.” The remaining product in the aging barrel becomes more concentrated in flavor, color and viscosity.

When evaluating fine rums, judges will examine the color, clarity and viscosity of rums by holding a tasting glass up to a light source and swirling the product. The resulting drips of liquid on the glass, known as “legs” offer an indication as to the range of thin or thick characteristics. The rich color of the rum may indicate a level of maturity compared to other products. Exceptional clarity may indicate sophisticated filtering methods have been used.
Blending Rums

The master blender of a fine spirit is often the “rock star” of the organization, possessing great talents and abilities necessary to produce the unique products of that brand. There are mysteries and closely guarded secrets involved in the aging and blending of fine spirits.

In many cases, aged rums are blended, then stored in barrels again to further mature and “marry the flavors” before bottling the final product.

Blending offers an opportunity to potentially create more complex, perhaps more balanced rums by combining the best qualities of several marques.
Solera Method of Blending

One unique method of blending, known as the Solera Method, involves adding small amounts of newer rum to barrels of aged rum as the angel’s share is depleted. After many years, the resulting marriage of rums of many ages can create a complex blend of tones and flavors.

Some confusion may exist in relation to the actual age of solera style rums, since the blends are complex. Age statements on bottles might represent the oldest rum in the solera blend, but the amount of that portion might be quite small.
Age Statements

In the US, the age statement must refer to the youngest rum in the bottle. In practice, there is much variation among brands and expressions as to the veracity of age statements.

Many experts believe it’s best to regard age statements on labels with some degree of uncertainty. This is especially true if the rum is produced in a country that does not adhere to strict rules in regards to minimum age statements.copied from this site http://www.robsrum.com/rum-101/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;" rel="nofollow
I use a pot still.Sometimes with a thumper
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Re: Rum 101

Post by Tater »

types of rum ... Types of Rum

See also, Rum101

Robs Rum Guide offers guidance and advice about the many different categories, styles and types of rum produced around the world.

What makes rum unique in the spirits world?

We know that Scotch is produced in only one place: Scotland. We know that Tequila is produced in only one place: the Tequila region of Mexico. Cognac can only be produced in the Cognac region of France. Tennessee Whiskey can only be produced in… you guessed it… Tennessee.

Likewise, most spirits are tied to a particular region and distinct style of production. Rum is different.
Types of Rum

Rum is produced in more than 80 countries, using many divergent methods, with copious variations of fermentation, different types of distillation, myriad blending styles and a plethora of aging techniques.

Most rums can be classified in one or more of a few distinct categories. Let’s learn more about the most popular types of rum.
White Or Clear Rum

Types of Rum - Bacardi Superior white rumWhite rum is clear, usually has milder flavor and lighter body than gold or dark rums. These light types of rum are most often used to create cocktails that do not have a need for bold rum flavor.

In the U.S., most white rums are sold at 80 proof, or 40% alcohol by volume. They are often aged one or more years, then filtered to remove color. White rums may be cheaper to make and less expensive to purchase that more mature rums.

White rums are popular in the most common drinks, such as the Cuba Libre (rum, Coke and lime), the Daiquiri, the Mojito and the Piña Colada. Many rum cocktails call for a white or light rum, a gold rum and/or dark or spiced rum.

Popular white rums include Bacardi Superior, Don Q Cristal, Cruzan Estate Light, Oronoco, Mount Gay Silver, Matusalem Plantino, Rubi Rey, 10 Cane, Flor de Caña Extra Dry and Diplomatico Rum Blanco.
Gold Or Pale Rum

Types of Rum - Barcelo Dorado gold rumAs rum mellows in barrels over time, it takes on amber or golden hues. These golden types of rum usually present a more flavorful profile than the white or clear rums. Gold rums are used to make cocktails in which a stronger flavor is desired.

Gold rums are often aged several years or more and some coloring may be added to provide consistency. Subtle flavors of vanilla, almond, citrus, caramel or coconut may be present from the type of barrels used in the aging process.

