Do YOU know the Difference between RUM and SPICED RUM? (What is Spiced Rum)

[@StevetheBarmanUK]

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[@jestoshin7903]

ron santisima trinidad 15. Try this rum. Very good one. Please do a. Review as well

[@DaxTheOtter]

i love making spiced rum, though i could never bring myself to buy it. its really simple to make spiced rum, just take a rum you like and add whole spices. the recipe i like to use is for one 700ml bottle of rum: 6 all spice berries (lightly crushed), 1 stick of cinnamon (broken into smaller pieces), about 2oz of sliced fresh ginger, 3 cloves, 8 whole black peppercorns, orange peel (this one is more to taste in my experience, just make sure to use a citrus peeler to not get any white piff with it. i like about two big pulls of peel) and literally just combine everything in with the rum and let it infuse for about a day. its always a good idea to check it every couple hours though to make sure it doesnt get too much spice. i always add 2 teaspoons of demerara sugar as well, but this is optional.

[@michaelhassler7446]

I'm a scotch drinker, but I like darker rums as well. The darker the rum, the more tastier it is to me.

[@insanejughead]

Just imagine if scotch makers started putting sugar in their bottles... Ugh, oh God the horror!

[@iosis2009]

Try OVD sometime, nice and dark

[@liamrogers2152]

@@insanejughead It's called scotch liqueurs ever heard of Drambuie....

[@insanejughead]

@@liamrogers2152 Ah, nice. I've had it, but never considered looking into how it's made. I was more thinking of if scotch makers started putting sugar in it, but kept it labelled as "scotch". Now I want some Drambuie, dang it...

[@BlackMoonGaming]

This does not makes a lot of sense…. Very often the “dark” color is coming from caramel coloring, that is completely flavorless…. Meaning you might find very dark rums that are very young and rums that are aged quite a lot that are just brownish (because they do not have any added colorings). The color is not a good way to categorize rum.

[@Nutwigg1]

Thank you for this informative video. I’m in the states and this was still very helpful. Very factual, right to the point and super easy to understand. The visuals with the sugar in the glasses was extremely effective at explaining things further. Again, thank you for taking the time to educate us.

[@StevetheBarmanUK]

Thanks for watching! Plenty more of those videos here!

[@JLajos]

Yes, the visual reminded me of the scene in Men in Black when the alien cockroach "wearing an 'Edgar suit'" asks for, "Sugar! Give me sugar! In water. More! More!".

[@kevinmoor26]

Most Rum experts I know are unable to make sensible videos due to be unable to stand up. So well done! Myself, I enjoy Calvados and Laphroaig and despite speaking French, German, Norweigan, am still unable to produce a coherent video for other speakers of known languages. The most insidious drinks are cocktails. These paralyse the body from the waist down, so, whilst being able to conduct witty, amusing conversations with others, attempts to reach the Gentlemen's room or leave the table with dignity are fraught with embarrassment. I now comply with my Doctor's advice to keep to four glasses of red wine per day. She hasn't seen my verre a vin grand.

[@JustDrinkingOfficial]

Such a great video! This is something we try to point out as well. Rum is fun! Stop comparing and start enjoying the differences! Well done.

[@StevetheBarmanUK]

That’s the thing, you do have to compare. There just needs to be more clarity. If a Rum has 30g-40g of added Sugar, tell us. If it’s a Spiced Rum and not a “Premium Rum” like Bumbu claims to be, people need to know. It doesn’t matter if you like Spiced or Sweetened Rums, you just need to know what you’re buying!

[@ew1usnr]

I am drinking Kraken on ice while watching this and "Steve the Barman" has me smiling. He really gets excited about rum. I agree with him that rum and spiced rum are two different things that cannot, and should not, be compared.

[@StevetheBarmanUK]

He says Thank you!

[@MikeSmith-qt4pe]

Heh, I'm trying to expand my knowledge of rum and this was quite helpful. I like Black Kracken and just tried Bumbu recently (I also liked it a lot - I found it quite smooth), but now I need to try some traditionals to see where my tastes lie. I did try some Cruzan blackstrap rum (after I found out Kracken isn't considered real black rum), and was quite surprised how much molasses flavor it had. Not horrible once you get accustomed to it, but still a big difference

[@StevetheBarmanUK]

Cool. That’s what it’s all about. Going on a little journey and discovering new stuff you like 👍

[@iceguy1158]

Give zaya, dictator 20 yr a try better than the rest

[@gabriellindig]

Matusalem is my favorite

[@kimblechristie8829]

Ron Matsuleam, Ron Zacappa, El Pasador de Oro all have great varieties. There are so many more to discover. When it comes to spiced, try to discover the different brands that use artificial versus natural flavours.

[@thesherbet]

one of the best bang for buck brands around in my opinion is Flor de Cana, between them and Plantation it's hard to go wrong and your definitely wont break the bank

[@alxfrisina]

This blew my mind! Thank you for this, I’m absolutely a spiced rum guy. Bumbu is definitely a favourite in my house.

[@travismiller7596]

Kraken is the absolute best dark “rum” I’ve ever had. Hands fown

[@matthewhall8790]

I bought a bottle of rum that was rated very high, Plantation OFTD, but it's just not great served neat. I had about 375ml's left, so I decided to turn it into spiced rum. I put it in a jar with a Celestial Seasonings Bengal Spice tea, some orange peel, a few cloves, and half a cinnamon stick. I let it marinade for a couple days, then tasted it. It was pretty damn good. I added some simple syrup to sweeten it up, about a half a cup, and it's delicious. The Kirk and Sweeney 18yo is a great rum that I do enjoy neat.

