During my visit to the El Dorado rum distillery, I had the opportunity to chat with one of the rum experts there. I was curious about the rumors I had heard regarding the addition of sugar to their rums. So I decided to ask him directly, “Do you add sugar to your rums?”
To my surprise, he responded by saying, “No, we don’t add sugar. Instead, we age our rums with caramel in the barrel.” This piqued my interest, and I wanted to delve deeper into the topic.
He explained that the addition of caramel is a common practice in the rum industry, and it serves a few different purposes. Firstly, it helps to enhance the color of the rum, giving it a rich and amber hue. This is especially important for aged rums, as consumers often associate darker colors with quality and maturity.
Secondly, the caramel also contributes to the flavor profile of the rum. It imparts a subtle sweetness and adds depth to the overall taste. However, it’s important to note that the amount of caramel used is carefully controlled to ensure it doesn’t overpower the natural flavors of the rum itself.
I was intrigued by this revelation and wanted to understand the reasoning behind it. The rum expert explained that aging rum in oak barrels can sometimes result in a loss of sweetness and flavor intensity. By incorporating caramel into the aging process, they can maintain a balanced and consistent flavor profile across batches.
He emphasized that El Dorado takes great pride in crafting their rums and maintaining the integrity of the spirit. While some may view the addition of caramel as a form of “sweetening,” it is important to understand that it is done in a controlled and intentional manner.
As our conversation continued, I couldn’t help but think about the debates surrounding the use of additives in spirits. Some argue that any form of additional sweetening compromises the authenticity and purity of the product. On the other hand, others believe that as long as the additives are disclosed and used in moderation, they can contribute positively to the overall drinking experience.
In the case of El Dorado, it was evident that their approach to aging with caramel was a deliberate choice to maintain consistency and enhance the visual and flavor appeal of their rums. While some purists may have reservations about this practice, it is important to recognize that the addition of caramel is a common industry practice and not exclusive to El Dorado.
My conversation with the rum expert shed light on the use of caramel in the aging process and dispelled the misconception that El Dorado adds sugar to their rums. It was fascinating to learn about the thought and care that goes into crafting their spirits, and it made me appreciate the complexity and artistry behind their rum-making process.