THE SPANIARDS INTRODUCED sugar cane to the Caribbean centuries ago, and today, while rum is produced nearly everywhere sugar cane grows, the Caribbean makes the most rum and the most varieties.
The product of the fermented juice of sugar cane or sugar cane molasses, rum comes in a seemingly endless variety (more than 400 different bottlings are available in New York City, for example). In fact, virtually all rums can be classified into four major types: light, gold, dark and spiced.
Light (also called silver or white) rums are light-bodied and softly flavored with a mild taste of molasses and are most often used in cocktails. Examples include Atlantico Platino from the Dominican Republic ($20); Barbancourt White Rhum, Haiti ($20); Don Q Cristal Rum, Puerto Rico ($18); Rhum JM White Rum, Martinique ($38); and Tommy Bahama White Sand Rum, Barbados ($24).
Gold (or amber) rums are medium-bodied and have usually been aged a bit. They get their color from their time in oak barrels and generally have more flavor than light rums. Gold rums include Atlantico Reserve, Dominican Republic ($25); Bacardi Gold Rum, Puerto Rico ($13); Cruzan Single Barrel Rum, St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands ($25); Don Q Gold Rum, Puerto Rico ($14); and Gosling’s Gold Bermuda Rum, Bermuda ($21).
Dark (or black) rums are richer, fuller bodied, more pungent and, as the name connotes, darker. They have stronger flavors, often with hints of molasses and spices. Try Angostura 7-year-old Dark Rum, Trinidad and Tobago ($32); Appleton Estate Extra Rum, Jamaica ($37); Bacardi Select Rum, Puerto Rico ($15); Myers’s Original Dark Rum, Jamaica ($21); and Stolen Dark Rum, Trinidad and Tobago ($18).
As the name implies, spiced rums have added spices and, occasionally, caramel as well. While they are generally based on gold rums, these additions usually darken them in color. Choices include Captain Morgan Black Spiced Rum, Puerto Rico ($23); Clarke’s Court Spicy Rum, Grenada ($17); Montecristo Spiced Rum, Guatemala ($25); Oakheart Genuine Spiced Rum, Bermuda ($15); Rhum Barbancourt Pango, Haiti ($18); and Vizcaya VXOP Cask 21, Dominican Republic ($20).
Prices vary widely throughout the United States.
Read This Next
Introducing
FX Excursions
FX Excursions offers the chance for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in destinations around the world.
#globility
Insta FeedDaily
Jul 26, 2024Accor Unveils Its First Handwritten Collection Brand in the United States
San Francisco, a city renowned for its commercial hubs and cultural sites, will become the first destination in the United States for one of Accor's newest brands, Handwritten Collection. The city’s Hotel Stratford San Francisco, Handwritten Collection is a European-style boutique property located near Union Square on the famous Powell Street cable car line. The area will now have the Handwritten Collection name behind it. The property becomes Accor's third hotel in San Francisco, joining the Fairmont properties atop Nob Hill and at Ghirardelli Square.
Sponsored Content
Why Buy Trip Cancellation Insurance?
Don’t risk losing all the money you’ve spent if you must cancel your trip at the last minute. Allianz Travel Insurance can give you:
Global City Guidebook 2024
Jul 26, 2024Bask in Nature’s Tranquility at The Spa at Four Seasons Tamarindo
When the two of us entered The Spa at Four Seasons Tamarindo, past the backlit boutique items and local artisan-painted wood carvings, the place wrapped us in a feeling of tranquility. Its stone walls, earth tones, woven wall hangings and furniture made of natural materials reminded us we are part of nature’s spectrum, the abundant windows showing native plants and trees outside.
Daily
Jul 26, 20244 Boutique Hotels with Exclusive Wedding Buyout Offerings
Couples looking for an over-the-top wedding, consider one of these properties around the world, offering total property buyouts to say your “I do’s.”
Sponsored Content
Share Miles with Family and Friends with United Airlines
As you look ahead to winter travel, United Airlines and its MileagePlus loyalty program introduced MileagePlus miles pooling, which allows members to contribute and combine miles into a joint account. Groups of up to five members can now share and redeem miles in one linked account. As the first and only major U.S. airline to offer this feature, United also allows any MileagePlus member, whether relatives or close friends, to be in a pool with other members.
Airlines
Jul 26, 2024BermudAir Maximizes Choices for Travelers with New Options
BermudAir announced an expanded fare structure, allowing customers to choose from five fare types across economy and business class, up from the previous three options. Travelers can now select fares based on their preferences for lounge access, checked baggage, change fees, refunds and priority boarding.
Share Miles with Family and Friends with United Airlines
Sponsored Content
Discover Hvar, Croatia’s, Best-Kept Secrets
Daily
Jul 25, 2024Global City Guidebook 2024
Jul 24, 2024Global City Guidebook: Shanghai
The third-largest city in the world, Shanghai has transformed into one of the world’s most important centers for business, finance, science, culture and transportation. In fact, Shanghai is home to the first free trade zone in Mainland China. The city sits on the southern estuary of the Yangtze River, and the Huangpu River flows right through the 26-million-strong city. Art Deco- and Shikumen-style buildings, museums, skyscrapers, gardens, temples and food markets fill the lively, Eastern Chinese city.
Sponsored Content
Why Buy Annual Travel Insurance?
One affordable plan can protect an entire year of trips: business or pleasure, short or long, domestic or international.
Daily
Jul 24, 2024SB Winemaker’s House & Spa Suites Introduces Custom Wine Itineraries
SB Winemaker’s House & Spa Suites offers guests personalized journeys to Mendoza’s finest wineries from Susana Balbo’s family. Immerse yourself in bespoke wine itineraries recommended by Balbo, Argentina’s first female winemaker; her son and third-generation winemaker, José Lovaglio Balbo; and her daughter, hotelier and wine tourism marketer, Ana Lovaglio Balbo.
ShareThis