Gold rums are often enjoyed on the rocks or neat, in addition to being used in cocktail recipes. They are popular in recipes for baking and making desserts as well.

These medium bodied rums are often quite affordable compared to older aged rums that have allowed to mature for many years.

Examples of gold rums include 1 Barrel, Abuelo, Appleton Special, Barcelo Dorado, Brugal Añejo, Bermudez Ron Dorado, Cacique Anejo Superior, Cockspur 5 Star, Diplomatico Añejo, Doorly’s 5, Don Q Gold, El Dorado 5, Gosling’s Gold, Matusalem Clasico, Maui Gold Rum, Montanya Gold, Mount Gay Eclipse, Pyrat Pistol, Sergeant Classic Gold and Sunset Captain Bligh Golden Rum.
Dark Rum

Types of Rum - Flor de Caña 7 year old dark rumThe term Dark Rum is essentially meaningless.

Many aged rums are referred to as dark, only to distinguish them from light. The label of dark rum is often assigned to a range of rums that are not clear, from light golden amber to black, as well as rums that are well aged.

Dark types of rum are often aged in oak barrels for extended periods.

When used in cocktail recipes, the robust rums offer a contrast of more flavorful profiles compared to white rums, overproof rums, flavored and spiced rums.

Examples of dark rums include Cruzan Estate Dark, Bacardi Select, Flor de Caña 5 Black Label, Barbancourt 3 Star, Diplomatico Anejo, Angostura Dark 5, Angostura 1919, Appleton V/X, Barcelo Dorado, Cockspur 5, El Dorado 5, Matusalem Classico, Mount Gay Eclipse and Santa Teresa Selecto.
Black Rum

Types of Rum - Maui Dark RumThe darkest, richest, heavy bodied rums are often referred to as black rums, offering bold tropical essence to libation and recipes. Black types of rum are popular ingredients used to balance the flavors of drinks against gold, white and spiced rums.

Most rum is made from molasses, a thick, dark sweet liquid left over in the process of manufacturing crystallized sugar. The black rums retain much of this rich molasses and caramel flavoring and are sometimes colored with burnt caramel to achieve consistently dark hues.

Black rums are essential to many uses in the baking and candy-making industries, imparting bold sweet spicy flavors to cakes, candies, desserts and sauces.

The barrels used to mature black rums are often charred or fired heavily, imparting much of the wood’s strong flavors to the liquid. They may also have remaining molasses in them.

Black rums are popular in British territories such as Bermuda, Jamaica, the Virgin Islands and Guyana.

Examples of black rums include Coruba, Cruzan Black Strap, Gosling’s Black Seal, Maui Dark Rum, Myers’s, Skipper Demerara, Woods 100, and Whaler’s Dark.
Navy Rum

Types of Rum - Pusser's Navy RumNavy rum refers to the traditional dark, full-bodied rums associated with the British Royal Navy.

The Royal Navy was famed for its custom of providing a daily ration of rum to sailors, as far back as 1655 when the British fleet captured the island of Jamaica. Rum traveled aboard ships far better that French brandy. As a matter of fact, where grape-based spirits of wine and brandy eventually went bad in the heat of the tropics, rum seemed to improve as it aged in the barrels aboard ship.

Around 1740, the practice of watering down the rum and supplementing it with lime to prevent scurvy became popular. This change is often credited to Admiral Edward Vernon, who was known to wear an old grogham coat and his potion was nicknamed grog, or later, tot. The tradition of providing British sailors with a daily ration of rum continued until July 31, 1970, known as black tot day.

To ensure the viability of the economies of its territories, recipes for navy rum included blends of spirit from British territories, including Guyana, Jamaica, Barbados and Trinidad.

One of the first official purveyors of rum to the Navy was Mr. Lehman Hart, starting in the early 1800s. A few decades later, Alfred Lamb began aging his dark rum in cool cellars beneath the river Thames, earning his product the nickname of London dock rum. The Lemon Hart brand was registered in 1888 and remains to this day a popular staple of naval-style rums. United Rum Merchants was created as a merger of several leading rum concerns.

