The color of rum? Have you ever wondered what gives all the different types of rum their colors?

Rum is one of the few spirits that comes in a variety of flavors to suit just about anyone who has a taste for rum. From light and fruity to spicy to deep dark. There really is a rum for everyone.

If you are not sure which rum is right for you, just looking at the color is often a good place to start. Below I have explained how the different colors of rums can help you choose the one that suits your taste.

Types and color of rum

There are perhaps four main types of rum sold today.

There are white rums, golden rums, dark/black rums and spiced rums. There are also three main ways of making rum, which indicate its color.

Traditional colonial rum was made from molasses. Caribbean rums were made from cane syrup or fresh sugarcane juice. Each colored rum differs in age, taste and even texture. The type of sugar used to make rum is not as important as the way it is made and stored.

Spiced rum is perhaps an exception to this rule. Spiced rum is any type of rum that has spices like ginger, cinnamon, cloves, various fruits, and even other types of spirits. These delicious flavors can be added to any type of rum, but are most often added to young clear rums.

White rum

White rum is generally the youngest type of rum. It is usually aged for just a year or two, often in steel barrels, before being filtered and bottled. Most white rums have a mild flavor and are best used in cocktails and mixed drinks (such as chupito) that do not require a strong rum flavor.

Golden rum

If rum is left undisturbed for several years in a good oak cask, it will begin to acquire a light golden color from the wood. More rum flavor will also develop. These rums are often flavored with natural aromas from the barrels in which they were matured.

A good palate will choose the flavors of coconut, citrus or caramel. Golden rums can be enjoyed in more robust cocktails. They are also tasty enough on their own to drink on their own.

Dark rum

Dark rum is often aged for more than two or three years in oak barrels. They take on a copper or mahogany color and often taste like caramel. They provide an amazingly rich flavor profile in many cocktails.

Dark rums are also popular with many people who cook with rum. The rich flavors of these rums translate easily into rum cakes, spiced puddings and candies.

Black rum

While technically a dark rum, black rums have a unique flavor profile due to their unique aging process. These rums have the tastiest and boldest tropical flavor of any rum. For this reason, they are popular in many dishes and mixed drinks.

These rums are treated differently than many lighter rums. Black rum is specially aged in fired whiskey barrels or at least in oak barrels that are heated strongly before use. This treatment releases much of the wood flavor into the developing rum. Some dark rums will also have burnt caramel added to enhance the flavor.

The color of rum

Many quality rums will provide the curious with years of discovery and enjoyment. No matter what flavor profile you prefer, you are sure to find the rum thats right for you. While writing reviews on the Rumrecenze.cz portal, I discover new and new colors, flavors and types of rum.

What is your favorite type of rum? Let us know in the comments below! Maybe yours will end up being the best rum.