Rum is a spirit distilled from sugar cane, or sugar cane by products. Since the natural sugar content is so high, no malts are used. Light rum is usually distilled at the very high proof rage of 170-190 proof. Distilled water is hen added to bring the proof down to 80-90 proof. This high proof provides a very light, dry alcohol which requires little aging.
Dark rums are distilled at a much lower proof which allows the rum to keep more of its flavor and color. Light rums are aged in plain oak barrel, whereas dark rums are aged in charred oak barrels, similar to bourbons. Puerto Rican law requires one year of aging for white rums and three years for gold rums. Dark rums have a caramel added to intensify the color.
Because rums are made from sugar cane, you will find them produced mostly in the Caribbean. the Virgin Islands, Jamaica, Puerto Rico and British Colonies, are the largest producers of rum today.
