What type of rum is produced from sugarcane juice?

Agricultural rum is produced from fresh sugarcane juice, which distinguishes it from other types of rum that may use molasses as their base. The process of creating agricultural rum typically involves the fermentation of freshly pressed sugarcane juice, which gives it a distinct flavor profile that reflects the character of the sugarcane itself. This type of rum is often associated with specific regions, particularly in the French Caribbean, where it is known as "rhum agricole."

Understanding the production methods and ingredients that differentiate agricultural rum from other types is key. For example, industrial rum is generally derived from molasses, a by-product of sugar production, leading to different flavor characteristics and distillation techniques. Spiced rum, on the other hand, is usually made from a base of rum—often molasses-based—and infused with spices and flavors, which is unrelated to the primary production method of the base rum. Aged rum pertains to the maturation process of the spirit in barrels, which can apply to both agricultural and industrial rums but does not specifically relate to the source material used in their production. Thus, agricultural rum is specifically defined by its direct use of sugarcane juice, leading to its unique identity in the rum category.