We explain the differences
White Rum – Production
Let's stop playing around with puns and turn to more important matters, such as the creation of white rum, which, depending on the location, is also called Ron Blanco, White Rum, or Rhum Agricole Blanc. Rum is one of the most popular spirits in the world and is often associated with seafaring – in fact, rum was part of the official provisions of the British Royal Navy until 1970.
Historically, rum was probably first distilled centuries ago by African slaves in the Caribbean from the remains of sugar production. However, this precursor has little to do with the white rum we know today. The perfected maturation and storage that followed play a special role in the production of rum.
The Raw Materials
White rum is usually distilled from sugar cane molasses, a byproduct of sugar production from sugar cane, which is cultivated primarily in the Caribbean due to suitable climatic conditions. However, Rhum Agricole from the French overseas departments such as Martinique and Guadeloupe is made from freshly pressed sugar cane juice.
Fermentation
The addition of water and yeast, which is essential for fermentation, initiates the fermentation process, which takes place under anaerobic conditions within 24–72 hours.
Distillation
Distillation then takes place either in a copper pot still ("Pot Still") or a column still ("Column Still"). The more complex, often considered higher-quality still, primarily produces aromatic, heavy distillates, whereas the column still tends to produce milder, more neutral distillates, which can, however, achieve a higher alcohol content.
Maturation and Storage
Now we get to the nitty-gritty, because as already mentioned, maturation and storage largely determine the quality of the final product and whether white or brown rum is produced.
White rum is usually stored in stainless steel tanks for between six and 30 months, but at least for three months, because only then may it be called a real white rum. During this time, the rum is harmonized, homogenized by oxygen, and loses undesirable components such as fusel oils. Afterwards, the rum is diluted with water and bottled at a minimum of 37.5% ABV. The stronger Overproof Rum must contain at least 55% ABV.
The other maturation option is to store the distillate in used Bourbon, Whisky, or Bordeaux barrels made of wood, usually American oak. The rum is stored in these much longer, sometimes up to 40 years, but at least three.
The longer the rum ages in these barrels, the darker and more uniquely characteristic it becomes, as the alcohol interacts with the wood and acquires special aromas and nuances depending on factors such as the ambient climate, barrel type, and nature of the distillate. Such rum is often referred to as Old Rum or Gold Rum.
However, this aging method does not only produce brown rum, as the colorants can be removed again by filtration. The resulting rum is often marketed as Silver Rum.
Conversely, caramel coloring can also be added to white rum to give it a brown or golden color. The color distinction can therefore be misleading; a classification of rum into aged and short-aged or unaged would actually be more meaningful.
White Rum and Brown Rum – What's the Difference?
White rum is white, and brown rum is brown. Next question. But it's not that simple, of course.
As just described, the differences in the production of white and brown rum lie, more precisely, in the storage. Generally, white rum is stored for a shorter period in steel tanks, while brown rum is stored in wooden barrels for a longer time. In addition to the resulting color differences, the two types of rum can also be distinguished by their taste.
White rum usually tastes fresh, strong, and takes no prisoners. Drunk neat, it can sometimes taste a bit sharp, biting, and alcoholic, but of course, the taste and quality generally depend on many production factors and the type of bottling (Blended Rum vs. single cask bottling).
In addition, white rum can be flavored with various fruit and spice aromas and is then available as Flavoured Rum or rum liqueur.
Brown rum gains a more individual character through the type and length of storage and is heavier and more intense, which is determined by the ester content. Brown rum can taste mild, sweetish, sharp, and spicy and leave a colorful potpourri of nuances on the tongue, including: chocolate, fruits, nuts, spices, vanilla, wood, tobacco, nougat, and molasses.
Another difference is the price. White rum is often cheaper due to shorter and less complex storage, and the price range offered is rather small. Higher-proof white overproof rum is slightly more expensive. The more individual brown rum, however, is available in all price categories. True connoisseurs can enjoy a piece of history with the 25-year-old El Dorado 25 Years Old Rum Grand Special Reserve, but they will have to shell out 584 Euros for it. Brown rum is available at all price levels; even as a rather inexpensive Blended Rum.
Which Rum to Use for What?
