Rum is a popular spirit made from sugarcane that is enjoyed around the world. While there are many great rums to choose from, some stand out for their rich and prominent vanilla flavors. So what makes a rum taste like vanilla, and which rums showcase this flavor profile the best?
What gives rum its vanilla flavor?
There are a few key factors that impact the vanilla flavors in rum:
- Barrel aging – Rums that are aged in used oak barrels can extract vanilla notes from the wood over time.
- Barrel char – Heavily charred oak barrels contribute more vanilla flavor.
- Additives – Some rum producers add natural vanilla extract or vanilla beans to accentuate the vanilla tones.
- Origin – Rums from regions like Venezuela and Guatemala tend to have more characteristic vanilla compared to rums from Jamaica or Barbados.
So rum picks up vanilla notes primarily from the barrel aging process. The older the rum and the more used the barrel, the more the vanilla flavors are able to develop in the rum. Char level, additives used, and even the original growing region of the sugarcane can also impact the intensity of vanilla.
What are the top rums for vanilla flavor?
Here are some of the best rums to try for delicious vanilla flavor profiles:
Diplomatico Reserva Exclusiva
– From Venezuela
– Aged up to 12 years in used whiskey and bourbon barrels
– Rich and sweet with prominent vanilla and oak tones
Santa Teresa 1796
– From Venezuela
– Aged up to 35 years in charred American oak barrels
– Complex aroma with creamy vanilla, tobacco, and wood notes
Plantation XO 20th Anniversary Rum
– From Barbados
– Double-aged for up to 20 years in used cognac barrels
– Soft and round with vanilla, cocoa, and spice flavors
Zacapa Centenario 23
– From Guatemala
– Blended and aged up to 23 years in used bourbon barrels at high altitude
– Rich vanilla and oak balanced by spice and light sweetness
Mount Gay XO Rum
– From Barbados
– Aged for 8-15 years in charred American oak barrels
– Notes of vanilla, honey, and toasted almond
How is vanilla flavor evaluated in rum tasting?
Here are some tips professional rum tasters use to evaluate and describe vanilla flavors:
- Aroma – Detecting vanilla in the nose indicates intensity. Vanilla can range from a background note to prominently leaping out.
- Flavor – Tasting vanilla upfront on the palate versus it emerging slowly in the finish. Vanilla can present as sweet and creamy or wooden and spice-accented.
- Mouthfeel – Vanilla adds smooth rounded texture. More mature rums showcase vanilla’s supple characteristic.
- Intensity – The depth of vanilla flavor can be subtle, obvious, or overpowering. Balance with other notes is ideal.
- Quality – Higher quality rums have a natural, integrated vanilla character rather than artificial flavor.
Nosing, tasting, and evaluating texture are key ways rum experts analyze the nuances of vanilla. The intensity, integration, and quality of the vanilla flavor are important factors in assessing overall balance.
What drinks pair well with vanilla rum?
Vanilla rum’s smooth and sweet flavor profile make it excellent for enhancing and complementing fruit, cream, and spice flavors in cocktails. Here are some great drink recipes that pair well with vanilla rum:
Vanilla Rum Old Fashioned
- 2 oz vanilla rum
- 1 tsp simple syrup
- 2 dashes aromatic bitters
- Orange twist garnish
The vanilla rum substitutes for whiskey in this classic, accentuating the vanilla and caramel notes.
Vanilla Rum Cola
- 1.5 oz vanilla rum
- 4 oz cola
- Squeeze of lime
The cola’s spice and vanilla rum’s sweetness balance perfectly in this easy highball.
Vanilla Banana Daiquiri
- 1.5 oz vanilla rum
- .75 oz banana liqueur
- .5 oz lime juice
- Banana slice garnish
The banana and vanilla flavors complement each other wonderfully in this frozen daiquiri.
What are some vanilla rum cocktail recipes?
Here are the full recipes for some other delicious cocktails that star vanilla rum beautifully:
Vanilla Sunrise
Ingredients:
- 2 oz vanilla rum
- 4 oz orange juice
- .5 oz grenadine
- Orange slice garnish
Instructions:
- Fill a highball glass with ice.
- Add vanilla rum and orange juice.
- Top with grenadine and let it sink to the bottom.
- Garnish with an orange slice.
Spiced Vanilla Caipirinha
Ingredients:
- 2 oz vanilla rum
- 1 lime, cut into wedges
- 2 tsp brown sugar
- 3 whole cloves
- 1 star anise
Instructions:
- In a rocks glass, muddle lime wedges and brown sugar.
- Add vanilla rum, cloves, and star anise.
- Fill glass with crushed ice and stir well until chilled.
- Garnish with lime wedge.
Vanilla Mai Tai
Ingredients:
- 1 oz vanilla rum
- 1 oz spiced rum
- .5 oz orange liqueur
- .5 oz orgeat syrup
- .75 oz lime juice
- Mint sprig garnish
Instructions:
- Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
- Add both rums, orange liqueur, orgeat syrup, and lime juice.
- Shake vigorously until chilled.
- Strain into glass filled with crushed ice.
- Garnish with mint sprig.
How does aging impact vanilla flavor in rum?
Aging has a significant influence on the development of vanilla character in rum. Here’s how aging impacts vanilla flavor:
| Age | Vanilla Impact |
|---|---|
| Young rum (under 2 years) | Very little vanilla flavor due to lack of time for barrel extraction. |
| Aged rum (2-12 years) | Moderate vanilla from time in the barrel. Often has raw wood flavor. |
| Very aged rum (12+ years) | Rich complex vanilla flavors mellowed by extensive barrel time. |
So in summary:
- Under 2 years – barely any vanilla
- 2-12 years – moderate vanilla with wood notes
- 12+ years – rich integrated vanilla
Older rums pick up the most vanilla character over time in the barrel.
How should you drink and serve vanilla rum?
Here are some tips for properly drinking and serving vanilla rum:
- Neat/Straight – Vanilla rum can be sipped neat at room temperature to appreciate the pure aroma and flavor.
- On ice – Adding ice opens up the flavor and is refreshing. Use a rock glass.
- Cocktails – Blending vanilla rum in mixed drinks allows its flavor to shine through other ingredients.
- Shot – The smoothness of vanilla rum makes it suitable for shooting.
In terms of glassware:
- Shot glass – Best for shooting vanilla rum straight.
- Rocks glass – Ideal for serving vanilla rum over ice or in basic mixed drinks.
- Snifter – Allows for aromas to develop when sipping rum neat.
- Highball – Good for easy rum highballs with a mixer like vanilla cola.
Vanilla rum also pairs well with garnishes like orange slices, mint, cinnamon, or vanilla beans to accentuate flavors.
Conclusion
Vanilla rum offers a smooth, sweet spirit with luscious vanilla flavor. Aging in used oak barrels extracts vanilla character over many years. Rums from Venezuela and Guatemala tend to showcase prominent vanilla compared to other origins. Sipping vanilla rum neat allows you to appreciate its aroma and texture. It also elevates many classic and tropical cocktails. With its versatility and indulgent flavor profile, quality vanilla rum makes a valuable addition to any spirit collection.