Why Whisky Connoisseurs Love Great Rum

For whisky lovers, the appreciation of the complex and nuanced flavours of great sipping spirits is second nature. That's why, when introduced to a great Rum, whisky connoisseurs can readily recognise its exceptional qualities. Indeed, sipping Rum can effortlessly hold its own alongside the finest single malts when it comes to depth and richness of taste.

In fact, these two spirits share more similarities than meets the eye.

Both Rum and whisky are, essentially, agricultural products: Rum originates from lush sugarcane fields while whisky is crafted from grains such as barley and rye.

To be turned into spirits, these raw materials must all undergo a transformative journey. Sugarcane is either squeezed to extract its sugary juice or transformed into sugarcane honey, a concentrated form achieved through evaporation. Meanwhile, molasses, by far the most popular Rum ingredient, is a thick, dark syrup resulting from the sugar refining process.

When it comes to whisky, many grains require prepping before they can produce alcohol, too. Barley, for instance, used to craft some of the world's finest single malts, is subject to the malting process, which converts starches into fermentable sugars.

Following this initial transformation, the raw materials are steeped in water (with the exception of sugarcane juice) and inoculated with yeast to start the fermentation process. This pivotal process creates the alcohol and the aromatic compounds that will later be concentrated and refined through the distillation.

The distillation – in Rum as in whisky production – occurs in pot stills, column stills, or variations thereof. This crucial process serves to elevate the alcohol content and intensify the flavours and aromas, resulting in clear liquids that, at a glance, are indistinguishable. At this stage, the flavour profiles of both whisky and Rum are exclusively shaped by the choice of raw materials, the fermentation, and the method of distillation.

Both Rum and new make (as freshly distilled whisky is commonly referred to) can be enjoyed as white spirits, but it's when these pristine liquids begin their maturation voyage within the confines of wooden barrels that the magic unfolds. This is where an exceptional distillate can truly transform into a unique liquid masterpiece.

As the spirit gracefully ages in the barrel, it gains complexity. The process of barrel maturation imparts a diverse spectrum of aromas, derived from the wood itself as well as any previous spirits the barrel may have previously housed.

Additional flavours develop as the spirit oxidises over the years and concentrates due to the evaporation of a portion of the liquid. In Scotland, master distillers fondly refer to this process as the “angel's share”. In the tropical climes of the Caribbean, evaporation operates at an accelerated pace, resulting in a more substantial liquid loss. Hence why we, at House of Rum, like to call it the “Devil's share”. A devil’s face is featured on all of our bottles as a tribute to a process that plays such a crucial role in shaping a well-aged Rum’s profile, and also as a nod to that “little devil” that’s had a significant impact on our founder David Howarth’s adventurous spirit.

Just like whisky, the world of Rum offers a kaleidoscopically diverse array of flavours, aromas, and textures, some of which real whisky enthusiasts might find familiar.

Lovers of well-aged Bourbons, for instance, will likely enjoy House of Rum Dominican Republic 2000’s rich palate and delightful aromas of vanilla, crème brulee, and dried fruits. Scotch drinkers may discover that House of Rum Venezuela 2005 shares some of the fruitiness and spicy notes commonly associated with Speyside whiskies. Meanwhile, House of Rum Trinidad 2012 reveals a smoky character that might resonate with those who appreciate a touch of peat in their dram.

Whisky lovers can use these familiar qualities as a springboard to dive into their exciting journey into sugarcane spirits, but Rum offers drinkers countless unique flavours and aromas to discover, too. For the seasoned whisky enthusiast, great Rum provides an entirely fresh avenue of exploration that can deliver, if not surpass, the same level of palate satisfaction and hedonistic pleasure.