Have you been thinking of booking a tropical Caribbean vacation? Well, if you like rum you have the perfect reason to. The majority of the world’s rum production occurs in the Caribbean. So, when you book that trip, you’ll want to know everything there is to know about Caribbean rum. That’s why we put together this Guide to Caribbean Rum. You’ll learn all about production, the most expensive, the cheapest (and some hangover cures – in case you need them).
A Guide to Caribbean Rum
What is Rum?
We can’t get our guide to Caribbean rum without first discussing what rum is. Rum is an alcoholic beverage that is made by distillation. It is made from sugarcane, specifically the molasses or sugarcane juice. Rum is made by fermentation and distillation. Once distilled, the clear rum is sometimes aged in oak to add color, flavor, and aromas.
Where is Rum Made?
Today, we’re discussing Caribbean rum, but there are other places where Rum is also produced. These include:
- Scotland
- Austria
- Colombia
- Spain
- Australia
- New Zealand
- Fiji
- The Philippines
- India
- Reunion Island
- Mauritius
- South Africa
- Taiwan
- Thailand
- Japan
- The United States
- Canada
Where in the Caribbean is Rum Made?
There are plenty of islands that produce rum in the Caribbean. Below we have listed the producing islands and some of the rums you should taste when you’re there.
- Barbados: Mount Gay
- Belize: Traveller’s 1 Barrel Rum
- Dominican Republic: Brugal
- Guyana: El Dorado
- Haiti: Barbancourt
- Jamaica: Appleton, J. Wray & Nephew
- Martinique: Saint James Royal Ambre, Clement Blanc
- Puerto Rico: Bacardi
- St. Lucia: Chairman’s
Rum Ageing
Most countries have legal requirements for aging rum, usually for one year. A bit of the rum is usually lost during aging, this is commonly known as the angel’s share. In rum, the angel’s share can be as high as 10%, while in other spirits it is usually around 2%.
Blending
Rum is often blended in order to achieve the perfect flavors and aromas. At times, caramel is added to enhance its color.
