CHAPTER 6 - RUMS Flashcards
Where can rum be produced? What is the restriction?
Anywhere. If a geographic name is on the label, it must come from that respective country.
What plant is all rum derived from?
The sugarcane plant.
Define: Rum
- Distilled at less than 190 Proof for a fermented mash of sugarcane juice or the by-product of sugar production, molasses.
- Bottled at no less than 80 Proof
- Must have the aroma and flavor attributes characteristic of rum
Does rum require wood maturation?
No, its optional.
How did sugarcane become introduced to the Caribbean Islands?
1492, Christopher Columbus brought sugarcane cuttings from the Canary Islands to the West Indies.
Where is it believed that sugarcane originated?
New Guinea
When is sugarcane first documented?
4th century B.C.E. Alexander the Great’s Invasion into India.
Define: Saccharum
the Latin work for sugar, a possible source for the name “rum”
Define: Rumbullion
the Great Tempest, a possible source for the name “rum”, coined after rums from Barbados
Define: Rombustion
A strong liquid, a slang expression for the effects of rum
When is the term “Kill-Devil” used in relation to rum?
A synonym for the first rums made in Barbados
Who was the primary work force for rum production?
Slaves
Explain the Triangle Trade Route
- Slaves were shipped from Africa to the West Indies, and traded for molasses.
- The ship sailed to New England and the molasses was traded for rum .
- The ship sailed to Western Africa where it would trade the rum for slaves.
This cycle would continue until the early 1800’s.
What was the rum consumption levels in the American colonies?
1775, 12 million gallons total or 4 gallons per person/annually
Did rum play a factor in the Revolutionary War?
Yes, the taxes imposed on tea and rum could have help spark the revolution.
What spirit caused the decline in rum’s popularity in the USA?
Whiskey
Define: Sugarcane
- Grass Family: Gramineae
2. Species name: Saccharum Officinarum
Are there multiple sugarcane varieties used to produce rum?
Yes. There is not restriction, selection is based on what a producer feels grows best in an area. There is one exception!
What rum producing area has an AOC and restricts the varieties that can be used? How many? What is the most prized?
- Martinique, rhum agricole has an AOC.
- 12 varieties are approved.
- Blue Cane
What are the (4) environmental factors that effect rums flavor?
- Sugarcane variety
- Soil
- Climate
- Weather
How is sugarcane harvested?
- Manual.
- Manual after burning
- Machine
What are the pros and cons to burning the sugarcane prior to harvest?
Pro: removal of the sharp leaves, elimination of snakes and vermin
Con: reduces moisture and makes pressing harder
What is the percentage of sugarcane is “sugar” at harvest?
10-13%
List the (3) steps to prepare sugarcane after harvest:
- Wash sugarcane
- Chop, mill, and crush with water to extract sugar
- Juice from milling is filtered to remove cane residue
What is the sugar concentration after preparation?
16%
What is the sugar concentration after evaporation of the sugarcane juice?
60%
Define: Virgin Honey
The resulting thick liquid from the evaporation of the sugarcane juice, a high-grade form of molasses.
What is done with the “virgin honey” in rum production?
- It is evaporated until sugar crystals form.
2. A centrifuge separates the sugar crystals and molasses
What are sugar crystals used for?
They are sold as sugar, which may or may not be further refined.
What are the two purposes for molasses?
- Rum
2. Animal feed
What are the two primary bases to a rum mash and how is it made?
- Sugarcane Juice
2. Molasses - both are diluted with water to allow fermentation to occur.
Can wild yeast be used in rum production?
Yes, but a cultured yeast is eventually needed to complete the fermentation.
What is the length of the average rum fermentation?
2-3 days
What are the (4) factors that effect the length of time?
- Type of yeast
- Fermentation temperature
- Sugar concentration
- Nutrients in the mash
The lighter the rum, the faster or slower the fermentation?
Faster
Define: Dunder
An acidic residue produced during the distillation process, and its acidic content promotes yeast propagation. Used everywhere, but most associated with Jamaican rum. (aka backset - whiskey)
Define: Skimmings
Froth produced during the sugarcane boiling process. Influences flavor or rum if added to the wash.
What is the percentage of rum lost through evaporation during the maturation process?
10% per year
What is the average aging requirement for rum in most countries? What is the average time it is actually barrel matured?
One year.
Two years.
What are the two raw materials used in Rum Production?
- Sugarcane Juice
2. Molasses
Define: Rhum Agricole
Rum made from sugarcane juice
What production areas are known for Rhum Agricole?
The French-owned islands, such as Martinique
What aromas distinguish Rhum Agricole?
floral / herbal aromas
Define: Molasses
very viscous, concentrated sugarcane juice left after the sugar crystals have been removed.
What are the levels of quality in Molasses from Highest to lowest?
- Grade A
- Grade B
- Grade C
- Grade D
- Black Strap Molasses
Which grade of molasses has the highest level of fermentable sugar and the least amount of chemicals that would interfere with the working yeast?
Grade A
What are the (2) Methods of fermentation, explain:
- Natural Fermentation = wild yeast, one or more weeks long, and results vary
- Controlled Batch Fermentation = start yeast is formed then inoculated to entire mash in a closed vessel.
