Dark Rum vs. Light Rum: Know the Difference (2024)

Dark Rum vs. Light Rum: Know the Difference (1)

Choosing the rum that's right for you and your taste buds is important. When it comes to dark rum vs. light rum, know these differences.

Rum is an amazingly versatile spirit that suits a whole range of tastes.Rum is so much more than just your standard rum and co*ke. Rum is the primary spirit in classic co*cktails like the Painkiller, the Pina Colada, as well as the mojito, the daiquiri, and plenty of other tropical Caribbean classics.

When you head to the store you will find the shelves filled with many different types and flavors of rums. Most importantly you will notice both dark rum and light rum.Here is our quick guide to the difference between light and dark rum.

What Is Rum?

Rum is aspiritmade from sugarcaneand its by-products. This sugar is distilled into liquid alcohol. Rum is generally distilled into at least 80 proof (or 40% alcohol) with some variations being stronger. When it is first distilled, rum is a clear liquid.So where does dark rum come from?

The Difference Between Light and Dark Rum

Light, white, or silver rum is aged less than other varieties. Immediately after rum is distilled it is clear. To prepare the rum for sale, producers filter the liquor until it is free from impurities. Light rums have a sweeter but more subtle flavor and have the same alcohol volume as darker rums.

To produce dark, golden, or black rum, producersage the rumbefore filtering and bottling. The rum's darker color and bolder flavor come from the wooden or charred oak barrels used in the aging process.During this aging process, producers also add ingredients to add flavors and colors. Commonly, molasses, burnt sugar, caramel, and spices, are added to naturally enhance the flavor of dark rum. The longer the rum is aged, the darker it becomes and the bolder the flavor.

What Rum Should I Choose?

What rum you should choose depends entirely on what you are looking for.

Darker rums are popular for drinking straight because of their more distinctive flavors. Our favorite dark rum for sipping is puss*r's Gunpowder Proof, which is flavored withmolasses, treacle, toffee, honey, vanilla, oak, cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger.

Many of your favorite co*cktails will use light rum. Whilst light rum is more commonly used in mixed drinks such as mojitos, many prefer dark rum when enjoying mixed drinks due to its smooth, bold flavor. For co*cktails, we recommend puss*r's Blue Label, with notes ofClassic Demerara sugar, molasses, dried fruits, island spices, and caramel.

If you love co*cktails it is important to know which rum is the right rum for your drink of choice. Light rum is used in many classic co*cktails such as the Mojito, the Daiquiri, and the Pina Colada. Some drinks such as the Mai Tai can be made with either. And some drinks use only dark rum, such as thePainkiller and the Old Fashioned.

If you're looking for the perfect aged dark rum, we recommend puss*r's 15 Years Aged. It is flavored with Classic Demerara sugar, molasses, dried fruits, island spices, and caramel, while also aged for 15 years. This blend is long, smooth, and memorable, making it ideal for sipping neat.

At the end of the day, it is all about your personal preference. Light rums have more subtle flavors and this has made them a favorite for many co*cktail drinkers. However, many mixologists and rum enthusiasts haveexperimented with dark rumsto get an extra kick of flavor.

Light and Dark Rum

The differences between light and dark rum are subtle but important. Dark rum is aged for longer, giving it stronger flavors and colors. If you prefer more subtle flavors, thenlight rum is your best bet. If you want a great sipping rum, then try a dark rum likepuss*r's.

Dark Rum vs. Light Rum: Know the Difference (2024)

FAQs

What is the difference between dark rum and light rum? ›

Light rums have a sweeter but more subtle flavor and have the same alcohol volume as darker rums. To produce dark, golden, or black rum, producers age the rum before filtering and bottling. The rum's darker color and bolder flavor come from the wooden or charred oak barrels used in the aging process.

Do you use light or dark rum for rum and co*ke? ›

White rum: Also known as light rum, white rum is the most common type of rum used in a classic Rum and co*ke.

What is the best rum to use in Coquito? ›

Bacardi Superior

Bacardi is one of the most popular spirits in America and is commonly used for coquito because it's easy to find and cheap to buy.

What's the difference in taste between white rum and dark rum? ›

Dark rum has a dark and sweet-smoky flavor. On the other hand, white rum is either completely un-aged or lightly aged in stainless steel barrels. It is also commonly called light rum or silver rum. White rum has a light and sweet flavor.

