Discover Rum : A sensory journey into the world’s rich rum traditions

Discovering rum means exploring a bright spirit full of history, tropical terroirs, and diverse craftsmanship. From the French Caribbean to Latin America, the Indian Ocean, and Africa, rum offers a unique variety of styles and flavor profiles within the world of spirits. It appeals to both cocktail lovers and pure tasting enthusiasts.

What is rum? A diversity of definitions

Rum is a spirit made from sugarcane, but production methods vary greatly by region. Two main families coexist:

• Agricole rum: made from pure sugarcane juice, or vesou. This type of rum is mainly produced in the French Caribbean islands (Martinique, Guadeloupe), Réunion, and French Guiana. It is often drier, vegetal, with a strong identity.

• Molasses rum: made from molasses, a byproduct of sugar refining. It is the most common type worldwide (English-speaking Caribbean, Latin America, Asia). Softer, often sweeter, it produces very accessible and varied rums.

Additionally, differences in distillation (pot still or column still), aging (tropical or continental climate), and local traditions greatly influence the final style of rum.

Agricole rum: purity, freshness, and terroir

A specialty of French overseas territories, agricole rum is a noble expression of fresh sugarcane. It is known for its aromatic precision and liveliness. In Martinique, it has benefited from an AOC since 1996, strictly regulating its production.

Iconic distilleries such as J.M, Neisson, La Favorite, Clément, or HSE offer intense white rums, aged rums with woody and spicy notes, and single-estate cuvées highlighting specific canes.

Typical aromas include fresh sugarcane, citrus, white pepper, tropical flowers, with a notable minerality — perfect for lovers of dry, expressive, and authentic spirits.

Spanish tradition rum: roundness, sweetness, and elegance

Prominent in Cuba, Venezuela, Panama, and the Dominican Republic, this type of rum is made from molasses, often distilled in column stills, and aged using solera systems or ex-bourbon barrels.

Brands like Diplomático, Don Papa, Ron Abuelo, Ron Zacapa, and Havana Club offer smooth profiles with notes of vanilla, caramel, ripe fruit, sometimes lightly woody. Often sweeter and more approachable, these rums are great for neat tasting or dessert pairings.

Ideal for beginners or those seeking a warm, velvety experience.

English tradition rum: aromatic intensity with Hampden, Appleton, and Foursquare

In the English-speaking Caribbean (Jamaica, Barbados, Trinidad, Guyana), rums tend to be powerful and sometimes explosive. They feature long, sometimes wild fermentation and frequent use of pot stills, producing highly aromatic expressions.

Jamaica, with distilleries like Hampden, Worthy Park, and Appleton Estate, exemplifies this style: rums with ripe banana, tropical fruits, glue, and intense spice aromas. In Barbados, Foursquare delivers elegant, dry, and well-balanced rums.

These powerful rums are especially prized by enthusiasts seeking complexity or to reinvent classic cocktails like Mai Tai or Zombie.

Aged rum: the patina of time

Barrel aging produces aged rums, which develop complex aromas of wood, vanilla, cocoa, dried fruits, mild spices, or blond tobacco. Under tropical climates, aging accelerates, allowing mature profiles in as little as 4 to 5 years.

Whether agricole or molasses-based, aged rums are perfect for neat tasting and rival the best whiskies or cognacs. Some distilleries offer vintages or special releases aged in rare casks (sherry, sauternes, port).

Other rum terroirs: an expanding global map

While the Caribbean remains the historical birthplace of rum, many countries are emerging with high-quality production:

• Réunion: agricole rums with strong identities like Rivière du Mât or Savanna.

• Mauritius: houses like Chamarel or New Grove blending styles.

• Madagascar: tropical terroirs still under the radar but promising.

• India and Southeast Asia: modern distilleries exploring sugarcane potential in hot climates.

• Europe (France, Spain, Italy): independent bottlers, continental aging, and creativity.

How to choose your rum according to your taste?

Your choice depends on flavor preferences and intended use:

• For cocktails: a white agricole or light Cuban-style rum.

• For neat tasting: an aged rum, dry or round depending on your taste.

• For power lovers: a Jamaican or cask strength, unfiltered rum.

• For gentle discovery: sweeter Latin-style rums like Don Papa or Diplomático.

The diversity of styles means everyone can find a rum that suits them, whether novice or connoisseur.

The Whisky Lodge: your guide to the world of rum

At The Whisky Lodge, we carefully select quality rums from all over the world. Whether you want to discover a Martinique agricole rum, an explosive Jamaican, or a special barrel-aged release, our team guides you with expertise. We highlight artisanal distilleries, independent bottlers, and a constantly renewed selection to offer a broad and demanding view of today’s rum.

Discover, compare, taste: the world of rum has never been richer or more exciting.