Explain how a starter batch of yeast for rum fermentation is produced:
First a small quantity of yeast is mixed with a small batch of mash, in an aerobic environment, so as not to produce alcohol. This is repeated until population is high enough to work the entire closed fermentation vessel.
Rum: Which distillation method require the most capital investment?
Continuous Column Still
What is another name for fermented rum mash?
Beer
After the first distillation in a pot still, what is the product called?
Low wine
Rum: What is the average ABV for product coming out of the Spirit Still?
85%
Rum: Products coming out of which type of still require longer aging?
Pot Still
Rum: What is the benefit of doing the second distillation through a short rectifying column still (first was pot stilled)?
- Better control of Proof
2. Better control of congener level
Rum: Which distillation method do most rums undergo?
Continuous Column Still
Does clear color in a rum indicate that it is unaged?
No, it could still have been aged for several months, or else the color could have been removed.
Does bottle-aging or stainless steel storage of the wine change the rum?
No
In the US, what does the age on a label of rum indicate?
The age has to be that of the youngest rum in the blend (assuming that the rum is blended)
What does the term “Anjeo” refer to on a rum label?
It has been aged at least one year
List the (3) types of blending techniques in Rum:
- Single Barrel
- Batch Blending
- Solera Blending
Rum: Explain what Single Barrel Aging is:
Where each bottle of finished rum has a designation of the aging barrel form which it was filled. Aroma and flavors are unique.
200L = 22 cases of 750ml
Rum: What is the purpose of Batch Blending?
Consistent style
Rum: What are the (2) purposes of Solera Blending?
- Ages more quickly, picking up flavors of more mature rum
2. Almost perfect consistency.
Rum: How does fractional blending work?
1/3 of oldest is bottled, and then filled from 1/3 of the next oldest and so on, so young is mixed into older rum.
Describe the American Style of Rum:
like in colonial times, where distillers had brandy experience.
- Pot distilled
- High levels of congeners
- Aged in oak barrels
Describe the British Style of Rum:
Darker and heavier in style, with full body and pungent aroma.
Which British rum is known for its high ester content because of the addition of dunder?
Jamaica
Which British rum is know the base of “British Navy” blends with high does of caramel?
Guyana
Which British Style of rum is medium in style, with balanced fruit aromas and flavors?
Barbados
Which British rum is known as spicy and aged?
Trinidad
Who developed the first Cuban style rum?
Barcardi
Describe Spanish Style Rum:
The lightest, with clean, floral, delicate notes
List (7) countries that produce a light rum:
- St. Croix
- Guatemala
- Dominican Republic
- Nicaragua
- Panama
- Cuba
- Puerto Rico
- (South America too!)
Which Style of Rum is fermented in pot stills using fermented sugarcane juice, instead of molasses? Fruity/Floral aromas?
French Style Rums
Which (4) islands produce French-Style Rums?
- Guadeloupe
- Haiti
- Martinique
- Grenada
What (2) regulations are imposed by Martinique’s AOC?
- Finished ABV must be between 65-75%
2. There is a minimum aging requirement
What are the (3) rules for Flavored Rum:
- Made with natural flavorings
- Bottled at a minimum 30% ABV
- Name of flavor must appear on the label
True or False: Sweetener can be added to Fruit-flavored and spiced rums
True
True or False: Fruit-flavored and spiced rums are aged in oak for a min of 1 year..
False, unaged
What type of rum has flavors such as: vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg, clove, and anise?
Spiced Rum
What is the Standard ABV for rum?
35-45% ABV
What is the ABV for Strong Rum?
45-75% ABV, 55% is the average
What is the ABV for Overproof Rum?
75-80% ABV
What type of rum should not be used in flaming drinks?
Overproof Rum
What product will have lower alcoholic content, have a very high percentage of sweetener than ordinary rums, and be smooth tasting?
Rum Liqueur
What category of rums is the most popular?
White Rum
What category of rum is often referred to as: clear, crystal, blanco, silver or plata?
White Rum
How is rum filtered?
carbon filtering
Which type of rum is especially good in mixed drinks?
White Rum
What category of rum is also called Oro or amber?
Gold Rum
Are all Gold Rums aged?
No, while color often indicates aging, producers can added caramel or molasses to white rum to make it look aged.
What is the best indicator of a rums quality or age?
Taste
Are all Dark/Black Rums aged?
No, while color often indicates aging, producers can added caramel or molasses to white rum to make it look aged.
What is Red Rum?
It is an artificially colored rum that was made to increase sales.
List the (3) Rum-like spirits from Mexico and their primary flavor:
- Piloncillo - unrefined brown sugar, tastes like but is NOT molasses
- Aguardiente de Cana - aniseed
- Charanda - sweet vanilla
Which Rum-like spirit is associated with the State of Michoacan?
Charanda
Define Batavia Arrack:
A rum-like spirit from Indonesia that uses red rice cakes in the mash, and is very aromatic
Define Cachaca:
A rum-like spirit distilled at a lower proof than rum and can use corn. The name is not protected, so it can be produced anywhere, but most comes from Brazil.
What is the #1 distilled spirit?
Soju / Shochu
What is the #2 distilled spirit?
Cachaca
Define Secco Herrerano:
A vodka-like sugarcane product from Panama
Define Tuzemak:
A rum-like spirit distilled from sugar beets, from Eastern Europe, largely the Czech Republic
Can sugar beet distillations be labeled as rum?
No
