Not long ago, any discussion of rum centered on just a few brands like Captain Morgan and Bacardi. Well, things have changed. You’ve seen how Bourbon, tequila and gin have enjoyed a surge in popularity and new brands hitting the shelves; the same is happening with rum. And for good reason. People are finding out that rum isn’t just for Mojitos, Cuba Libres or cola. It’s delicious with a cube of ice or neat. That makes it an ideal centerpiece for a tasting party! Let’s take a look at the possibilities.

Agricole

This style comes from sugar cane juice (as opposed to a more common base ingredient, molasses.) Agricole is ideal for sipping, not mixing. Savor an Agricole rum after dinner, or with a creamy Crème Broulee.

Dark

Dark rums showcase the most massive, fullest body of any rum classification. They've been aged longer than any other type of rum in charred barrels, giving them a deeper, smoky-sweet flavor. Dark and abundant in both color and flavor profile, with prominent caramel and molasses notes. Dark rum is versatile enough to enjoy neat or in a tiki cocktail. Its complex character makes it a tasty companion for herbs, spices, and dark meat and desserts.

Gold

Gold rums are medium flavored and vary in terms of aging. There are some gold rums, including some popular brands, that substitute food coloring for aging to produce a “vintage” product. Those which are truly aged in oak barrels bring more complex flavor, and the aging process gives gold rum its signature color along with a sweeter, more vibrant flavor profile. Gold rum is phenomenal mixed in a cocktail!

Spiced Rum

Spiced rum distillers add spices like pepper, bay leaves, cinnamon or anise to their rum. They may also have added coloring. Spiced rum is typically aged along the same lines as dark rum, bringing out flavors of vanilla and caramel. The resulting sweeter and spicier flavor profile makes a perfect pairing with dessert dishes like ice cream and cake.

White

White or clear rums are commonly – but not always – unaged. They may be charcoal filtered after spending one or two years in the barrel, removing color along with impurities. White rum flavors are reasonably straightforward and are great for easy-drinking cocktails. Pair this style with shrimp, prawns, seafood, and sushi or ceviche.

Check out our featured RUM RECIPES on our Mixology page!

Make the atmosphere fun and comfortable. You could go sophisticated with a few tasteful, nautical-themed décor items or campy with pirate hats and a treasure map invitation. Make sure you have plenty of seating, table space and snacks.

Take a moment decide on a theme for the chosen rums rather than just grabbing bottles and pouring. Here are some possibilities.

Style Showdown

Pick one white, one gold and one dark rum to sample; note the differences, the mouthfeel, the flavor and the texture of each.

Sweet and Spicy

Pick two Agricole styles and two spiced styles to evaluate.

One Love

Select just one style but try different brands or ages and see how they compare.

Keep in mind that serving more than three or four one-ounce samples at a tasting is not a good idea. Your guests' palates will get stressed, and learning and flavor profiling will suffer.

The host should lead or choose a leader and keep the group focused on flavor. Pour the rum all at the same time and discuss the colors, aromas, flavors, and contrasts or similarities between the different rums. You can discuss whether you’re tasting a mixing or sipping rum. Expand the conversation and encourage your guests to add their opinions.

Forget about the tiki glasses for this one. While there are some specific rum tasting glasses available, a Bourbon tasting glass like the Glencairn or a neat spirits glass work just as well. You could also use a good wine or port glass. You'll need one clean glass per guest for each sample you pour. It's essential for back-and-forth comparison, and for different tasting scenarios like adding a few drops of water or an ice cube.

One last, but vital point about hosting a rum tasting: make sure designated drivers are available! Keep a rideshare app handy, or allow your guests a few hours between the last pour and their departure. Celebrate responsibly so that you and your guests can enjoy your next tasting event!