Rum is made from sugar cane. The process occurs when the liquid from sugar cane is boiled to form a sticky substance called molasses. The molasses is then distilled to form a crude rum which is between 130 - 180 proof. This is some strong rum at this point.
After this the aging process begins. It is done in order to mellow out the rum. Also, it is during this process the rum gets its color. Dark rum comes from putting rum to age in cedar oak casks. During this stage one may also add caramel and other coloring agents which may enhance its color. Light rum or rum with no color is a result of allowing rum to age in stainless steel tanks, where no coloring agents are added.
Light rums are usually made in Puerto Rico and the darker rums usually originate from Jamaica, Martinique and Haiti. You may serve rum on ice or mixed with some other substance like juice, soda or even top it with spices like nutmeg or ginger. The most Popular mixture is rum and Coke. Another good choice is rum with lime. An opened bottle of rum can be stored in a cool dry place and usually has the shelf life of two years.
Some Rum History
Sugar cane was first brought to the caribbean by Christopher Columbus in 1493. This crop was brought to Puerto Rico where Ponce De Leon engaged in planting the first cane fields. Who would have thought that this step would not only play an important role in local economy but change the face of fine spirits as it was.
Later came the first sugar mill which further facilitated cane distillation. The word rum was far from the mouths of men as this substance was known as brebaje. It was not until later that english men who sailed the seas came up with that name.
The rum industry began to boom in the 19th century. Distilleries began to grow to the point where Puerto Rican rum was being exported to the U.S. at some 18 000 gallons a time in 1897. By this time the island was producing a smoother tasting rum at a dramatic increase.
During World War two the national drink was rum and coke. With the rum market increasing and U.S. Productions slow due to the war, Puerto Rican rum was being imported at a massive rate. Sales were through the roof and there were a 100 different types of rum to choose from. Today there are only 12. However this type of rum has still maintained to be the best seller in the states, about 77 percent on rums imported is Puerto Rican rum. Making them the leaders in rum production.
Today rum is being produced throughout the caribbean. The best selling rum in the world is Bacardi which is a Puerto Rican rum. Other popular choices are Angostura from Trinidad, Appleton Estate from Jamaica, Captain Morgan Original Spiced Rum (Puerto Rico), Don Q Rum (Puerto Rico), Cruzan Rum (U.S.V.I.), Mount Gay Rum from Barbados and Havana Club from Cuba.
By Nicha TeslaWhat
| < Prev | Next > |
|---|