[@SlurpyDave254]

I've been telling people in the pub for years, brilliant. Morgan spiced gold 35% doesn't even say Rum on the bottle. Nice one Steve

[@StevetheBarmanUK]

Haha, yeah. I mean, Capt Morgs... we ALL grew up on it. it's a great entry to "Rum" but it is really waaaay down as the first rung of the ladder!

[@Piface2099]

Never had rum outside of a hurricane, but gotta love the enthusiasm

[@johndavis7944]

Thanks for this. I've always found spiced rums a bit on the candy store flavour side of things. Nice to know how to identify them from each other. Cheers 👍😀

[@StevetheBarmanUK]

Thanks for watching John. Glad I helped.

[@jeromebreeding3302]

I like Sailor Jerry's 92 proof spiced rum. Rather alarmed that according to your comments. is not truly rum, but won't stop my buying it.

[@johndavis7944]

@@jeromebreeding3302 I have a bottle of the Sailor Jerry Spiced 80 proof that's been sitting around for years unopened. It just seems to get pushed aside as other Rum and Spirits make their way.

[@jeromebreeding3302]

@@johndavis7944 Never have seen Sailor Jerry 80 proof, always 92 proof. It's a winner in my book.

[@johndavis7944]

@@jeromebreeding3302 Maybe it's just for the Australian 🇦🇺 market. Specialist whiskey sellers have all sorts of proofs not usually seem on the regular grog seller's lists.

[@HippoOnABicycle]

I've only just recently discovered that I like Kraken, after a lifetime of there not being any hard liqours I enjoy drinkin neat. For some reason drinking rum neat never occured to me, I always just saw it as an ingredient in rum & coke. I now have a bottle of Diplomatico in the cabinet that I haven't tried yet. I look forward to trying different kinds. I suspect I'll prefer the spiced rums as I have a sweet tooth, but want to give the traditionals a fair try.

[@chocol8thunda]

Spiced rum is an old thing here in Canada. Spiced rum, ginger ale and lime...Castro. Delicious. Bumbu is my fave. Just finished a bottle.

[@jasont659]

Fascinating video. I had no idea spice rums had so much more sugars in it verse traditional. Favorite rum, I would have to point out that nice Appleton 12 year old is my go to. Last trip to Jamaica I picked up a 15 year old Appleton which was amazing. Maybe will get the 21 or 30 next time, I can hope lol.

[@StevetheBarmanUK]

Haha. I would live 21 and 30yo bottles!!!

[@NorthernAnt]

Really liked this, just what I’ve been looking for

[@hotrocks881]

Thank you for being very informative and a joy to watch

[@StevetheBarmanUK]

Thank YOU for watching! 🤗

[@adrianwahl5107]

Thanks mate. Very important to explain these insights. Highly appreciated Steve

[@StevetheBarmanUK]

Glad you enjoyed it Adrian!

[@alexanderricketts1349]

As a fan of chairman reserve you must try their spiced rum… on the rocks with a splash of chairman’s original is amazing

[@TheRiverPirate13]

I LOVE your rum collection behind you mate! The rum industry is still the wild, wild west and there is simply no internationally recognized classification that other spirits seem to enjoy (example Tequila). It seems to be left up to the countries of origin where it was distilled. Now that is getting convoluted when that rum gets barreled and aged in a different country where something might be added post distilling. I like how you classify Spiced rum as flavored rum. Very simple and to the point! I have a long list of rums that have undergone hydrometer tests which is helpful to determining if anything was "added" after the distilling process like sugar. When I review rums on video it is one of the things I as a Pirate touch on (purity test, lol)! I think there should be required "honest" labels on rums regarding ingredients added that is internationally agreed upon. I am a huge fan of Flor de Cana (yes, they got caught with dubious aging statements) as it is a real rum. Enjoyed the video!

[@exidy-yt]

Wow, amazed that spiced rum is such a 'new' trend in the U.K., it's been a thing for a good 20 years over here in Canada. Mostly on the holidays especially Thanksgiving, and Christmas in spiced rum eggnoggs.Great comparison of what 'Rum' is and is not, though!

[@StevetheBarmanUK]

Well, it's not "new". Don't forget the UK was very first with Spiced Rum... Capt Morgs Spiced waaaaaaay back in the day. We've always had tonnes of Spiced. Waaaaay more than you Canadians. 😉😂 ( I know that cos of the Canadians in my Discord....still pee's me off that you pay half the price though, so you lot win that battle!). Like even 5+ years ago, we had 40-50 readily available. However, NOW... we're closed to 500+ Spiced Rums in the UK. Like proper Brands. Not people at home. So that's what I mean by "New Trend". Purely something that's in a massive growth phase! But, we're also getting LOADS of Spirit Drinks and Flavoureds now. Thats why the line is getting blurry. Bit of a minefield!

[@orellaminx3530]

Wait a year and Brits will be claiming they invented and gave Spiced Rum to the world.

[@HardRockRock12345]

Interesting video and new information for me. I know from trying out some spiced rums that they are very different from normal rums and not my thing. Rum is my favorite spirit drink and I do wish to expand my knowledge on them.

