Rum Guides

How is rum made?

Wondering exactly what rum is made from? And how? We guide you through the raw materials and processes involved in making this famous spirit.

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Jake Mountain

‘What is rum?’ A surprisingly difficult question to answer. There are so many varieties of the spirit. There are all kinds of local histories and processes that are recognised in the country of origin that need to be understood. Individual countries may have very strict rules, or a larger body like the EU will have a standard. But there is no overarching legislation that dictates what the spirit is across the world.

So, naturally, we should give up. No, wait, there is a way! To learn how rum is made. The best way to uncover the secrets of the spirit is to understand how it is made into one in the first place. One consistent raw material kicks things off nice and simply for us.

What is rum made from?

Sugar cane is processed at Takamaka Distillery in the Seychelles.

Fermentation

Fermentation at Long Pond distillery in Jamaica.

Distillation

A pot still at Foursquare distillery in Barbados, with retorts on a raised platform next to the main still.

Maturation

Blending

Casks of Diplomatico rum maturing in Venezuela.

Diplomático rum ageing near the Venezuelan Andes

Colouring & sweetness

Varying laws and/or producers decisions

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How is rum made?

What is rum made from?

Fermentation

Distillation

Maturation

Blending

Colouring & sweetness