Rum is a distilled alcoholic beverage made from sugarcane byproducts, typically molasses or sugarcane juice. It is one of the most diverse and widely consumed spirits globally, with a rich history dating back centuries.  Its production is deeply rooted in Caribbean and Latin American cultures, with variations produced worldwide.

Rum is produced through a process that involves fermentation, distillation, and aging.  The production of rum begins with sugarcane, which is processed to extract its juice or molasses. This base material is then fermented with yeast to convert sugars into alcohol. The fermented liquid is then distilled to separate alcohol from impurities, resulting in a clear spirit known as “rum wash.”
Depending on the desired style and flavor profile, rum wash can be further distilled in traditional pot stills or column stills. The distilled rum is then aged in oak barrels, where it develops its characteristic flavors, colors, and complexities over time.

Rum comes in various styles and classifications, including:

• Light Rum: Also known as white or silver rum, light rum is typically aged for a short period or filtered to remove color.  It has a clean and mild flavor profile, making it ideal for mixing in cocktails.
• Dark Rum: Dark rum is aged for a longer duration in charred oak barrels, resulting in a richer and more robust flavor profile.  It often exhibits notes of caramel, vanilla, and spices, with a darker hue.
• Aged Rum: Aged rum refers to rum that has been matured in barrels for an extended period, ranging from a few years to several decades.  These rums tend to be more complex, with nuanced flavors and aromas developed through the aging process.
• Spiced Rum: Spiced rum is infused with various spices, herbs, or botanicals during or after the aging process, imparting additional flavor and aroma.  Common spices used include cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, and vanilla.
• Overproof Rum: Overproof rum has a higher alcohol content than standard rums, typically exceeding 50% ABV.  It is often used in cocktails for an extra kick of potency.

“Rhum” is a term primarily used in French-speaking regions to refer to rum.   The term “rhum” is often specifically associated with “rhum agricole,” a style of rum originally developed in the French Caribbean islands, namely Martinique and Guadeloupe.  Rhum agricole is made directly from fresh sugarcane juice rather than molasses, which gives it a distinct flavor profile compared to other rums.  Different than other rums, rhum agricole tends to have a more vegetal, grassy, and earthy flavor profile.  Aged rhum agricole is labeled as “rhum vieux” and has been aged in oak barrels for at least three years.  In Martinique, rhum agricole has an Appellation d’Origine Contrôlée (AOC) designation, which means it must meet specific production standards and regulations.