Rum vs Vodka: Which One Is Better?

INTRODUCTION

There are many different types of alcohol, and rum and vodka are two of the most popular. Some people believe that rum is superior to vodka, while others think the opposite is true. In this blog post, we will discuss the differences between rum and vodka so that you can decide for yourself which one is better!

ORIGINS & HISTORY 

VODKA:

Because there is little historical material available, historians debate the origins of vodka. Vodka was invented over a thousand years ago in Russia and Eastern Europe.

Because of the high concentration of distilleries in the region, this area is known as the vodka belt. Countries in this region include Poland, Ukraine, Belarus, and the Baltic States.

Each of these nations has its own vodka recipes and traditions.

When American soldiers returned home from World War 1. They spread vodka throughout the country. They discovered that not only was this new drink simple to make, but it was also very versatile.

During World War II, the United States and other western countries began to produce vodka. This made the drink more accessible to people all over the world.

Rum:

Rum is a distilled alcoholic beverage made from sugarcane byproducts, such as molasses or honey, and sometimes flavoured with spices. Rum originated in the West Indies and was first mentioned in records from Barbados in about 1650.

Most rum is produced in Caribbean countries like Jamaica and Cuba, as well as in North and South American countries. However, rum is also produced in other sugar-producing regions, such as the Philippines and Taiwan.

Rum became a more popular drink in Britain following the crop failure in 1675, as it was easier to import than Gin. In 1687, rum became the official drink for of the Royal Navy. Vodka did not become as popular until much later, in the 20th century.

DIFFERENCE IN PRODUCTION

INGREDIENTS

The main ingredients in rum are sugarcane and molasses. These two ingredients provide rum with its distinct flavor profile that is often described as being sweet and smoky.

The two most common ingredients used to make vodka are potatoes and grains. The potatoes are mashed and then distilled, and the grains are ground and distilled as well.

Vodka is made by distilling a fermented mash. The fermentation process is stopped before all the sugar is converted to alcohol. Leaving the vodka has little flavour.

FERMENTATION PROCESS

The fermentation process for rum involves the use of yeast to convert the sugars in the rum into alcohol.

This process can take anywhere from a few days to a few weeks, depending on the type of rum being produced.

To make vodka, a mash must be made that contains active enzymes. These enzymes break down the starches found in grains or potatoes. Converting them into fermentable sugars. Fermentation takes three to five days.

DISTILLATION PROCESS

For rum, the wash (a mix of water and sugar) is transferred from the fermentation tanks to the stills, where the distiller brings it up to a slow heat to vaporize the ethanol.

The rum that the distiller brings up to a slow heat to vaporize the ethanol is then turned back into a liquid and comes out of the still as rum. Only the lightest and purest vapors escape the still, which means that rum is often a high-quality alcohol.

After the fermentation process is completed, vodka is ready to be distilled. The mash is poured into a still, which is then heated until the alcohol begins to boil. The vaporised alcohol rises through the still. This vapour is then collected and cooled, causing the alcohol to revert to a liquid.

FILTERING PROCESS

After the rum has been distilled, it is then filtered through a carbon filter. This process removes impurities and gives the rum its characteristic smooth taste.

Vodka is distilled a number of times in order to remove any impurities. This is necessary in order to create a smooth and flavourless spirit. Vodka is often filtered through charcoal or activated carbon in order to remove any remaining flavours or impurities.

So, rum and vodka are both distilled spirits that undergo a filtering process.

DIFFERENCE IN TASTE

RUM:

Rum is a liquor that is made from sugarcane byproducts such as molasses or cane syrup. It has a sweet taste and often contains vanilla and spices.

There are many factors that can affect the flavor of rum, including the type of rum used, how it is distilled, and what additives are used. Rum can be made from a variety of different types of sugarcane, including molasses and cane juice. The distillation process can also vary, which can affect the rum's flavor.

Many rum varieties are also aged in oak barrels, which gives the liquor a unique flavor profile. When rum is aged in oak barrels or wooden barrels for a period of time, it results in a darker color and a bolder flavor. This is due to the rum interacting with the wood, which gives it its unique flavor profile.

VODKA

Vodka is a clear liquor with a smooth, sweet taste. Vodka is a neutral spirit, with a subtle flavour. Influenced by the ingredients used in its production.

The type of ingredient used has an impact on the flavour of the vodka. Vodka made from potatoes tastes different than vodka made from grains. Because potatoes contain more starch than grains, more sugar is available for fermentation.

This results in a vodka with a more flavourful flavour than vodka made from grains.

Certain vodka is flavoured with added ingredients such as herbs, fruits, or spices. This gives the vodka a range of different flavours. Some popular vodka flavours include peppermint, raspberry, and vanilla.

DIFFERENCE IN SMELL

Rum has a strong, sweet smell that is often described as rum-like. It's made from sugar cane or molasses and can have a smoky flavour.

Vodka has a much milder aroma. Described as smelling like rubbing alcohol or nothing at all.

DIFFERENCE IN TYPES

There are many different types of whiskey, each with its own distinct flavour. Here are some examples:

White Rum - White rum is a rum that is made from sugarcane molasses. It is typically light in color and has a mild flavor. It is also very popular for being used for cocktails.

Dark Rum - Dark rum is a type of rum that is made from molasses that has been aged in oak barrels. It has a darker color and a more robust flavor than white rum. It is often used in cocktails or enjoyed on the rocks.

Navy Rum - Navy rum is a type of rum that is typically made from molasses. The rum is then aged in oak casks, which gives it its distinctive flavor. It is often used by the British Navy as a form of ration.

