Rum, Explained

Updated September 2026

Rum is the least standardised major spirit in the world, and that is the most useful thing to know before buying a bottle. Bourbon has a legal definition dictating grain, barrel and proof. Tequila has a governing council. Rum, in most places it is made, has neither.

Which is why colour is not information. Caramel colouring is legal and widely used, so a rum can be near-black because it spent fifteen years in oak or because it spent one and had colouring added. And many white rums are aged for years and then filtered clear — a white rum is not necessarily young.

In the US a spirit must be 40% ABV or higher to be labelled simply “rum.” Several well-known products sit below that line: Captain Morgan Original Spiced is 35% ABV, and Malibu is 21%. Neither is legally rum here.

Start here

Types of rum explained — styles, the three production traditions, and what the label actually requires.

Bacardi rum types — the whole range, from Superior to Gran Reserva.

Captain Morgan spiced rum — and why 35% ABV changes its legal class.

Is Kraken rum good? — 94 proof, and honestly assessed.

What is Malibu made of? — a 21% coconut liqueur, not a rum.

Sailor Jerry rum — 92 proof, and why it is not navy strength.

Dark 'n Stormy rum

Coquito vs eggnog

Everything we’ve published on rum

Buying guides

Brands & bottles

Comparisons

Questions answered

Recipes & cocktails

Also explore: Liqueurs Guide · Bourbon Guide · Gin Guide · Beer Guide · Brandy Guide · Wine Guide · Vodka Guide