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Rum Appreciation in the 21st Century
For many years we kept hearing from distillers, importers, wholesalers, retailers and on-premise staff about the lack of rum information, courses and books. With those concerns in mind, we set out to create a course that would take a student from knowing nothing about rum, to being well-versed on the subject.

Rum Appreciation In The 21st Century

Lesson I - Origin of Rum: A Brief History

What is rum?
The word "Rum"
How old is rum?
Rum: It's More Than Just a Drink
About Sugarcane
The Sugarcane Revolution: Triangular Trade
Types of Rum
The Importance of Smell - Following Your Nose to Rum Mastery
Hands-on Exercises
From the Rum Bar: Featured Cocktail
Lesson 1 Questionnaire

Lesson II - Exploring the Foundation of All Rum: White Rums

Vocabulary Primer: Rum Terminology
Hands-on Exercise: Cane Juice vs. Molasses
From the Rum Bar: Featured Cocktail
Lesson 2 Questionnaire
Answers to Lesson 1 Questionnaire

Lesson III - A Matter of Proof: A Volatile Subject

From White to Gold: Modern Day Alchemy
The Tale of a Cask
Hands-on Exercise: Caramel vs. Tannins
From the Rum Bar: Featured Cocktail
Lesson 3 Questionnaire
Answers to Lesson 2 Questionnaire

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Lesson IV - Distillation Methods Part I: Pot Still Rums

Distillation Primer: Heads or Tails?
Hands-on Exercise: The Original Heavyweights
From the Rum Bar: Featured Cocktail
Lesson 4 Questionnaire
Answers to Lesson 3 Questionnaire

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Lesson V - Distillation Methods Part II: Column Still Rums

Batch vs. Continuous Distillation
Hands-on Exercise: The Modern Lightweights
From the Rum Bar: Featured Cocktail
Lesson 5 Questionnaire
Answers to Lesson 4 Questionnaire

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Lesson VI - French Rhums: Agricultural vs. Industrial Methods

Cane Juice vs. Molasses: Economy vs. Tradition
Hands-on Exercise: The French Connection
From the Rum Bar: Featured Cocktail
Lesson 6 Questionnaire
Answers to Lesson 5 Questionnaire

Lesson VII - Black, Dark and Spiced Rums: A Taste For Every Palate

The Meaning of Color
Hands-on Exercise: Creating Your Own Spiced Rums
From the Rum Bar: Featured Cocktail
Lesson 7 Questionnaire
Answers to Lesson 6 Questionnaire

Lesson VIII - Premium Rums Part I: From the Early Years to Maturity

What Exactly is a "Premium Rum"?
Reality vs. Marketing
Hands-on Exercise: Lessons From an Empty Glass
From the Rum Bar: Featured Cocktail
Lesson 8 Questionnaire
Answers to Lesson 7 Questionnaire

Lesson IX - Premium Rums Part II: Separating Men from Boys

Does Maturity Only Come with Age?
Hands-on Exercise: Family Trees
From the Rum Bar: Featured Cocktail
Lesson 9 Questionnaire
Answers to Lesson 8 Questionnaire

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Lesson X - Beyond Premium

Classic and Rare Rums
Hands-on Exercise: Spotting Trends
From the Rum Bar: Featured Cocktail
Lesson 10 Questionnaire
Answers to Lesson 9 Questionnaire

Lesson XI - The Perfect Rum Bar: Putting It All Together

Rum & Mixology - Rums Everyone Should Have
From the Rum Bar: Featured Cocktail
Lesson 11 Questionnaire
Answers to Lesson 10 Questionnaire

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Lesson XII - From Humble Origins to Works of Art: Closing Remarks

Answers to Lesson 11 Questionnaire
From the Rum Bar: Custom Cocktail
Based on the experience gained in the previous 11 Lessons, the student is now ready to create an original rum cocktail.
What is next? Suggested readings and activities.
Reference Material: Reviews of the most popular rum books available