Gold Rum - Rum is a type of liquor that is typically made from sugar cane, molasses, or blackstrap rum. It is often distilled and aged in oak barrels. Gold rum is a type of rum that has been filtered and colored with gold particles. It is typically higher in quality than other types of rum and is therefore more expensive.

Rhum Agricole - Rhum agricole is a rum made from sugarcane juice, as opposed to molasses, which is used in most rum production. It is made in the French West Indies and Martinique.

Vodka also has more subtle variations:

Potato Vodka - Vodka can also be made from potatoes. Potato vodka is made by fermenting mashed potatoes. The alcohol content in potato vodka is usually higher than in other types of vodka. This is because potatoes contain more sugar than other vegetables.

Grain Vodka - Grain vodka has a milder taste than vodka made from potatoes. It is also less sweet than vodka made from potatoes. Grain vodka is made from grains such as wheat, barley, or rye.

Flavoured Vodka - Flavoured vodka is a vodka that has been flavoured with different fruits, spices, or herbs. Some of the most popular flavours include cherry, raspberry, vanilla, and peppermint. Flavoured vodka can be flavoured with natural or synthetic ingredients. Natural ingredients include fruits, spices, and herbs. Synthetic ingredients include artificial flavours and sweeteners.

Fruit Vodka - Fruit vodka is a type of vodka that is made from fruits other than grains or potatoes. It can be made from any type of fruit, and the most popular types are apple, pear, and raspberry vodka. Fruit vodka has a sweet flavour and is often used in cocktails.

Herbal/Spice Vodka - Herbal vodka is a type of vodka that is made with herbs. The most popular type is ginger vodka, which is made with ginger root. Herbal vodka has a spicy flavour and is often used in cocktails.

DIFFERENCE IN ALCOHOL

The alcohol content of rum and vodka is very similar. Rum typically has an ABV of 40%, while vodka usually has an ABV of around 35%. However, there are some rum varieties that have an ABV as high as 50%.

DIFFERENCE IN HEALTH BENEFITS

There are health benefits for both vodka and rum when drank in moderation. 

VODKA

First, vodka is a great source of antioxidants. This helps protect your body against free radicals and diseases. One of the reasons vodka is a great source of antioxidants is because it is distilled many times. 

This helps to remove any impurities from the liquor and leaves behind a pure, clean spirit. 

Vodka also has a higher ABV than whiskey. This means that more antioxidants are present in each drink.

Vodka is a source of potassium. Potassium can help regulate blood pressure and prevent heart disease. Vodka is a source of potassium because it is a distilled beverage. During the distilling process, the alcohol is boiled and the water is vaporised. This leaves behind the various compounds in the alcohol, including potassium.

Vodka is a great choice for people who are looking for a lower calorie drink. It has about 97 calories per serving. 

Vodka is made from grains such as corn, wheat, or rye, while whiskey is made from fermented barley and malt. This is one of the reasons vodka is lower in calories- it's not made with any sugar or other additives. 

Finally, vodka is a source of vitamin B6, which is important for energy levels. Vodka is a source of B6 because it is made from wheat.

Rum:

Rum has a high alcohol content and is rich in sugar, which allows it to be absorbed into the bloodstream quickly. This combination makes rum a great choice for people who are looking for something to warm their body on a cold winter day.

Rum helps fight coughs and colds, by acting as an expectorant. Rum also has antibacterial properties, which help to kill the bacteria that can cause respiratory infections. Additionally, rum contains antioxidants, which help boost the immune system.

Rum contains ethanol, which is a form of alcohol. Ethanol helps to reduce inflammation and pain. Additionally, rum contains antioxidants, which help boost the immune system. These antioxidants help to protect the body against free radicals, which can damage cells and lead to diseases such as cancer.

DIFFERENCE IN AFTEREFFECTS (THE HANGOVER)

Now, the question that is on everyone's mind, what one of the two leaves the worst hangover?

Vodka is often considered a "cleaner" drink, as it doesn't have the same strong taste as whiskey.

There are many reasons rum can leave a worse hangover than vodka. One reason is that rum is made with sugarcane.

This means that rum has a higher sugar content than vodka. When alcohol is consumed, the body breaks it down into sugar, water, and carbon dioxide. This can cause a person to feel more tired and dehydrated after drinking rum than vodka. 

So, vodka is usually the preferred option as it is considered a more safe option. 

You can drink vodka in moderation, and not feel the aftereffects of a hangover in the morning.

DIFFERENCE IN CONSUMPTION TYPE 

COCKTAILS

Rum and vodka are both popular spirits for making cocktails. They are both easy to mix, and you can use them in a variety of different drinks. For example, rum is a great choice for making mojitos or piña coladas. Vodka is perfect for cocktails like the vodka martini or the black Russian.

NEAT

Rum is a sweeter and smoother liquor when consumed by itself or neat. This is because rum is made with sugarcane, which imparts a sweeter flavor to the spirit. Vodka, on the other hand, is made from grains such as wheat or rye. This gives vodka a more neutral flavor that some people prefer.

MIXED

Vodka is a more versatile spirit that can be paired with a wide range of flavours, making it the perfect choice for mixed drinks. Vodka can be mixed with a variety of juices, sodas and other mixers.

While rum can be enjoyed neat, its flavour profile can be a bit too strong for some people.

So this is really down to preference.

CONCLUSION

Vodka is the most popular spirit on the market. This is because vodka is more versatile and can be paired with a variety of flavours. Vodka also doesn't have the same strong taste as rum, making it more palatable for people who don't enjoy rum's flavour.

Vodka is undoubtedly the better option with the majority of benefits leaning towards it. Yet, if you are looking for the smoothest vodka to try, then look no further than Mond Vodka. 

Mond Vodka has a diamond filtering process making it the smoothest premium vodka on the market!