Rum vs Whiskey: A Beginner’s Guide to the Classics

If you’ve ever found yourself standing at the bar, torn between a glass of rum and a pour of whiskey, you’re not alone! 

Rum and whiskey are two of the most popular spirits around, with rich histories and passionate fan bases that have kept them in the spotlight for centuries.

If you're having trouble deciding which one to pick, don’t worry. This rum vs whiskey guide is here to help! We’ll break down the differences between these two classics and cover everything else you need to know to become a rum and whiskey expert.

Rum vs Whiskey: What Are They Made From?

When it comes to rum vs whiskey, they both have earned their place as beloved spirits around, and they each have their own story to tell!

Rum brings its sweetness from sugarcane, while whiskey gets its bold kick from grains like barley, corn, and rye. Intrigued? Let’s start by taking a look at the creation of each of these spirits and what makes them so unique!

What Is Whiskey Made From?

Whiskey is a mix of grains that come together to create something amazing. Barley, corn, rye, and wheat all play a part in crafting this flavorful spirit. Bourbon, for instance, has at least 51% corn, giving it a smooth, sweet kick. 

Rye Whiskey, on the other hand, brings a bit of spice to the table! Makers mash, ferment, and distill the grains, creating a rich, full-bodied drink that’s perfect for any occasion.

What Is Rum Made From? 

Rum starts with sugarcane or molasses, which gives it that irresistible sweetness. When fermented, the sugars in these ingredients transform into alcohol, giving rum its signature flavor. 

The magic happens when the mix distills in either a pot still or a column still, capturing that sweet, vibrant energy of sugarcane in every drop.

After distillation, rum ages in barrels, often in warm, tropical climates, where the heat speeds up the aging process, creating flavors like caramel, vanilla, and spice. 

You’ll find rum in many different styles: White Rum, perfect for mixing in cocktails, and Dark Rums, which tend to carry more complex flavors. Spiced Rum is another popular type of rum, infused with a blend of spices like cinnamon, vanilla, and clove, adding a unique twist to the classic spirit.

Whiskey vs. Rum: Distillation Process

When it comes to distillation, whiskey and rum have some similarities, but their processes are like the unique beats of their own rhythms!

Whiskey’s distillation starts with a mash of fermented grains–barley, corn, rye, or wheat. The magic happens in a still, where the liquid heats up, and the alcohol separates. 

It’s usually distilled twice, first in a pot still and then in a column still, to refine those deep, bold flavors. This double-distillation gives whiskey that complex, rich character, whether it's smooth and mellow or spicy and intense.

Rum’s distillation, on the other hand, is a whole different vibe. It all starts with sugarcane or molasses, and the fermented liquid is distilled to capture that sweet, tropical energy. 

Some rum makers use pot stills to create rich, flavorful rums, while others go with column stills for a cleaner, more refined spirit. This process is what gives rum its distinct character, and when aging comes into play in the warm, tropical climates, it brings out deeper notes of caramel, vanilla, and spice. 

From light, zesty white rums to the bold, dark rums with rich depth, each distillation step adds its own twist to the flavor profile.

The Alchemy of the Barrel

Depending on the spirit, both whiskey and rum makers get creative with their barrels. They can choose from a range of woods–oak, maple, cedar, and more–to add unique flavors. 

Some barrels might have even held other spirits before, giving the final product a whole new layer of character. 

Here’s where things get interesting! Bourbon, Japanese Whisky, and Scotch have their own barrel rules. Bourbon gets its signature flavor from aging in brand-new American white oak barrels, each one holding 53 gallons of whiskey magic. 

Japanese Whisky doesn’t have a strict wood type, but it does have to mature in casks no bigger than 700 liters for at least three years. As for Scotch, it loves a good ex-bourbon barrel to bring out those rich, deep notes that we all know and love!

Rum, on the other hand, is all about mixing things up! While many rum makers use barrels that have previously held other spirits, French Rhum producers often opt for French Limousin oak, which imparts a completely unique flavor profile to their rums.

It has become quite common for distillers to mature and finish whiskey in former sherry and Cognac casks or rum in different ex-whiskey casks to introduce a nice twist to the flavor profile.

Why Do They Char and Toast the Wood?

Barrels aren’t just containers, they're flavor factories! The level of charring plays a big role in the taste adventure. A lighter char, or “toast,” allows those lighter wood flavors (tannins) to come forward, commonly seen in wine casks. 

But when the char gets darker, it brings out all those mouthwatering notes of caramel, vanilla, and the rich minerals we love in our favorite spirits. With the right wood, perfect charring, and plenty of time to mature, distillers have the freedom to get creative and give us fresh, exciting flavor experiences in every sip!

How Climate Affects Whiskey and Rum Aging

The climate where a spirit matures plays a massive role in shaping its flavor. When whiskey or rum sits in a barrel, it reacts with the wood, so where it’s aged makes all the difference.

In tropical climates like Florida, the Caribbean, and Central or South America, the heat speeds up the aging process. The liquid heats up and cools down more quickly, intensifying the interaction between the spirit and the wood.

That’s why some rums and whiskeys from these areas can taste so rich and full-bodied. On the flip side, in cooler spots like Scotland or the central US, the aging process is slower, creating smoother and subtler flavors.

Knowing where a spirit matured helps you set the right expectations, especially when you see an age statement. It's all about what that barrel's environment has done to the liquid inside!

Rum vs Whiskey Blending Process

For both whiskey and rum, the blending process is the same. The liquid blends with water to achieve the desired Alcohol by Volume (ABV). 

ABV

Whiskey is usually bottled between 40 and 46% ABV, with rare bottlings going as high as 68% ABV.

Most rums are bottled at 40% ABV, while some Spiced Rums blend as low as 37.5% ABV.

The world of flavored rums takes it to the next level! Some expressions in this category can reach a crazy 80% ABV. Definitely not your everyday sipper, but it's perfect for those seeking a real kick!

Additives

Blenders might use a little magic to keep things consistent, but don’t worry, it’s all within the rules! To give a spirit that perfect, rich hue, they might add flavorless caramel coloring (E150a). You’ll see this trick used in rum, scotch, and various whiskeys, giving them that classic look.

Bourbon and Straight American Whiskey are off-limits, though! Those stay natural, without any added coloring. So when you’re sipping on one of these, you’re getting the full, unaltered experience!