RUM

RUM

 

Rum is a distilled alcoholic beverage made from sugarcane by-products “Molasses” or directly from sugarcane juice by a process of fermentation and distillation. The distillate, a clear liquid which is aged in barrels; usually oak and is known as “Ron Viejo- aged rum”.

The majority of the world`s Rum production occurs in and around Caribbean and in several Central and south American countries.

 

Manufacturing of Rum

Unlike other spirits such as Cognac and Scotch, rum has no definite production method. Instead, rum production is based on traditional style that varies between location and distillation. The general production style followed for the production is:

Ø  Sugarcane is crushed between heavy rollers and `Bagasse`- puree of sugarcane and its juice is produced. This is crushed again to extract all juices, then boiled and put in centrifugal which crystallize the sugar.

The sugar is taken away and what is left is known as `Molasses- dark solution`. This liquid is also known as Black strap or Mother liquour.

 

Ø  Molasses is then diluted with water and is then clarified. After dilution, yeast is added which can be either natural or cultured.

 

Ø  After addition of yeast, fermentation process starts. There are two methods of fermentation used based on the style of Rum required.

 

§  Quick Fermentation – this fermentation lasts for not more than 2 days. It is associated with white and light flavoured rum

§  Slow fermentation – this fermentation lasts for 12 days and is associated with dark, heavy flavoured rum. In this fermentation process we use `Dunder`- residue left from previous distillation to impart flavour.

            After fermentation process, alcoholic strength is only 7%

Ø  After fermentation, the liquid / wash is distilled. For distillation, we uses both Pot still and Patent Still method depending upon the type of rum desired.

 

§  Dark Rum- Pot Still method is used for the production of Dark rum with alcoholic strength of 86%. The spirit produced is rich in Congeners, which becomes more prominent as Spirit is matured in casks. The spirit is coloured with caramel and is aged in cask for 5-7 years. Before bottling the alcoholic strength is reduced to 40% by adding distilled water.

§  Light Rum- Patent still method is used for the production of Light Rum with alcoholic strength of 91%. The spirit extracted after distillation is White / clear in colour and less flavored.

o   If the spirit is matured in Uncharred Oak Casks for 1 year, it is sold as White Rum.

o   If the spirit is matured in charred Oak Casks for 3 years, it is sold as Golden Rum. In this rum little amount of Caramel is also added.

 

Styles of Rum

Rum was originated in `Caribbean Island`. Mainly three types of Rum are produced:

1.      Light/ White/ Silver Rum

It is clean, light, crisp rum which is not aged in wood but in glass/ stainless steel container or uncharred Oak Casks for 1 year. This rum is used for making cocktails or served as long cold drinks with Cola or juices.

 

2.      Golden/ Amber Rum

This rum is aged in Oak wood casks for 3 years and is more flavoured than white rum. It has darker colour as compared to White rum.

 

3.      Dark/ Full Bodied Rum

These are dark, full bodied, pungent and a strong aroma and taste rum. These are produced in Jamaica, Demerara (Guyana), Haiti, Barbados and Martinique. This rum is fermented slowly (for 12 days) and aged between 5-7 years which is then coloured with caramel, reduced in proof and sold.

 

Brand Names

Dark Rum	White Rum	Golden Rum
Lambs Navy	Bacardi	Bacardi Gold
Captain Morgan	Ron Rico	Ron Rico Gold
Mount Gay	Barilla	10 Cane
Woods	Dry Cane	Sea Wynde
Appleton	Rhum St. James	Appleton Gold
Baban Court	El Dorado white	Tortuga Gold

 

Terms

Demerara Rum: it is the dark rum produced from the sugarcane grown on the bank of Demerara River in Guyana.

Grog: Grog refers to a variety of alcoholic beverages. The word originally referred to a drink made with water or "small beer" (a weak beer) and rum. Modern versions of the drink are often made with hot or boiling water, and sometimes include lemon juice, cinnamon or sugar.

El Dorado Rum: it is a brand name of rum produced by Demerara distillers in Guyana.