A tavern immersed in darkness… A man with a wooden leg and only one eye remaining… And on the back of this dark stranger, a symbol that makes women and children tremble: the Jolly Roger.

Four hundred years ago, when maritime trade was at its height, the pirate became a popular figure. Flying the flag for a kingdom or for a scoundrel, he helped to spread the word about a spirit that is now highly prized: rum.

 

Blood, tears and a few missing teeth

Did you ever wonder where rum comes from? Although there is some doubt, it would seem that etymologically this word derives from the word ‘Rumbullion’, which would mean ‘fight’. And sure… It is not by chance that this spirit has long been associated with pirates and their fiery temperament.

Four centuries ago, rum was far from being the premium spirit it is today. Saturated with impurities, made from agricultural waste, it was an alcoholic beverage reputed to arouse the baser instincts of man. In this sense, the rum of yesteryear was a reflection of the people who enjoyed it.

In the late 1600s, the world was a completely different place. On the sugar plantations of the West Indies, slaves worked tirelessly to produce and harvest sugar cane. In addition, they were responsible for giving a second life to a waste product from the sugar refining process: molasses.

Because of its high sugar content and strong taste, molasses was soon used to brew a cheap liquor. Surprisingly, in 1600, rum was considered the ‘poor man’s nectar’.

Fortunately, things have changed. Today, the rums produced are not only of high quality, but also display different profiles.

 

Rums that enhance your cocktails

It is largely because of the differences between white, amber and dark rum that these spirits cannot be used in the same cocktails. Far from the crude molasses-based production of yesteryear, contemporary distillers have learned to tame the scent of sugar cane. White rum, amber rum, dark rum… Discover the wonders you can make with them.

Cocktails made with white rum

 

White rum

Evoking tropical islands, white rum transports you to the white sandy beaches of the Caribbean. Bananas, honey, exotic fruits and tea are some of the aromas that give it so much charm. In principle, white rum does not undergo any ageing but only a rest of a few months or years in stainless steel tanks. It seduces with its freshness and lightness.

Some ideas for combinations with white rum, such as BANQERO Silver:

  • Pina Colada
  • Planter’s Punch
  • Ti’punch
  • Malibu Sunrise
  • Dark’n’Stormy
  • Mojito

 

The legendary mojito prepared with white rum, if possible of Cuban origin

 

Rhum agricole

The uniqueness of this rum is that it is not made from molasses. Unlike its companions, it is distilled from sugar cane juice. It is distilled mainly in the French West Indies as well as in France.

On the palate, it has a more vegetal profile than traditional white rum. Slightly iodized, it allows the aromas of the sugar cane to express themselves without constraints. If you are looking for a more refreshing alternative to white molasses rum, go for rhum agricole.

Appreciated for its authenticity, rhum agricole is used to make the following cocktails:

  • Caribbean Banana
  • Corona Punch
  • Havana Banana Fizz
  • Nathalie
  • Québec Ti-punch
  • Ursula

 

Amber rum

Considered the most ‘root’ rum, amber rum is distinguished by its warm, spicy notes reminiscent of the undergrowth. Rather round in the mouth, it brings character to cocktails and relief to tasting sessions.

To achieve such an effect, you have to be patient. This is because, unlike white rum, the maturing process is longer. It is only after 1 to 3 years spent in casks that the amber rum is born. Nevertheless, for epicureans, the wait is well worth it.

More assertive than white rum, this spirit can be used to create the following drinks:

  • the Hurricane
  • Punch pot-au-rhum
  • Negrita Spresso
  • Zombie Cocktail
  • Dark Mule
  • Red Velvet
  • Watermelon Fire
  • Mango Planter

 

Dark rum

Also called old rum, dark rum has been left to mature in barrels for long years (usually 5 years and more). That’s what gives it its colour. This process produces a rum that delights gourmets. Once in the mouth, it releases notes of blond caramel, spices, dried fruit, vanilla and sometimes even tobacco. The BANQERO XO range is a very representative choice in this category.

Chic and refined, this rum is particularly suitable for making Old Fashioned, Navy Grog, Bahama Mama, Alexan’Dillon and Tit’yole.

An Old Fashioned made with dark rum

 

Jamaican rum

A former British colony, the island of Jamaica has kept traces of the passage of the British. The result of a unique process (self-fermentation with the addition of ‘Dunder’ and distillation in a pot still), Jamaican rum is characterised by strong notes and an unforgettable taste. More full-bodied than traditional dark rum and other variants, it is no less refined.

 

To fully appreciate the flavour, it is best to create one of the following cocktails:

  • Mai-Tai
  • Fish house punch
  • Rum and cream
  • Brazilian coffee
  • Ginger Rum

 

The famous Mai Tai

 

Other rums

Along with the above-mentioned rums, there are also subgenres. For example:

  • Overproof rum: according to the British Navy, this refers to rum with more than 57.1% abv. (the limit beyond which gunpowder would still ignite even if it were soaked in rum)
  • Spiced Rum, in which caramel, vanilla, coffee or other spices are added
  • Flavoured rum with flavour enhancers such as BANQERO Pink
  • Punch rum in which leaves, barks, fruits etc. have been macerated, such as our range of punch rums produced in Guadeloupe

 

With so many to choose from, you are sure to find at least one that meets all your expectations.