Dark rum: types, how to drink, the best brands, facts + how to distinguish bad rum

Briefly about the drink

Dark or black rum - authentic alcohol, which is aged in charred barrels for at least 3 years. It is characterized by a rich dark or brownish amber color. This rum is more often drunk neat, but it is also suitable for cocktails.

Types of dark rum

1. Spiced rum

   Rum with various additives, including spices and even coconut flakes. It is usually inexpensive and is classified as dark rum only because of its color. You can read more about this type of rum here.

2. Dark (negro, dark, black)

   It has a thick taste and rich aroma. It is distilled twice in copper cubes. Then it is sent to mature in burnt oak barrels. The process takes at least three years.

3. Aged (rhum vieux or premium aged)

   These are serious varieties that have been in barrels for 5 to 12 years. The process of their production is similar to noble whiskeys and cognacs. Distillation takes place in copper alambics, and oak barrels give the rum its richness and nobility.

4. Singles (single mark rum)

   Such varieties are bottled from one barrel and are of particular value. Most often, such rum comes straight from the barrel into the bottles, without averaging strength and, of course, without blending.

How to drink dark rum?

Alcohol of famous brands should be drunk in clean water after eating at room temperature.

It is acceptable to add ice or chilled whiskey stones to black rum.

Due to the very rich aroma and taste, it is permissible to dilute the drink with a small amount of mineral water.

For cocktails, it is better to use a cheaper dark rum if the recipe does not specify a specific brand.

How to distinguish bad dark rum?

There are no artificial colors in true dark rum, if it is in the composition, you should refuse to buy. However, please note that the presence of cola is permissible (it is not in elite drinks).

It is also worth abandoning domestic producers of dark rum.

9 best brands of dark rum

1. Zacapa 23

   The very dark rum you should start your acquaintance with. Handcrafted in Guatemala, this rum is an ideal in its class. Aged from 6 to 23 years at an altitude of 2300 meters above sea level, Zacapa is full of warming aromas of raisins and baking spices.

   Average price: 46$

   

2. Diplomatico Reserva Exclusiva

   Venezuelan rum is produced from distilled molasses in copper stills followed by 12 years of aging. With rich, juicy dried fruit and caramel flavors, it's no wonder this rum is one of the most highly regarded bottles on the market.

   Average price: 39$

   

3. Gosling's Black Seal

   Rum comes from Bermuda with a long history dating back to 1858. The distillation process uses continuous action stills, which adds flavor and sophistication to each bottle. Balanced taste of vanilla and candied fruit with a soft and elegant aftertaste.

   Average price: 21 $

   

4. Papa's Pilar Dark 24 Rum

   Strong dark rum inspired by Ernest Hemingway, produced in the USA.

   Average price: 40$

   

5. Myers's Original Dark Rum

   The famous Jamaican rum has become one of the most respected dark rums on the market. Burnt wood aromas lead to a full-bodied, balanced sweet finish with hints of dark caramel.

   Average price: 21 $

   

6. Plantation Original Dark Rum

   The brand was founded by Alexandre Gabriel, the creator of Maison Ferrand cognac, and the rum retains the same values of elegance and sophistication. Produced and twice aged in Trinidad, this rum is first aged in American oak barrels, and then it is shipped to France. The rum is then separated, with some rums destined for bottling in Trinidad and others mixed with old Jamaican rum aged 15-20 years. A unique alcohol that is a must-try for rum connoisseurs around the world.

   Average price: 34$

   

7. Ron Barcelo Imperial Onyx

   Elegant, full-bodied rum, for aging of which the barrels of white American oak of high degree of roasting, carefully selected by experienced master cooperators, are used. After ten years of maturation, the rum is filtered through natural onyx, which gives it a mystical and noble style. It is characterized by a deep color with mahogany reflections, structured taste and multi-layered aroma.

   Average price: 30$

   

8. Havana Club Anejo 7 Anos

   The embodiment of rich flavors, rich experience and secret technologies of rum production. This drink is a true tribute to the traditional theory and practice of making Cuban rum. Due to the long natural aging process in white oak barrels, it acquires a bright, multifaceted aroma.

   Average price: 25$

   

9. Bacardi Carta Negra

   Formerly called Bacardi Black - dark rum obtained by aging in heavily charred oak barrels for at least 4 years. Subsequently, the rum is purified using a filter made of several types of coal, the combination of which is kept secret. Ideal for cocktails.

   Average price: 18$

   

Interesting facts

1. Colorless dark rum

   After double distillation of cane raw materials, each rum producer receives a strong and colorless distillate. This alcohol owes its dark color to the long infusion in oak barrels. To enhance the tinting effect, these wooden barrels are pre-fired from the inside. Sometimes dark rum is infused in American bourbon barrels.

2. 80% of rum is produced on the Caribbean islands

   Where humidity and high temperature practically do not change throughout the year, so the aging process is much faster than in colder countries.

3. Aging in oak barrels

   It gives alcohols not only an attractive color, but also a great taste. During its aging in a barrel, this rum absorbs more and more new notes, so the longer the aging, the richer and brighter the taste and, of course, the aroma of the drink.

Update: 04.01.2021

Category: Rum