White rum

White rum — also known as light rum or silver rum, is one of the most versatile spirits in the world, forming the backbone of countless classic and contemporary cocktails. Characterised by its clear appearance, subtle sweetness, and light-bodied profile, white rum is most often produced in the Caribbean and Latin America, though distilleries worldwide now craft their own interpretations.

The base ingredient for white rum is typically molasses, a by-product of sugarcane processing, though some premium examples are made directly from fresh sugarcane juice (particularly in regions influenced by rhum agricole traditions, such as Martinique). The wash is fermented, often using proprietary yeast strains, before being distilled, usually in continuous column stills to produce a lighter, cleaner spirit.

While white rum is often associated with unaged spirit, many producers actually age their rum for a short period — anywhere from a few months to two years — in oak casks before filtering it through charcoal to remove colour while retaining subtle barrel-influenced flavours. This process creates a smoother, more refined spirit than completely unaged rum, without altering its crystal-clear appearance.

In flavour terms, white rum ranges from very mild and clean to fruity, grassy, or floral depending on origin and production method. Lighter examples highlight delicate vanilla, citrus, and sugarcane notes, while more robust styles offer tropical fruit, molasses depth, and subtle spice.

Many renowned rum producers, including Havana Club, Bacardí, Mount Gay, and Plantation, offer white rum expressions, and the craft rum scene has expanded the category with small-batch, unfiltered, and higher-proof bottlings.

Our White Rum selection spans the full spectrum, from soft, mixable Cuban and Puerto Rican rums to grassy agricole blancs and overproof Jamaican powerhouses. Whether you’re building a home bar, perfecting your Daiquiri, or exploring the diversity of sugarcane spirits, white rum is an essential bottle that bridges tradition, versatility, and refreshment.