Understanding the Distinctions Between Rum and Rhum

You find yourself in the rum section of your local liquor store, finally ready to explore a new spirit after years of sticking to whiskey. Your wallet needs a break from expensive bottles like E.H. Taylor and Weller. You enjoy rum cocktails like Mojitos or Mai Tais and know that rum is more than just a drink associated with pirates.

As you look around, you notice bottles labeled "rum" and "rhum," and it suddenly becomes confusing. You might recall when your whiskey-loving friend lectured you about spelling "whisky" without an "e" for Canadian whisky. Is something similar happening here?

Rum refers to a variety of spirits made from sugar cane byproducts like molasses, while "rhum" or "rhum agricole" (a French term) is made from fresh-pressed sugar cane juice, mostly in French Caribbean islands. Understanding the differences between rum and rhum will give you a deeper appreciation of both and might inspire you to make more diverse cocktails at home.

How Are Rum and Rhum Made?

Both rum and rhum are made from sugar cane, but the key ingredient differs. Rum is usually made from molasses, a thick syrup leftover from refining sugar cane. Rhum is made from fresh-pressed sugar cane juice, making it more organic. Distillers can also age these spirits in barrels or add flavors, which can change their character.

The choice of molasses or sugar cane juice affects the flavor, but neither is better than the other. It's good to have both on your home bar to enjoy different styles.

John Georges, master distiller at Angostura Rum, says, "Rums from molasses are more versatile, but you're missing out if you don't have an agricole in your collection."

Where Are Rum and Rhum Made?

Rum can be made anywhere in the world and includes various styles, from the funky Jamaican rums to lighter rums from Puerto Rico and Cuba.

Rhum, especially "rhum agricole," originated in the French-speaking islands of the West Indies, like Martinique, where it follows strict production rules known as Appellation d'Origine Controlée (AOC). This designation ensures that the rum meets specific standards related to geography and production.

However, rhum agricole can be made elsewhere, and not all rhum producers use the AOC label. For example, Copalli in Belize calls its sugar cane juice distillate "rum" because of the country’s British colonial history.

How Do Rum and Rhum Taste Different?

Rum and rhum have distinct flavor profiles. Rum is often sweet, with notes of banana, vanilla, and cocoa, while rhum has a more earthy, herbal taste, often described as "funky." For bartenders, it's important to explain these differences to customers, even though it can be challenging.

Ashley Cibor, bar manager at Undertow in Phoenix, compares it to the difference between vodka and gin. "Vodka is smooth and subtle, while gin has floral and earthy notes. Rhum agricole is like the gin of the rum family."

Using Rum and Rhum in Cocktails

Rum and rhum aren't always interchangeable in cocktails. Rum's sweetness might work well in some drinks, but rhum's funkiness can change the flavor entirely.

Bartenders treat rum and rhum as separate categories, with rhum agricole adding a unique twist to cocktails. Some bartenders even replace gin or tequila with rhum agricole to create new drinks. Others mix rum and rhum together for a fresh take on classics like the Mai Tai.

Despite rum's versatility, some people are hesitant to try it, especially in places where whiskey and beer are more popular. But with the right guidance, they can learn to appreciate rum's sweetness and rhum's complex flavors.

Once you understand the differences between rum and rhum, you might develop a preference for one. Rhum agricole can also introduce you to other spirits made from sugar cane, like cachaça from Brazil or clairin from Haiti. With this knowledge, you'll confidently navigate the rum aisle on your next visit.