Is Captain Morgan dark or light rum? ›

The smooth, rich and oaky taste of Captain Morgan Dark Rum makes it the perfect tipple to be drunk neat or moored on the rocks. For a real rum punch, you can mix into one of the Captain's favourite dark rum co*cktails.

Does dark rum taste good with Sprite? ›

We normally use Rum in tropical alcoholic drinks but realized that it mixes great with Sprite. The lemon-lime flavor with the rich flavor of rum is fantastic.

Why do people mix rum and co*ke? ›

Its origin is associated with the heavy U.S. presence in Cuba following the Spanish–American War of 1898; the drink's traditional name, "Cuba libre" (Free Cuba), was the slogan of the Cuban independence movement. The Cuba libre is sometimes said to have been created during the Spanish–American War.

Do you pour rum or co*ke first? ›

Instructions
  1. Fill a tall highball glass with ice, pour in the rum, and top the drink off with Coca-Cola.
  2. Give everything a good stir and enjoy.

What kind of rum do Puerto Ricans like? ›

These include: Don Q, Bacardí, Palo Viejo, Ron del Barrilito, and Ron Llave. These Puerto Rican rum brands have a reputation for high standards of production and consistent, high-quality products. Each of these can be considered by many to be the best rum in Puerto Rico.

What is the name of top shelf rum? ›

What Are the Best Rum Brands?
  • Ron del Barrilito. ...
  • Diplomatico Rum Reserva Exclusiva. ...
  • Ten To One White Rum. ...
  • The Real McCoy 14 Year Rum. ...
  • Rhum J.M. XO Aged Rum. ...
  • El Dorado 21 Year Old Special Reserve. ...
  • Mount Gay Rum 1703 Master Select. ...
  • Don Papa Rum.
Jan 5, 2023

What rum can you drink straight? ›

A good Dark or Aged Rum can be enjoyed neat, on the rocks, or with a splash of water. Aged Rums have a lot of flavor and sometimes you just want to enjoy everything they offer and nothing more.

Is Malibu rum dark or light? ›

Not many of the details behind making Malibu Rums are revealed. However, it is a Caribbean triple-distilled rum produced by the West Indies Rum Distillery in Barbados. The light-bodied white rum is blended with natural coconut flavoring and sugar.

Does light rum and dark rum taste the same? ›

As discussed, the main differences between light and dark rum are their appearance in color and their flavor profiles. Light rum is typically clear with a fresh & sweet flavor, while dark rum is a deep brown color with a smoky-sweet flavor.

What type of rum is Bacardi? ›

Bacardi Black

Puerto Rico- Medium-bodied black rum aged in heavily charred oak barrels then filtered through blend of charcoals. Flavors of tropical fruit, caramel, and vanilla. Smoky, sweet finish. Perfect in a co*cktail or as a shot.

Which rum is sweetest? ›

As long as the rum is less than 54% ABV and doesn't use molasses, it can be considered cachaça. Known for its exceptionally sweet sugar cane crop, Brazil's other rums and cachaça are widely accepted as the sweetest and most palatable rums in production.

What is the most popular rum drink? ›

In fact, the Daiquiri is the top-selling rum co*cktail across the globe. Though many imbibers think of the sweet frozen co*cktails from their beach vacations of yesteryear, the Daiquiri is actually a simple and tart drink that's far from saccharine.

Does rum go bad? ›

If kept out of direct sunlight and in a cool setting, unopened rum can be stored almost indefinitely. It is considered a stable liquor with a high ABV to preserve its integrity while in storage. Once opened, a bottle of rum should be used within 6 months to 2 years, depending on the additional flavors in the liquor.

Is dark rum sweeter than light rum? ›

Light rum is typically sweeter, too. Dark rum, on the other hand, is stronger in flavor (though not necessarily in the level of alcohol itself). You can even taste the molasses undertones from when it was distilled from sugar by-products. The differences between light and dark rums are due to how they're made.

Did pirates drink light or dark rum? ›

For the most part, pirates would drink whatever they got their hands on. Usually, this meant unrefined, dark, high-alcohol-content strong rum. When you Google this question, you'll find the top answer to be grog, or rum grog. Rum grog was a mixture of rum, sugar, lime or another citrus, and water.

