What is rum?

Rum is a spirit distilled beverage made from sugarcane by-products such as molasses and sugarcane juice by a process of fermentation and distillation. Rum is made where sugarcane flourishes, often for purely local use. Puerto Rico is by far the largest producer in the world. The distilled spirit is either white rum or coloured (dark) and flavoured in different ways. Dark rums are obtained by the addition of caramel to the white distilled spirit or by maturing in oak casks to get various shades of darkness.

Most Rum is made from molasses. Molasses is over 50% sugar, but it also contains significant amounts of minerals and other trace elements, which can contribute to the final flavor. Rums made from cane juice, have a naturally smooth palate.

Depending on the recipe, the "wash" (the cane juice, or molasses and water) is fermented, using either cultured yeast or airborne wild yeasts, for a period ranging from 24 hours for light Rums up to several weeks for heavy, full varieties.

How to select rum

There are 4 main types of rum that are produced:

Light-bodied rums, also referred to as white or silver rums, are clear and have little flavour. This type of rum is aged for 1 year or less

Medium-bodied rums aged for 2 to 3 years, also referred to as golden or amber rums, are deeper in colour and have a richer full-bodied flavour

Dark The deeper and mellower taste is derived from longer aging or through the addition of caramel to the flavouring process. Dark rums age for 5 to 7 years and provide a rich flavour with a full-bodied aroma.

Spiced rum are generally aged for 1 year or less and are processed with a variety of flavourings and tropical ingredients. This type of rum is also known as aromatic rum.

Demerara rum, which is dark rum, is the darkest and richest of all rums and has a slightly sweet flavour, making it popular liquor for many cocktails.

Añejo rum, translated to "aged" rum, is often considered dark rum, aged from 5 to 10 years, providing a mellow flavour and a distinctively rich aroma.

Hence as per the need, one can buy the Rum of their choice from the above varieties as available of different brands in the market.

Culinary Uses of rum

· It is used in a variety of cocktails.

· In cooking, it is used in soaking sponge cakes, flavouring batters, dessert creams, mousses, sorbets, fruit salads, flaming pancakes, macerating candied and dried fruits.

· It is also used for various sauces and marinades in cooking.

· Rum is produced in a variety of styles.

· Light rums are commonly used in cocktails, while golden and dark rums are appropriate for drinking straight, as a brandy, or for use in cooking as well as cocktails.

· Incredibly simple, and incredibly tasty. Fill a highball glass with ice - cubed or crushed, add rum and coconut water and stir a bit.

How to store rum

Store in an airtight bottle in a cool dry place.