Unique to the rums of Guyana is their legacy 200 year old wooden pot still that produces an uncommonly rich and full bodied spirit. This Demerara rum is an essential ingredient in many navy rums.

The final supply of old British Royal Navy Imperial Rum, representing the spirit of international adventure, honor and bravery on the high seas, have recently been re-bottled and are available for the most serious rum collectors.

Some popular navy style rums include Lamb’s Navy Rum, Pusser’s, Lemon Hart, Skipper Demerara and Wood’s 100.
Premium Aged Rum

Types of Rum - Diplomatico Reserva Exclusiva premium aged rumMany fine rums are aged in oak barrels for years to achieve a superior flavor profile. The interaction of spirit and wood has a positive effect on the smoothness, the richness and the subtle flavors of the rum.

Aged rums often represent the finest examples of mature rums from a distillery, often blended to achieve complexity and distinctive flavor profiles. The cost of storage and the loss of some rum from the barrels through evaporation adds to the cost of producing aged rums.

These older, more mature rums, often labeled as anejo in Spanish territories, are often enjoyed neat or on the rocks like a fine cognac or single malt scotch. In addition, many cocktail recipes call for the inclusion of these flavorful and rich types of rum.

Aged rums generally take on darker and richer colors due to the time spent in barrels. Charred oak barrels can impart dark tones. Cognac and sherry barrels can produce a reddish tint.

Rums labeled premium or ultra-premium often contain age statements. In the U.S. and some other territories, the age statement refers to the youngest rum in the blend. For example, Appleton Estate 21 from Jamaica is comprised of aged rums at least 21 years old. Other territories have differing standards. For example, Zacapa Centenario 23 from Guatemala is a blend of rums aged 6 to 23 years old.

Premium aged rums include Angostura 1824, Appleton Extra, Atlantico Private Cask, Bacardi 8 and Reserva Limitada, Barbancourt Reserve Especiale and Estate Reserve, Barrilito 3 Star, Barceló Imperial, Botran Solera 1893, Don Q Gran Anejo, Chairman’s Reserve, Cockspur 12, Cubaney 15, Diplomatico Reserva Exclusiva, El Dorado 15, Flor de Caña 18, Gosling’s Family Reserve, Matusalem Gran Reserva, Mount Gay Extra Old and 1703, Santa Teresa 1796, Trigo Reserva Aneja, Vizcaya VXOP, Zacapa Centenario XO and Zaya.
Vintage Rum

Types of Rum - Plantation 1992 Vintage aged rum from VenezuelaWhile most rums sold in the U.S. are blended from multiple sources before bottling, some unique rums are bottled from specific vintage years of production.

Vintage rums are most often seen from the French islands, where the growing and processing season is short. In some cases, private label rum brands purchase a large bulk of rum from a single production year, age the product and bottle it when maturity is peaking.

Boutique rum brands are bringing more vintage rums to the market every year. These types of rum tend to be limited editions that are valuable to collectors and serious rum enthusiasts.

Like in the production of fine wines, in some years the harvest is bountiful, while others are not as abundant. The amount of sugar contained in the raw cane might vary each year due to changes in rainfall and other environmental factors. The resulting differences are noted by the master distiller and the maturing process is monitored to achieve the ideal flavor profile for that vintage year.

Vintage rums are labeled with the year they were distilled and the location of their origin. Examples are Rhum J.M. 1997 Vintage from Martinique, Plantation Venezuela 1992 and the 1998 Vintage from Foursquare Rum Distillery in Barbados.
Overproof Rum

Types of Rum - Cruzan 151 overproof rumMost rums available for sale in the U.S. are 80 to 100 proof(40% to 50% alcohol by volume). Types of rum which contain higher concentrations of alcohol are often labeled as overproof.

Rums produced for popular consumption are distilled to remove non-alcohol components. The modern distillation process produces a spirit that is generally 160 to 190 proof alcohol. After aging and blending, most rums are diluted with water to reach the 80 proof standard.

