WHAT IS RUM?
Unleashing the Spirit: Unveiling the Mysteries of Rum
Welcome to the captivating world of rum, a curious spirit with an intriguing history and untamed nature. Often referred to as the "wild west" of the spirits category, rum has a dark and tumultuous past. But have you ever wondered exactly what rum is and how it's made?
The Essence of Rum: From Sugarcane to Intoxicating Nectar
Simply put, rum is a spirit that is distilled from the succulent juice of sugarcane or its by-product, molasses. What sets rum apart from other spirits is its versatility, as there are no strict regulations on ageing. This means that rum can be matured for a duration of your choosing, in any vessel or barrel that captures your imagination. The raw materials used to craft rum can come from anywhere in the world, making it a truly global drink, though its heart beats strongest in the Caribbean, Latin America, and South America.
In the UK and most of Europe, rum must possess alcohol by volume (abv) of 37.5% or higher (40% or higher in the US) to be sold as rum. Some brands cleverly navigate these regulations by labelling their product as a "Caribbean spirit drink" instead of simply rum.
A Captivating Journey from Cane to Nectar
The fascinating journey of rum begins with sugarcane, a bamboo-like perennial grass that thrives in hot and humid climates. The mature cane is meticulously harvested by hand, typically using the precision of a machete. Mechanised harvesting is avoided to prevent yielding a subpar final product and reducing overall productivity due to the delicate nature of sugarcane.
After harvesting, the cane is swiftly transported to the mill for processing since it begins to degrade soon after being cut. Freshly crushed and pressed, the sugarcane yields its sweet juice, which is then heated and spun until crystallisation occurs. This process refines the juice into the familiar white powdery sugar we encounter today. During this boiling process, a liquid by-product emerges - molasses.
The Alchemy of Rum: Fermentation and Distillation
There are two primary methods of transforming sugarcane into rum:
Ferment and distil the sugarcane juice: This method is commonly employed in the French West Indies to produce Rhum Agricole.
Ferment and distil the "waste" product, molasses: This method is widely used in the English and Spanish styles of rum.
In both cases, the juice or molasses is first fermented. With its high sugar content, the juice or molasses attracts yeast, fostering fermentation and giving birth to alcohol.
The Distillation Process: Unraveling the Spirit
The subsequent step in this alchemical journey is distillation. The fermented liquid undergoes heating within a pressurized vessel called a still. Since alcohol has a lower boiling point compared to water, it evaporates, separating from the liquid and ascending as a gas through the "head" of the still. Through the condensing process using cold water in a condensing column, the gas is transformed back into a liquid, resulting in the creation of rum.
The choice between a column still and a pot still for distillation depends on the desired characteristics and flavour profile of the final rum. Column stills offer lighter and more refined qualities, while pot stills produce bolder and more robust flavours.
Ageing: Unveiling the Distinctive Characteristics
At this stage, rum can have an abv ranging from 40% to a staggering 95%. It can either be bottled immediately after dilution to drinking strength with water or left to rest, age, and mature. The ageing process, choice of the barrel (wood type and previous usage, often whiskey barrels), and climate all contribute to the distinctive characteristics, including colour and flavour, that the final rum embodies.
Infusing Delight: A Remarkable Libation
To add an extra layer of intrigue, the final liquid can be infused with a variety of herbs, spices, and fruits. This infusion imparts an entirely new and delightful spectrum of flavours and colours to the rum, crafting a truly remarkable libation.
Embrace the Enigma: A World of Tradition and Alchemy
Indulge in the enigmatic world of rum, where age-old traditions, geographical diversity, and a touch of alchemy unite to create an unrivalled spirit that is as captivating as it is intoxicating. Explore the diverse flavours and stories of rum, and embark on a journey that unravels the mysteries and allure of this beloved elixir. Cheers to the spirited adventure that awaits!