Do you put ice in dark rum? ›

Dark Rum is best savored on its own, sip it neat or on the rocks, although it also works well in some co*cktails.

What soda goes best with rum? ›

Club Soda. Club soda is a go-to mixer for many. It's super versatile and can be used with many liquors, rum included. Case in point: if you're looking for a simple drink that is light and refreshing, mixing club soda with rum is a no-brainer.

What soda taste best with rum? ›

With its simple, clean taste, club soda is an excellent mixer that can complement the flavour profile of any rum. The faint minerality of club soda pairs perfectly with the nuttiness of dark rum while also balancing the heat of spiced rum.

What is a rum and co*ke called? ›

A Cuba Libre is a rum and co*ke with lime.

What do they say about rum drinkers? ›

RUM. Rum drinkers are the king of good times! They love life and have a vibrant personality, making them so much fun to have around. They are creative and experimental, or also impulsive.

Why does the Navy drink rum? ›

A Brief History of the Rum Ration

A gallon of beer was the original rationed drink for sailors, but it too could spoil easily at sea. Around 1655, many ships switched over to rum rations instead. It didn't rot inside barrels and also didn't take up as much room as beer, freeing precious space for cargo.

What is the 50 rule in bartending? ›

50% rule. The proper time to serve customers the next co*cktail is once they've consumed 50% of their drink. This is an excellent marker to provide attentive service and avoid over-serving.

What is rum and Dr Pepper called? ›

Simply put, a rum and Dr Pepper sometimes known as a captain pepper is a mix of Dr Pepper with rum.

Do you drink rum slowly? ›

MacKay suggests serving rums neat and at room temperature, “because that's where you're going to get the most flavour and the most aroma out of them.” Unlike at a wine tasting, she says, it's okay to hold the glass in your hands in order to warm the rum up ever so slightly. “Take it slowly.

What is the liquor that Puerto Ricans drink? ›

If you're a spirit-lover visiting Puerto Rico, you're probably looking forward to enjoying the many popular varieties of rum. The top-selling rum on the island is Don Q, a favorite of the locals.

What drink do Puerto Ricans like? ›

If you like piña colada, you should know the famous tropical drink was invented in Puerto Rico! The sweet mix of coconut cream, pineapple juice, white rum, and ice was born in San Juan, but the identity of its creator is still an unresolved controversy on the island.

Is Bacardi rum Cuban or Puerto Rican? ›

Bacardi is founded on February 4 by Don Facundo Bacardí Massó in Santiago de Cuba, when he buys a small distillery and revolutionizes the rum-making process to create a smooth, light-bodied spirit – what the world now knows as BACARDÍ® rum.

What is the oldest rum still made? ›

The company's oldest deed of property dates from February 1703, making Mount Gay Rum the oldest brand of rum in the world.

What is the best expensive rum in the world? ›

Here are some of the world's most expensive rums ever sold.
  • Dictador M-City Golden Cities series – $1.5 million.
  • Wray & Nephew 1940s – $54,000.
  • Dictador Generations 1976 En Lalique – $41,950.
  • Harewood Barbados 1780 – $29,999.
  • Legacy by Angostura – $25,000.
Feb 8, 2023

Do you refrigerate rum? ›

Spirits like whiskey, rum, gin, vodka, etc. don't need to be refrigerated because the high alcohol content preserves their integrity. And most liqueurs also have a satisfactorily high alcohol content, as well as sugar that also helps to keep the flavors preserved.

What is rum mixed with water called? ›

Grog is a term used for a variety of alcoholic beverages. The word originally referred to rum diluted with water (and later on long sea voyages, also added the juice of limes or lemons), which Edward Vernon introduced into the British naval squadron he commanded in the West Indies on 21 August 1740.

Is sipping rum a thing? ›

Generally speaking, a sipping rum might be produced the same way as a mixing rum, but will be aged in oak barrels for some period of time. Many rums meant for mixing are cheaper and might have added sugar, while a high quality sipping rum will be unadulterated.

Is Malibu actually rum? ›

Malibu (/məˈliːbuː/, local pronunciation: [məˈlibu]) is a coconut flavored liqueur, made with Caribbean rum, and possessing an alcohol content by volume of 21.0 % (42 proof). As of 2017 the Malibu brand is owned by Pernod Ricard, who calls it a "flavored rum", where this designation is allowed by local laws.

