The difference between rum and whiskey might be a little bit hazy to you right now. You’ve been mixing them up in your daiquiris far too often. And it is not far from upsetting your taste buds.
But even though they are made from similar ingredients and often share the same flavor notes, they are entirely different in style, history, and production.
So for real, this time. Rum and whiskey are like water and oil – just don’t try to mix them; it does not work.
Ingredients
Rum is a distilled alcoholic beverage primarily made from sugarcane byproducts such as molasses or sugarcane juice. Some rums are also made from other sources like sugar beets or tropical fruits like agave or pineapple. The production of rum is often associated with regions where sugarcane is abundant, such as the Caribbean and Latin America.
Whiskey, on the other hand, is a distilled alcoholic beverage made from fermented grains. The choice of grains and the production process determine the specific type of whiskey, such as Scotch whisky (made mainly from malted barley in Scotland), bourbon (made primarily from corn in the United States), or Irish whiskey (made mainly from barley in Ireland).
Production Process
As whiskey is typically distilled from beer, there will be a certain level of hops and barley present. On the other hand, rum lacks that beer influence, so the end result is a much sweeter and more aromatic spirit.
Both types of alcohol can be distilled and aged in barrels. However, the aging time differs depending on the variety produced. Whiskey can be aged from two to twenty years, while rum can be aged from two to four years. The production process of both spirits yields different tastes and aromas that are sure to be enjoyed.
Geographic Origin
Rum production is commonly associated with tropical regions, especially the Caribbean islands like Jamaica, Puerto Rico, Cuba, and Barbados, as well as countries in Latin America, such as Venezuela, Dominican Republic, and Brazil.
Whiskey has a broader geographic reach. Different whiskey is associated with specific regions, such as Scotch whisky from Scotland, bourbon from the United States (particularly Kentucky), Irish whiskey from Ireland, and Canadian whisky from Canada.
Flavor Profile
Rum has a sweeter, more tropical flavor due to the syrup and molasses used in its production. This lends itself to overall smoothness and is what makes rum popular in drinks such as exotics and punches and navy strength rum.
Whiskey, on the other hand, has a drier, more robust taste due to the grains it’s made from. This makes whiskey perfect for sour drinks such as the Old-Fashioned. While both can be smooth, whiskey typically has a more ‘burn’ due to its higher alcohol content. The two spirits have different flavor profiles that make them ideal for different types of drinks.
Exploring The Difference Between Rum and Whiskey for Your Palate
The main difference between rum and whiskey is in the type of grain used and the distillation process. Whiskies are usually made from malted grains like barley, wheat, and rye, while rum is made from either molasses or sugar cane.
The distillation process for rum is also slightly different from whiskey. To learn more about the differences between these two, why not head to your local distillery or speak to a specialist?
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