IF we were to personify rum alongside its spirit cousins, each would have its own personality.
To me, cognac, with its base in fermented fruit juice, might appear as a distinguished professor in a tuxedo.
Whiskey, made from malted grain, would be the contemplative architect in a sleek, all-black suit.
Agave-powered tequila would certainly make a dashing presence, entering the room, clad in leather, his Harley still warm at the entrance.
And rum would be quite the lively character, sporting a bright smile, dressed in vibrant, colourful linen threads flashing the peace symbol.
The Spirit Of Sugar Cane
Rum is made primarily from sugar cane, either in the form of its juice, or its molasses, a by-product of sugar refining, which supply the sugars needed for rum production through fermentation and distillation.
As a result, rum greets the palate with an embrace of velvety sweetness, as if one were savouring the very essence of the Caribbean, where it originated in the 17th century. It dances with notes of golden caramel and ripe, luscious fruit, conjuring visions of verdant, sun-drenched orchards.
In rum, one finds not just a beverage, but a celebration of life’s more exuberant and carefree moments. An infusion of the sweet and the vibrant never fails to uplift our souls.
Mixologists’ Favourite
Rum is a fantastic alcohol base for cocktails due to its versatility, range of flavours, and miscibility. Available in various styles, from light and subtly sweet to rich and robust, rum allows for a wide array of cocktail creations. Its inherent sweetness, fruity notes, and spiciness blend well with a variety of mixers, including citrus juices, tropical fruits, herbs and sodas.
With historical and cultural significance in Tiki culture and Caribbean influence, rum-based drinks range from refreshing and light to bold and complex, making rum a beloved and indispensable spirit in mixology.
Being a popular cocktail base in the bar does have its downsides. Most casual drinkers would be enjoying their drinks ignorant that rum is a key ingredient in the glass. Some of the most enjoyable drinks that include rum are Long Island Ice Tea, Mai Tai, Mojito, Daiquiri, Dark & Stormy and Rum Old Fashioned. Any bartender and mixologist worth their salt would demonstrate competence in making these refreshing cocktails.
Rum Events
Simply talking without tasting is like looking at a picture of a rum cocktail and hoping to appreciate its flavour! The proof is in the tasting. If you want to truly appreciate and enjoy rums, there’s no substitute for tasting the various types yourself.
Events such as the Rum Festival, held in August 2024, serve up a fantastic opportunity to taste a variety of rums, mingle with fellow rum lovers and rum makers and get educated about different types of rums from around the world.
One category of rums presented at the festival is the traditional rum that stands shoulder-to-shoulder with fine whiskey and cognac.
An example of such a distinguished rum is El Supremo from Paraguay. It is crafted with meticulous attention to detail, aged for extended periods to develop complex, rich flavours that can rival the depth and sophistication of the best whiskeys and cognacs. El Supremo, known for its elegant balance of sweetness, spice and French oak, showcases the potential of rum to be a refined spirit, appealing to sophisticated connoisseurs and enthusiasts alike.
The Venezuelan rum is a protected species, that has to be aged in white oak barrels for a minimum of two years and cannot be altered. Diplomatico will be showcased at Rum Fest 2024.
Fresh Takes On Rum
Another exciting category of rums available includes the new-aged, fun and flavourful varieties that offer a playful twist on traditional rum.
Notable examples include Razel’s rums, which come in delightful infusions like Banana Bread, Peanut Butter, and Choco Brownie.
Additionally, Samai Premium Rum from Cambodia stands out with its infusion of the spicy, world-famous Kampot Pepper. These innovative rums provide a refreshing and adventurous experience, appealing to those looking to explore bold and unconventional flavours.