[@diamondflaw]

(just starting out the video) In my mind Spiced Rum is to Rum as Schnapps is to Whiskey.

[@nicktheflybradley]

Hi Steve, thank you very much for this Very Interesting and detailed explanation of the differences between Rum and spiced non-rum spirits. I have, as previously mentioned, a good armoury of both, though all at the affordable end, up to £30. I shall check every bottle I’ve got tomorrow morning and label them so as to easily know the sugar content in future. Well done! Nick from York

[@StevetheBarmanUK]

Glad it was helpful Nick! happy NY.

[@LarsonChristopher]

Sailor Jerry + Coke is my go to mixed drink. Appleton Estate reserve I sip like good tequila

[@marcuscostello5635]

They changed sailor jerry a few years ago and it sucks ass now

[@ColossalKiwi]

Fantastic video, Steve. I really appreciate the fact that you weren't pushing an agenda of "spiced rums bad"

[@StevetheBarmanUK]

Thanks!! I’ll admit my palate is changing massively every week…becoming less Sweet. BUT I still love my Spiced and Flavoured. They’re fun, you can’t deny that.

[@fairwind8222]

Great video! Ever some of the best bartenders need to watch this

[@StevetheBarmanUK]

Ha. Thanks for the kind words 🤗

[@stephane.foisy.186]

Great details and information. Funny enough the North American Kraken(the 47abv) is listed (as per Kraken) at 19g of sugar per 1000ml. So different regions different stuff in the bottle, which may have some contributing factor to the global views / opinons. Personally I love them all as well and when used in a cocktail the flavour and sugar content needs to be thought about to get the desired balance.

[@StevetheBarmanUK]

Yeah, see i can't find the UK figures... but ours is 40% and i wouldn't mind betting you a lot sweeter for the UK market...or at least a lot more Sugar.

[@simonbragg5888]

Excellent video, very informative, clear and concise. The only question I have relates to a comment you made. You said, "spiced rum needs proper rum, in the same way proper rum needs spiced rum". Whilst I understand the fact that spiced rum needs proper rum, I don't see how proper rum in any way needs spiced rum? Keep up the good work. 👍

[@StevetheBarmanUK]

Ha, soz, yeah I didn't make that Clear. Now this is just my viewpoint... but one shared by many...MANY...people as well. While some Rum Distilleries claim "they're doing okay" of course, the vast majority actually sell Rum for other people to Buy up and blend. For example, take Worthy Park who only just recently have released their own label Rums. For the bulk of their life span, other Rum/Spiced Rum brands will have been buying up their aged stuff. So for the vast majority of these Rum Distilleries to keep making a decent money and grow, they obviously need more and more Rum Brands to buy up their Rum. Step forward Spiced Rum. Because with the exception of maybe 10-12 UK Brands...all the other 400+ Spiced Rum brands (which will grow HUGELY over the next 1-2 years) will be buying Rum from Distilleries all over the Caribbean and beyond. So the simple fact is, proper Rum distilleries need all these other Brands to buy their stuff to survive. Granted, Foursquare, Appleton and the like don't. But they are the lucky few. Take DDL... Demerara Distillers Ltd. Essentially El Dorado Rum. I read somewhere that only 10% of their Business is actually from El Dorado. The other 90% of their Rum is bought up by other Rum Brands. And I can name 7 BIG Spiced/Flavoured Rum brands in the UK alone that use DDL Rum as the base of their Spiced Rum. Thats without looking a the likes of Plantation Rum who will have single handily kept some Rum Distillers afloat over the last few years. Okay...that is another Rum Brand. Not Spiced. BUT. Rum Geeks hate on Plantation. But the fact is, Plantation puts a shed load of money back into the Rum economy and help smaller Rum Distillers make a living! This is what people don't see. they don't see all the "Contract Distilling" I guess you'd call it that goes on behind the scenes. Just putting Barbados & Jamaica together, you have 9 Rum Distilleries I think it is. But the vast majority of people will maybe have only heard of 4-5. Maybe less. Yet, all us Spiced Rum fans will have tasted most of the Rum from all 9 Distilleries in some shape of form! Hope that helps.

[@simonbragg5888]

@@StevetheBarmanUK That helps hugely and your logic makes a lot of sense to me. Spiced Rum is clearly the flavour of the day just now, so if Spiced Rum is what it takes to ensure that "proper rum" survives at sensible prices, then it gets my vote.

[@christinahaddrell2110]

Thank you for the straight forward info. I’m in canada but born in bristol, missing the UK. Be safe.

[@StevetheBarmanUK]

Thanks for watching Christina 🫶

[@manuprum5585]

This is a very interesting and informative video. Man Up Rum contains no colourants, flavourants, sugars, glycerine, caramel or any other obscuration and we have shown that real (unadulterated) rum does not need help. Sugars are added to round off flavours, to break the "bite" of certain spices added to spiced rums and gins, to make it palatable. Many spiced liquors would be barely drinkable without the added sugars.

[@StevetheBarmanUK]

Thanks for sharing! Intriguing Rum! If it ever makes its way to the UK, give me a shout!

[@neilpaterson526]

What a fantastic vid ! Thank you as a life long rum fan I had no idea of the difference !

