Rum
Rum is a generic term for a distilled cane spirit that was first produced in
the West Indies during the 17th century. Initially the sugar cane is crushed
to release the juices, which are then boiled to create a condensed syrup. The
sugar within the syrup crystallizes and is removed to leave the molasses used
for the rum production. For a light white rum the molasses are diluted with
water and fermented using cultured yeast. This results in a weak alcoholic solution
known as wash which is distilled in a column-still and produces a high strength
(greater than 80%) colourless rum. The purest part of the rum (the middle cut)
is matured in wooden barrels. Dark rum will have caramel added for colour.