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What’s the Difference Between White and Dark Rum?
Everyone has a preference when it comes to their alcohol of choice. Some people only drink one type of alcohol, while others love branching out and trying new things. So whether you are a rum enthusiast or just giving it a try, you may wonder what exactly the difference between white and dark rum is.
Before we can get into the different types of rum, however, you need to know what rum is. Rum is a distilled liquor made from the sugar in molasses, syrup, or sugar cane that has been fermented. This means that at its base, rum is a sweeter drink. Now, time to get into the day's main topic — white rum vs. dark rum.
What's the Difference Between White and Dark Rum?
There are two major differences between white and dark rum: the aging process and the taste.
Dark rum is aged in charred oak barrels after it has gone through the distillation process. This aging process, along with the addition of caramel or brown sugar, gives dark rum its signature amber color. Dark rum has a dark and sweet-smoky flavor.
On the other hand, white rum is either completely un-aged or lightly aged in stainless steel barrels. It is also commonly called light rum or silver rum. White rum has a light and sweet flavor.
Can You Substitute White Rum for Dark Rum?
The simple answer to this question is yes. Keep in mind, though, that the flavor of the drink you are making will change based on the type of rum you use. For example, since white rum is less intense than its darker counterpart, it may not be the best choice for cocktails or cooking that needs a stronger rum flavor.
This said, in most cases, you can substitute one rum for another without too much issue. Of course, the best way to know if it will work is to taste the rum you will use before you begin mixing!
Popular Rums
If you are just starting your rum-tasting journey and don't know where to start, here are some popular white and dark rums!
White
Dark
Which Rum Is Better?
This is a bit of a trick question because rum preferences will vary from person to person. But, if you plan to sip your rum on its own, a dark rum may be a better choice. This is because dark rums are bolder in flavor.
On the flip side, if you are looking for a lighter flavor or you want to make cocktails like Mojitos or Piña Coladas, white rum is probably the way to go.
Conclusion
Now you know all about the difference between white and dark rum. So, whether you are looking for a drink to have straight or one to mix in cocktails, there are plenty of rums out there for you to try!
If you're looking for a new favorite rum, check out our extensive online rum collection to get something exciting before your next hang-out with friends!