[@StevetheBarmanUK]

Cheers for watching Neil!! 👍👍

[@teucer915]

If you're moving from spiced rum to rum, consider a ti' punch: rum (classically agricole), served with a couple wedges of lime and a bottle of simple syrup. The rule is "every man makes his own death", meaning it's up to the drinker to add the syrup and lime to taste; a good guideline is a teaspoon of simple and a squeeze of lime for two ounces (55cL) of rum, but if you like it sweeter, no shade. Maybe that's how you'll fall in love with a rum.

[@StevetheBarmanUK]

Yeah good shout. It’s deffo how I started with Agricole at least.

[@hansepansnl2481]

Very informative video. Learned a lot. Thank you!

[@pinstripeowl]

This was really interesting! I'm definitely a spiced rum {drink} kind of person, but I didn't know the true label difference involved

[@richardhart7652]

Well they say you learn something new everyday, very informative

[@jonathanscoggins5868]

My favorite is Sailor Jerry's, i do not see any behind you though!!! :D

[@StevetheBarmanUK]

Sailor Jerry in the UK is pretty terrible. Totally different to the US version. Very ethanolly, not too smooth…and there’s easily a good 200+ spiced Rums better than it now. Shame, cos SJ 1.0, the pre 2010 version was great.

[@jonathanscoggins5868]

@@StevetheBarmanUK That is a shame! I am sure it is different then, it is super sweet over here and taste like vanilla to me :D Thank you very much for the insight! :) p.s. My dad was stationed at Croughton for 4yrs so i grew up in Warwickshire in Priors Hardwick in the early 80's I love it over there!!! :)

[@NOLAGent1]

It is all in the application of the booze so I want to know will it be consumed alone or mixed into a cocktail of some sort? I can enjoy sipping on straight rum or spiced rum while if I am going to be mixing it then one or the other could he a better choice depending on the ingredients to be used.

[@RobsHomeBar]

Great video Steve! Very informative! ....(insert snobby comment about Malibu :P)

[@StevetheBarmanUK]

hahah.... for info, Malibu is roughly 180g of Sugar per litre!

[@maheshmistry3698]

Thanks for doing this video. I've been drinking"spiced" rum without really putting any thought into why I like it. This was a a really fascinating and simple explanation. Now I want to go and try some non spiced rum. Thank you!

[@StevetheBarmanUK]

Glad you enjoyed it! That was my sole intention! Look it's awesome if you love Spiced. I too LOVE spiced Rum. But i know the differences and can pick if a Rum is going to be sweet or not.

[@danielboger9751]

I’m more of a Bacardi superior and coke guy, however wife and I will also drink spiced rum, I definitely need to venture out and try other rums, one of them that’s on my list is diplomatico, and thoughts or suggestions??

[@pendarricrolynd7444]

Appleton Estate 8 yr

[@davidneville4951]

Huge fan of the Ron Zacapa 23. So very easy to drink. Not sure where it sits in the sugar levels but it’s sweet without being overly so

[@davidneville4951]

Ha. And after looking it up it’s got about 25grams per litre. So clearly on the sweet side

[@StevetheBarmanUK]

Ha. Yeah. And it’s obvs not a 23yo Rum either. No where close cos it’s Solera!! There’s a Law Suit currently going on against them and Diageo. So you could see it rebranded soon (maybe and properly as a 6 month old Rum Based Spirit Drink). And hopefully a huge price drop cos it ain’t worth even close to what it sells for. But that’s Marketing. 😉 Politics aside though. Just liquid. Look it’s okay. Very much in the Don Papa category. Heavily sweetened. I enjoy a cheeky one every now and again. And actually I would say it was an entry point to real Rum. But just be prepared for less sweet stuff if you go down that route. I’d have a lot more respect for it, if it was £20-£25 a bottle and was honest about what it was. Cos it isn’t Rum. But if it went in the Spiced/Flavoured category…it’s a Banger. (And just for Ref…Don Papa is pretty much the same, but the likes of Waitrose and M&S DO sell it as Spiced/Flavoured. Like Bumbu. They know it’s not Rum). 👍👍

[@davidneville4951]

@@StevetheBarmanUK thanks for the reply. Yeah. Bit disappointed to find out more about it the more I have been digging into it. But then if it means a price drop then perhaps the disappointment is worth it 🤷‍♂️😉

[@davidneville4951]

@@StevetheBarmanUK what would you recommend as a taster for entry level rum that is on the sweeter side? Granted won’t be at same level of sweetness as the Zacapa but kind of close ? 🤷‍♂️

[@_-_-_-Prof.BoskoBiathi-_-_-_]

Hey steve,.fabulous video,.btw, what kind of drink is DON PAPA for ya?? Spiced one? Did u try Remedy spiced rum,.Remedy elixir?? I like it,..especially the elixir

[@StevetheBarmanUK]

Don Papa is something in Rum World that we all consider as Spiced/Flavoured. However, it's not really marketed liek that, so Newbs to Rum probably consider it Rum. And no...not had Remedy.

[@Texasjr93]

Wish I saw this before. I love Diplomatico Rum, first rum I ever bought and ever tried. Bought a captain Morgan to try a different rum(I am a whiskey kinda guy). Absolutely could not finish Captain Morgan. Tasted awful. Gave it to a friend who loves spiced rum.

