What do the acronyms that are regularly associated with rum refer to? What are the minimum durations for rums to obtain these designations? What is an aged rum? Read on to find the answers to these questions and everything you need to know about rum.

 

Type of rum and ageing period

Beyond the duration, the ageing of rum depends on several factors which can be linked to the storage conditions or even to the environment of the rum. These parameters include the humidity of the air, the rhythm of the seasons and the ambient temperature. All these elements influence the development of the aromas and the quality of the rum’s flavours. Of course, the storage time is important. This has a significant impact on aged rum. Below is a detailed overview of the different rums with the duration and type of ageing.

White, amber and dark rum

White rum

The designation of white rum is attributed to a spirit whose main characteristic is its youth. This type of rum is obtained after a short maturation period, more precisely a resting phase. After the distillation phase, the rum is stored for between 3 weeks and 3 months. Storage is in stainless steel tanks. Watering it down reduces its alcohol content. Indeed, the newly distilled rum has a high concentration of alcohol (65° and above at the end of the still ). So that it can be bottled and marketed, a reduction below 60% is achieved. White rum can be recognised by its colourless and translucent colour.

 

Barrel-aged rum

Packaged for 12 months in small oak barrels, ‘barrel-aged’ rum takes its name from its prolonged stay in oak barrels. As initially stated, its ageing period is at least 12 months.

 

Straw rum

Rum that has been aged for at least 18 months in oak casks is called straw rum. The clue to its identity is the straw colour from which it takes its name.

 

Aged rums

European legislation requires blenders to use containers made from oak wood for the successful maturation of aged rum. Its stay in these containers should not be less than 3 years. Generally speaking, blending is the preserve of old rum. A skilful blend of several great vintages combines subtle harmonies with complex blends. In the case of a blend of different vintages, only the youngest should appear on the label. For example, for a blend of three rums of 12, 6 and 4 years of age, the ageing period of 4 years should appear on the label.

Rum maturing in bourbon barrels

VO or Very Old rum

A minimum of three years’ ageing in a wooden cask confers the qualification ‘old rum or VO rum’. The type of wood used for storage is not important in this respect. The most important thing is to respect the maturation period.

 

VSOP or Very Special Old Pale rum

The regulations allow the VSOP (Very Special Old Pale) rum label to appear on bottles that have been matured in oak barrels for more than four years. Other names given to these rums are ‘Special reserve’, ‘old reserve’ or ‘special vintage’.

 

XO or Extra Old rum

The term XO rum or extra Old applies to all rums that have been aged in an oak barrel for at least 6 years before bottling. On the French market, the indication « Réserve spéciale », « vieille réserve » or « cuvée spéciale » regularly appears instead of ‘XO’.

XO rum aged in barrels for 6 years or more

Vintage rum

Quality rums are made from exceptional harvests. They can be kept for a minimum of 15 years and can be enjoyed for several years. This category of rum can be enjoyed even 70 years after distillation. Climatic particularities such as sunshine, ideal rainfall or ideal temperature conditions contribute to making a vintage exceptional. The conservation of these great wines requires optimal conditions. This is why their price keeps increasing as the years go by. But its high cost also takes into account the often limited quantity produced and the quality of the vintage.

 

XO rum and its most beautiful expressions

Only rums that have spent at least 6 years in a wooden cask carry the designation ‘XO Rum’. ‘Hors d’âge’ and ‘Napoleon’ are other names for these rums. Many people are fond of this old rum, which, in their eyes, offers the best value for money and an excellent way of immersing themselves in the extraordinary world of great tasting rums. Here is a selection of the best XO rums currently available on the market and at excellent prices.

 

The BANQERO XO West Indies 40% vol.

Available in 70 cl bottles, West Indies is the first from the BANQERO XO range. It is a blend of four carefully selected rums from the best vintages from Guatemala, El Salvador, Trinidad & Tobago and the Dominican Republic. Each rum is first aged for 5 to 7 years in its country of origin. They are then matured in Switzerland for 18 to 24 months in Mitis barrels. The rum obtained at the end of this maturation process is characterised by its hints of white oak and brown sugar. Richness and opulence greet you from the moment you taste it, making the tasting a true moment of discovery.

BANQERO XO West Indies

Rum Officer’s Releases No.1

A blend of very high quality rums, Admiral Rodney Officer’s Releases is a benchmark quality rum. Produced in very limited editions, its distillation and maturation make wonderful use of the heat of the tropics and the climate of Saint Lucia. What better way to do this than with the expert hand of a renowned blender! American oak barrels are used for aging. Most of the rums in this range are named after a British warship.

 

Ron Zacapa XO rum 70 cl

Classified as an exceptional rum, Zacapa XO is obtained by blending various rums aged between 6 and 25 years. This excellent rum has won the International Rum Contest on numerous occasions. This rum will not disappoint. To truly savour it, pour a good glassful into a cognac glass. The dark chocolate flavour in the mouth combines harmoniously with the fruity notes of honey and vanilla.