Some rums, such as Sunset Very Strong Rum from St. Vincent are not diluted. Sunset VSR is bottled at the full cask strength of 169 proof.

U.S. regulations prevent rums over 155 proof from entering the U.S. under most circumstances, so many manufacturers produce rums in the 150 proof range, such as Bacardi 151, Cruzan 151, El Dorado 151 High Strength Rum, Bruddah Kimio’s Da Bomb 155, Gosling’s 151 and Matusalem 151 Red Flame.

One of the most popular overproof rums is Jamaica’s Wray And Nephew White Overproof at 126 proof. This potent spirit is the most popular rum sold in Jamaica.

Overproof rums tend to be more popular in the Caribbean Islands where locals prefer a stronger drink. They’re also used in cooking recipes that call for rum to be ignited in flame (flambé) or drinks that blend a very strong rum into their recipe.

Classic rum punches are often made with high-proof rum mixed with tropical juices (and sometimes flavored rums and liqueurs) to deliver a “punch” to those that enjoy them.
Rhum Agricole

Types of Rum - Clement Rhum AgricoleRhum Agricole is a specific category of rhum made principally in the French territories of the Caribbean, especially Martinique, but similar styles are also produced in Guadeloupe, Marie-Galante and St. Barths. Reunion Island (a French Overseas Territory, like Martinique) and it’s neighboring Island Nation of Maritius in the southwest Indian Ocean also produce Agricole style rums. Rhums made in Haiti from cane juice may also be considered agricole by some rum experts.

Martinique is the only geographic region in the world to have an AOC mark in the rum industry. Similar to the AOC marks for champagne and cognac, the Appellation d’Origine Contrôlée for Martinique rhum agricole is a standard of production, aging and labeling.

Rhum Agricole is fermented and distilled from pure, fresh cane juice. The spirit is distilled to about 70 percent alcohol, a lesser degree than most molasses-based rums, allowing the rhum to retain more of the original flavor of the full cane juice.

The lighter rhums agricole are rested for up to six months before being bottled as rhum blanc. They’re often used in the popular cocktail known as petit punch (‘ti punch) mixed with lime and cane syrup.

Other more mature rhums have been aged in oak barrels for years, taking on richer hues and flavors. After three years of maturing, the rhums are labeled rhum vieux (old rum). Some of these exceptional spirits are bottled as vintages, such as wines from France. For example, the Rhum J.M. 1997 vintage spent ten years in oak before being bottled in 2007.

Some examples of these types of rum include Clément XO and Cuvee Homere, Darboussier Rhum Vieux 1983, Depaz Blue Cane Amber Rhum, Rhum J.M. Agricole Blanc, La Favorite Rhum Agricole Vieux, Neisson Rhum Réserve Spéciale, St. James Hors d’Age.
Cachaça

Types of Rum - Cabana CachaçaThe Brazilian sugar cane spirit known as cachaça (kah-SHA-sah) is one of the most popular categories of cane spirit in the world. Made from fresh sugar cane juice, cachaça is often bottled with little or no aging in barrels, presenting a full-flavored profile spirit most popularly enjoyed in cocktails, such as the caipirinha (kai-pee-REEN-yah), the national drink of Brazil.

Some premium products, referred to as artisanal cachaças, are often made in small quantities and aged in woods indigenous to Brazil. The region of Minas Gerais in Brazil is well know for producing artisanal cachaça. Using natural yeast in the environment, these spirits are distilled in copper pots in small batches. Maturing in wood develops special aroma components and softens the finish.

Large manufacturers of cachaça use tall column stills of stainless steel to produce vast volumes of spirit in a continuous process, most of which is enjoyed without maturing in barrels.

Examples of popular cachaças available in the U.S. include Agua Luca, Beija, Beleza Pura, Boca Loca, Cabana, Cachaça 51, Cuca Fresca, Fazenda Mãe de Ouro, Leblon, Moleca, Rio D, Sagatiba and Ypioca.
Aguardiente

Types of Rum - Cristal AguardienteAquardiente is a spirit fermented and distilled from fruit, most often sugar cane. The name can be translated to “burning water” or “fire water.”

