Interesting Facts to Know About Rum
Rum is a spirit made from sugarcane by-products, such as molasses or sugar cane juice. It has been around for centuries and is popular in tropical regions all over the world. Rum has had its share of interesting stories and facts throughout history, making it an intriguing subject to explore. From tales of pirates imbibing the drink while sailing the seven seas, to modern-day cocktails crafted with rum at your favourite bar – there’s no shortage of fascinating facts about this beloved spirit. So if you are looking for some fun trivia or just curious about what makes rum so special, this article should be a fun read!
The History of Rum
Rum has a long, mysterious history full of interesting facts and fun titbits. While it’s not quite as old or as widely consumed as some other alcoholic beverages like beer and wine, rum has been around for centuries and continues to be enjoyed by millions around the world. Here are some key things to know about its past:
- Rum was first produced in the Caribbean islands in the 17th century from sugarcane by-products like molasses.
- In colonial times, rum was used as currency in many parts of the world and even served as part of a sailor's daily ration.
- The world’s oldest rum distillery is still in operation today - it’s called the Mount Gay Rum Distillery, and it was founded in Barbados in 1703.
- The U.S. Navy switched from offering sailors a daily grog ration of beer or wine to a ration of rum during the War of 1812, and this tradition continued until 1970.
5 Fun Facts About Rum
If you're curious about rum, here are five fun facts to get you even more intrigued.
The origins of the word “rum” are still somewhat unclear
The origin of the word "rum" is still debated to this day, with some evidence pointing to it originating from an African word for literally meaning 'spirits'.
Rum was used as medicine
Early sailors used rum as a form of medicine, believing that its antioxidant properties could fight off scurvy and other diseases caused by vitamin deficiency.
Rum was used as a trading currency
Sailors in colonial times were often paid with rum instead of money, which they would then use to trade on shore or purchase goods and services cheaply.
There is no universal rum regulation
The production methods and standards vary greatly between countries due to lack of universal regulations governing rum in terms of labelling and ingredients used.
Rum gets drier with age, not sweeter
As rum ages over time, it develops more complex flavour profiles but actually becomes drier rather than sweeter - the increased sweetness comes from added sugars at bottling stage.
The Different Types of Rum
Here’s what you need to know about the different types of this popular spirit.
Light Rum
Light rums, also known as silver or white rums, are colourless and have very little flavour or aroma. They are typically used in mixed drinks where the flavours of other ingredients take precedence over the taste of the rum itself.
Gold Rum
Gold rums have been aged in oak barrels and because of this, they have a slightly more complex flavour profile than light rums. This type of rum is often used in cocktails like daiquiris and mojitos.
Dark Rum
Dark rums possess stronger flavours than both gold and light rums due to the fact that they have been aged for longer. These rums are typically made with molasses, which gives them their dark colour. They are often also used as an ingredient in baking recipes or as a topping for desserts.
Spiced Rum
Spiced rums feature added flavours such as cinnamon, nutmeg, and other spices. As you might expect, these types of rum tend to be much sweeter than other varieties and are best enjoyed on the rocks or mixed into cocktails.
Why Rum Has Continued to Be a Popular Drink
It's no wonder why rum continues to be a popular beverage in many cultures today. Aside from being tasty and versatile, there are some unique qualities about rum that make it stand out - like the various styles available depending on where you buy it. For example, light-bodied rums are generally clear in colour with mild flavour profiles while dark-bodied rums are usually brown and have a slightly sweeter taste. Additionally, spiced rums provide an interesting mix of flavours that result from added ingredients like cinnamon, nutmeg, or vanilla.
In short, rum has remained a popular drink over the years because it's easy to make and can be used in a variety of cocktails. Whether you're looking for something sweet or spicy, there is sure to be a rum style out there that suits your tastes. So what are you waiting for? Grab your favourite bottle of rum and get sippin'.
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FAQs
What are the 7 types of rum?
Rum is an alcoholic beverage made from fermented sugarcane juice or molasses and has been around for centuries. It comes in a variety of styles, each with its own distinct flavour profile and history. These styles include:
- White Rum
- Dark Rum
- Gold or Amber Rum
- Spiced Rum
- Flavoured Rums
- Overproof/Navy Style Rums
- Añejo or Rhum Agricole
Which country consumes the most rum?
The United States is the largest consumer of rum, followed by France, the UK and Brazil.