Gin is a juniper-flavored spirit distilled from neutral grains and flavored with botanicals, while rum is a distilled spirit made from fermented sugarcane or molasses, resulting in distinct flavor profiles and origins.
Here's a more detailed comparison:
Gin:
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Base:
Gin starts with a neutral distilled spirit, typically made from grains like barley, corn, rye, or wheat. -
Flavor:
The defining characteristic of gin is its juniper berry flavor, which imparts a piney, herbal, and sometimes slightly medicinal taste. -
Botanicals:
Gin is flavored with a variety of botanicals, including juniper berries, but also citrus peels, spices, and other herbs, which vary by brand. -
Origin:
Gin's roots are traced back to a Dutch liquor called "jenever," a blend of grain-based malt wine and a neutral spirit infused with juniper. -
Production:
Gin is produced through distillation, with the botanicals added during the distillation process or through a separate infusion.
Rum:
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Base:
Rum is made from fermented sugarcane or molasses. -
Flavor:
Rum's flavor profile is characterized by its sweetness and complexity, which can range from light and fruity to rich and molasses-like, depending on the type of rum and aging process. -
Origin:
Rum is believed to have originated in the Caribbean islands during the 17th century, with production initially taking place in places like Barbados, Jamaica, and Puerto Rico. -
Production:
Rum production involves fermentation, distillation, and often aging in wooden barrels, which contributes to its distinctive color and flavor. -
Types:
Rum comes in a variety of types, including light, dark, and aged rums, each with its own unique flavor and characteristics.