The rum tasting experience is unlike any other beverage. It goes beyond simply enjoying the taste. It’s about appreciating the flavour, aroma, subtle notes and nuance of the beverage. The spirit itself boasts a rich history dating back centuries.
For those who are new to rum or looking to experience it in a different way, we’ve provided this helpful beginner’s guide to rum tasting so you can enjoy it in a whole new way.
WHY RUM TASTING IS DIFFERENT FROM JUST DRINKING
There’s a distinction between drinking and actually taking time to taste rum. For starters, premium rum is aged, sometimes for a few decades. This process helps bring out complex flavours and subtle tasting notes for rum. The distillation process also helps further refine rum and maximise its flavour.
When you take the time to taste with intent, you’re able to pick up notes of vanilla, caramel, oak and different spices during your sipping experience. While there’s nothing wrong with drinking just for enjoyment, you’re less likely to notice and enjoy the complexity of rum.
WHAT YOU NEED FOR A PROPER RUM TASTING
Ready to start tasting rum like a connoisseur?
Here’s what you’ll need:
Glassware: You’re not going to get the most out of your rum tasting experience from drinking out of just any cup. A Glencairn glass has a shape and design that enables the senses to appreciate the complex aromas and notes. The narrow shape also encourages smaller sips, allowing you to take your time and not rush the experience.
A tasting mat or journal: Either a tasting mat or a journal will help you pinpoint and note any spices, rum aroma and flavour. This will help you distinguish the subtle differences between different rum types, such as spiced rum and British rum.
Neutral palate cleanser (water, crackers): You might be excited to consume different types of rum, however, it’s best practice to have a palate cleanser to not distort your taste buds or drinking experience.
Rum samples for comparison: Having more than one rum sample will allow you to compare and have a better understanding of sipping rum vs mixing rum.
STEP-BY-STEP GUIDE TO TASTING RUM LIKE A PRO
1. OBSERVE THE COLOUR
The first step in our rum tasting guide is to start off simple. Begin by paying attention to the colour. Dark rum derives its colour from the ageing process. A darker rum will likely have been aged for a longer period in a barrel. This is partially where rum gets its colour from.
2. SWIRL AND CHECK LEGS
Swirling rum in a glass releases the aromas and coats the sides of the glass. The process of ‘checking the legs’ provides insight into the rum’s viscosity and alcohol content. It involves swirling the rum and seeing how long it takes for the streaks or ‘legs’ to run back down. If the legs go down slowly, that usually means the rum has a high alcohol content.
3. SMELL (NOSE THE RUM)
The senses are the gateway to unlocking aromas that aren’t as prominent after the first sip. Don’t make the common mistake of just sniffing your drink. We recommend opening your mouth slightly and inhaling gently to really pick up on the scents of vanilla, oak, caramel and other spices.
4. SIP AND LET IT SIT
We understand you might be eager but start off with small sips. Take the time to notice how it feels and which flavours you notice the most. Do you notice the rum exuding any heat or the flavours changing over time?
5. FINISH AND AFTERTASTE
The last bit of flavour from your final sip is known as the finish. These flavours can range from smoky to sweet. For this reason, we encourage small sips during your rum tasting to pick up on the wide range of unique flavours and scents.
TIPS FOR BEGINNERS
To recap our beginner’s guide to rum tasting, take your time as there’s no need to rush the process, and you’ll be able to enjoy your rum more for doing so. Take notes to gain a better sense of rum’s full body flavours along with your personal preferences. Enjoy the experience with company, as most things are better with friends. Observe the aftertaste and make comparisons to previous rum beverages you’ve tried.
COMMON FLAVOUR NOTES IN RUM
Some common flavour notes you can detect in rum include fruits, citrus, wood, molasses and a range of different spices. These flavour notes aren’t normally too strong and will depend on the type of rum you’re tasting. Flavour notes are often influenced by the distillation method, ageing process, additives and the region the rum was made in.
TASTING VS. DRINKING: WHEN AND HOW TO SIP RUM NEAT
Another important aspect for beginners is learning how to drink rum neat. White rum and overproof rum are normally better for using as a base for cocktails, while premium rum that’s been aged significantly can be enjoyed neat with minimal additions. This is because high-quality premium rum undergoes an extensive ageing process, which gives it a complex flavour profile.
Taking the time to sip and enjoy it neat allows you to appreciate and detect the subtle notes and flavours. The best way to enjoy rum neat is up to you, it’s excellent in social settings or by yourself on a quiet evening. Another professional rum tasting tip to remember is to take your time and don’t rush the experience.
FINAL THOUGHTS
Now that you have a better understanding of how to evaluate rum quality, explore some of our other blogs, such as ‘Spiced Rum Cocktails to Try at Home’ or learn about the ‘Pros and Cons of Overproof Rum’. We often recommend white rum and spiced rum for beginners, but we always encourage experimenting to discover the rum that best suits you.