RUM

RUM

RUM

DEFINITION

Rum is an alcoholic beverage distilled from fermented sugarcane by-products such as sugarcane juice, sugarcane syrup and molasses.

It is distilled at less than 190 proof (95% abv) and bottled at not less than 80 proof (40% abv).

ORIGIN

·       Rum derived from Latin word - Saccharum

·       Rum was first produced in the Caribbean countries in the 17th Century.

·       The sugar plantations were maintained by slaves who had been brought to the Caribbean from Africa by the British.

·       They distilled crude and harsh rum as early as 1647 in small pot stills in the sugarcane fields.

·       In those days, it was consumed without maturing and was the drink of English pirates and the British Navy.

·       This spirit was termed as “Rumbustion” - meaning uproar and “Rumbullion” - a slang for a fracas or brawl.

·       The British Navy issued rum to warm its sailors and treat scurvy.

·       Admiral Vernon, nicknamed ‘Old Grog’ realized in 1740 that the heavy consumption of Rum was affecting his crews’ efficiency; he ordered the rum be diluted with water and served.

MANUFACTURING PROCESS OF RUM

Harvesting→ Cutting→ Juice extracted by passing through enormous, very heavy crushing rollers→ Juice boiled→ Sugar concentrated→ Clarified = a thick syrup→ Passed through a high-speed centrifugal machine (2200 rpm) → Sugar Crystals separated= molasses with about 5% sugar→ fermented→ distilled = RUM

STYLES OF RUM

Puerto Rican Rums

·       The molasses is fermented in huge vats together with some of the mash from previous fermentation.

·       Resultant wash is distilled in Patent Still.

·       Filtered with sand and burnt oak.

·       Very dry & light-bodied.

·       Popular in Spanish-speaking countries like Puerto Rico, Cuba, Venezuela, Haiti, The Virgin Islands, etc.

VARIANTS

·       White/Silver Rum - This is matured for a period of 1 year. It is lighter, paler & more neutral.

·       Amber/Gold Rum - This is matured for a period of 3 years. It is heavier, more flavored, often older & deeper with more caramel.

·       Vieux/Liqueur Rum - This is matured for a period of more than 6 years.

Jamaican Rums

·       Rich, full-bodied & pungent.

·       Distilled in Pot Still.

·       It is non-filtered.

·       Matured for more number of years.

·       Popular in English-speaking countries like Jamaica, Trinidad, Barbados, Guyana, etc.

VARIANTS

•         Gold/amber – traditionally Jamaican

•         Dark Mahogany – lately popular, often labelled: ‘for Planter’s Punch’

* Jamaican rums are also referred to as London Dock Rums. Much of the rum is shipped to bonded warehouses of the docks in England & Scotland for aging and blending. The damp climate is ideal for maturing Jamaican Rums.

DEMERARA RUMS

•         Made from sugarcane grown along the banks of the Demerara river in Guyana.

•         More like Jamaican rums but differences exist due to different soil, climate, variety of sugarcane & use of Patent Still.

•         Some are blends of 1/3^rd Pot and 2/3^rd Patent Still products.

•         Much darker, less pungent, has less flavor and finesse.

•         Obtainable at 43%, 48%, 57% % 75.5% al v/v.

•         Over proof ones are ideal for GROG.

USES OF RUM

•         Drunk straight in rum-producing countries

•         In The UK, The USA, etc. popular as base for mixed drinks

•         Rum & Cola (Cuba Libre)

•         In the kitchen – to flambé desserts, ice creams, fruit punch, candies, etc.

•         Tobacco flavouring

BRAND NAMES

Puerto Rican – Bacardi, Daiquiri, Don Q, Tropicana, Dry Cane, White diamond, Ron Rico, Palo Viejo, Ron Merito

Jamaican – Lemon Hart, Captain Morgan, Myers, Rope & Anchor, Appleton

Demerara – Lemon Hart, Captain Morgan, Lamb’s Navy, Old Jack Dark