Rum is a popular spirit made from sugarcane byproducts like molasses or directly from sugarcane juice. The color of rum is determined by how long it is aged. White rum is not aged, while dark rum is aged in wooden barrels. Both have their merits, so which is better comes down to personal preference.
What is White Rum?
White rum, also called light or silver rum, is the most minimally processed rum. After distilling the molasses or sugarcane juice wash, white rum is usually filtered to remove any impurities and clear up the color. However, some white rums may retain a very light straw color. White rum has a light, crisp, subtle flavor profile. Its taste is influenced by the climate, soil, production method, and distillation process. White rum tends to be sweeter and lighter than aged rums.
Popular White Rum Brands
Some popular white rum brands include:
- Bacardi Superior
- Malibu
- Captain Morgan White Rum
- Cruzan Aged Light Rum
- Mount Gay Silver Rum
What is Dark Rum?
Dark rum, also known as black, red, or brown rum, gets its color and rich, bold flavor from aging in charred oak barrels. The longer it ages, the darker it becomes. Dark rum is aged for 2 years or more. The wooden barrels impart caramel, vanilla, and spice notes to the spirit. The climate where the rum is aged also affects the final flavor. Dark rum tends to be fuller-bodied and more complex than white rum.
Popular Dark Rum Brands
Some popular dark rum brands include:
- Myers’s Dark Rum
- Gosling’s Black Seal Rum
- Pusser’s Rum
- Appleton Estate Reserve Rum
- Captain Morgan Spiced Rum
Comparing White and Dark Rum
Here is a comparison of some of the main differences between white and dark rum:
| Attribute | White Rum | Dark Rum |
|---|---|---|
| Color | Clear to light gold | Light amber to blackish brown |
| Aging | Not aged | Aged in oak barrels for 2+ years |
| Flavor | Subtle, light, sweet | Full-bodied, complex, spicy |
| Alcohol Content | Usually 40-46% ABV | Usually 40-46% ABV |
| Price | Less expensive | More expensive |
| Uses | Cocktails, mixed drinks | Sipping, cocktails |
Taste Comparison
In a taste test, here are some of the notable differences between white and dark rum:
- Aroma – White rum has a light, sweet, vegetal aroma while dark rum smells of oak, caramel, spices, and vanilla.
- Flavor – White rum tastes crisp, floral, and sugary while dark rum has layers of molasses, toasted oak, and dried fruit.
- Texture – White rum has a smooth, thin mouthfeel while dark rum is more viscous, thick, and syrupy.
- Finish – White rum has a short, clean finish while dark rum has a lingering, warm finish.
Cocktail Uses
White and dark rum are both popular cocktail ingredients, but they serve different purposes:
- White rum contributes subtle flavor to allow other ingredients to shine. It works well in refreshing, fruity cocktails like the Mojito, Daiquiri, and Piña Colada.
- Dark rum adds rich depth, complexity, and character to cocktails. It’s great in tiki drinks like the Mai Tai, Hurricane, and Dark ‘n Stormy.
Popular White Rum Cocktails
- Mojito
- Daiquiri
- Piña Colada
- Rum Punch
- Ti’ Punch
Popular Dark Rum Cocktails
- Mai Tai
- Hurricane
- Dark ‘n Stormy
- Jungle Bird
- Planter’s Punch
How is Rum Made?
Here is an overview of how both white and dark rum are made:
- Feedstock – Rum production begins with a feedstock like molasses or fresh sugarcane juice.
- Fermentation – The feedstock is mixed with water and yeast to trigger fermentation where the sugars convert to alcohol.
- Distillation – The fermented wash is distilled to concentrate the alcohol and separate it from impurities.
- Blending – The distillate may be blended with other rums to achieve the desired flavor profile.
- Aging – For dark rum, the spirit is aged for years in charred oak barrels.
- Filtration – White rum is charcoal filtered to remove color.
