What are the two main sugar cane products used for rum?

The two main sugar cane products used for rum production are sugar cane juice and molasses. Sugar cane juice is the fresh liquid extracted from the sugar cane, and it can be fermented directly to produce rum. This method is often associated with rhum agricole, a style of rum that is particularly popular in the French Caribbean.

On the other hand, molasses is a byproduct of sugar extraction, produced during the refining of sugar from sugar cane. It is thicker and richer in flavor, and is the primary ingredient for most rums produced globally. Distilling molasses to create rum is a common practice because it is a cost-effective way to utilize the byproduct of sugar production.

Understanding these two ingredients is crucial for recognizing the diversity in rum styles and production methods, as they influence the flavor profiles and qualities of the final spirits.