Rum is a diverse and globally cherished spirit distilled from sugarcane byproducts, most commonly molasses, though rhum agricole is made directly from fresh sugarcane juice. It is produced in many styles across the Caribbean, Latin America, and beyond—ranging from light and clean white rums (used in cocktails like Mojitos and Daiquiris), to rich, aged dark rums with flavors of vanilla, spice, and dried fruit, often sipped neat or used in tiki drinks. Aging typically occurs in oak barrels, and flavor is influenced by climate, length of aging, and distillation methods (pot vs. column stills). Countries like Jamaica, Barbados, Cuba, Puerto Rico, and Martinique each bring distinct traditions and regulations, leading to a wide range of styles from funky, ester-heavy expressions to smooth, soft rums ideal for beginners. Rum is one of the most versatile spirits on the market—used in both casual and premium settings—and continues to evolve with growing interest in craft and single-origin bottlings.