[@harry9392]

Some useless info when I was a young soldier we used to get tea laced with Rum on Christmas day , And I have been to the Appleton distillery in Jamaica, very nice

[@brentstevenson2563]

I have in my little mini-bar some Bacardi 8, Appleton Estate 8, Dorado 12, Sailor Jerry and Kraken... for some reason I can't do white rums, it has to be golden or dark since I prefer them to be sweet and thanks to you, now I know why I like my darker rums!!!

[@StevetheBarmanUK]

Glad I helped Brent. Stick with us. And tune in one Sunday night for a Live Stream. They’re great fun 🤗

[@robertpearce2244]

I’m in New Zealand and this was fascinating! Thanks! I might even open my bottle of RNZN Rum…! Cheers!

[@craigstone2736]

Great information video. Now for some Rum cocktails Steve? Or spiced rum 🤔😆🍸👌👍😎

[@Digicide]

Very informative video, and appreciated too! I had no idea about the EU regulations on what can be called what. I personally appreciate both, each has their place and are amazing 😊

[@StevetheBarmanUK]

Cheers for watching Ben. Happy NY

[@simonwalmsley7670]

Thanks for this, it was really helpful! 😊

[@venomada1]

What an amazing rum collection in the background

[@StevetheBarmanUK]

Thanks, It grows by 2-5 every week!

[@klatchabobby]

One of the reasons why I think I like Captain Morgan's spiced rum is because of the lower sugar compared to other spiced rums. Pretty sure it fits in the normal rum metric of 20g of sugar per litre, if not going just slightly over it. It's just under 1g per 45ml

[@StevetheBarmanUK]

Capt Morgs is most of our Entry points to Rum, I can't deny that. And yeah, you're right about Sugar Levels, the normal Spiced is circa 15g per litre and the Black is 20g per litre. The only problem is the normal Spiced is just 35% ABV and is pretty meh in taste. There's just nothing going on with it...not even "Rum" taste, which does make it a great entry point. We don't get the Black in the UK, but i do hear good things about it.

[@treyokelly3520]

In the US, when you ask someone if they like rum, they’ll say yes and list a spiced rum and I get sad. Lol but it’s often because rum is misunderstood

[@StevetheBarmanUK]

Yeah. Half the reason I made the video. Cheers for watching 👍

[@paulwalker242]

Awesome video!! Thank You. I learned

[@kayvaanshr1ke]

Plantation OFTD is my go to. I love it. Along with Mount Gay Black Barrel as my top 2 picks

[@StevetheBarmanUK]

What a Rum that is!! the OFTD. Although confession... MGBB... i've never had i don't think. Perhaps my perception of Eclipse has stopped me from trying it!

[@john-leehulme8239]

Hi Steve, I'm wondering is the sugar they use just white sugar? Or can they use any type of sugar in rum? I thi k spiced rum can be any, kit from ninefolds if I'm not mistaken uses golden syrup.

[@StevetheBarmanUK]

Hey John-Lee... yeah thats another thing i didn't delve down to be honest as I wanted to keep that video concise as possible. If I was a betting man, I'd say less than 5% actually used White granulated sugar as a Syrup... and even then I'm only talking about the Cheaper UK Brands. it was just a visual, less messy, indicator to use on screen. You certainly wouldn't get the quality Rum Producers using it. A lot will use proper Sugar Cane Syrup... So not refined Sugar like the White stuff in my video (or homemade Simple Syrup). That'll be at the very least, 75% of the Proper Rum brands. But Probably maybe even up in the high 90%. You will get a few that use Molasses...or Treacle. Espesh Demerara Rums. Then as you rightly say, yeah I have read that Kit uses Golden Syrup. I know of 2 brands that use Honey... and another Brand that actually uses Agave. HOWEVER, As far as i understand it, the Law only says "sweetener". I don't think it actually clarifies what that Sweetener can be. But I'm not 100% on that. I may have missed that. For example, this is where it gets sketchy, While I know that 2 brands use Honey...I don't know whether that actually ceases to become Rum, even if it's under 20g/l. Simply because... and this would deffo go for Kit too... Honey, Agave and Golden Syrup WILL be a "flavour". And I know for a Fact you can not add Flavour. So from then, it ceases to be known as a Rum, and is a "Rum based Spirit Drink". So I'm not 100% sure how/if they get away with that. Because the only sweetener that will not impart flavour is proper Sugar Cane Syrup, or the Demerara/Molasses. That is as far as my knowledge goes on that subject I'm afraid. I mean it's tough, cos at a base level, I don't really care. If it tastes good, Job Done. BUT, at some level, to appreciate the skill and labour of love involved, we do need to be protective of the Proper Rums. This is why there needs to be a GI. Cos we do need to know the difference if its a Rum, or a Spirit Drink. At least we know then what we're drinking, and what other similar Brands will appeal to us.

[@john-leehulme8239]

@@StevetheBarmanUK brilliant reply Steve 👏 like you 8 agree if it tastes good and you buy another bottle then what does it matter what they use. I feel for some rums though they have a metallic taste to them and I find it hard to get past it to find other flavours. Rum is the next gin 🙂

[@MrGrombie]

What are the brands that use 200g of sugar per liter? You brought up a solid question I wish you would have answered.

[@davidvincent1093]

Thank you I did not know. I am here across the pond and I am an Irishman that usually only drinks TILLAMORE DEW but I have wondered about spiced rum since my wife likes it. So now that you have explained it I will stay with my homelands whiskey and leave the foo foo drinks to the ladies

[@StevetheBarmanUK]

Hahaha. Well at least try proper Rum, you’ll love it!!!

