Blackstrap
A style of rum made from blackstrap molasses, the dark, thick final byproduct of sugar refining. Blackstrap rums have intense flavors of molasses, coffee, and bitter chocolate. Essential for authentic Corn 'n' Oil and some tiki drinks.
Blackstrap rum represents the darkest, most intensely flavored end of the rum spectrum. Made from blackstrap molasses - the final, most concentrated byproduct of sugar refining - these rums deliver bold flavors that stand out in cocktails and demand attention when sipped. Sugar production involves repeatedly boiling cane juice and extracting crystallized sugar. Each boiling produces different molasses grades. The first extraction yields light molasses, relatively sweet and mild. The second produces dark molasses. The third and final extraction creates blackstrap molasses - thick, dark, intensely flavored, and barely sweet. Blackstrap molasses retains concentrated minerals and complex flavor compounds that did not crystallize out. It tastes of bitter chocolate, coffee, burnt caramel, and licorice. When fermented and distilled, these intense flavors carry through to the rum. Blackstrap rums are unmistakable. Expect intense notes of molasses, dark chocolate, coffee, charred sugar, and often a distinctive licorice or anise quality. Some detect leather, tobacco, or tar. These are not subtle rums. The color is nearly black - much darker than other dark rums. The Corn n Oil is the essential blackstrap cocktail. This Barbadian classic combines blackstrap rum with falernum, lime juice, and bitters. The rum intensity needs the spiced syrup sweetness to balance. The Dark and Stormy traditionally uses dark rum, but blackstrap versions create an especially robust drink. The ginger beer stands up well to blackstrap intensity. Tiki drinks sometimes call for blackstrap as a float or split with other rums. Blackstrap rum intensity means it rarely works as a sole base spirit in the way lighter rums do. Consider using it as part of a rum blend, floating it on top of drinks for visual impact and aromatic punch, or in recipes specifically designed for its flavor profile. When substituting blackstrap for other rums, reduce the amount or expect a dramatically different drink. Its bitter edge means you may need more sweetener than recipes using standard rum suggest. Cruzan Black Strap is the most widely available example. Skipper Demerara Rum offers more intensity. Hamilton 86 represents the American rum renaissance approach to the style.
💡 Pro Tips
- Use blackstrap as part of a rum blend rather than the sole base
- Float blackstrap on drinks for visual impact and aroma
- The intensity means a little goes a long way
- Essential for authentic Corn n Oil cocktails
⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Substituting blackstrap 1:1 for standard dark rum
- Not adjusting sweetness to balance blackstrap bitterness
- Using blackstrap in delicate drinks where it will overwhelm
- Expecting blackstrap to taste like other dark rums