Whether you associate rum with summer get-togethers, pirate legends, or tropical getaways, it's a varied and celebrated form of liquor. There are several varieties of this type of alcoholic beverage, including gold, dark, black. White rum, which is known for its light or clear hue, is often mixed into cocktails like mojitos and daiquiris. Review the following guide to get a closer look at this storied spirit.

What Is White Rum?

Rum is made from the syrup of sugarcane that is distilled into alcohol. Directly after the distillation process, the liquid is clear. It is filtered to remove all the impurities before bottling it for sale. Dark rum is made with the same process. However, before filtering and packaging it, it's placed in charred oak barrels to age for several years. The longer it ages, the darker the color becomes. Compared to golden and amber styles, this light spirit has a mild but slightly sweet flavor.

What Is Its History?

Since it’s made from sugarcane, rum is often associated with exporters from India, the Philippines, and the Caribbean islands. The first Caribbean distillation was recorded in 1651 in a document that attributes the invention to enslaved sugarcane plantation workers in Barbados. They took molasses, a sugar refining byproduct, and fermented and filtered it to create alcohol.

Rum was a significant factor in the slave trade in the American colonies. Enslaved persons were brought over from Africa and traded to the West Indies for molasses. This was made into rum and traded to Africa for more slaves. After the British colonized Jamaica, this spirit became the liquor of choice among the Royal Navy. As it gained popularity, it became much easier for pirates to stumble upon when invading trading ships; they sold and enjoyed their stolen treasure.

Are There Health Benefits Associated With Drinking It?

Today, rum remains a popular spirit—whether you’re sipping it or infusing it into cakes and frostings. White rum doesn’t contain any added carbohydrates or fats, but there are around 14 grams of alcohol in every 1 1/2 fluid ounces. Each gram contains 7 calories. Trace amounts of vitamins and minerals can be found in this spirit, including phosphorus, zinc, potassium, and iron. In small quantities, rum is great for relieving stress and managing heart health. Having one drink a day is linked to a decreased risk of stroke, coronary artery disease, and congestive heart failure.

The next time you're in the mood for white rum, pay a visit to Western Reserve Distillers of Lakewood, OH. This locally owned and operated craft distillery manufactures high-quality spirits, including bourbon, vodka, whiskey, and gin. They're proud to use products grown within a 150-mile radius, so you can take pride in every sustainable purchase. They also offer a full menu, from intriguing appetizers to satisfying desserts. Learn more about this celebrated distillery online, and call (216) 333-9291 to place a carryout order.