What is rum typically made from?

Rum is typically made from molasses, which is a byproduct of sugarcane processing. The production of rum often begins with the fermentation of molasses, where yeast converts the sugars present into alcohol. This fermented mixture is then distilled and can be aged in barrels to develop its flavor.

Molasses provides the necessary sugars for fermentation, which is why it is the primary ingredient in the majority of rum recipes, particularly for dark and spiced rums. Some artisanal rums may also be produced directly from sugarcane juice, but molasses remains the most common base for rum production worldwide. Other options like barley, wheat, and honey are associated with the production of other alcoholic beverages, such as whiskey and mead, respectively, but they do not pertain to the traditional composition of rum.