[@yakovendelman7659]

Did you mean Tullamore dew?

[@Auriorium]

For mixing drinks I would mix a spiced rum like Kraken with a rum like Appleton. But I need to find an Appleton in my country, it looks like they no longer ship here.

[@locovinnie]

What Jamaican or black rum do you recommend they make a good rum in Fiji called bounty

[@StevetheBarmanUK]

stay tuned to the channel... Feb 1st Video will be PROPER UP YOUR STREET!!!! 😉 Not heard of a Fiji Rum called Bounty. But obvs St Lucia Distillers "Cheaper Brand" under Chairmans Reserve is Bounty Rum. So had that many times! Really good.

[@wairari]

Ty for the info. Am a rum lover for a very long time...Spiced rum to be precise! ..but now that I know about sugar content I will be more mindful in buying any rum!

[@StevetheBarmanUK]

Glad to help. Just note, i didn't say any of that for Health reasons... but that is ultimately a reason to be mindful, of course. I said it purely to help people distinguish between the sweetness of PROPER RUM versus SPICED & FLAVOURED RUM.

[@wairari]

@@StevetheBarmanUK yes I got it. Am on keto diet that's why I said that.. i shouldnt even be drinking but on my cheat days I will choose wisely:)

[@tmorente]

Wow learned something new! That’s a ton of sugar! I personally like the captains black spiced rum. The taste of it is enjoyable and on more relaxed days, I like to add some to my coffee.

[@madcarew5168]

Don't know if it's still there but in the 80s working out of Arbroath there was a bar with a selection like your background and double shelves stacked with'rum' bottles all around the walls.Used to drink Pussers&water...Lots of..Happy daze!!!

[@StevetheBarmanUK]

Haha, yeah, I'd love a Bar like that locally. I mean its nice to have them at home. But it'd be great to get stuck in Sat at a Bar making new friends!

[@thatbusinesstrainer1414]

Have you tried Dark Rum Raisin ice cream from The Mobberley Ice Cream Company? Hard to find, only up north...but the absolutely best thing ever. They soak the raisins in dark rum for at least a week, and then make the creamiest ice cream ever with it...incredible. Apparently its the only ice cream company in the northwest that makes real ice cream; no stabilisers or emulsifiers...just milk/cream/sugar. Can you tell I'm obsessed? LOL

[@StevetheBarmanUK]

You might become my Favvy!! LOVE Rum and Raisin Ice Cream. Living in Cambridge, I don’t get it that much, but being Cornish, I do have to give a big shout to Kellys. (Although don’t tell them, I love New Forest too). But “Dark Rum” and Raisin does sound a bit next level.

[@thatbusinesstrainer1414]

@@StevetheBarmanUK Mobberley Ice Cream is the only brand currently being made the old fashioned way; milk/cream/sugar and NO emulsifiers, stabilisers or powders. It is truly next level. The Heavenly Vanilla Bean is mind bloiwing BUT the Milky Milk Chocolate is unlike anything you've ever had before. Seriously. I didnt know ice cream could be this good (especially in the UK!)) Give it a try!

[@racerx8410712]

For spiced I've been on a Black Magic bender for sometime. I mix it with apple cider and heat it up for the perfect simple task winter drink! You can also add some buttered rum ingredients. I also like Cruzan 9 spice, Blackheart, Bacardi Gold for its smoky ness and Krakkwn if its on sale. In the Rum category I don't have much experience but my wife and I went to the Dominican and went to the Bruegal factory. The extra Viejo is spendy but so so good. I like its earthy flavor. Great vid! I'll probably shoot for for Rums now because I don't want to drink so much sugar.

[@foosmonkey]

I’m in the plantation rum camp (big Barbancourt fan). But Kraken is fun.

[@s000mable]

I first found rum when I went to the Dominican 20 odd years ago! There was also a rum they had that was so high % it was not allowed on flight home.

[@azraelvrykolakas157]

When I realized aimlessly picking out a whiskey bottle wasn't right for me, kracken was the first thing I chose, but I definitely feel that white rum goes down smoother.

[@StevetheBarmanUK]

Sooooo many Rums. I'm deffo a White Rum in a Daq guy. But love my Aged Rums for neat sipping.

[@haydensmall8826]

Great video lots of info . And loving the barney rubble

[@StevetheBarmanUK]

Thanks 👍 Think it's here to stay! It's grown on me... Pun may or may not be intended!

[@brianpetch9534]

Good info. Now I get it. Thanks!

[@Geeboy8978]

Great video again Steve! Still teaching me & love my teacher! (Ben in Ibiza 🙌🏻)

[@StevetheBarmanUK]

Cheers Ben! Hope all is well in Beefa? Hopefully warmer and drier than it is here (Sitting here in 5 layers including 2 hoodies and a Jumper! 😂)

[@MrColinteale]

Thanks Steve, very informative. After 2 years + of rolled over holidays, we hopefully will be travelling to Jamaica 🇯🇲 soon. We intend to drink lots of rum and get involved with in a rum tasting day on the island. I love a dark and stormy, do you have any suggestions on what we should try? Many thanks 🙏

[@StevetheBarmanUK]

Yeah, I’ve done a few videos on this. Actually as dull as it sounds, if you’re going to Jamaica, Myers for a D&S. or Worthy 109. Dark/Black Rums suit me better with Ginger. BUT. Neat…Appletons 8,12,25. Worthy Single Barrel, ANY Hampdens. Just try it all. 😂

[@-__-4186]

I am in love with aged Rums, by gifting Abuelo XII Two Oaks i also shared my passion with friend and my next gift is Abuelo XV cask finish triple set :) My fav was Dictador XO Perpetual. I am too sweet myself to drink spiced rums, somehow they do not stick to me. But in drink from time to time... why not!

