
Rum Glossary
Rum Glossary, Terminology Related To Rum
Ultimate rum glossary, your go-to guide for understanding the world of rum! Whether you're a curious novice or a seasoned rum aficionado, this glossary covers key terms, techniques, and classifications to help you explore this beloved spirit in greater depth. Let’s dive in!
A
Aguardiente
Spanish for "firewater," this term refers to raw, unaged spirits distilled from sugarcane or its by-products. Often seen as a precursor to rum.
Ageing
The process of maturing rum in barrels, typically made of oak, to develop its flavours. Ageing contributes to the rum’s colour, complexity, and aroma.
Angel's Share
Angel's share” is used to describe the amount of water and liquor that evaporates as a spirit matures in a barrel.
B
Barrel-Aged Rum
Rum that has been matured in wooden barrels, often ex-bourbon barrels. Ageing imparts notes of vanilla, caramel, and spice to the spirit.
Blending
The art of combining rums of different ages, styles, or origins to achieve a desired flavour profile.
C
Column Still
A type of continuous still used to produce lighter and cleaner rums. Commonly associated with large-scale production.
Cask Strength
Rum bottled directly from the barrel without dilution. These are high-proof spirits that retain their full intensity.
Cachaça
A Brazilian spirit made from fermented sugarcane juice, often mistaken for rum but considered a distinct category.
D
Demerara Rum
A style of rum originating from Guyana, known for its rich, molasses-based flavours and deep, dark colour.
Distillation
The process of heating a fermented liquid to separate alcohol from water, concentrating the spirit. Different distillation methods create varying styles of rum.
E
Esters
Compounds formed during fermentation that contribute fruity and floral aromas to rum. High-ester rums are especially valued for their complexity.
F
Fermentation
The process where yeast converts sugar into alcohol. The length and method of fermentation influence the rum’s flavour profile.
G
Grog
A traditional naval drink made by diluting rum with water, often with lime or sugar, used historically to prevent scurvy among sailors.
H
High-Proof Rum
Rum with a higher alcohol content than standard bottlings, often used in rum cocktails or as a base for blending.
L
Light Rum
Also known as white or silver rum, this is a lighter-bodied rum often filtered to remove colour after ageing. Popular in cocktails.
M
Molasses
A by-product of sugar production, molasses is one of the primary bases for rum fermentation.
Maceration
The process of infusing rum with fruits, spices, or other botanicals to enhance its flavour.
N
Navy Strength
A rum with an alcohol content of around 57%, traditionally associated with British naval rations.
O
Overproof Rum
Rum with an alcohol content exceeding 50%, often used in cocktails for its bold flavour and intensity.
P
Pot Still
A traditional still that produces heavier, fuller-bodied rums with intense flavours.
Premium Rum
A designation for high-quality rums, often aged longer or made with superior ingredients and craftsmanship.
R
Rhum Agricole
A French style of rum made from fresh sugarcane juice, primarily produced in Martinique and Guadeloupe. Known for its grassy and vegetal notes.
Rum Punch
A classic cocktail made with rum, citrus juice, sugar, and spices. It’s one of the oldest and most versatile ways to enjoy rum.
S
Spiced Rum
Rum infused with spices such as cinnamon, vanilla, nutmeg, or clove. Popular for its bold and warming flavour profile.
Solera System
A method of ageing rum where older and younger rums are blended in a cascading system of barrels to maintain consistency.
T
Tiki Cocktails
Rum-based tropical cocktails often featuring bold, fruity, and spicy flavours. Iconic examples include the Mai Tai and Zombie.
V
Vintage Rum
Rum from a specific year or batch, often reflecting the unique characteristics of that season’s harvest and production.
W
Wash
The fermented liquid that is distilled to produce rum. It typically contains 6-10% alcohol before distillation.