What Is Rum?
Rum is a spirit made from sugarcane. The sugar is fermented before being distilled to produce the liquor. The key flavours of the rum depend on the yeast for fermentation, climate, stills and aging, usually in oak barrels. These variables have created a delicious variety of premium rum available across the world and from BWS.
How is Rum Made?
To make rum, sugarcane (alternatively molasses or sugarcane juice) is fermented, distilled and then aged.
Fermentation begins when the sugarcane is mixed with yeast and water. The yeast feeds on the sugar and creates alcohol. At this stage, the product is a low-alcohol liquid called “wash”. Next, the liquid is distilled. This is when the wash gets heated to separate the alcohol and water to increase the alcohol concentration. Lastly, the rum is aged in wooden barrels. This is when the rum gets its beautiful colour and deepens in flavour.
For crafters and brands to achieve their signature taste and texture, they select specific barrels and carefully age the rum before finally bottling.
Types of Rum:
There are four main types of rum: white rum, dark rum, spiced rum and flavoured rum. Other types include Cachaça, Rhum Agricole, Overproof and Gold/Amber rum.
Light/White Rum:
Light rum also goes by the name silver rum and white rum. Fermented, distilled and aged over a shorter period (around 2 years), the flavours of light rum are subtle and sweet, perfect for cocktails as the taste doesn’t overpower yet maintains balance with its sweeter taste.
Dark Rum:
Complex, with strong flavours, dark rum goes through a lengthy ageing process (often 12 or more years) to develop notes of caramel, vanilla and smoke. Dark rum is bolder and best enjoyed on the rocks or neat.
Spiced Rum:
Spiced rum is made by infusing warming spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, cardamom, star anise, ginger, allspice, and more, into rum. It is a modern style and is often classified as flavoured rum. The spicy flavours make spiced rum perfect for baking recipes.
Flavoured Rum:
Flavoured rum is a playful twist on tradition. Explore rum flavours at BWS ranging from sweet to fruity, citrusy, spicy and even smoky. Trending flavoured rums include tropical fruit flavours like coconut, pineapple, and mango. Perfect to shake into your favourite cocktail recipes!
Buy Popular Rum Brands Online In Australia
BWS is your best mate for selecting the best rums from a huge list of alcoholic and zero%* alcohol drinks. Our top rum brands include:
Husk Rum
Brix
Shop BWS online or from one of our 1400+ liquor stores Australia-wide and enjoy your favourite rums at affordable everyday prices. How good.