Rum is a distilled alcoholic beverage made from sugarcane byproducts like molasses or directly from sugarcane juice. The main difference between regular rum and spiced rum is that spiced rum has added flavors and spices, while regular rum does not.
What is Rum?
Rum is produced worldwide, but especially in the Caribbean and Latin America. The specific process used to make rum varies between producers, but generally involves:
- Fermenting – Sugarcane juice or molasses is mixed with water and yeast to start the fermentation process. This converts sugars into alcohol.
- Distilling – The fermented wash is heated in a still. Alcohol evaporates at a lower temperature than water, allowing it to be separated and condensed into distilled rum.
- Aging – The newly distilled rum is often aged in oak barrels to allow flavors to mellow and develop over time. White or light rums may not be aged at all.
- Blending – Rums from different barrels and ages may be blended together to achieve the desired flavor profile.
What is Spiced Rum?
Spiced rum is rum that has been infused with spices, fruits, herbs, nuts, or other flavorings. Some commonly used spices and flavors in spiced rum include:
- Cinnamon
- Vanilla
- Cloves
- Nutmeg
- Ginger
- Pepper
- Coffee
- Orange
- Lime
- Coconut
- Almond
The spices and flavors may be macerated and steeped directly in the rum itself. Other times, they are added through a secondary infusion process after the rum has been distilled. The spices add complexity and warmth to the flavor profile of the rum.
Differences Between Regular Rum and Spiced Rum
Here are the key differences between regular rum and spiced rum:
Ingredients
- Regular rum is made from molasses or sugarcane juice, water, and yeast.
- Spiced rum also contains added flavors and spices like cinnamon, vanilla, orange, cloves, etc.
Flavor Profile
- Regular rum tends to have a lighter, cleaner rum flavor that showcases the underlying sugarcane.
- Spiced rum has a warmer, more complex flavor with notes of the added spices and flavors.
Sweetness
- Regular rum can range from dry to sweet depending on aging and blending.
- Spiced rums tend to be sweeter due to the added spices and flavors.
Common Uses
- Regular rum is very versatile and used in many cocktails like mojitos, daiquiris, and rum and cola.
- Spiced rum is commonly used in fall and winter cocktails like mulled wine, spiced cider, eggnog, and rum punch.
Alcohol Content
- Most regular rum contains 35-40% alcohol by volume (70-80 proof).
- Spiced rum may range from 35% to over 50% ABV (70 – 100 proof).
Popular Brands
Some popular brands of regular rum include Bacardi, Havana Club, Flor de Cana, Appleton Estate, and Mount Gay. Popular spiced rum brands include Captain Morgan, Sailor Jerry, Kraken, and Bumbu.
| Regular Rum Brands | Spiced Rum Brands |
|---|---|
| Bacardi | Captain Morgan |
| Havana Club | Sailor Jerry |
| Appleton Estate | Kraken |
| Mount Gay | Bumbu |
Using Regular vs. Spiced Rum in Cocktails
While spiced rum and regular rum are different, they can often substitute for one another in cocktails depending on the flavor profile you want:
- In simple rum cocktails like a rum and coke, daiquiri, or mojito, regular rum will provide a clean rum flavor.
- In tiki drinks and fruity cocktails, spiced rum will complement the other fruit juices.
- In fall/winter warmers like mulled wine or cider, spiced rum adds nice warmth.
- For balance in cocktail recipes specifying “amber rum”, use equal parts spiced and regular rum.
The key is understanding the flavor profile you want and choosing regular or spiced rum accordingly. When in doubt, taste test different options before making large batches of cocktails.
Should You Refrigerate Opened Spiced Rum?
Unlike some wines or vermouths, spiced rum does not need to be refrigerated after opening. The higher alcohol content and sugar content acts as a preservative, so spiced rum can be safely stored at room temperature even after opening.
However, some people prefer to keep spiced rum chilled as it can slightly mute the sweetness and allow more subtle flavors to come through. This is purely a personal preference, not a requirement.
If you won’t be finishing the bottle quickly, keep it stored in a cool, dark place away from direct light to maintain quality and prevent excess oxidation. An opened bottle of spiced rum will typically last 1-2 years at room temperature when stored properly.
Conclusion
While spiced rum and regular rum come from the same base spirit, the addition of spices and flavors creates distinct products suited to different cocktail recipes and tastes. Spiced varieties have a warmer, more complex profile that pairs especially well with fall and winter drinks.
Both can substitution for one another in various cocktails, but always consider the flavor profile you want. And there’s no need to refrigerate opened spiced rum, as the higher alcohol content preserves it at room temperature for 1-2 years. Understanding the nuances between these two rum styles can help any cocktail enthusiast use them more effectively.