Aquardiente spirits are not aged. Their simple distillation process retains robust flavors of the vegetal matter used.

In Columbia, aguardiente is usually flavored with anise. Each region of the country produces their own spirit which cannot be exported to other regions. In the Andean region, the spirit is often enjoyed straight. In the Caribbean regions, where rum is more popular than aguardiente, the local spirit is more likely to be mixed in cocktails.

Perhaps most popular aguardiente enjoyed in the U.S. is Cristal (made from sugar cane and labled guaro), produced in Manizales, Colombia by Industria Licorera de Caldas. A variety of flavors have been introduced into Cristal products in recent years including peach, orange and lime.

these types of rum may be difficult to find in many liquor stores.
Flavored and Spiced Rum

Types of Rum - Foursquare spiced rumThe myriad types of flavors and spices infused into rums offer a wide range of interesting and multifarious variations of spirits, both full proof and limited potency liqueurs and creams. Spiced and flavored types of rum offer unique flavors to cocktails, rum cakes, holiday libations and many other uses, bringing decidedly tropical flavors to the palate.

Spices are generally derived from the seeds, dried fruit, root, leaf or bark of edible flora. These aromatic and pungent vegetal substances often provide excitement and zest to sweeter liquids. Many popular spiced concoctions were originally devised and distilled as medicinal cures and treatments for a laundry list of ailments known to plague modern society in the post-industrial generations. Many popular drink ingredients in the category of bitters evolved from such intendedly curative mixtures.

Roots of ginger, seeds of vanilla and allspice, bark of cinnamon or cassia and buds of clove are commonly used as flavoring agents for spiced rums. Fruit extracts of citrus, cherry, mint, black currant, coconut, mango, pineapple, banana and other tropical plants and trees bring luscious tones to flavored rum varieties.

Rum creams combine rum flavor with rich and decadent dairy textures to create dessert-like mixtures suitable for after-dinner libations or as a creamy base to other spirited drinks.

U.S. laws require products labeled as rum to contain at least 40% alcohol by volume. Some distilled spirits that do not meet this requirement are labeled as flavored rum, whether or not they contain discernible or dominant flavor agents.

Some popular brands of spiced and flavored rums include Captain Morgan, Sailor Jerry, Pango, Montecristo, Foursquare, Malibu Coconut Rum, Castries Peanut Rum Cream, Bacardi Limon and Dragonberry, Cruzan Mango and Coconut, Don Q Passion, Parrot Bay Coconut Rum, Crisma Rum Cream and Taylor’s Velvet Falernum.
I use a pot still.Sometimes with a thumper
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Re: Rum 101

Post by 8Ball »

Interesting read. I’m doing a piggy back rumsky after an Irish AG with raw sugar and a half gallon of pure cane syrup. It was 7% ABV and fermented dry on the grain in two days. Will strip it out in a couple days.
🎱 The struggle is real and this rabbit hole just got interesting.
Per a conversation I had with Mr. Jay Gibbs regarding white oak barrel staves: “…you gotta get it burning good.”
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Re: Rum 101

Post by nerdybrewer »

Thank you Tater, I read it all.
Very good stuff, now to follow the link and see if there's more!

I've been there before, just didn't remember!
That's where LWTCS sent me to look at info for the rum festival in May.
Cranky's spoonfeeding:
http://homedistiller.org/forum/viewtopic.php?t=52975

Time and Oak will sort it out.
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Re: Rum 101

Post by Manic Mechanic »

Can someone help me with this feed molasses question? I have attached a spec sheet from a mill close to me that takes care of my friends dairy cow dietary supplements. They have feed molasses but it shows .7% sulfur. Will this be ok for Rum or does it need to be zero sulfur like the restaurant unsulfured blackstrap that I am useing now $$$
Feed molasses specs.docx
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Re: Rum 101

Post by still_stirrin »

You’ll be fine with that molly. Adding epsom salts (magnesium sulfate) adds more sulfur than that molly does. Regardless, just be sure to include some copper in your still/stillhead and it’ll help you out at the spout.

