Just a few years ago, if rum came up for discussion at all it was primarily about Captain Morgan and Bacardi. Well, things have changed. Look at Bourbon, tequila and gin. Think about their surge in popularity and their move to the ultra-premium category. The same is happening with rum.

A Cuba Libre is still a refreshing drink, but there is so much more to rum than mixing it with Coke or blending it with ice in a tropical cocktail. Today, connoisseurs are enjoying rum as they would any other premium spirit, neat or with a large cube of ice.

Here’s a guide to understanding and enjoying rum from a new perspective. And remember, celebrate responsibly. 

Agricole

This style refers to rum that comes from sugarcane juice, as opposed to molasses. This is ideal for sipping; not mixing. Flavors are floral, sweet, and very rich. Sip an agricole rum after dinner, or with a creamy Crème Brûlée.

Dark

Dark rums showcase the most massive, fullest body of any rum classification. These are ideal for Tiki cocktails or sipping. They've been aged longer than any other type of rum in charred barrels, giving them a deeper, smoky-sweet flavor. They are darker and more abundant in both color and flavor profile, with prominent caramel and molasses notes. Their complex character pairs well with herbs, spices, and more vibrant foods, like dark meat and desserts.

Gold

Gold rums are medium flavored and vary in terms of aging. Many gold rums, including certain popular brands, actually make use of additives such as caramel coloring rather than aging to produce the desired result. Those aged in oak barrels bring more complex flavor than white rum. The aging process gives gold rum its signature color along with a sweeter, more vibrant flavor profile. These qualities make it a great mixing rum.

Naval Strength

Naval strength or navy proof rums are bottled at 50 percent or more, and owe their name to British naval rum rations. The term 'Naval Strength' refers to when in the 18th century, the Royal Navy required that all naval ships carry a quantity of rum on board for the sailors' rum tot rations. All spirits on board ship had to be 100 proof (57% alcohol by volume), the English standard of the day.

Over-proof

Over-proof rum is bottled at 60 percent ABV or more. It's the preferred local rum across many Caribbean islands. That's typically not based upon flavor, but economics; over-proof rum offers more bang for the buck. Generally speaking, over-proof rums are those with an alcohol content of greater than 57.5%, though most are bottled and labeled as '151', meaning an alcohol content of an eye-watering 75.5%.

Spiced Rum

Spiced rums have added spices to produce that signature style, which may include pepper, bay leaf, cinnamon, anise and beyond. They may also have added coloring. Spiced rum is typically aged like dark rum. The difference is flavors of vanilla and caramel, which results in a sweeter and spicier flavor profile. Spiced rum makes a perfect pairing with dessert dishes like ice cream and cake.

White Rum

White or clear rums are commonly—but not always—unaged. They may be charcoal filtered after spending one or two years in the barrel, removing the coloring along with impurities. White rum flavors are reasonably straightforward and are perfect for easy-drinking cocktails. Pair this style with shrimp, prawns, seafood, and raw fish such as ceviche.

Cuban Rum

Embargoed from the U.S. market for decades, Cuban rum may finally find its way here. One of the most renowned Cuban Rums is Havana Club; its owner, Pernot, is poised to launch Havana Club as Havanista Cuban Rum here. The name change is because Bacardi already has its own Havana Club label for domestic distribution. Depending on the political climate, Havanista Cuban Rum will be available with the lifting of anti-import sanctions. Colonial is watching for it and will have it on our shelves as soon as that happens.

Keep in mind that serving more than three or four one-ounce samples at a tasting is not a good idea. Your guests’ palates will get stressed, and learning and flavor profiling will suffer.

The host should either lead or designate a leader and keep the group focused on flavor. Pour the rum all at the same time and discuss the colors, aromas, flavors, and finish contrasts or similarities between styles. 

Style Showdown

Pick one white, one gold and one dark rum to sample; note the differences, the mouthfeel, the flavor and texture of each.

Sweet and Spicy

Pick two Agricole styles and two spiced styles to evaluate.

One Love

Select just one style but try different brands or ages and see how they compare.