What makes Jamaican rum so special that it can even be described as its own rum variety? Jamaican rum has its own style and is very diverse. It is usually strong and special. It develops expressive notes in aroma and flavour. Distilled in pot stills according to the English model, its fermentation period is particularly long. This produces a rum with a very high ester content, known as high ester rum!
What is high ester rum?
Watch out: Chemistry!
Esters are formed when alcohol reacts with acid.
During fermentation with "wild" yeasts or special yeast strains, a rum with characteristic ester notes is produced under the influence of the tropical climate and a fermentation period of up to 21 days.
Dunder, a residue from previous distillations, is often added to intensify fermentation and promote the formation of esters. The result is a rum that often has flavours of tropical fruits, pineapple, bananas, spices and even medicinal notes.
What does high ester rum taste like?
The aroma and flavour are very complex. High ester rum is therefore more suited to advanced connoisseurs. For beginners, the flavour may be unfamiliar at first.
The esters ensure that Jamaican rum tastes very fruity. However, the aroma and flavour can also be perceived as notes of varnish. So please try it carefully first.
How are the esters measured?
An excursion into the world of whisky!
Just as the smoke content, expressed in ppm (parts per million), is of interest to lovers of smoky whiskies, the ester content is an important indicator for rum connoisseurs who love special types of rum. The ester content is measured in grams per hectolitre of alcohol (g/HLPA)!
Examples of high ester rum
A prime example of a high ester rum is Hampden Rum from Jamaica.
With a Navy Island, you get a flavourful rum combination from several Jamaican rum distilleries.
The Jamaica Rum - Blue Marlin "Whisky.de exclusive" was bottled for us on the occasion of the company's 30th anniversary with fruity ester notes.
Interesting to know!
Rum varieties with fewer esters are now also produced in Jamaica. A good example is Appleton rum. Its long ageing process balances out the ester notes.
The world-famous Planter's Punch or Mai Tai cocktails cannot be without a Jamaican rum as a base!
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