# Classifying Rum

In [_Smuggler's Cove_][1], Martin Cate, proprietor of the
[renowned tiki bar in San Francisco of the same name][2],
groups the [dimensions of rum][3] into the following
categories:

## Molasses & Evaporated Cane Rums

Pot still unaged  
<span class="prefix">①</span>_Pot still lightly aged_  
Pot still aged  
Pot still long aged

<span class="prefix">②</span>_Blended lightly aged_  
<span class="prefix">③</span>_Blended aged_  
Blended long aged

Column still lightly aged  
<span class="prefix">④</span>_Column still aged_  
Column still long aged  

Black pot still

<span class="prefix">⑤</span>_Black blended_  
<span class="prefix">⑥</span>_Black blended overproof_  

## Fresh Cane Juice Rums

Cane Coffey still aged  
Cane Pot still unaged

<span class="prefix">⑦</span>_Cane AOC Martinique rhum
agricole blanc_  
<span class="prefix">⑧</span>_Cane AOC Martinique rhum
agricole vieux_  
Cane AOC Martinique rhum agricole long aged

Pot still unaged cachaça  
Pot still aged cachaça

All varieties of rum have their uses, but the 8 italicized
varieties are most widely used in rum-based cocktails.
Unaged rums are excluded from most cocktails as they are
harsh spirits and thus difficult to blend. Conversely, the
nuances of long-aged rums are best appreciated when served
neat; they can also shine in very simple cocktails.

[1]: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1607747324
[2]: http://www.smugglerscovesf.com/
[3]: /rum/dimensions/