How to make aged rum?
It is necessary to keep in mind that the production of aged rum begins directly with the harvesting of sugar cane, since must be processed quickly to extract the molasses before it begins to degrade. This is obtained by crushing and pasteurizing the sugar contained in the canes themselves. Subsequently, the molasses must be subjected to a fermentation process with the addition of yeasts, which are responsible for transforming the sugars into alcohol, giving rise to an alcoholic "must". Fermentation can be short or long, depending on the flavor profile that we want to give to the rum that we want to obtain with this process. After the fermentation process, we must proceed to distillation, which, generally, must be carried out in copper stills. This process allows us to eliminate impurities and obtain a rum with a higher alcohol content and a greater complexity of flavors. Initially, the distilled rum is colorless and does not have very deep nuances. To convert it into aged rum, it must undergo aging in wooden barrels, traditionally made of oak or cherry, which have previously been used to age bourbon. Over time, rum acquires characteristic color, flavors and woody aromas. A rum is considered aged when it has remained in barrels for at least one year. There are varieties of aged rums with different aging periods, such as 1, 2, 5, 8 or even 12 years. The older it is, the greater its body and the more complex its aromatic notes, which can include nuances of anise cookies, talc and spices. Also it is possible to make aged rums made by mixing different types of rum from different ages, countries and styles. Generally, their alcohol content ranges between 37, 5º and 40º, which gives a balanced profile.How to enjoy aged rum?
Aged rum is an extremely versatile drink and can be enjoyed in a variety of ways depending on your personal preferences. One of the most traditional ways to drink aged rum is serve it alone, in a rocks glass with a couple of large ice cubes, to taste this drink in the same way as with whiskey. You can find this drink online in our La Cave Gillet rum catalog.
This method allows you to fully appreciate its aromatic richness and velvety texture in the mouth. However, you can also prepare different classic cocktails that allow you to realize their qualities. Among them, we can mention the following:
Rum with cola, ice and lemon
Also known under the name “cubalibre”, it is one of the best options there are to taste aged rum. It is a very sweet drink, thanks to the cola and the citrus tone of the lemon, which perfectly complement the woody and spicy notes of the aged rum. It is ideal to enjoy on a night out at the club or in the pub with your friends.Mojito
This is a cocktail that is very popular today and is originally from the island of Cuba. Without a doubt, it is a refreshing option to enjoy an afternoon with friends in summer and it is extremely aromatic. The mojito is usually made with aged rum, mint or mint, sugar, lime juice, soda and crushed ice. Its flavor and aroma transport us, through the sensations it transmits, to the paradisiacal beaches of the Caribbean Sea.
Daiquiri
This is a striking Caribbean cocktail, which has a reddish orange color and a fruity flavor and aroma. If you are wondering how to drink aged rum, you can mix this drink with lime juice and juice from a wide variety of fruits, such as strawberry, pineapple, banana, watermelon or peach or a mixture of them. You can add crushed ice to give it a refreshing touch and a couple of tablespoons of sugar to make it sweeter.Piña colada
A creamy cocktail with a tropical and exotic flavor, in which aged rum is combined with coconut cream, pineapple juice and ice, resulting in a sweet and balanced drink that is perfect to enjoy in summer while you meet with your friends. It can be decorated with a piece of pineapple and an umbrella and is usually drunk with a straw.