Rum: this drinking temperature for optimum enjoyment
Rum is a particular delight on its own, and even more so as an ingredient in delicious cocktails. From mild, sweet notes to strong, spicy flavours, rum has a wide spectrum. But in order to let the flavours best unfold, the right drinking temperature plays a decisive role for rum. Find out more about the best drinking temperatures for enjoying rum and which rum pairs well with a cigar.
The key points
- Rum has a wide range of flavours, from mild and sweet to strong and spicy.
- The right drinking temperature is key to letting the flavours fully unfold – ideally 18–22 °C.
- Rum should be stored upright in a cool dark place to preserve its quality and flavour.
- Dark, mature rum pairs wonderfully with cigars as they enhance the roasted flavours.
Ideal drinking temperature of rum – list of contents
The origin of the rum that you enjoy today
Rum is widely enjoyed and was very popular among British and French sailors. To this day, the sugar-cane-based spirit is still produced primarily in the former Caribbean colonies of the European naval powers. Almost every island in the Caribbean has its own specialty rum.
For a long time, rum was used only as an ingredient in cocktails, long drinks or grog. But now it is drunk straight with a finer, barrel-aged quality. It is important for rum to be enjoyed at the right drinking temperature. And there are some idiosyncrasies:
- Simple rum is made from molasses; high-quality rum is made from fresh sugar cane.
- Barrel ageing softens the sharpness and intensifies the flavour.
- The Caribbean climate accelerates the maturing process significantly.
- After 7–8 years, the rum achieves a mildness that European distillates take longer to develop.
With different types of rum and different ways of producing it, naturally every rum has its own perfect drinking temperature.
The ideal drinking temperature of rum
In order to let the flavours best unfold, the right drinking temperatures plays a decisive role for rum.
- Unfolding flavours: not too cold so the fine nuances are still perceptible.
- Balancing the alcohol: not too warm to prevent sharpness
- Depending on the type: white rum should be cooler; matured rum should be at room temperature
- Maximising enjoyment: the ideal temperature is between 18 and 22 °C
Tips for the best way to store rum
If you want to preserve the quality of your rum and keep it as tasty as possible, correct storage is invaluable. Ideally you should store rum in a cool, dark place away from direct sunlight and strong temperature fluctuations. A constant room temperature of between 18 and 22 °C protects the flavours of the spirit.
After opening, the bottles should be closed tightly to prevent contact with oxygen. Soring bottles upright prevents the alcohol from becoming corked and developing undesirable notes.
To bring the rum to the ideal drinking temperature, temper it in the glass for a few minutes before enjoying. While white rum can be served slightly cooler at 15–19 degrees, you will benefit from the full flavour of a matured rum when served at room temperature. It’s easy to temper your glasses in the freezer for a white rum.
Which rum pairs well with cigars?
The shared Caribbean roots and balanced diversity of flavours from strong to mild makes high-quality rum the ideal partner for fine cigars. Dark, mature rums pair particularly well with the notes of caramel, vanilla and spices that underscore the roasted flavours of a cigar.
Incidentally, just like a fine wine, cigars also develop well and gain in value with the correct storage. The Humidor perfectly balances temperature and humidity for ideal storage conditions.
FAQ: drinking temperature of rum
A nosing glass is ideal for high-quality, mature rum as it gathers the flavours together, whereas a tumbler is better rum on the rocks or cocktails. Long drinks are usually served in highball glasses, whereas a shot glass is used for white rum and quick tasters.
Cuban rum is generally drunk straight and, as a rule, without ice. When cooled, the flavours of this rum recede into the background, so the best drinking temperature is room temperature or slightly above.
Rum develops its flavours better at room temperature and is therefore not usually drunk cold. However, white rum can be enjoyed slightly cooled at a drinking temperature of 15–19 °C.
The author
Frank Kämmer
I have worked for many years in high-end restaurants and during this time became one of the top sommeliers in Europe. In 1996, I achieved the title of Master Sommelier; the highest international qualification in my profession. Today, I primarily work as a consultant in the international wine and gastronomy sector. I have also published numerous books on wines and spirits and was the first German to be accepted into the British Circle of Wine Writers.
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