Rum Guides

Different types of rum

There are various ways, and various disagreements when it comes to classifying rum. Let us guide you through the weeds.

RUM CLASSIFICATION

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Reading time: 7 minutes

There are many types of rum. You can’t really talk about them without first understanding the question: “What is a rum?” But we already did that in our How is rum made guide. The cliff notes are: one sole definition is tough because the spirit is so varied. How rum is communicated and sold all over the world is different.

Because of that, there’s a lot of debate over the best way to categorise the spirit. How do you define something that defies definition? Plenty have tried, many have failed, and no true consensus has been reached. Will rum ever be categorised satisfactorily? Who knows. But here, we’ll cover the many ways rum is classified, and hopefully clear things up a little.

Colour

What is white rum?

White or blanc

Explore white rum

Although white rum is far from homogenous, you'll need a solid bottle for countless famous and classic rum cocktails from the mojito to the daiquiri.

Discover the range

What is spiced rum?

Spiced and flavoured rum

Explore spiced rum

Think rum sweetened, flavoured and seasoned with vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg and other complimentary flavours and ingredients.

Discover the range

What is dark rum?

What is gold rum?

Dark rum & gold rum

Explore dark rum

Whether well-aged or younger, pot or column still (or a blend of both), from naval and Demerara rums to elegant Cuban creations and more – dark rum offers a broad church of flavours and variety!

Discover the range

Outmoded colonial categorisations

Classifying by production: Gargano and beyond

100% Pot still rum

Age and geography

Jamaican rum

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Different types of rum

Colour