Rum 101: what is white rum?

July 15, 11:01 PMRum ExaminerRobert A. & Robert V. Burr

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White rum is clear and usually has milder flavor and lighter body than gold or dark rums. These light rums are most often used to create cocktails that do not have a need for bold rum flavor.

White or clear rums,
sometimes called silver
rums, are the most popular.
Photo by Robert Burr.

In the U.S., most white rums are sold at 80 proof, or 40% alcohol by volume. They are often aged one or more years, then filtered to remove color. White rums may be cheaper to make and less expensive to purchase that more mature rums.

White rums are popular in the most common drinks, such as the Cuba Libre (rum, Coke and lime), the Daiquiri, the Mojito and the Piña Colada. Many rum cocktails call for a white or light rum, a gold rum and/or dark or spiced rum.

Popular white rums include Bacardi Superior, Don Q Cristal, Cruzan Estate Light, Oronoco, Mount Gay Silver, Matusalem Plantino, Rubi Rey, 10 Cane, Flor de Caña Extra Dry and Diplomatico Rum Blanco.

It's Rum Month

Rum Basics: what is rum?

 
Robert Burr
National Rum Examiner
Gifted Rums Guide
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