The Drinks Guide - Rum

The Drinks Guide - Rum

It’s a rum do: this month, Selfridges sommelier Dawn Davies celebrates the legendary spirit.


Since the 17th Century rum has been a part of British history and throughout the ages its colourful past has been the stuff of legend. It has also, to some extent, become the forgotten brown spirit so this month we want to celebrate this fabulous tot.

Rum is made all over the Caribbean and first became popular with sailors coming back from those parts in the 17th Century. A tot of rum was even given daily to every sailor on all Her Majesty’s ships until 1969.

The base ingredient is molasses, the by-product of sugar production, which is then fermented. Once fermented it is distilled in either a column still, for lighter rums, or a mix of column and pot still, for many dark rums. If it is a golden or dark rum, caramel can be added to colour it, or it might be aged in old bourbon barrels where it takes on colour naturally.

It is in these barrels that the Caribbean climate works its magic. The warehouses see a loss from the barrel of around 10 per cent. In comparison 2 per cent is lost in Scottish whisky casks or French cognacs. This loss means that rum takes on aged characteristics far faster than it would do in a cooler climate.

The distiller will then, typically, blend the barrels together to create a house style. Rums from the Caribbean all vary in style, from the lighter rums of Barbados to the richer, heavier rums of Jamaica and the Dominican Republic.



A selection of country styles

Barbados - Usually light and sweet style rums, the first distillery here was the legendary Mount Gay. Its 1703 has just launched and is already winning the awards.
Martinique - This French Island is famous for its Rhum Agricoles, rums made from the freshly squeezed sugar cane juice not molasses. Try Trois Rivieres, a top example of the style.
Jamaica - Traditionally this country produces rich, intense rums usually made in pot stills. Try the Appleton’s 8-year-old for a smooth rum full of citrus, festive spices and honey notes.
Cuba - Known for the creation of the Mojito. It is Havana Club rum that dominates this island with its lighter, softer, sweeter style of rum.
Guatemala - Came late onto the rum scene but is home to Zacapa, a stylish, rich yet gentle rum.

Top four to try

Havana Club Barrel Proof Rum, Cuba

£49.99

"This rum is bottled straight from the barrel with no dilution and is 45% ABV."

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The Kraken

£29.99

"The first dark spiced rum to be made, this rum is named after the legendary Kraken, a mythical beast who roamed the seas and lured sailors to their deaths."

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Diplomatico, Reserva, Venezuela

£45.99

"A fantastic rum and a house favorite. Rich vanilla and treacle flavors make this the perfect sipping rum."

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Elements Eight Platino, St Lucia

£36.99

"This white rum is perfect for Daiquiris. It is fresh, light and has a really smooth quality."

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Rum and Cigars

When we think of cigars we often think of whisky or cognac as a nice tipple to have with a smoke but rum works beautifully. If you are interested in this then we will be holding a rum and cigar masterclass with JJ Fox on 26 January. If you are interested please contact the wine department or JJ Fox.


Email the Sommelier

If you have any queries about cocktails, or wine, contact me at dawn.davies@selfridges.co.uk.

All wines listed are 75cl and all spirits 70cl unless otherwise specified. Stocks are limited and subject to availability. The right to withdraw stock or alter prices without notice if the cost of replacement rises or falls due to fluctuation in supplier prices, exchange rates, duty or VAT. O & E excluded.