Molasses verses Cane Juice - The Journey from Sugarcane to Spirit

A beloved spirit with a rich history and diverse flavours, rum finds its origin in the sugarcane plant. Rum’s primary sources are molasses and cane juice but what are these ingredients and how do they result in different spirit expressions?  

Molasses, which is a by-product of refining sugarcane, is produced by a process whereupon sugarcane is crushed, and the resulting liquid is boiled to extract sugar. The residual syrup that is produced after the sugar has been crystallized is molasses. The molasses is then typically mixed with water and yeast and undergoes the process of fermentation. After fermentation, the mixture is then distilled via various methods chosen by the distiller. Molasses production can vary depending on a variety of factors including type of sugarcane used, refining methods and quality, and production region. This results in diverse flavour profiles found in molasses-based spirits.  

Flavour Profile: Deep and robust, rich caramel essences and often carries notes of toffee, spice, and slight bitterness. 

Examples of Molasses Spirit Regions: English & Spanish-speaking Caribbean Nations such as Jamaica, Barbados, Trinidad & Tobago, and the Dominican Republic, India, USA, and Australia. 

Unlike molasses, cane juice spirits are produced by directly pressing fresh sugarcane which captures the raw essence of the plant before any refinement occurs. Like molasses spirits, the fresh sugarcane juice is then typically mixed with water and yeast and left to ferment before being distilled. Unlike molasses, cane juice spirits often have a more important focus on immediate fermentation after harvesting the juice as it will lose its freshness quite quickly. Cane juice spirits are often celebrated for highlighting the terroir of the region where the plant was grown and are largely influenced by factors such as sugar composition, climate, and plant variety.  

Flavour Profile: Bight, grassy, and fresh often with hints of vegetal and floral tones and a natural sweetness.  

Examples of Cane Juice Spirit Regions: French-speaking Caribbean Islands like Martinique and Guadeloupe, Brazil (Cachaça). 

 The differences between molasses spirits and cane juice spirits extend beyond their origins, encapsulating a wide range of flavours, aromas, production techniques, and regional/historical influences.  

By Sam Stefani