Incidently, the fat and ash content are much higher than the fancy molasses from the restaurant supply. But then again, farmers like that included because it helps with the animals digestive systems.

There’s much bigger fish to fry!
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Re: Rum 101

Post by Bren »

Very good read. Thank you.
I recently did a 5gal rum wash with molasses.
I thought id followed the recipe correctly but i have a very strong molasses taste out of the spout. Im using a pot and thumper set-up.
Any help or insites as to how i cocked it up would be very welcome.
Many thanks
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Re: Rum 101

Post by Windy City »

Bren wrote: Mon Oct 03, 2022 10:09 am Very good read. Thank you.
I recently did a 5gal rum wash with molasses.
I thought id followed the recipe correctly but i have a very strong molasses taste out of the spout. Im using a pot and thumper set-up.
Any help or insites as to how i cocked it up would be very welcome.
Many thanks
Bren.
A pot and thumper are going to push flavor. What did you fill your thumper with?
I do two bubble plates one and done but I like a good amount of molasses flavor in my rum.
I’ll age it for three years or more and it comes out phenomenal
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Re: Rum 101

Post by Sporacle »

Bren wrote: Mon Oct 03, 2022 10:09 am Very good read. Thank you.
I recently did a 5gal rum wash with molasses.
I thought id followed the recipe correctly but i have a very strong molasses taste out of the spout. Im using a pot and thumper set-up.
Any help or insites as to how i cocked it up would be very welcome.
Many thanks
Bren.
Is it a Mollases taste at the spout in your spirit or has it puked and you have some.of the wash in your spirit, a bit more info is probably needed.
Generally you want the taste of the major ingredient to carry across to the spirit when making a flavoured spirit.
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Re: Rum 101

Post by Bradster68 »

Windy City wrote: Mon Oct 03, 2022 10:18 am
Bren wrote: Mon Oct 03, 2022 10:09 am Very good read. Thank you.
I recently did a 5gal rum wash with molasses.
I thought id followed the recipe correctly but i have a very strong molasses taste out of the spout. Im using a pot and thumper set-up.
Any help or insites as to how i cocked it up would be very welcome.
Many thanks
Bren.
A pot and thumper are going to push flavor. What did you fill your thumper with?
I do two bubble plates one and done but I like a good amount of molasses flavor in my rum.
I’ll age it for three years or more and it comes out phenomenal
Are u using SBB's recipe?
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Re: Rum 101

Post by Saltbush Bill »

What makes you think you cocked up.............what do you think it should taste like fresh off the spout?
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Re: Rum 101

Post by Bren »

Sorry for the late reply its all done off my phone.

Its a very strong molasses taste.
I thought it would pull most of the flavour out and just leave a subtle taste.
I never had it taste so strong but to be fair ive only had the likes of capt morgans.
I used SSBs recipe from tride and tested.
Thanks foe the help
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Re: Rum 101

Post by Yummyrum »

What comes off the still is raw Rum . The nice Rummyness that you are expecting from your Captain Morgan is what happens to that molasses taste when it sits in an Oak barrel for several years .
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Re: Rum 101

Post by Bren »

That makes sense now you say it.
So patience is the name of the game on this one then
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Re: Rum 101

Post by Archee72 »

Bren wrote: Mon Oct 10, 2022 1:07 pm That makes sense now you say it.
So patience is the name of the game on this one then
Chuck it in a glass container, add some Oak Dominoes and a vanilla bean. Drinkable after the 3 month mark but just gets better the longer you leave it
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Re: Rum 101

Post by Bren »

Are we talking about actual dominos or is there a shop or company i get them from?
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Re: Rum 101

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Re: Rum 101

Post by Edmonton »

