Learn how to make rum the traditional way with this detailed guide:
Exactly what is Rum?
Alcoholic rum is distilled from sugarcane byproducts like molasses or sugarcane juice and aged in oak barrels. It was originally a Caribbean drink, but now you can find this beverage in almost any country.
Molasses or sugarcane juice, water, yeast, and sometimes additional flavors are used to create rum. Equipment like a fermenting vessel, still, and oak barrels will also be required.
This Is How It Works
- The first step is fermentation, in which the sugarcane byproduct is combined with water and yeast.
- The yeast then ferments the mixture, turning the sugar into alcohol, over the course of several days.
- After fermentation is complete, the mixture is distilled to raise the alcohol content and purge any remaining contaminants.
- After distillation, the rum is aged in oak barrels to develop flavor and depth of color.
The Process
Process of Aging and Flavoring: The rum is aged in oak barrels, which not only enhances the flavor but also imparts a distinctive color to the final product. To improve the flavor, some rum producers also add things like spices and fruit.
Rum is aged, then bottled, and put on shelves for consumers to enjoy. It’s versatile enough to be enjoyed neat or mixed into a wide range of libations.
If you follow these instructions, you’ll have your own bottle of homemade rum in no time. Although the process may be lengthy, the outcome will be well worth the effort.