What is the difference between white rum and gold rum?

White rum and gold rum are two distinct types of rum that differ in their color, flavor, and production process. Here are the main differences between white rum and gold rum:

Color:

- White rum is crystal clear or transparent in appearance.

- Gold rum has a golden or amber color, which can range from light amber to dark amber.

Flavor:

- White rum is generally lighter in flavor, with a slightly sweet and clean taste. It has a more neutral flavor profile compared to gold rum.

- Gold rum is known for its richer, more complex flavor profile. It often has notes of caramel, toffee, vanilla, oak, and spices, contributing to a fuller and more robust flavor.

Production process:

- White rum is made using a process called "column still distillation," which produces a light and neutral spirit. It is usually aged for a short period in stainless steel tanks or oak barrels.

- Gold rum is made using a "pot still distillation" process, which results in a more flavorful spirit. It is typically aged for a longer period in oak barrels, which gives it its darker color and more pronounced flavor characteristics.

Uses:

- White rum is often used for making cocktails, such as mojitos, daiquiris, and rum punch, due to its neutral flavor profile.

- Gold rum is often used for sipping neat or on the rocks, as well as in cocktails that benefit from its rich flavor, such as mai tais and hurricanes.

Overall, white rum is known for its lightness and mixability, while gold rum is known for its depth of flavor and complexity. The choice between white rum and gold rum depends on personal taste and the intended use in cocktails or other drinks.