Calling all bartenders, cocktail enthusiasts, aspiring connoisseurs and general lovers of rum; two of the most popular and distinct types of rum are spiced and flavoured. Knowing the difference between the two will not only enhance your palate but also help you mix your favourite drinks to perfection.
We’re here to explain the difference between spiced rum and flavoured rum, including the ingredients, alcohol content and production processes, what makes a good spiced rum, as well as the best cocktails and pairings for both types.
What is Spiced Rum?
Spiced rum is a combination of a base rum mixed with different spices, with the most popular ones being cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, cardamom, cloves and vanilla. It is typically darker in colour due to a longer aging process and invokes bold, warmer flavour profiles.
What is Flavoured Rum?
Flavoured rum is a type of rum infused with bolder flavours, including fruits like pineapple, grape, mango or citrus. Other popular flavours include coffee, chocolate, honey and coconut. Flavoured rum tends to have sweeter notes, making it ideal for summer cocktails and tropical drinks.
Key Differences Between Spiced Rum and Flavoured Rum
The ingredients and flavour profiles are the main differences between the two, but what else sets them apart? Is spiced rum stronger than flavoured rum? Are they made differently? Let’s dive in.
Ingredients & Flavour Profile
Spiced rum often uses several different spices to create a distinct blend of aromas and taste, while flavoured rum will generally stick to one added fruit or sweet ingredient. This makes the flavour profile of spiced rum more intense, and although it can be perfect for a variety of cocktails, spiced rum is often the preferred choice for drinking neat or on the rocks.
Alcohol Content & Production Process
While each brand of these two rum subcategories will differ, spiced rum is typically stronger in alcohol content, often ranging from 37.5% to 40% ABV (alcohol by volume). On the other hand, flavoured rum is normally lower in alcohol content, often between 30% and 35% ABV.
You may often notice flavoured rum on the shop shelves not actually having “rum” or “flavoured rum” on the label or bottle. This is due to European and UK regulations stating rum has to be at least 37.5% ABV to be classed as rum. If the flavoured rum is below this amount, you’ll usually find terms such as “rum based” or “spirit drink” on the bottle instead.
Production of both rum types also differs slightly. Spiced rum will undergo a longer infusion process with the picked spices, while flavoured rum is typically blended with fruit extracts after distillation. More industrial distillers will use artificial flavourings for both types, while smaller operations will use natural spices and fruit flavours.
Best Uses in Cocktails & Pairings
The debate of spiced vs. flavoured rum for cocktails has been going on for decades. Both types can be enjoyed neat or mixed into a cocktail, with flavoured rum more suitable for tropical, sweeter concoctions, while spiced rum works well with warmer, more complex drinks.
Best cocktails for spiced rum:
- Spiced Rum Punch
- Pina Colada
- Spiced Caribbean Mule
- Spiced Rum Mojito
These are just a few of the most popular spiced rum cocktails out there. Some key pairings for spiced rum also include cola, ginger beer and autumn-inspired flavours like apple or cinnamon. Explore more cocktails and parings in our list of spiced rum cocktails to try at home.
Best cocktails for flavoured rum:
- Daiquiris
- Mai Tais
- Coconut Mismo
More tropical offerings work better with flavoured rum’s fruitier undertones, which pairs well with juices and other light mixers.
Which One Should You Choose?
There is no clear winner, at the end of the day you should choose between spiced rum and flavoured rum based on personal preference. If you’re struggling to decide, experimenting is a great way to explore and find your new favourite rum drink.
There’s so much choice out there when it comes to cocktails and flavours, you’ll be spoilt for choice. Test how your taste buds handle drinking each one neat, over ice or with well-paired mixers and cocktail combinations.
Final Thoughts: Find Your Perfect Rum
We may be a little biased, but spiced rum is our go-to choice between the two. From its more satisfying flavour profile, stunning colour and ability to be enjoyed by itself or as part of a cocktail, it can still offer the sweetness people enjoy while also having its own distinctive essence. What’s more, we have our own British Rum for you to enjoy.
At V Rum, we specialise in high-quality rum made using natural ingredients and eco-friendly production and distilling methods. Explore our range and discover rum like you’ve never had before!