Rum newbie here…
Been doing a lot of reading but still confused.
You buy all that molasses and my thought is you run it through a pot still and to keep the flavors.
But consistently I see posts saying it’s coming off stills at 95%…
Didn’t these guys just make a Neutral spirit?
If so is there that much flavor carried over?
If not, what should I be aiming for coming off the still?
I am running a 6 plate reflux that does 190 consistently.
My thought is to take out 2 plates to knock my proof back.
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Re: Rum 101

Post by dunluce »

Edmonton wrote: Sat Nov 05, 2022 7:41 am But consistently I see posts saying it’s coming off stills at 95%…
You might be confusing posts of people using a reflux still with someone using a pot still.

No pot still comes off at 95%.
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Re: Rum 101

Post by Stonecutter »

Edmonton wrote: Sat Nov 05, 2022 7:41 am I am running a 6 plate reflux that does 190 consistently.
My thought is to take out 2 plates to knock my proof back.
“Flutes” were originally Designed to keep flavor while producing a high ABV.
Taking out two plates is a fine idea and there are members here that use 4 platers to run rum
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Re: Rum 101

Post by Edmonton »

dunluce wrote: Sat Nov 05, 2022 8:59 am
Edmonton wrote: Sat Nov 05, 2022 7:41 am But consistently I see posts saying it’s coming off stills at 95%…
You might be confusing posts of people using a reflux still with someone using a pot still.

No pot still comes off at 95%.
I’m not familiar with Pot Stills but my understanding is you can do stripping runs to increase alcohol content.
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Re: Rum 101

Post by Saltbush Bill »

Edmonton wrote: Sat Nov 05, 2022 7:41 am You buy all that molasses and my thought is you run it through a pot still and to keep the flavors.
\
You can do that , but you will also get plenty of flavour using a plated column with three or four plates......four pates will produce at about 92%
Edmonton wrote: Sat Nov 05, 2022 7:41 am But consistently I see posts saying it’s coming off stills at 95%…

Where are these posts ?.........can you supply some links ?......I'd like to see a few.
Edmonton wrote: Sat Nov 05, 2022 7:41 am Didn’t these guys just make a Neutral spirit?
Just because something comes off the still at 95% doesnt mean its neutral. Cuts and type of wash also dictate the end result.
Edmonton wrote: Sat Nov 05, 2022 7:41 am My thought is to take out 2 plates to knock my proof back.
Taking two out will do the job......some folks would say 3 out.
Edmonton wrote: Sat Nov 05, 2022 12:09 pm I’m not familiar with Pot Stills but my understanding is you can do stripping runs to increase alcohol content.
For safety reasons we never recommend putting anything in a pot still at more than 40%.......using a boiler charge of 40% will never get you 95% as an end product using a pot still.
Seems your not familiar with many sides of distilling ........distilling is a never ending learning curve......the more you read the more you will learn.
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Re: Rum 101

Post by Yummyrum »

Edmonton wrote: Sat Nov 05, 2022 7:41 am But consistently I see posts saying it’s coming off stills at 95%…
Didn’t these guys just make a Neutral spirit?
If so is there that much flavor carried over
I may have been one of the posts you saw.
When I make a batch of Bacardi style rum , I do an all Mollasses wash like SBBs rum , strip it in the pot still and then run it through my packed VM reflux still .
It comes off at 95% and it is in no way a Nuetral . The characteristic Bacardi smell and taste is there even though I don’t run it through 15 different charcoals or what ever they recon.

So yes there is a lot of flavour that comes off a molases wash even after stripping and refluxing .

When I want to make a golden Rum I use the 4 plate ( now 3 plates flute .Then that gets diluted to 80% fir the barrel( others barrel at 65%).
4 plates comes off @92@ and has significant flavour compared to the refluxed 95% stuff .

