Collection: Spirit Making: Rum

Rum is a distilled alcoholic beverage made from sugarcane juice or its by-product, molasses. It's known for its sweet, rich flavor and is enjoyed globally in a wide variety of styles, from clear and light-bodied to dark and heavily aged rums.

Short History:

Rum’s origins can be traced to the 17th-century Caribbean, where enslaved laborers discovered that molasses—leftover from sugar production—could be fermented and distilled. Rum quickly became integral to maritime trade and was a staple among pirates and sailors.

Basic Process:

  • Raw Material Prep – Molasses or sugarcane juice is diluted with water.
  • Fermentation – Yeast is added to convert sugars into alcohol.
  • Distillation – Typically done in pot stills for heavy, flavorful rum, or column stills for lighter styles.
  • Aging – Many rums are aged in oak barrels to develop character.
  • Blending & Bottling – Spirits may be blended for consistency and diluted before bottling.
Spirit Making: Rum