Rum is one of the sweeter spirits, as it originates from the sugarcane plant. However, rum tends to get drier with age, so older rums are a little less sweet. Sugar isn’t the overriding taste of rum though - most rums have a uniquely complex flavour profile that will delight your taste buds.

There are so many different types of rum, with white rum and dark rum the most popular. Typically, white rums haven’t been aged, but some are aged for a little while and filtered to remove any evidence of colour.

Rum can be made all over the world, but the most popular white rums tend to be made in countries including Cuba, Venezuela, Puerto Rico, and the Dominican Republic.

Rum is made using the sugarcane plant. Its juice is extracted, then boiled until it thickens and turns into molasses, a syrup-like substance. The molasses are then fermented with yeast to turn the sugar into alcohol. This liquid mixture is then distilled in copper stills to produce rum, which is then bottled and labelled.

Rum is best served at room temperature and purists believe it’s best enjoyed neat, although you can add a little ice or a splash of water to stronger varieties of rum if you prefer. Of course, you can always enjoy your rum with a coke - a classic combination that works with white rum, dark rum, spiced rum, and more.

To make the perfect Mojito, you’ll need white rum, soda, fresh mint leaves, fresh lime juice, crushed ice, and a little sugar syrup. White rum will enhance all of the other flavours for a deliciously sharp yet refreshing cocktail.

When mixing up a batch of Pina Coladas, we recommend going for a dark rum if you prefer a strong, rich flavour. For something sweeter and more refreshing, opt for a light rum instead. Our favourite is to use a spiced rum, which creates a Caribbean flavour profile that’s impossible to resist. Not sure which you’d prefer? You’ll just have to buy rum for each option and find your favourite…

We recommend using white rum if you’re making a Strawberry Daiquiri. It’s a sweet cocktail, and the taste of the strawberries will be enhanced beautifully by a classic white rum, such as Bacardi Carta Blanca, which has gorgeous notes of vanilla and almond.

Rum should be stored in a cool, dark place, out of direct sunlight - inside a cupboard, pantry or cellar are all good places to store rum. Rum doesn’t need to be kept in the fridge, as it’s best served at room temperature. However, it should be chilled before drinking if it’s been accidentally kept in a hot environment, to prevent the rum from spoiling. Keep your rum bottles stored upright too, and never leave the lid off - unless you’re pouring a wee tot, of course.

Yes, rum can go bad in the heat. When alcohol is exposed to high temperatures, it can start to develop a sour smell and taste. This is because the compounds that give rum its distinctive flavour and aroma are broken down by heat. So, if you're storing rum in a hot environment - like your car on a summer day - be sure to put it in a cool place, like the fridge, before pouring.

Yes, you can buy rum with no or very low alcohol content. At The Bottle Club, you’ll find several non-alcoholic rums, including a 0% spiced rum by Captain Morgan, and the alcohol-free Stryyk Not Rum, which is delicious mixed with cola for a 0% ABV rum and coke. Cheers!