Rum is the classic tropical liquor from the Caribbean that has captivated Indians for years. With its sweet, warm mouthfeel, the liquor is loved across the globe. However, over the years, many myths about the liquor have spread like wildfire! And as Team Unsobered, it’s our job to clear off these myths and share with you the most accurate information about your favorite liquors. So, here’s us busting 7 rum myths – the last one will leave you shocked!
Myths, Busted: 7 Shocking Rum Myths
1. Rum Is Made Exclusively In Sugarcane-Growing Regions
Yes, rum is made from sugarcane molasses, but that doesn’t mean that it is exclusively made in regions where sugarcane is produced. Rum production has been majorly predominant in the Caribbean and Americas. These regions dominated trade, but over the years, sugarcane production has rapidly stabilized in other parts of the world as well.
The base for the rum – the molasses, thanks to advancements in technology, can be shipped anywhere in the world. They are completely shelf-stable, meaning distillers can make rum with these molasses from virtually any corner of the world. Rum production takes place even in chilly regions like Alaska, Iceland, and parts of Europe.
2. Rum Is A Cheap Spirit
We agree that markets across the world are filled with a slew of cheap, low-quality rum, but that doesn’t mean that the spirit is entirely of a bad quality. Just like any other spirit, rum is produced for all kinds of price points. This allows consumers to make a conscious choice of buying inexpensive but often low-quality rum or expensive but high-quality rum.
There are many rum brands like Appleton Estate, Mount Gay, and Bacardi that are known for their distinct premium rum. These rums undergo rigorous quality control and are made with the finest ingredients to ensure that you get a taste of the highest quality rum in every sip. So, let us tell you that rum is not a cheap spirit!
3. Rum Is Sweet
Busted your myth bubble quite hard, didn’t we? Just because it’s made from sugarcane molasses, many assume that rum is sweet. To clear the air, many varieties of rum are sweetened or spiced, but the spirit by itself isn’t sweet at all. The residual sugar in molasses contains very minute amounts of sugar and can sometimes be bitter to taste.
The European Union law states that the sugar content in rum must be less than 20g per liter, which, when you measure, isn’t even that sweet.
It is the common usage of sugar syrup and the addition of different spices that can give the impression that rum is a ‘sweet’ drink. Moreover, the popularity of rum-based sweet-to-taste cocktails like Mai Tai, Mojito, and Rum Punch has created the illusion that rum itself is a sweet liquor. Now that you know the most shocking of the 7 rum myths, you must share it with your friends who are even more enthusiastic about rum than you are.
Also Read: Whiskey Vs. Whisky: The Curious Case Of The Missing ‘E’
4. Rum Is Only For The Summers
The tropical Caribbean, the popularity of extravagant Mai Tais, and the association of rum with the summers – it’s quite easy to believe that it is only a drink meant for sultry summers. While it is true that there is nothing more refreshing than a glass of ice-cold Rum Mojito, rum is not just meant for the summer season. Your perception of the liquor is central to how you consume it.
If you consume it neat, chances are you might even appreciate it more in the cold winter months. If you’re used to drinking rum in the form of ‘summer-y’ cocktails, you’ll naturally associate it with summer. Rum tastes just as good in both summers and winters, and there’s no ‘exclusive’ season to pour yourself a heartwarming glass of rum. Be it a summer afternoon or a cold winter night, the drink is just as pleasant, heartwarming, wholesome, and refreshing!
5. White Rum Lacks Complexity
It is easy to assume that white rum is plain, unaged, and uninteresting. However, just to be clear, that is not the case. Many varieties of white rum are often the result of multi-column distillation processes. The result is a light, crisp, and appealing white rum that tastes effortlessly good.
Moreover, white rum is insanely complex when it comes to flavors as well. It can contain a multitude of flavors, be it enjoying it neat, over ice, or even with a splash of water. So, if you think that only dark rum is complex, flavorful, and enjoyable, maybe it’s time to think again!
Also Read: 9 New Launches In 2025 So Far That You Need To Know About
6. All Rum Tastes The Same
Rum is made from sugarcane molasses, but that doesn’t mean that all kinds of rum taste the same. The flavor profiles of different kinds of rum can be significantly different in taste. Light rum, dark rum, spiced rum, aged rum, and unaged rum all can taste sharply different from each other. Each variety of rum is packed with its distinct flavors and characteristics. These include things like ingredients, aging time, and climatic conditions as well. So the next time you hear someone saying, “All rum tastes the same, bro!”, you know what to do!
7. Aged Rum Is Always Better
They say “Old is Gold”, but it certainly doesn’t always hold in the case of rum. While some varieties of aged rum can taste better than unaged rum, it is not always the case. After all, it has to do with the profiles someone enjoys tasting. Aged rum tends to have a more rounded and complex flavor. However, it can also tend to be less fresh in taste.
Unaged rum, on the other hand, can tend to be bold and flavorful, and the aromatic notes are more pronounced. Unaged rum can also be equally enjoyable, and there is hardly a comparison to draw between aged and unaged rum. For instance, you can’t compare unaged rum that is fermented for a considerable amount of time to a long barrel-aged rum. Overall it boils down to consumer preferences and how they like their rum!
Summing Up
Now we’ve reached the end of the article, and we’re happy to say that we tried our best to bust 7 common rum myths! From its misunderstood sweetness to the myth of seasonal sipping, rum has a lot more to offer than it’s given credit for. Whether you like it on the rocks or in a Mai Tai, rum is a versatile spirit that refuses to be boxed in!