Even after diluting to 40% for drinking , both have big flavour .
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Re: Rum 101

Post by Edmonton »

Saltbush Bill wrote: Sat Nov 05, 2022 1:50 pm Seems your not familiar with many sides of distilling ........
I guess that’s why I’m here asking…… 😬
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Re: Rum 101

Post by Edmonton »

Yummyrum wrote: Sat Nov 05, 2022 2:12 pm
Edmonton wrote: Sat Nov 05, 2022 7:41 am But consistently I see posts saying it’s coming off stills at 95%…
Didn’t these guys just make a Neutral spirit?
If so is there that much flavor carried over
I may have been one of the posts you saw.
When I make a batch of Bacardi style rum , I do an all Mollasses wash like SBBs rum , strip it in the pot still and then run it through my packed VM reflux still .
It comes off at 95% and it is in no way a Nuetral . The characteristic Bacardi smell and taste is there even though I don’t run it through 15 different charcoals or what ever they recon.

So yes there is a lot of flavour that comes off a molases wash even after stripping and refluxing .

When I want to make a golden Rum I use the 4 plate ( now 3 plates flute .Then that gets diluted to 80% fir the barrel( others barrel at 65%).
4 plates comes off @92@ and has significant flavour compared to the refluxed 95% stuff .

Even after diluting to 40% for drinking , both have big flavour .
Thank you for the straight forward answer!
I’m not sure if you posted it earlier…
But do you have a recipe?
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Re: Rum 101

Post by Yummyrum »

Pretty much just what I said . I use SBBs all molasses recipe from the tried and true section of the forum .

viewtopic.php?t=71293

It pretty straight forward and forgiving . Then run it through what ever still you need to make the style of Rum you want …… a packed reflux for a Bacardi style , a plated still (flute) for a more flavoured style that you would probably be aging on Oak anyway . Or even a simple Pot still if you want an even stronger flavoured Rum . But too me , they contain too much tails unless you make the tightest of cuts .
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Re: Rum 101

Post by Saltbush Bill »

Yummyrum wrote: Sat Nov 05, 2022 2:12 pm When I make a batch of Bacardi style rum , I do an all Mollasses wash like SBBs rum , strip it in the pot still and then run it through my packed VM reflux still.
It comes off at 95% and it is in no way a Nuetral .
Agree 100% Yummy making Neutral from an all Molasses wash is akin to walking on water.....it just wont happen. Its the flavour that just keeps on keeping on.
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Re: Rum 101

Post by redz242 »

Tater wrote: Sun Feb 17, 2019 8:29 pm types of rum ... Types of Rum

See also, Rum101
Good day sir,

Great read and I love some of the information but I’ve been reading and researching to making a Barbancourt or clone close to it. I have found that in research it’s actually agricole rhum from special sugar cane species with mix with the natural yeast maybe even other fungal activity with open fermentation with farms and etc around.
Now I have been inquiring from other Haitians as I heard it’s just cane sugar juice which in the process of conversation some of the sugar juice gets caramelize resulting in a low alcohol wash count.
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Re: Rum 101

Post by LordL »

Saltbush Bill wrote: Sat Nov 05, 2022 3:57 pm
Yummyrum wrote: Sat Nov 05, 2022 2:12 pm When I make a batch of Bacardi style rum , I do an all Mollasses wash like SBBs rum , strip it in the pot still and then run it through my packed VM reflux still.
It comes off at 95% and it is in no way a Nuetral .
Agree 100% Yummy making Neutral from an all Molasses wash is akin to walking on water.....it just wont happen. Its the flavour that just keeps on keeping on.
This makes me think I will have a decent rum taste with a rum made from purely dark muscovado sugar and double pot stilled. Is the taste difference that huge between a rum made of dark muscovado and black strap? I'm starting soon anyways, and of course, I'll report back! :)
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Re: Rum 101

Post by Yummyrum »

I’ve not tried Muscovado but you should still get a reasonable Rum flavour .
Blackstrap has less sugar and more “flavour” than Muscovado so it won’t be the same .

Just remember though that Rum doesn’t taste like Rum off the still . It takes years of aging in Oak to develop what we perceive as Rum .
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