What gives dark rums their color?

Dark rums primarily derive their color from extensive maturation in oak barrels, where they absorb compounds from the wood, leading to a darker hue. Additionally, many producers enhance the color of dark rums by adding caramel coloring, which intensifies their appearance. The aging process allows rums to develop complex flavors and richer colors, as the interaction with the wood influences both taste and visual qualities.

While distillation methods, sugar content, and aging duration can affect the overall profile of rum, they do not specifically contribute to the darker coloration seen in dark rums. Distillation method primarily impacts the spirit's purity and flavor, rather than its color. High sugar content could contribute to sweetness but is less related to color intensity. A short aging process typically results in a lighter rum since there is less time for color extraction from the barrel. Thus, the presence of caramel coloring and extended aging are key factors in the deep coloration of dark rums.