Move over gin - white rum is on the rise

Caleb Simpson, Managing Director of Simpson’s Beverages, on the rise of white rum

White rum is tipped to replace gin as the spirit of choice for many.

Sales of all varieties of rum are growing around the world, and are forecast to reach $21.5bn by 2028, as reported by The Food People. In the UK, sales of rum topped £1bn in 2022, according to Nielsen IQ, making it the fastest growing spirits category

The age-old spirit holds appeal for all drinkers thanks to its broad flavour profiles, ranging from spicy and botanical to floral and fruity

Of the dark, light, spiced and golden varieties, though, white rums are arguably the most versatile Which is one of the range of reasons why we’re now seeing white rum leading the charge

White rum is already well-loved when mixed with lime, coconut or cola mixers It can work just as well with tonic water too Its neutral palette gives it some edge over its juniper-based predecessor, able to be easily elevated with extra flavours So we think ‘R&T’ could soon be the new G&T

Increasing interest in global spirits has also been helping rum Flavoured varieties of dark and spiced rums have paved the way for RTD rums Bacardi is already selling RTDs and flavoured rums and ‘spiked’ coconut waters are also on offer We think this sets out the stall for more fruity, floral or herby additions to white rums

Bold tropical flavours are the obvious additions for flavoured rums – like passionfruit or pineapple Big flavours can be created with botanicals like basil, chamomile, or hibiscus too And subtler fruit tastes work just as well - pear or watermelon can create softer, more sophisticated white rum cocktails.

Drinkers have become familiar with flavoured rums, perhaps most notably from Dead Man’s Fingers’ eye-catching varieties This familiarity is another factor working in white rum’s favour

And classic white rum-based cocktails like Mojitos, Daiquiris and Pina Coladas mean everyone from experienced professionals to adventurous amateur mixologists are used to reaching for the spirit White rum can be the base for both sweet, creamy cocktails or classy, clarified rum-based cocktails We’re now expecting to see more white rum cocktails creep onto menus this year

Simpson’s Beverages develop and manufacture liquid flavour compounds for spirits, liqueurs and ready to drink cocktails

Visit: www simpsonsbeverages com/ flavour-compounds-for-alcoholic-drinks/

For further information: www simpsonsbeverages com