Rum is distilled from the fermented products of sugar cane – usually molasses. As is the case with all distilled spirits – rum is water white when first distilled. Fermentation is the process by which the sugar in molasses in converted into alcohol by the use of yeast. Distillation is the process of boiling a liquid and condensing its vapour to produce another liquid. Once fermentation and distillation have taken place, the Master Blender uses several different types of types and styles of rum to create a brand – in a similar way that an artist uses different colours to create a painting. Rum then ages in oak barrels that have been charred on the inside. The ABV for rum can vary from 37.5% to 57% – according to the style – please check carefully when making your cocktails as rum cocktails can be very strong – especially when mixed with other alcoholic cocktail ingredients.