Before we talk about cognac vs rum, let’s first get to know the drinks called rum and cognac, then let’s look for the differences and similarities.
Cognac and Rum are two types of alcoholic drinks with some differences but they also have similarities because they are both equally amazing. Cognac and Rum have long been a magnet for cocktail lovers. Even though both have similarities in terms of richness of taste and the aging process. But cognac and rum have different and unique flavors.
Cognac Vs Rum, What’s the Difference
There are many differences between cognac vs rum, starting from their origins, flavor profiles to how they are produced. If you want to know more about the two, let’s explore them together in this article, we will dive deeper into Cognac vs rum, both the similarities and differences between the two.
Key Takeaways:
Pay attention to several important points about Cognac and Rum below.
In its manufacture, cognac uses different raw materials than rum, so it has a different flavor profile. Cognac is made using white grapes, the white grapes used are grapes grown in the Cognac region in France. Meanwhile, Rum is made using sugarcane by-products such as juice or molasses.
Cognac and Rum are both made through a fermentation and distillation process, but cognac vs rum differs in terms of aging. Cognac is an alcoholic drink that must be stored in oak barrels for at least 2 years. Unlike Rum, it can be stored anywhere for varying amounts of time. So, there is a difference between cognac vs rum in terms of storage, where cognac must be specialized.
Both flavors can affect the taste, cognac is served slightly hot, with dark chocolate added, or with nuts. While Rum must be served cold, it is suitable to be served with spiced dishes, or with tropical fruit.
Cognac and Rum are alcoholic drinks, even if you feel there are benefits, they are still intoxicating drinks that are not good for your health. If you drink it, be careful because it will make you addicted and addicted.
These are some points you should know about Cognac and Rum drinks. So, what are the differences between Cognac vs Rum? Let’s continue the discussion below.
Difference Between Cognac And Rum
The main difference between Rum and Cognac is the difference in manufacturing and the ingredients used. Cognac is a liquor like brandy that is made specifically with white grapes grown in Cognac, France.
Then, this wine is fermented and involves a distillation process in copper pots with the aim of producing a clear alcoholic drink or what is known as “eaux de vie.”
Unlike Rum, this is a liquor made with sugar cane byproducts, and they use sugar cane grown in Latin America and the Caribbean islands. In making Rum, initially the molasses or sugar cane juice is fermented and then distilled, they use pot and column stills, variations of which produce different flavors and textures according to the producer’s preferences.
Apart from the differences between these two things, Cognac VS Rum are also different in terms of aging. Aging of cognac must be in oak barrels and must be for 2 years, the aging process is also regulated by strict laws implemented by the official Cognac Appellation d’Origine Contrôlée (AOC). The uniqueness of this process makes cognac taste special and has become a popular drink among alcoholic cocktail connoisseurs.
This is different with rum, which can be made according to the producer’s preferences. In fact, there are many types and flavors of Rum, there is white rum, if you like white rum, you can check out one of the best white rums that we have discussed and there is also dark rum where the texture will be different. If you use it in recipes, white rum is the idol because it doesn’t add color to the dish.
Production Process And History
In its long history, Cognac and Rum have been the kings of alcoholic drinks for centuries. Its long history shows that this drink always provides something enjoyable for its drinkers, forming a unique character and taste.
In the 16th century, cognac was a type of brandy and was produced in the Cognac region of western France. In the manufacturing process, cognac is distilled twice in copper containers or barrels and stored for at least two years in oak barrels. This storage provides a unique taste and texture and makes it a unique and fun drink to enjoy.
While the history of Rum began in the 17th century, it was made in sugar cane plantations on the Caribbean islands. Rum is made from sugarcane byproducts or molasses and then goes through a fermentation process.
Initially, this rum drink became a popular drink among pirates at that time, then spread to Latin America. So then rum making was also done in Latin America with sugar cane grown there. Each country develops a different distillation process according to their respective knowledge.
That’s a little history of the development of Cognac and Rum drinks, both of which have shown us how human customs gave birth to expertise in certain things, such as in making this alcoholic drink. They can create ionic drinks that delight cocktail lovers all over the world. Of course, one of the fans is you, we are sure you came here because you want to know what cognac or rum is and want to know the difference between cognac vs rum.
Differences between Cognac VS Rum: Materials, Fermentation and Aging
These three stages are important processes in making cognac and Rum liquor. Let’s explore these three stages so we can expand our knowledge about these two alcoholic drinks.
1. Raw Materials
The raw materials used to make cognac and rum are very different. This difference causes differences in the taste profile and character of the drink. Cognac is made using white grapes grown in Cognac, a region of France, these white grapes are called Ugni Blanc grapes.
Very different from Rum which is made using sugar cane by-products such as sugar cane juice or molasses. As history shows, rum was initially produced in the Caribbean region and then expanded to Latin America and then they also produced their own rum. This sugar cane is fermented and then distilled to become a liquor called “Rum”.
2. Fermentation and Distillation
The fermentation process is the next stage in making cognac and rum. The fermentation process is carried out before the distillation process. When fermenting white wine or sugar cane byproducts, producers add yeast to the raw material. This fermentation converts sugar into alcohol.