[@stevenwillox6768]

Great video Steve! Dropping a few informative facts there

[@StevetheBarmanUK]

Cheers Steven! Just thought it'd help people!

[@stevenwillox6768]

@@StevetheBarmanUK I’m sure it will. Helped me at least. Didn’t realise some spiced rums were quite as heavy on the sugar as they apparently are!

[@mitchshort3637]

Makes perfect sense, to be considered "spiced rum", just add sugar. Should've guessed that from the start.

[@Danholland20]

Think I have just found my new favourite spiced rum it's called Bullion and comes in a gold coloured bottle 👌

[@hermesxpectro1700]

Very good information, very helpful, i like Diplomático aged, the one in the green bottle, is that one considered spiced rum or rum? It tastes similar to spiced rum but it doesn,t say on the label,

[@StevetheBarmanUK]

The Reserva?? Yeah it’s technically NOT Rum cos of the Sugar levels, but for all intensive purposes, yeah, treat it as Rum…just a sweet one.

[@Decommissioning-this-channel]

Steve!! Great educational stuff mate, geez that's a frightening amount of sugar involved, it's good to know what we're getting ourselves involved with, great video, cheers mate 🍻🥃

[@StevetheBarmanUK]

Glad you enjoyed it mate!

[@christophe9602]

Compagnie des Indes makes a spiced rum with minimal sugar added if you're not into the sugar-bombs. It's my go-to spiced rum. Not that I'm snobbish about tum, I just don't really care for most sweet drinks.

[@blacksquirrel4008]

Good to see you’ve Flor de Caña on your shelf

[@StevetheBarmanUK]

Yeah love it. Which one is your Favourite??

[@blacksquirrel4008]

@@StevetheBarmanUK used to buy the 10 year old dark for $2 a quart down in Honduras. So smooth.

[@johnperis2161]

Thank you for this helpful and enlightening information. It’s kinda like finding out Santa isn’t real.

[@StevetheBarmanUK]

Wait what??! Who delivers my Pressies on Christmas Day??

[@markthomas3081]

Then we add 30ml of sugar syrup to our rum cocktails 🤯🥳🤣. Great explanation though 👌👍

[@StevetheBarmanUK]

Ha, yeah.. i get ya, but actually, probably 75% of all Rum and Spiced etc is consumed Neat. well at least 50%... But don't forget, when making Cocktails, you won't need to add as much Sugar to Spiced Rum cocktails...as you will normal Rum.

[@dkmphotography_co_uk]

BIG Rum fan... but just enjoyed them all differently for their own flavours etc. & did NOT know the reasoning behind the differences. 🙌 I'm smarter than I was 8min ago!! 🍹 Cheers

[@StevetheBarmanUK]

Haha, thanks for watching! Hopefully it'll help you know which camp you sit in, so you can try other "Rums" similar to what you already love, no matter what they are. I just get fed up with the Kraken lovers slating Real Rums... then the real Rum Lovers slating Spiced Rum. They're just totally different products. Comparing them is like comparing a Ferrari and a Train. They're both methods of transport, but that's where the similarities stop! 😂

[@dkmphotography_co_uk]

@@StevetheBarmanUK Good analogy, hate the polarised camps mentality... Different drinks to appreciate in their own way.

[@lolzguyl]

Sadly, yes. I try to steer people away from Captain Morgan and toward plantation aged dark/white whenever I work the floor. Not only do I think it's a better spirit, it's bloody cheaper too!

[@censusgary]

A while ago, I bought the bottle in your thumbnail- Kraken Spiced “Rum.” My expectations were not super-high, yet I was still disappointed. It tasted sweet, but didn’t have much rum flavor, and it wasn’t notably spicy, either. The other spiced “Rum” I’ve tried is Captain Morgan. It tastes more like cola or cream soda than rum. No wonder those pirates of old were so angry. My advice is, if you want spiced rum, get a bottle of good rum, and put your own spices in it.

[@dylynblue9864]

Captain Morgan black is the only one I'll buy from them. It's like 47%, uses black strap molasses, and isn't expensive. Really good stuff.

[@starmc26]

@@dylynblue9864 Nah... Get Captain Morgan 100. 100 proof captain Morgan, it's amazing.

[@dylynblue9864]

How much is it though? You can get a 1.75 of captain black for under $30 where I am. If I'm spending over $30 a bottle I'm for sure getting good scotch or bourbon, not rum.

[@starmc26]

@@dylynblue9864 where i am, it's about 29 US Dollars for a handle (1.75L)

[@censusgary]

@@dylynblue9864 Not long ago, I bought a 1.75-liter bottle of Flor de Cana, a very decent rum, for about $20. It’s not the best rum I’ve ever tasted, but it’s much better than Captain Morgan or Kraken. So if you want cheap rum whose inferior quality is disguised by sugar and flavorings, which is what I take “spiced rum” to be, you can buy it for even less (Flor de Cana is far from the cheapest brand out there), and doctor it with spices yourself. But if you want good rum with spices, start with a good bottle of rum.

