White rum begins its life the same way all rum does: as molasses. It’s what happens next that defines white rum’s unique flavour profile and tropical kick. Despite not having the same ageing process as dark or spiced rum, there’s an art to crafting great white rum.
So, to demystify the process a little, we’re going to dive into how white rum is made, from fermentation and distillation to bottling and final checks, as well as what makes this clear spirit so tantalising – and even where you can get your hands on a bottle!
The Key Ingredients in White Rum
When you think of white rum you probably picture delicious cocktails garnished with tiny umbrellas and a soft, sandy beach on which to sip them. You might be surprised to find that all that summer magic starts with just three simple ingredients:
- Sugarcane molasses
- Yeast
- Water
Molasses is a by-product of sugarcane refinement, which is taken by rum distillers and fermented using yeast and water to create the base for a rum – known as a ‘wash’.
The Fermentation Process
As with all alcohol, white rum’s journey begins with fermentation. You take your molasses, some water and some specially chosen varieties of yeast and mix them together. The yeast begins working away at the molasses, producing heat, CO² and importantly, alcohol.
The result is the wash, which is a crude, beer-like liquid with a relatively low alcohol content, but this is just the start.
Distillation – The Art of Refining White Rum
Unless you plan on sipping on some wash, you’ll want to get distilling! This is done by adding your wash to a still (like the pot and column models we use at V Rum), known as charging, and then heating it until it boils.
As it heats, it releases vapours, which can be carefully collected at different stages of the distillation process. Skilled distillers use different stages of distillation to remove or enhance different flavours within the rum, shaping its distinct final taste. How a white rum is distilled can have a huge impact on the overall flavour profile.
Aging and Filtration – What Makes White Rum Clear?
Typically, white rum isn’t aged at all, or for as long as spiced or dark rum, and is stored in metal containers to keep it clear. These rums also begin their lives as a clear spirit, but get their colour from the barrels they’re aged in.
In the case of white rum, charcoal filters are usually used to remove any suspended particles or colours, preserving the crystal-clear appearance that makes it so appealing.
Bottling and Final Quality Checks
In order for the rum to reach you, it needs to be tested and bottled. We make sure to carry out regular quality tests and sampling to ensure only the best product hits the shelves – this is work, we promise.
What Sets Premium White Rum Apart?
What characterises a premium white rum is its ability to be simultaneously a cocktail friendly spirit, yet robust enough to be enjoyed on its own. Lower-grade spirits may perform reasonably well in a mixed drink but won’t hold up when it comes to sipping them neat. They might be unpleasantly harsh or sweet.
Factors in how white rum is made will affect the overall quality and flavour, and an experienced distiller will know exactly how to tease the very best out of their wash to produce a premium spirit.
Discover the Finest White Rum
So, now you know how white rum is distilled, how do you get your hands on a bottle of the good stuff in time to practice your summer cocktails? Well, you’re in the right place.
V Rum is a UK-based rum distillery producing some of the finest white rum available anywhere in the country. We use sustainably sourced ingredients from right here in Britain, coupled with environmentally friendly distillation practices to craft characterful spirits, perfect for cocktails .
Find your bottle now at our online store and make sure to register for your Team V account to start earning points today. Your V Points can be turned into discounts on your favourite V Rum and earn you invites to exclusive events. For the avid mixologists out there, you can find a range of cocktail recipes in our cocktails section – why not get started with some of our favourite white rum cocktails?