Rum (rhum)

Rum is the generic term for alcoholic beverages distilled from fermented sugar cane molasses and aged from one to more than ten years in oak barrels.

Rums are traditionally produced in the islands of the Caribbean Sea.

Basically there are two types of rum, light and dark.

Rums from Puerto Rico, Barbados, Trinidad and Costa Rica are usually golden in colour and light-bodied.

Generally they are aged for no longer than six months in oak barrels.

Rums from Jamaica, Haiti, and Martinique are dark, more aromatic, and with richer flavours. Usually they are aged for a longer period, anywhere from three to twelve years.

The history of rum goes back to the 17th century, when European settlers started cultivating sugar cane plantations in the West Indies.

Bacardi & Company is the world's largest rum distiller, located in San Juan in the Caribbean island Puerto Rico.

Rum can be served on its own, or used in mixed drinks, cocktails, and mulled wine. Can also be used in cooking, baking, etc.