- Bottling – Finally, the rum is diluted to drinking strength and bottled.
Health Benefits
In moderation, rum may offer some potential health benefits:
- Rum contains antioxidants that may help reduce inflammation and oxidative stress.
- Dark rums provide beneficial oak tannins that white rum lacks.
- Aged rum contains traces of vanilla and charred wood that may promote heart health.
- Rum has antiseptic properties that can help sanitize wounds when applied topically.
However, drinking too much rum can negatively impact health and lead to chronic conditions. Moderation is key.
Which Has More Calories?
White rum and dark rum have virtually the same calorie content. A 1.5 ounce serving of 80 proof rum contains around 97 calories, regardless of color. The sugar content is also similar at 0 grams per serving. Neither white nor dark rum has any fat, carbs, protein, or fiber. So in terms of calories and nutritional value, white and dark rum are identical.
Price Differences
Dark rum is more expensive to produce because of the added aging process in barrels, so it costs more than white rum. Here are some average prices:
| Rum Type | Average Price |
|---|---|
| White Rum (750mL) | $15-25 |
| Dark Rum (750mL) | $20-40 |
Premium and super-premium rums can cost upwards of $100 or more. So while color doesn’t affect calories, it does impact the price.
Which Has Higher Alcohol Content?
Both white and dark rum typically contain between 40-46% alcohol by volume (80-92 proof). So there is no difference in standard alcohol percentage between the two. However, overproof rums with a higher alcohol content are also produced. These contain 60% ABV (120 proof) and higher. Overproof rum provides more alcohol punch but may have less flavor complexity.
Which Mixes Better in Cocktails?
White rum and dark rum both mix well in cocktails, but they serve different purposes:
- White rum blends seamlessly into fruity cocktails and citrusy drinks without overpowering other flavors.
- Dark rum adds rich flavor and dimension to tiki drinks and complex cocktails.
In general, if a cocktail has lots of sweet, subtle ingredients like fruit juices or liqueurs, white rum allows the other flavors to shine. For cocktails with spices, herbs, and bold flavors, a good aged dark rum can provide a nice contrast.
Which Is Smoother to Drink Straight?
Dark rum is considered smoother and more enjoyable to sip neat or on the rocks. The aging process smooths out the spirit. However, high quality aged white rums can also be quite smooth. With cheaper white rums, the high alcohol content can make them harsh when drunk straight. The richness and nuanced flavor of dark rum make it the preferred choice for sipping.
Which Is More Popular?
White rum outsells dark rum overall thanks to its versatility as a cocktail mixer. Bacardi Superior, the world’s top selling white rum, sells over 20 million cases annually. Captain Morgan Spiced Rum is the most popular spiced dark rum at around 10 million cases sold per year. However, premium aged dark rums are gaining popularity among rum aficionados.
Which Has a Better Selection?
White rum has a larger variety available overall, as it is easier to produce. There are thousands of white rum brands at every price point, from value brands to sipping rums. While there are fewer dark rum labels, the premium aged dark rum segment is expanding. Small batch artisanal dark rums provide exceptional quality and complex flavors.
Which Is Easier to Make Cocktails With?
White rum cocktails are generally simpler to mix up. With subtle flavor that won’t overpower other ingredients, white rum combines effortlessly with fruit juices, club soda, cola, etc. Dark rum requires a bit more care to achieve balance in cocktails. But it can elevate drinks by adding rich, intense rum character.
Conclusion
So in summary, there are good reasons to appreciate both white and dark rum:
- White rum offers crisp, clean flavor that adds fun to fruity cocktails without overshadowing other ingredients.
- Dark rum provides deep, complex flavor that makes memorable sipping rums and enriches tiki drinks.
The best option comes down to the specific drink and personal preference. While producing white rum may be a quicker process, long aging gives dark rum alluring depth. Trying a variety of white and dark rum styles can provide unique experiences. Next time you mix up rum drinks, consider the virtues of each color when deciding which to use.