Rum, Ron and Rhum are the 3 historical denominations linked to the origins of the settlers: English, Spanish and French but speak well of the "same" alcohol. This triptych shows a wealth of aromatic profiles marked by history.
Definition:
(shortest):sugar cane eau-de-vie
(Developed cf. infographic below )
A little geography
RON : Hispanic - molasses & stills - sweet and sugary rums
RUM : British - souvent molasses & stills - heavier rums
RHUM : French - molasses or vesou & stills
A little history
Sugar cane was discovered in Asia in about 1100 and produces brown sugar.In the 14th century, its refining developed in Venice. Competition ensues between the various settlers who develop plantations and refineries. The discovery of America, especially the Caribbean islands accentuates the phenomenon: they become sugar islands. The Spaniards will concentrate on gold from 1630 and leave the rum race to English and French. The Caribbean is exploited: barbade, jamaique, martinique, guadeloupe.