Gone are the days when rum was simply considered a drink for sun-soaked beaches in the heart of the Caribbean, associated with visions of palm trees, pirates, and piña coladas. 

This versatile spirit has evolved with the times, stepping confidently into the 21st century, just like the rest of us! Rum is a spirit of endless possibilities, offering a spectrum of flavours and styles to suit every taste. 

From spiced to fruity or the infamous question: what's the difference between dark and white rum? We're here to give you the low down on the do’s and don’ts of the rum world: How to sip, savour, and select the perfect rum for any moment. 

Who knows? You might become a SLY-ghtly sophisticated rum connoisseur, just like us.

What Does Rum Taste Like?

Rum has many tasting notes and comes in many forms and flavours. What’s the difference between dark and white rum? Should I opt for Spiced Rum or Stoned Fruit Rum? Well let’s deep dive into it.

White Rum

White Rum is primarily made from molasses or sugarcane juice, which are usually distilled to achieve a clean, light flavour. You would often drink White Rum unaged or at most, lightly aged. Minimal ageing helps retain its crisp, neutral character. 

Notes found in White Rum: Light, clean, and slightly sweet with subtle hints of citrus or vanilla. 

Cocktails with White Rum: Mojitos and Daiquiris.

Dark Rum

Dark Rum is often much sweeter than White Rum. Still from molasses or sugarcane juice, dark rum often has a richer, full-bodied base. Caramel or treacle are added to dark rum to enhance the taste, these ingredients change the rum’s colour and sweetness. 

Dark rum is aged for an extended period of time, usually in charred oak barrels. This process is what transmits the deep flavours of molasses, toffee, chocolate, and sometimes gives off a smoky quality. 

Notes found in Dark Rum: Rich and robust, dried fruits, spices, and caramelised sugar. Cocktails with Dark Rum: Perfect ‘On the Rocks’ or found in classic cocktails such as ‘The Dark 'n’ Stormy’.

Spiced Rum

The clue is in the name - Spiced Rum infuses cinnamon, clove, nutmeg, and/or vanilla into the rum, creating a warm and aromatic flavour. Many spiced rums are lightly aged in oak barrels to integrate the spice flavors with the rum. 

Ageing can also add depth, introducing caramel, toffee, and woody notes that enhance the spice blend. 

SLY DOG Spiced Rum is crafted with our ferociouSLY guarded blend of spices. The combination of our secret tropical spices with our fiery Caribbean rum delivers a smooth, warming and exquisite taste with a soft sweetness that is seriouSLY delicious. 

Notes found in Spiced Rum:  Bold and warming, with layers of sweetness and spice.

Cocktails with Spiced Rum: Sly-jito, Slyeye, Sly Daiquiri

Infused Rum

Infused rum will incorporate all kinds of natural flavors like peach, plum, or apricot. These elements inject juicy, fragrant and even sweet notes into the rum.

SLY DOG Stoned Fruit Rum is the UK's first stone fruit rum. Our master distillers have meticulously blended our signature aged rum, with a medley of the juiciest stone fruits. SLY DOG Stoned Rum is daring, fruity and quite literally, like nothing else.

Notes found in SLY DOG Stoned Fruit Rum:  Vibrant and aromatic, with a balance of sweetness and tanginess from the stone fruits.

Cocktails with SLY DOG Stoned Fruit Rum: Life’s a peach, Stoned Mojito, Just Peachy

How to sip rum like a pro

Drinking rum has a lot more skill to it than what meets the eye. There are different flavours and aromas to consider when drinking this seriou-SLY sophisticated drink. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you master the art of rum tasting:

1. Pick Your Partner: First things first, choose the right glass - ideally, a tulip-shaped one with a narrow mouth. It concentrates the aromas and allows you to truly appreciate the art of rum tasting. 

2. Get your glasses on: Hold your glass to the light and look at the shades of your rum. From pale gold to deep mahogany, the colour will preface the flavours you are about to encounter. 

3. Swirl & Sniff: Give your rum a gentle swirl (no need to make a storm) and allow the smell  to escape. Fruity? Floral? Maybe a hint of vanilla, caramel, or oak? 

4. Bottoms up!: Take a sip and let the rum do the talking. Is it sweet ,spicy or somewhere in between? Are there any specific flavours that stand out?

5. Take in the Texture: Pay attention to the texture of the rum as it glides over your palate. Is it light and refreshing, or velvety and full-bodied? The way it feels in your mouth holds a lot about its aging journey and how it was crafted.

Summary

There you have it - your crash course in how to sip rum like a pro! Whether you’re swirling and sniffing like a seriou-SLY seasoned connoisseur or simply enjoying a cocktail with friends, rum is a go-to spirit for a good time.