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Whether you’re a rum connoisseur or someone who loves to enjoy a glass of alcohol on occasion, the last thing you want to do is let your rum go to waste. Learn how to store rum with this handy and easy-to-follow storage guide.
Storing your rum properly can make all the difference in taste, color, and quality. But if you’ve ever gone to buy a bottle of rum, chances are you were overwhelmed by the sheer number of choices. Not only are there different types of rum, but there are also different ways to store it.
We’re here to take some guesswork out and provide you with some essential tips on storing your bottle of rum so that it tastes great every time you pour it. So read on below and get ready to indulge in some sipping pleasure!
How to Store Rum
Do you want to store your rum properly and keep it tasting great for a long time? If you answer yes, then this article is just what you need!
To start, knowing where it’s best to store rum is important. The general rule of thumb is that all types of rum should be stored in a cool, dark place with little temperature variation. So if you have a basement or cellar that meets these criteria, it’s the ideal spot for storing your rum.
For those who don’t have access to a place like this, a cabinet with solid-front doors away from direct sunlight should also do the trick. Rum should be kept away from fluorescent lighting and electric bulbs as well. These can emit vibrations that cause their flavor and aroma to be altered over time.
And finally, no matter where you store it, keep the bottle sealed tightly with its original cork or cap when not in use—this will help preserve its taste for longer.
Understanding Rum Storage Basics
Whether you’re a rum connoisseur or just a casual enthusiast, properly storing your bottle of rum is the key to preserving its flavor and quality. Here are the basics you need to know for effectively storing rum:
Temperature – Rum should be stored consistently in a cool, dark place. This helps keep the liquid from evaporating and going bad over time.
Air Exposure – Oxygen is the enemy of any spirit—rum included. So make sure to keep your bottle sealed as much as possible. If your bottle has no stopper or cork, buy an airtight resealable cap or put it in an airtight container.
Light Protection – Like wine, light can damage rum and give it an unpleasant taste. Please keep it away from windows and out of direct sunlight to protect the flavor and color of the rum.
Following these tips will help ensure that your bottle of rum remains at peak quality for years to come—so no matter how you choose to enjoy it, it will always taste great!
The Effects of Temperature on Stored Rum
Temperature is one of the most important things to consider when storing rum. If your bottle is exposed to extreme temperatures for too long, it can drastically affect the taste of your rum!
The ideal temperature range for storing rum ranges between 50 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit (10 to 21 degrees Celsius). If the temperature goes above or below this range, here are a few ways it can affect your stored rum:
- At higher temperatures, the alcohol in your rum will evaporate more quickly. This makes your rum weaker and less flavorful over time.
- Not only will the flavor be affected at lower temperatures, but also the color of the rum will change; this is due to a process called chill-filtration, where certain fatty acids get removed from the aged spirit when exposed to cold temperatures.
One way to ensure temperature changes don’t adversely impact your stored rum is to store it in a cool, dark place insulated from any drastic temperature changes. This could mean investing in a wine cellar or simply storing it in a closet or cupboard that isn’t too close to heat sources like radiators or kitchen appliances.
Choosing the Right Container Type for Rum Storage
When storing your rum, find the right container to keep air and light out while still allowing your rum to breathe. The best way to do this is by choosing a sealed, airtight container that won’t let any air or light get in.
Your options for containers include the following:
- Glass bottles are great because they don’t let in any oxygen or light, so your rum won’t spoil, and the taste won’t be affected. Plus, you can easily store multiple different kinds of rum in glass bottles without taking up too much space.
- Ceramic jars are also good for keeping out oxygen and light, but they can take up more space than glass bottles.
- Stainless steel containers also keep air and light out, but they don’t allow the rum to breathe like glass and ceramic containers. So if you want to keep your rum tasting great, opt for a glass or ceramic jar instead.
No matter what kind of container you choose, ensure it’s kept in a cool, dry place, and always remember to label each bottle with what kind of rum it contains and when you bought it!
The Role of Humidity in Storing Rum
When it comes to storing rum, the role of humidity is crucial. High humidity can accelerate the aging process and cause unwanted changes in the flavor of your favorite rum. It can also cause labels to peel off or ink to run on bottles, ruining their presentation.
The ideal humidity for rum storage is roughly 55-65%. Anything over 65% is considered too humid and could give your rum an off-flavor. Too low will speed up the aging process and lead to oxidization of the spirit.
