The Difference Betwen White and Dark Rum

Rum is a spirit made from both fermented sugar cane and by-products such as molasses by the processes of fermentation and distillation. The majority of the world's rum production occurs in the Caribbean and Latin America.

Rum is most commonly available as white rum, gold rum, and dark rum. As previously stated the amount of time the rum is aged and the type of cask it is aged in, determines the color of the rum. There are also some differences in the taste and uses of the different rums.

White rum (also called silver or light) is more popular in Spanish speaking countries. It is fermented in steel and filtered and has a clear colour and a light, slightly sweet taste.  This milder flavour makes them popular to use in mixed drinks as opposed to be drunk straight as the dark rum.

 Rich, caramel dark rum (also called red or black) more common in English speaking countries is made by aging clear rum in charred oak barrels, giving it a deep brown colour and a full flavour. It is usually drank straight and used for cooking. They come mostly from Martinique, Jamaica, and Haiti, as well as Nicaragua and Guatemala.

Note that spiced rum, which is flavoured with spices and (often) caramel, is not qualify as dark rum. 

Gold or amber rums are aged in oak, which produces a more caramel colour and richer, more pronounced flavour.

To see our selection of rum visit Carib Gourmet