Vodka Vs. Rum | What’s The Difference?

There are countless alcoholic drinks available in the world. Each one comes with its own alcohol content. Hard liquors such as vodka and rum have similar alcohol by volume (ABV). 

Despite this similarity, there are a variety of differences between vodka and rum. To begin with, vodka is primarily made using grains and potatoes while rum uses sugarcane juice. 

Vodka

Vodka is a clear spirit that originated in Russia and Poland but has since become popular in the United States. This type of alcoholic drink is naturally gluten-free.

However, your drink may not necessarily be gluten-free due to the additives and options which come with your drink. For example, there are plenty of mixed drinks that use vodka such as a White Russian, Moscow Mule, Bloody Mary, or a Screwdriver.

Process

Vodka is also a distilled spirit that undergoes the distillation process which involves a fermentation process that uses water, grain mash, and wheat. Vodka can be made by also using cereal grains and potatoes.

Taste

Since vodka is flavorless, many come with certain flavors for you to choose from such as strawberry, cotton candy, and blueberry. Adding vodka to a mixed drink allows you to taste different flavors as well.

Brands

Well-known brands of vodka include the following:

• Ketel One
• Grey Goose
• Smirnoff
• Absolut
• Stolichnaya

Rum

Originating in the Caribbean islands, rum is made using sugarcane juice. As is the case with vodka, distilling takes place with rum. 

Types Of Rum

Rum is an interesting distilled spirit because there are multiple variations such as:

• spiced rum (blended spices and caramel)
• dark rum (consists of multiple rums)
• light rum (typically not aged)
• white rum (light in color, primarily used to mix with other drinks)
• gold rum (aged and has a stronger flavor than light rum)

Taste & Process

How the rum is aged, and for how long, will play a part in the taste and smell of the rum. In fact, rum is aged in oak casks which hold the liquid for a certain amount of time.

The aging process of the rum gives it flavoring. Distillation takes place at a distillery in which the rum will complete the aging process.

Mixed Drinks

Mixed drinks which use rum include:

• daiquiri
• ​rum runner
• malibu sunset
• mohito
• Long Island iced tea

Brands

Popular brands of rum include:

• Captain Morgan
• ​Bacardi
• ​Kraken
• Whaler’s
• Tommy Bahama

Health Concerns Of Alcohol Abuse

Despite some of the health benefits that a few alcoholic beverages offer, alcohol can cause a number of health issues in the short term and long term. 

Short-Term Health Concerns

Short-term health issues are likely caused by bouts of heavy drinking or binge drinking. This can cause you to experience alcohol poisoning, falls, and car crashes. 

Long-Term Health Concerns

Long-term health concerns from alcohol abuse include:

• heart disease
• digestive problems
• cancer
• cirrhosis of the liver
• mental health concerns
• the development of alcohol use disorder

If you or a loved one struggles with alcohol abuse, please contact us today to learn about our treatment options.