Is Malibu a cheap rum? ›

Malibu rum is a budget-friendly rum thanks to its lower ABV and fruit flavorings. A 750 ml bottle of Malibu Caribbean Original Rum costs around $17.99. However, despite its low price, Malibu rum is still a smooth, sweet and tropical drink that's perfect for mixing into a round of summery co*cktails.

Why does Malibu not get me drunk? ›

You would doubt this because Malibu only has 21% of alcohol which is pretty low compared to other drinks like brandy, rum, tequila, or vodka.

Is vodka stronger than rum? ›

DIFFERENCE IN ALCOHOL

The alcohol content of rum and vodka is very similar. Rum typically has an ABV of 40%, while vodka usually has an ABV of around 35%. However, there are some rum varieties that have an ABV as high as 50%.

Is Bacardi Gold a dark rum? ›

Is gold rum dark rum? No, gold rum and dark rum are different. Gold rum is a golden, amber hue. Dark rum is well aged rum from charred barrels.

Will rum give me a hangover? ›

While rum has a relatively small amount of methanol congeners (up to 131mg/L), it has about 3,633mg/L of propanol congeners, the highest amount of propanol of any alcohol on this list. For this reason, it can be one of the worst types of alcohol for a hangover.

Is Bacardi just white rum? ›

BACARDÍ Superior is a light and aromatic white rum with delicate floral and fruity notes, ideal for mixing into white rum drinks, silver rum mixers and light rum co*cktails – like the classic Mojito.

Is rum sweeter than vodka? ›

<h2> How Does Vodka Taste Different Than Rum? Rum tastes sweeter and smoother than vodka and may have caramel, vanilla, and other notes from barrel aging or added ingredients.

What's the difference between Captain Morgan and Bacardi rum? ›

Which rum is stronger? When putting Captain Morgan Original Spiced Rum head to head with Bacardi Superior Rum, Bacardi is the stronger spirit. Bacardi is 80 Proof and Captain Morgan is 70 Proof. When you start looking at the whole product line there is a big range of alcohol strength.

What are the 4 types of rum? ›

What are the different types of rum?
  • Light Rum. Also known as white or clear rum, it is completely colorless. ...
  • Gold Rum. This spirit has been mellowed in barrels over time to receive its amber or golden hues. ...
  • Dark Rum. ...
  • Black Rum. ...
  • Flavored and Spiced Rum.

Can you drink dark rum straight? ›

A good Dark or Aged Rum can be enjoyed neat, on the rocks, or with a splash of water. Aged Rums have a lot of flavor and sometimes you just want to enjoy everything they offer and nothing more.

What is the sweetest rum to drink straight? ›

Our Top Sweet Rum Picks
  • 8 Ron Cartavio XO Rum. ...
  • 7 Papa's Pilar Sherry Finish Dark Rum. ...
  • 6 Ron Zacapa 23 Sistema Solera Rum. ...
  • 5 Plantation XO 20th Anniversary Rum. ...
  • 4 El Dorado 15 Year Rum. Sweet & Rich. ...
  • 3 Ron Abuelo Centuria. Rich & Sweet. ...
  • 2 Facundo Exquisito Rum. Sweet & Fruity. ...
  • 1 Ron Diplomático Reserva Exclusiva Rum. Sweet & Rich.

What kind of rum is Malibu? ›

What is Malibu rum? Malibu is a coconut-flavored liqueur made with Caribbean rum. It's not technically a rum because the alcohol level is low (21% ABV) and it's made with added sugar. Rum must be 80 proof (40% ABV) to be legally considered rum, and it has no added sugar.

What rum is Captain Morgan? ›

A perfect blend of Caribbean rum, real Madagascar vanilla, natural flavors and spice, with notes of cinnamon, clove, dried fruit, caramelized sugar, vanilla, and honey come together to level up your taste buds with our original spice.

Is Malibu a light rum? ›

One for Pina Coladas! Malibu is based on a triple distilled light-bodied rum produced from molasses, using specially designed column stills from West Indies Rum Distillery in Barbados. This is blended with natural coconut extracts and sweetners.

What is rum and water called? ›

It's hard to know for sure, but the widely-accepted explanation is that water and rum became known as 'grog' because Vice Admiral Vernon wore a grogram coat, and was nicknamed 'Old Grog' by his men. Grogram is a coarse, ribbed fabric made of silk.

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