Most Caribbean islands produce distinctive rums, which vary in character broadly according to the colonial history of the island. English islands tend to produce strong dark rums from molasses, whereas the French islands favour producing rum directly from sugarcane juice, while the Spanish islands are famous for their smooth rums. Rum must be the most popular drink in the Caribbean, drunk everywhere from back-street hangouts to high-end cocktail bars. Rum rapidly spread throughout the colonies to colonial North America, India, Canada and Australia, and even played a part in some momentous events. Mutineers in Australia seized control of the government in 1808 when the governor attempted to regulate the use of rum in what was known as the Rum Rebellion.
There is no global definition for rum, with each producing nation choosing its own criteria, however there are some broadly accepted commonalities for this fermented and distilled sugar based drink.
* Dark RumsJamaica is particularly well known for dark rums, which tend have a stronger, fuller flavor, having been aged for longer and in charred oak barrels. The best of these rums can be exceptionally smooth and command a high price, running to thousand of dollars per bottle. Appleton Estate Master Blenders’ Legacy is a fine example; that having been aged in old Jack Daniels barrels, it has a smoothly sweet and spicy flavor that demands to be drunk neat, just like a good whiskey.
* Light Rums
Often filtered after ageing, light rums can be completely colourless.Fortunately for rum aficionados, experimentation is something to be encouraged – cocktail recipes may need to be adjusted according to the individual brand of light rum being used. The relatively new to market Captain Morgan White Rum is reasonably well regarded, and comes from an iconic and reliable brand.
* Amber RumsMedium bodied rums gain their coloring from the bourbon whiskey oak barrels used for the aging process. Extra filtering processes take the edge off the young rum, and lend it a soft golden hue, making it a particularly popular and affordable rum. The famous Bacardi company, originally of Cuba, but long since based in Puerto Rico, produces one of the best known – Bacardi Gold Rum. Aged for just 1 to 2 years, the rum is then filtered through a secret charcoal blend to soften it. Not quite smooth enough for sipping, this is best as a mixing drink.
* Overproof RumsThe strongest of the rums, overproof can actually be found up to 160 proof. Overproof is the drink of choice for many locals in the Caribbean who take it with water, coconut water, or our favourite with Ting – a grapefruit flavored soda. Wray & Nephew White Overproof Rum is one of the most popular, originating in Jamaica but seen on shelves as far away as the Canadian Rockies.
* Spiced RumsClassically based on amber rums with the addition of spices, these rums are wildly successful and suitable for mixing. The best can be enjoyed neat over ice, but you get what you pay for, so avoid cheaper brands that are coloured with caramel. The most famous and successful spiced rum must be Captain Morgan’s Original Spiced Rum.