When you begin to think a bit deeper about the rum you are sipping beyond price and ABV, you start to think a bit more about the characteristics and what makes it enjoyable to your palette. Besides the magical work of a master distiller, did you know that the types of barrels the rums are sitting in hugely affect the flavour of your rum too. Wow, so how is it so?
Well, the types of barrel used can significantly influence not only the flavour but the aroma and overall character of the final spirit. While oak barrels are the most common choice for ageing rum, the specific type of oak, size of the barrel, is it a new or old barrel etc all play a huge factor & crucial role to the rum
So as you can see, the rum producers are faced with many critical decisions. Distillers may also use a combination of different barrels or employ various finishing techniques to create unique and complex expressions of their rums.
Well let’s look at 3 types of barrels that rum makers use and why to create a great rum to contribute to the market.(source Rum, A Tasting Course)
- American Oak Barrels: made from white oak are widely used in the rum industry. These barrels are known to impart flavours like vanilla, caramel and perhaps a hint of coconut.
- Sherry Casks: these barrels impart a wonderful fruity, nutty and sometimes raisin like flavours to the rum. Sherry casks are often used for finishing or additional ageing and maturation to add layers of complexity.
- Calvados (apple brandy) Casks: used from reputable producers in Normandy, France, are in high demand from rum blenders. The French oak that previously matured the apple brandy for several years is perfect for older rums.
So as you can see, this only explains a small but integral part of the complex world of rum making and gives you a bit more food for thought as you are experiencing your next bottle of newly discovered rum.