The Different Types Of Rum, A Complete Guide - Secret Bottle Shop
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A Complete Guide To Types Of Rum

Discover the diverse world of rum, from light and spiced varieties to aged and agricole styles, and learn what makes each type unique.

Rum’s Versatility Lies In Its Diversity Of Styles

The variety of rum types means there’s a style to suit every palate, whether you prefer light, subtle notes for cocktails or rich, complex flavours for sipping neat. Understanding these types can help you better appreciate the diversity and artistry behind this beloved spirit.

White, Light Or Silver Rum

White Rum (Light Or Silver Rum)

Light rum is the go-to choice for classic cocktails due to its clean, subtle flavour. Often unaged, its light body makes it perfect for mixing without overpowering other ingredients.

  • Description: Clear and light in flavour, this type of rum is often used in cocktails like Mojitos and Daiquiris.
  • Production: Typically unaged or aged briefly, then filtered to remove colour.
  • Flavour Profile: Subtle sweetness with mild hints of sugarcane or vanilla.Diplomatico Planas Rum
Appleton Estate 12 Year Old Gold Rum Gift Set

Gold Rum (Amber Rum)

Gold rum sits between light and dark rum, offering more complexity and character. Aged in barrels, it gains its signature amber colour and rich flavours, making it versatile for sipping or cocktails.

  • Description: A medium-bodied rum with a richer flavour than light rum. It gets its golden hue from ageing in barrels.
  • Production: Aged for several years, often in oak casks, which impart a deeper colour and flavour.
  • Flavour Profile: Notes of caramel, toffee, and light spices.

Dark Rum

Dark Rum

Known for its deep, rich flavours, dark rum is aged longer in heavily charred barrels. Its bold profile makes it ideal for sipping or for cocktails requiring a robust rum base.

  • Description: Dark and full-bodied, these rums are aged longer than gold rums, often in heavily charred barrels.
  • Production: Aged for extended periods, with some producers adding caramel for additional richness.
  • Flavour Profile: Bold flavours of molasses, chocolate, and dried fruit.
Spiced Rum

Spiced Rum

Spiced rum is infused with aromatic spices such as cinnamon, nutmeg, and vanilla. Its warm and exotic flavours make it popular for mixing into festive drinks or enjoying neat.

  • Description: Rum infused with spices and sometimes additional flavours like vanilla, cinnamon, or nutmeg.
  • Production: Made by blending rum with spices and ageing it to enhance complexity.
  • Flavour Profile: Warm, spiced notes that work well in cocktails or neat.
Aged Premium Rum

Aged Rum (Premium Rum)

Aged rum is the epitome of rum craftsmanship, spending years in oak barrels to develop complexity and sophistication. Often enjoyed neat or on the rocks, it’s a favourite among connoisseurs.

  • Description: High-quality rum aged for several years, often marketed as a sipping rum.
  • Production: Aged in oak barrels, gaining complexity over time.
  • Flavour Profile: Smooth, with deep notes of wood, vanilla, nuts, and dried fruits.
Overproof Rum

Overproof Rum

Overproof rum packs a punch with a higher alcohol content, often exceeding 50% ABV. While not typically sipped, it’s a staple for strong cocktails or flambéed desserts. Classic examples are:

Description: High-alcohol rum with an ABV (alcohol by volume) of over 50%, often used in cocktails for its potency.

Production: Distilled to a higher proof, sometimes exceeding 75% ABV.

Flavour Profile: Intense and fiery, with concentrated rum flavours.

Flavoured Rum

Flavoured Rum

Infused with fruits like coconut, pineapple, or mango, flavoured rum is sweet and tropical. It’s a fun and approachable option for beginners and is perfect for fruity cocktails.

  • Description: Rum infused with fruit flavours like coconut, mango, pineapple, or banana.
  • Production: Light rum is typically used as a base, with natural or artificial flavours added.
  • Flavour Profile: Sweet and tropical, ideal for mixed drinks or sipping chilled.
Navy Rum

Navy Rum

A rich and robust rum with a history linked to the British Royal Navy. Navy rum is known for its full-bodied flavour, making it excellent for sipping or traditional recipes like rum punch. Examples are:

Description: Traditionally dark, strong rum with a robust flavour, associated with naval traditions.

Production: Blended from pot and column still rums, often aged for depth.

Flavour Profile: Rich, heavy, and full of molasses, spices, and smoky notes.

Rum Agricole

Made from fresh sugarcane juice rather than molasses, rum agricole offers a unique grassy and earthy profile. It’s primarily produced in French-speaking Caribbean regions. Examples are:

  • Rhum Clément (Martinique)
  • Rhum J.M (Martinique)
  • Damoiseau Agricole Blanc (Guadeloupe)

Description: A unique type of rum made from fresh sugarcane juice, primarily produced in French-speaking Caribbean islands like Martinique.

Production: Distilled directly from sugarcane juice instead of molasses.

Flavour Profile: Earthy, grassy, and complex, with fresh and herbal notes.

Cachaça

Though technically not classified as rum, Brazil’s cachaça shares similarities. Made from fresh sugarcane juice, it’s known for its bright, grassy flavour and is the main ingredient in the Caipirinha.

  • Leblon Cachaça (Brazil)
  • Ypióca Ouro (Brazil)
  • Sagatiba Pura (Brazil)

Description: A Brazilian spirit similar to rum, made from fresh sugarcane juice. While technically not rum, it shares many similarities.

Production: Made from fermented sugarcane juice, often unaged or lightly aged.

Flavour Profile: Bright, grassy, and slightly sweet, often used in Caipirinhas.

Rhum Arrangé

A speciality from French islands, rhum arrangé is rum infused with fresh fruits, spices, or herbs. It’s customisable and often prepared at home, but some producers offer ready-made versions.

  • Rhum de Ced’ (Martinique/France)
  • Isautier Arrangé Mango & Passionfruit (Réunion Island)
  • Chatel Rhum Arrangé Vanilla (Réunion Island)

Description: A flavoured rum originating from French islands, infused with fruits, spices, and herbs.

Production: Infused with fresh ingredients and left to macerate for weeks or months.

Flavour Profile: Sweet, aromatic, and customisable based on the ingredients used.