Luckily, there are several ways to control humidity levels when storing rum:
- Invest in a humidor with a built-in hygrometer
- Place a dehumidifier in the area where you store your rum
- Use silica gel packets or Boveda packs to absorb excess moisture
- Limit air circulation by sealing bottles tightly or using wax seals or stoppers
- Keep your liquor away from appliances that generate heat
The goal is to keep the relative humidity level between 55% and 65% for the best results. It may take some trial and error to find what works best for you, but getting it right makes all the difference in storing rum!
Long-Term Storage Tips for Your Precious Bottles of Rum
When it comes to storing your precious bottles of rum, there are some essential tips you should follow. While most rum should be stored at room temperature, certain rums require more consideration. Here’s what you need to keep in mind:
Temperature Matters
Store your rum’s best flavor and quality at a consistent temperature between 60-78F (15-25C). Extremely high or low temperatures will cause the alcohol content to evaporate over time, as will humidity and extreme temperature changes. In other words—keep it cool!
Controlled Light Exposure
Exposing your bottles of rum to strong light sources can degrade the flavor over time, so store your collection in a cool and dark place. If you’re planning on storing for a long period of time, consider investing in high-grade aluminum or green glass bottles, which will block out harmful UV rays.
Avoid Humidity & Oxygen Exposure
Too much humidity will cause oxidation and decrease quality over time. Ensure any rooms where you store rum have low moisture levels—40%-60%. It may also be helpful to store the bottles upright in containers that block out moisture and oxygen from the outside environment—but don’t let them sit for too long; generally, no more than 6 months is recommended.
What Happens if You Don’t Store Rum Properly?
Let’s discuss what happens when you don’t store your rum properly. Different things can happen. You might have a bottle of rum that starts to get darker and darker, or it gets a bit weaker in flavor, or you could end up with a bottle of bad-tasting rum.
It can spoil over time if you don’t store your rum correctly. This is because the flavor molecules — esters and phenols — break down with exposure to air and light.
Some effects are normal over time, like a slightly different flavor or smell, but it isn’t gone well if your bottle has an off-taste or smell. So make sure to store your rum correctly! Here are some tips on how you can do that:
- Store the bottle away from direct light and in a cool environment
- Keep the bottle tightly sealed
- Don’t store your rum for too long – use it within two years of opening
- If you’re not going to drink it soon after opening it, transfer the rum into dark glass bottles before storing
Can You Store Rum Bottle in Fridge or Freezer?
You might be wondering if it’s OK to store rum in the fridge or freezer, and the answer is yes—but with a caveat. While putting your rum in the fridge can slow down oxidation and keep the flavor from getting too overwhelmed by the odor of whatever else you have, it’s best to store it at about 20-25°C for optimal aging.
If you store your rum bottle in the fridge or freezer, remove it at least an hour before you want to enjoy a shot or cocktail. This will give the rum time to adjust to room temperature—otherwise, you’ll end up with a diluted drink that’s not as flavorful as it could be!
Delicious Rum Cocktails
Now that you have properly stored your rum, try out some of our delicious rum cocktail recipes:
FAQ
If you have questions about the best ways to store your rum, you’re not alone! To help clarify the process of storing rum correctly, here are some frequently asked questions about the practice.
Does Rum Need to Be Stored in the Refrigerator?
No. In most cases, rum is not stored in the refrigerator. It is recommended to put rum in the refrigerator only if you have opened a bottle and need short-term storage options; otherwise, it can be stored at room temperature.
Does Rum Have an Expiration Date?
Yes—most rums will last up to five years when stored properly at room temperature. However, this varies based on brand and type of rum. If you taste your rum and it has taken on an off flavor or aroma, it indicates that it has gone bad and should be discarded. Paying attention to any expiration or “best-by” dates printed onto bottles or boxes of rum is always important.
Conclusion
As you can see, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer to storing rum. Different types of rum require different storage methods, and understanding the nuances of each can help ensure you enjoy the best-tasting rum possible.
From choosing the best container and keeping it away from light and heat to storing rum properly, these tips will help you properly store your rum. Ultimately, you’ll be rewarded with great-tasting rum every time! So, next time you uncork a bottle of rum, you’ll know you’ve stored it well—and you’ll be able to enjoy it to its fullest.