Because white rum is more neutral in taste, it is particularly well suited for cocktails and long drinks. Even though white rum is available very cheaply (starting from 5 Euros), one should by no means disregard the quality of the rum even in mixed drinks and rather invest a little more to avoid unnecessary repercussions. An excellent option, for example, is the Plantation 3 STARS Artisanal Rum with 41.2%. Some absolute classics in the hall of fame of cocktails contain white rum, including Piña Colada, Long Island Iced Tea, Hurricane, Mojito, Daiquiri, or Swimming Pool.
As a long drink, white rum with cola or additionally with lime juice as Cuba Libre is also indispensable. It also goes very well with fruit juices such as apple or passion fruit juice.
Due to its more nuanced taste and color, brown rum is less commonly found in cocktails. Exceptions include Planters Punch and cocktails like the Zombie or Mai Tai, which contain both white and brown rum. Most often, however, aged brown rum is enjoyed neat or on the rocks. An example of a very drinkable rum in the mid-price segment is the A.H. Riise 1888 COPENHAGEN GOLD MEDAL Special Edition Rum - Old Edition 40%. As far as quality and price are concerned, the scale for brown rum is very open at the top.
Proper Storage of Rum
As discussed, the storage of rum is an important, if not the most important, factor for its production. In the following, however, we will focus on how to store already bottled rum bottles at home.
Rum should generally be stored upright, cool, and dark. In the Caribbean, it was and still is often buried in the sand; in our latitudes, however, a simple cellar or cupboard is also an acceptable storage location. Theoretically, unopened rum can last forever under the right storage conditions, but at least several years. An opened bottle should be able to be kept for six years, and higher-proof Overproof Rum will last much longer even when opened.
Which Rum Is Better: White or Brown?
This question primarily depends on personal preferences. Apart from the fact that both white and brown rum are available in different quality levels, the rum decision mainly depends on its intended use. The more harmonious and neutrally tasting white rum is particularly suitable for cocktails. Brown rum, aged longer in wooden barrels, is considered more aromatic and individual and is therefore usually enjoyed neat or on the rocks.
When it comes to rum, however, caution is advised with a distinction based purely on color. Caramel coloring or syrup is occasionally added to short-aged white rum to simulate longer maturation. But white rum can also be aged for a long time in a wooden barrel and then returned to its transparent state by subsequent filtration.
In summary, it can be said that, due to the different uses, it is probably most sensible to stock both white and brown rum in the home bar.
FAQ – White Rum vs. Brown Rum
What is white rum – and how is it made? +
White rum (also White Rum, Ron Blanco or Rhum Agricole Blanc) is mostly made from sugar cane molasses. Rhum Agricole, on the other hand, is made from freshly pressed sugar cane juice. After fermentation, which takes about 24 to 72 hours, distillation takes place in a pot still or column still. The rum is then stored – often only briefly or in neutral containers.
What is the most important difference between white and brown rum? +
The central difference lies in the storage. White rum usually matures only briefly or in steel tanks, while brown rum is generally stored longer in wooden barrels. This distinguishes the two styles not only in color but also, and most importantly, in taste – from rather fresh and clear to complex and multifaceted.
Why can color still be misleading with rum? +
Color alone says little about quality or maturity. White rum can certainly have been aged in wooden barrels and then filtered (often referred to as "Silver Rum"). Conversely, caramel coloring can be added to white rum to make it appear darker. Therefore, the distinction between short-aged and longer-aged rum is more meaningful.
Which rum do you use for what – cocktails or neat? +
Due to its clear, subtle profile, white rum is particularly well suited for cocktails and long drinks such as Mojito, Daiquiri, Piña Colada or Cuba Libre. Brown rum, due to its more intense aromas, is more often enjoyed neat or on the rocks. In classic cocktails like Mai Tai or Zombie, both rum styles are often combined.
How do you store rum bottles correctly at home – and where can you find suitable varieties? +
Rum should be stored upright, cool, and dark – a cupboard or cellar is sufficient. Unopened bottles last a very long time, opened ones usually remain stable for years, and overproof rums often last even longer. If you are looking for both a cocktail rum and an aged rum for your home bar, you will find a suitable selection discreetly at delicando.
