What is Rum?
Rum is a spirit that is usually made by fermenting and distilling molasses (a byproduct of converting sugar cane into sugar) before ageing it in oak barrels, often old whisky ones. Most rums are blended with other batches from the same distillery to create unique flavours.
Central and South America are most famous for rum, with sugarcane having been introduced to that part of the world by Europeans in the 1400s. Colonialists started sugar plantations that used slave labour and rum came from here. Other countries around the world are producing rum now too and we are seeing some big names come out of the Philippines and India.
The Rum ageing process is faster in hot, humid climates, where the interaction between the wood and spirit is accelerated. Almost all rums are blended with other batches made at the same distillery to create unique flavours. The key styles are light or white rum, Amber rum, which has had some oak age and dark rums, which are aged in charred whisky barrels. There are also spiced rums, which have spices such as clove added to them and a whole host of flavoured and sweetened rum.
East London Liquor Co. Rarer Rum
£27.75 from the Whisky Exchange
The East London Liquor Co. is based in the old East End and they distil, import and serve a range of award-winning gins, whiskies, vodkas, rums and cocktails. This Rarer Rum has been made with Demerara sugar from Guyana in a wooden still and aged in ex-bourbon casks. Think of buttery caramel and vanilla with some citrus fruit and spice. Here are two ways to try it!
Rum Negroni
50ml Rum (we love Rarer Rum)
50ml Campari
50ml Sweet Vermouth (we love Cocchi - £19.95)
Orange wheel to garnish
Method: Combine ingredients in a mixing glass with a cup of ice. Stir to chill and lightly dilute ingredients. Strain into a rocks glass over an ice sphere (or regular ice). Garnish with an orange twist
Daiquiri
50ml Rum
25ml Fresh lime juice
15ml Sugar syrup ( we love Monin - £5)
Lime to garnish
A Daiquiri is a cocktail where the main ingredients are rum, citrus juice (typically lime), and a sugar sweetener. Add the rum, lime juice and sugar syrup to a shaker with ice, and shake until well-chilled. Strain into a chilled coupe and garnish with a lime twist.