Once fermented, the next stage is distillation. Distillation is carried out in copper vats or copper pots, the aim is to remove impurities and increase the alcohol content. This will affect the taste and character of each liquor.
The process of distilling white wine is done twice until it becomes cognac and then placed in a copper pot. This is done strictly because there are rules and laws in producing cognac. Meanwhile, in rum production, distillation can be done twice or once, depending on the type of rum you want. For clear rum, it is distilled twice, while for dark rum it is distilled only once. Then it is stored for aging. Cognac must be stored in oak barrels for a minimum of two years, while Rum can be stored anywhere for varying amounts of time.
Rum is very varied because the storage process is very free and the duration is also according to the producer’s preferences.
3. Aging
Aging is another very important stage in making cognac and rum. This storage is a way to improve the taste of the liquor, the longer it is stored, the stronger the taste. Cognac must be aged in oak barrels for at least two years, and some are aged for decades in oak barrels, then bottled.
The longer a cognac is stored, the smoother and sharper its taste will be.
It’s different with rum, rum can be aged differently. Sometimes there is a year, two years and so on. Rum drinks are made according to the taste of the order or taste of the maker. That is why there are many types of rum on the market, with different levels of taste.
Flavor Profile Differences: Cognac VS Rum
The differences in ingredients and the length of aging cause the taste profiles of the two to be different. If you’re wondering “what does cognac taste like?” So, the answer is that cognac has a soft, rich and vanilla aroma from long storage in oak barrels.
Likewise, if you ask “what does Rum taste like?”, then the answer is that rum has a sweet taste, somewhat like caramel, fruit and molasses.
What does Cognac taste like?
Cognac is a fermented and distilled liquor made from typical French white grapes grown in the Cognac region. The aroma and taste are unique, combined harmoniously in one mixture to produce extraordinary pleasure.
The base note when you first drink it is often smoky, earthy and this comes from a French oak barrel. Then, there are aromas of peach, apricot, which emphasize the sweet taste in the mouth when you try it.
The aroma of cognac is also like a combination of caramel, vanilla, hazelnut, cloves and cinnamon, orange peel, all wrapped up perfectly in a special sip of cognac.
What does Rum taste like?
Made from sugarcane by-products such as sugarcane juice, molasses, the flavors shown are sweet, spicy and fruity, it can be enjoyed in various ways as you wish.
So, the taste profile of Rum can be said to be flowery and light, and of course depends on the place of production or the place where it is grown. Light rum is lighter than dark rum. Dark rum usually due to its longer storage in oak barrels, its taste is also stronger and tastes like caramel and vanilla.
There is also a type of rum that is spiced, this type contains spices such as nutmeg and cinnamon. These ingredients and spices influence the taste and aroma.
Serving Temperature And Pairing Suggestions
The storage temperature of Cognac and rum both affects the taste profile. Here are storage suggestions for cognac and the best pairing options for when you enjoy it.
1. Cognac
It is best stored at room temperature or slightly warm, perhaps at 60-70F, this temperature will help release its distinctive aroma.
The best way to enjoy it is to pair it with dark chocolate or nuts. This will provide a delicious nutty and woody taste.
Enjoy it on its own, or by mixing it with a cocktail like the Sidecar, French Connection or with a Sazerac.
You can try it with various other cocktails such as vodka press, strfkr shot, strawberry pure cocktail, Psychedelic Frog, Blueberry Old Fashioned, Swinging Sultan, Old Overholt Cocktail, and black superman drink. Do it slowly, disclaimer: those are alcoholic drinks, be careful and drink at your own risk.
2. Rum
Rum is best stored at room temperature and slightly cold, unlike cognac. A temperature of 50F seems suitable for Rum storage. This temperature will keep the rum tasting sweet and soft.
Then, combine it with spiced dishes or with tropical fruit, this can enhance the fruit’s taste and spiciness.
The way it is served is delicious to enjoy alone or with cocktails such as pina colada, mojito or cocktails like Amaretto.
Cognac Vs Rum
Both of these alcoholic drinks, whether rum or cognac, must go through a distillation process before being aged in barrels. That’s the process even though they both use different basic ingredients because cognac uses white grapes from Cognac and Rum uses sugar cane byproducts.
Types Of Cognac and Rum Available
If you are looking for various types of cognac or rum drinks on the market, know that they consist of many types. Among the types are the following:
Cognac types available:
1. VS (Very Special) – aged in oak barrels for a minimum of 2 years
2. VSOP (Very Superior Old Pale) – Minimum shelf life of 4 years
3. XO (Extra Old) – Has a shelf life in French oak barrels of at least 6 years, but most are longer.
Rum Types Available:
1. White or Light Rum – This is clear rum and is usually added to cocktails to add flavor.
2. Gold or Amber Rum – It is aged for several years and has a clear amber color
3. Dark Rum – Provides a darker color than gold rum, and a stronger taste.
4. Spiced Rum – Rum is seasoned with spices such as nutmeg and cinnamon so that the taste is more pronounced.
Apart from the 4 types of rum above, there are also other types of rum such as Rhum Agricole, this is made from fresh sugar cane (not a by-product of sugar cane), and there are also Single Estate Rums, this rum is distilled specifically in certain regions.
Whatever type of cognac or rum you have, drink wisely and at your own risk.
