Rum: the fascinating world of sugar cane distillate

Rum is much more than just a spirit - it is a piece of history, a symbol of exoticism and adventure. But what exactly makes a real rum? For a distillate to be officially called rum, it must be made from sugar cane juice or sugar cane molasses and have a minimum alcohol content of 37.5% vol. Depending on the production method, ageing time and barrel storage, there are countless variations, from mild and fruity to spicy and complex.

Rum varieties by ageing time

The ageing period has a decisive influence on the taste and character of a rum. The following categories are established:

• White rum - Aged for at least 3 months in stainless steel barrels, mild and light.
• VO Rum - Matured for at least 3 years in oak barrels, with pronounced vanilla and caramel notes.
• VSOP Rum - From 4 years barrel ageing, complex and balanced.
• XO Rum - Matures for at least 6 years and impresses with its depth and sophistication.

Production: From the harvest to the jar

Rum production begins with fermentation, in which sugar cane juice or molasses is fermented with yeast. This is followed by distillation, usually in pot stills (for strong, aromatic rums) or column stills (for lighter, milder rums). It is then decided whether the rum is bottled directly as white rum or stored in wooden barrels as brown rum. Barrel ageing ensures that the aromas develop harmoniously and gives the rum its unique character.

The art of barrel storage

Not only the duration, but also the ambient temperature and the type of barrel influence the end product. While the maturation process is slower in colder regions, aromas develop particularly intensively in the tropics. American white oak barrels or French Limousin oak barrels are usually used, which provide sweet caramel and vanilla notes or spicy and deep aromas.

The Solera process - perfect maturation through marriage

A special method of ageing is the solera process, which originally comes from sherry production. Here, barrels are stacked on top of each other in several rows. The youngest rums are in the upper rows, the oldest in the lower rows. During the maturation period, a small amount of rum is continuously removed from a barrel and mixed with the older rum below. Only the lowest barrels are used for bottling, so that each bottling contains a mixture of different vintages. This process gives the rum an exceptional smoothness and a multi-layered variety of aromas.

Rum styles: British, Spanish, French

Rum is popular all over the world, but three classic styles dominate the market:

• Spanish style: Light, fruity and often sweeter rums made from molasses. Origin: Cuba, Dominican Republic, Venezuela.
• British style: Strong, spicy rums with often intense ester notes. Typical of Jamaica and Guyana.
• French style: Known as "Rhum Agricole", always distilled from fresh sugar cane juice, dry and complex. Home: Martinique and Guadeloupe.

Our rum recommendations on Kuhns.store

Discover the variety of high-quality rums from all over the world:

• Ron Zacapa Centenario 23 - Iconic premium rum from Guatemala with notes of chocolate, honey and caramel.
• Diplomatico Ambassador - matured for 12 years, with seductive aromas of candied fruit and vanilla.
• Dos Maderas PX 5+5 - Exquisite double barrel finish with aromas of figs, raisins and vanilla cream.
• A.H. Riise Non Plus Ultra - Intense and aromatic with lots of spice and sherry influences.
• Clement Rhum Agricole VSOP - Martinique rum with notes of vanilla, coconut and candied fruit.

Why buy rum at Kuhns.store?

We offer an exquisite selection of premium rums from all over the world, hand-picked for connoisseurs and connoisseurs. Benefit from exclusive offers, fast delivery and expert advice - discover the world of rum at Kuhns.store now!