Rum is an emblematic drink of the islands of the Indian Ocean and the West Indies, which consists of marrying rum with various ingredients such as fruits, spices or aromatic plants. In order to successfully concoct a tasty arranged rum, it is first necessary to choose the base of this preparation: rum. But what kind of rum should you use to create an exceptional arranged rum? In this article, we’ll take a look at the different types of rum and give you our advice on how to select the one that will enhance your creations.

White rums: the essentials for arranged rums

White rums are often preferred in the making of arranged rums because they allow the flavours of the added ingredients to fully express themselves. White rums have a less developed aromatic palette than aged rums and generally have notes of fresh sugar cane and exotic fruits.

Agricultural rum or traditional rum: which to choose?

There are two main families of white rums: agricultural rums and traditional rums. Agricultural rums are made from fermented and distilled cane juice, while traditional rums are made from molasses, a by-product of sugar production. While both types of rum can be used to make an arranged rum, they have different taste characteristics:

  • Agricultural rums generally have more finesse and a more fruity and floral palette, which can add elegance to your arranged rum.
  • Traditional rums, on the other hand, have a rounder and more indulgent profile, with notes of cooked fruits and spices. They add richness and body to the preparation, but can sometimes mask certain delicate flavours.

This is why it is essential to know the ingredients you want to use in your arranged rum and to choose the type of white rum according to their compatibility. For example, an agricultural rum will be ideal for subtle flavours such as vanilla or ginger, while a traditional rum will work well with more robust ingredients such as dried fruit or hot spices.

The boldness of aged rums for original arranged rums

Although white rums are usually the preferred choice for making arranged rums, using an aged rum can add complexity to your creation. Old rums are aged in oak barrels, which gives them woody, spicy and vanilla notes as well as a rounder, smoother texture. Their aromatic palette is often more developed than that of white rums, which can bring real depth to your arranged rum.

However, you should pay particular attention to the balance of flavours when you choose an aged rum as the basis for your preparation. To avoid the rum’s flavours overpowering those of the added ingredients, it is best to select aged rums with a moderate woody and spicy character, such as diplomatico planas.

When should I use an aged rum to make a rhum arrangé?

There are a number of situations in which using an aged rum to make a rhum arrangé can be a good idea:

  • You want to create a high-end arranged rum, with a complex and sophisticated profile.
  • The ingredients you intend to use have intense and robust flavours that can compete with those of aged rum (e.g. dried fruit, strong spices, coffee).
  • You are looking for a smoother, smoother texture for your arranged rum, thanks to oak barrel ageing.

In all cases, it is essential to measure out the ingredients carefully so as not to unbalance the preparation and to adapt the maceration time according to the rum chosen.

The choice of the ideal rum to make a rhum arrangé depends mainly on the flavours you wish to bring out in your creation. White rums, whether agricultural or traditional, are best suited to fully express the aromas of fruits, spices and herbs. On the other hand, if you are looking for a bold and original taste experience, an aged rum may be an interesting option. In any case, don’t hesitate to experiment with different combinations to find the one that will delight your taste buds!