What are the flavors often found in a typical rum?

Rum is primarily derived from sugarcane or molasses, which contributes to its characteristic sweetness. The fermentation and aging processes further enhance this sweetness, introducing complexity to the flavor profile. In many rums, especially those that are aged, you will often find notes of vanilla and caramel resulting from the interaction with wooden barrels during maturation. This combination of sweetness, vanilla, and caramel is fundamentally what defines a typical rum and distinguishes it from spirits like whiskey or vodka.

The other flavor profiles mentioned do not typically characterize rum. While bitter chocolate and citrus can be found in some spirits, they are not dominant notes in rum. Similarly, herbaceous and floral notes are more common in gin and certain liqueurs, while earthy and mineral flavors are more associated with spirits like tequila. Thus, the flavors associated with rum are predominantly sweet, derived from its base ingredients, alongside dessert-like notes that enhance its enjoyment.