[@johndavis7944]

Ok, now that we've sorted rum from spiced rum (men from the boys so to speak) what is the shelf life of standard rum and spiced rum?? I have a few standard and spiced that I've had for a while, well years that have been kept in a dark medium low temperature unopened. Then there's the open bottles capped and corked in the cabinets kept at room temperature. Thanks Steve in advance.

[@StevetheBarmanUK]

In all honestly, it depends. You’ve covered most of the bases. But there’s also the age thing. Even normal rum will change over time. (A long time). But Spiced and Flavoured also runs the risk due to synthetic spices. There’s no right or wrong. But keeping them in a cool dark room stands the best chance of keeping them for years.

[@Robertbrown08049]

I drink a lot of Cruzan flavored rum (Mango, banana, pineapple). What can you tell me about those? I think that I may be ready to look beyond those.

[@StevetheBarmanUK]

Hey Robert, Cruzan is not a brand we get in the UK. But, if they are like other Brands...like Bacardi for example, then these are not Rums. Merely "Rum Liqueurs". I assume they'll be about 20-25% ABV. which means they won't even be "Flavoured Rum". Now there's nothing wrong with that at all... but "looking beyond them" will take you up into proper Rum world, which will bring a lot let sugar, meaning less sweetness. So be prepared for a Palate Shock! Even a "Flavoured Rum" at say 37.5% to 44% ABV will have somewhat less sweetness and obvs more of a Kick that these. But i suggest just looking at a few decent Cheaper Brands like Appleton, Mount Gay, maybe a few Puerto Rican Rums (assuming your US, so won't get Cuban?) then just try with a Mixer of choice. Keep doing that until you work up to some really good Rums... Appleton 8, Chairmans Reserve, El Dorado etc etc.

[@Robertbrown08049]

Thanks for the reply. I have seen both Appleton and Mount Gay in the store so I will try those. Just an FYI Cruzan is from St Croix, Virgin Islands and the bottle says 21% alcohol and that it is crafted with natural flavors. No indication of sugar content. I sip it because the taste is very good but as I say I am ready to dive into real rums.

[@thomasjenkins5727]

Useful video. I wonder if the stuff I've tried was spiced rum... it was sickeningly sweet to me.

[@antoniolopes4675]

Hey steve love your videos! One question: any ideas on why the word RUM disappeared from the kraken label? All the best! Keep uploading!

[@StevetheBarmanUK]

Good question! I hadn't noticed. In fact, I think i would've heard about that nugget if it had. Are you sure?!!? I mean honestly, it is a "Rum Based Spirit Drink" not a Rum. But with clever wording, they can have Rum somewhere on the Labels.

[@berelinde]

I enjoy spice in a rum cocktail, but I prefer to control the specific spices and the sugar content. Using real rum in combination with homemade spice syrups and liqueurs gives me more flexibility than reaching for the Captain. They're easy to make, and good for more than just cocktails. A splash of cinnamon syrup transforms a glass of grapefruit juice or a cup of tea...or even buttered toast.

[@Inklenation]

Appleton over ice with cloudy apple juice for me!. Spiced rum is lolly water.

[@evanbennett9667]

Ya just made every Australian bar sell less kraken. Thank you.

[@LooneyZRJ]

Surprised to not see O.V.D on your shelf of rums. During my seagoing days, I got to know a lot of Caribbean rums, our "ship rum" was Four Bells, that was wonderful stuff, if diluted a bit. My favourite these days is O.V.D which in my opinion is like a fine whisky, lots of flavours in there and too good to drown as a mixer I am not a great fan of Appelton Estate and Mount Gay rums as a neat drink. Used to be on Geest Line banana boats where a bottle of Appleton or Mount Gay was all of 50p. I do agree about Spiced rums as they to cover up the flavour of the real stuff.

[@StevetheBarmanUK]

Not a huge OVD fan if I’m honest. I’ve just done a Black Rum video on the channel, you should check that out. They deffo have a place. Great to have in your collection. But very Sweet and Caramelly. Amazing with Coke and Ginger Beer though. Sipping neat though, my palate is really developing. Loving the higher aged Appletons for example. 8/12/15yo. Guyana Rums are also really great. El Dorado 12yo is great. Mix of Demerara and kinda Black Rum.

[@fatbeard8072]

Wow, very informative. Thank you! I prefer RUM all the time and then my Whiskey's then Vodka's. I had no idea about the sugar levels which I do need to keep an eye out for health reasons. I just bought a place and still organizing but I am eventually going to make a little bar system and I will definitely look towards your video's for advice.

[@StevetheBarmanUK]

Cheers for watching 👍

[@joecolletti]

Thanks Steve, enjoyed that. Sounds like Spiced Rums are the proper rum's wilder cousins. Where would you say Blackstrap Rums fall? I just tried one for the first time and enjoyed it.

[@StevetheBarmanUK]

It depends. Blackstrap Rums are just from Blackstrap Molasses. I can't name too many Brands. BUT... I can guarantee, Some WILL have Sugar added, and some WON'T. but without researching no idea which brands!

[@cowboywoodard2569]

Good video my friend!!

[@MrGrombie]

I do like rum tbh. I am Polish, but vodka is a bit harder to drink.

[@saxon6]

Rum is fun. Words to live by.