ACS rum producers take new approach to dialogue

[Rum Runner]

Here (http://www.caribbeannetnews.com/news-2574--14-14--.html) is an interesting post on the ongoing definition of rum in the Caribbean Basin as well as the European Community.

[Paulipbartender]

Phew, I'm glad the bureaucrats have finally sorted out that rum is made from sugar cane..........

[Edward Hamilton]

In many rum producing countries the addition of raisins, oranges, coffee etc is acceptable so the definition of rum as “a spirit drink exclusively produced by alcoholic fermentation and distillation, either from molasses or syrup produced in the manufacture of cane sugar or from sugar-cane juice itself and distilled at less than 96% vol,” isn't going to make everyone happy.

In the US the distillation proof has to be less than 95% alcohol but I doubt anyone is checking all the distilleries.

[Rum Runner]

In many rum producing countries the addition of raisins, oranges, coffee etc is acceptable so the definition of rum as “a spirit drink exclusively produced by alcoholic fermentation and distillation, either from molasses or syrup produced in the manufacture of cane sugar or from sugar-cane juice itself and distilled at less than 96% vol,” isn't going to make everyone happy.

In the US the distillation proof has to be less than 95% alcohol but I doubt anyone is checking all the distilleries.

Agreed...So are the additives you listed raisins, oranges, coffee etc incorporated pre-distillation? Or in the ageing process? I think if incorporated in the ageing process this would lend some leeway.

[Edward Hamilton]

Most of the time additives or flavoring as blenders prefer to call them, are added post distillation. The better rums are blended and then aged though most are simply blended, rested in stainless tanks and then bottled.

One of the best examples of a rum which is blended and then aged is Barrilito.

[Rum Runner]

One of the best examples of a rum which is blended and then aged is Barrilito.

Both the two star and three star Ron del Barrilito rums are excellent and unique amongst Puerto Rican rums.

[angelsword]

In many rum producing countries the addition of raisins, oranges, coffee etc is acceptable so the definition of rum as “a spirit drink exclusively produced by alcoholic fermentation and distillation, either from molasses or syrup produced in the manufacture of cane sugar or from sugar-cane juice itself and distilled at less than 96% vol,” isn't going to make everyone happy.

I read that quote differently. I read it to understand that no fermentables other that suger cane, such as grain, are to be used. I see nothing prohibiting additives.

[Edward Hamilton]

You are completely right Angelsword, the universally accepted definition of rum allows it to be fermented and distilled only from sugar cane juice, molasses or other sugar cane by-products. This precludes the use of grain or other products in the fermentation process.