There are more than 7 different types of rum – here's the one thing they all have in common

• Rum is a distilled spirit that is made from sugarcane.
• The history of rum overlaps with the history of the Caribbean, including pirates.

The mere mention of rum elicits images of tropical beaches, refreshing cocktails, and pirate ships. But what is rum exactly? And how is it made?

To put it simply, rum is a distilled spirit made from sugarcane and its byproducts.

Rum was first made in the tropical Caribbean islands, where it remains one of the most important cultural and economic exports from the region.

"Rum is a product that is not well understood," says Joaquín Bacardí, president of Ron del Barrilito. There is a diversity, complexity, and nuance in rum that often goes overlooked.

To learn more about the history of rum and how it's made, we sat down with Bacardí and master blender Luis Planas – two of the experts at the helm of Puerto Rico's oldest rum producers, Ron del Barrilito.

History of rum

The origins of rum are murky. Records are scant and historians can't fully agree on when and where it was first invented, but it's believed to have originated in the Caribbean island of Barbados in the 17th century.

Rum is inextricably linked to the history of European colonization of the Americas and the economic influences that drove it. "For centuries, much of the Caribbean economy was based on sugarcane," Planas says. "People use what is around them to make spirits." Rum is usually made from molasses, which was a waste byproduct of the sugarcane production process.

"Rum generated another economy," Bacardí says. "If you have a secondary product you can sell from the same crop, you're maximizing your revenue." After this realization, rum production skyrocketed as an integral part of the maritime trade between the colonies and Europe.

Beyond its existence as a commodity, rum was issued as daily rations to sailors and mixed with lime juice to stave off scurvy. Rum quickly became a target of theft, attracting pirates from across the Caribbean sea.

During prohibition, wealthy Americans flocked to Cuba and other nearby Caribbean islands, where drinking was still legal. After prohibition ended, the infatuation with rum persisted and it has remained a staple behind bars across the world.

Note: In Spanish-speaking producing countries, rum is spelled "ron," which is simply the Spanish spelling of the English word "rum." In French-speaking regions like Martinique and Haiti, it's spelled "rhum." You may see these different spellings on different bottles but they all mean the same thing.

How is rum made?

Although rum is made all over the world with different production methods, there is one thing that unites all rums: they are distilled from sugarcane and its byproducts.

Despite this commonality, wide-ranging production methods give different rums unique characters. Although the process of distilling rum works essentially the same way everywhere with the same basic steps, there are a few choices made at every stage that can influence the color, flavor, and aroma.

• Ingredients: All rum is produced from byproducts of sugarcane production. Molasses is the most common base, but sugarcane juice is also used in Martinique for the production of Rhum Agricole.
• Fermentation: The sugarcane is mixed with yeast and water and allowed to ferment. "The fermentation breaks down the sugar into alcohol and other compounds," Planas says.
• Distillation: The fermented sugarcane is then heated up and condensed in a process known as distillation. Distillation creates a concentrated liquor with a high percentage of alcohol by volume. Rum is made using both column stills and pot stills. Each type of distillation changes the overall character of the finished rum.
• Barrel aging: Much like whiskey and cognac, rums are often aged in oak barrels. Barrel aging allows the rum's harsher flavors to soften and adds caramel and vanilla flavors from the oak barrels. "The aging factor in warmer climates is accelerated," Bacardí says. "Rum doesn't have to be aged as long as whiskey to achieve a similar maturation."

Types of rum

Rum might be the most diverse category of spirits on the planet. "Every individual producer has their own formulation, their own flavor profile, and aromas they're looking for, Bacardí says.

There is no widely agreed-upon method of categorization. Traditionally rums have been categorized by color, but the color isn't always a useful indication of age or flavor, as filtration and added coloring is common in rum production. Despite this diversity, the most common types of rum can be broken down into a few useful distinctions.

• White Rum: This crystal-clear style of rum, typified by the ubiquitous Bacardí Superior, is the most common globally. While many clear spirits like vodka and gin are unaged, white rums are typically lightly aged and then filtered with charcoal to remove their color. Light rums tend to be more neutral in flavor and are often used in tropical cocktails where fresh fruit juices are the star of the show.
• Gold rum: Sometimes called Spanish rum, this style is generally made from an almost neutral, molasses-based distillate that is barrel-aged to add color and flavor. This process results in a bright, amber-colored rum with flavor notes of fruit with hints of caramel and vanilla.
• Dark Rum: Sometimes known as Black rum, this category is known for its dark brown, sometimes black color. The color of this rum can come from barrel aging, artificial coloring, or adding molasses back into the rum after distillation. Dark rums tend to be rich in flavor and less fruity, with more emphasis on dark caramel and vanilla notes.
• Jamaican rum: Jamaican rum is known for its distinct flavor locally known as "hogo." These rums are made in pot stills, so the distillate has more body and character than Spanish-style rums before aging. Jamaican rums are unique with sometimes pungent flavor notes of bananas and ripe fruit. Appleton Estate, Smith & Cross, and Doctor Bird all produce this style of rum with varying degrees of funk.
• Rhum Agricole: Rhum Agricole is the signature rum of the island of Martinique. While most rum is made from fermented molasses, Rhum Agricole is made from pressed sugarcane juice and isn't always aged. This gives it a grassy, fresh flavor that separates it from molasses-based rums.
• Cachaça: Hailing from Brazil, Cachaça is a spirit made from sugarcane juice. It's best known as the base in the Caipirinha, where it's mixed with muddled lime and sugar.
• Spiced rum: Spiced rums are a newer addition to the category, but due to extensive marketing in the United States, they've become one of the most popular styles. Spiced rums like Captain Morgan or The Kraken are infused with spices, extra sugar, and other flavorings after the distilling process.

Quick tip: Rum is often enjoyed in popular tropical and tiki cocktails, like the Daiquiri, Piña colada, Zombie, and Mai Tai and the rhum agricole based Ti' Punch. There are also many complex and flavorful rums that are enjoyable to drink neat. In Caribbean tradition, rum is also often accompanied by cigars.

How does rum differ from other types of liquor?

Where rum separates itself from other spirits like whiskey or gin is its diversity. Rum is currently made in about 60 different countries, each with its own traditions. Due to differences in production, two rums from different parts of the world can look, smell, and taste like different spirits.

Because of the wide variety of rums, it may seem like there are no regulations in place, but there are. "Rums are well regulated, but every country has its own different regulations," Bacardí says.

Rum can be enjoyed in as many ways as there are ways to make it. Traditionally, it has been used in cocktails and mixed drinks, but there is a renewed interest in appreciating rum for the complex and nuanced spirit it is.

For any lover of distilled spirits and cocktails, rum has a lot to offer. Between its history and the wide variety of styles, there's always something new to learn about rum and a delicious new drink to try.

Insider's takeaway

Rum is an incredibly diverse category of spirit made from sugarcane. Its history is tied to the sugarcane plantations of the Caribbean and the maritime trade network that arose from that industry. Although there is a newfound interest in enjoying and appreciating its nuance and craftsmanship, rum has continued to be a beloved ingredient in tropical cocktails, offering a brief escape to an island beach upon the first sip.