For centuries molasses has and continues to be the driving ingredient used during the fermentation of Rum. When molasses is mixed with water and yeast, fermentation happens. This fermentation creates “Wine” that can be distilled and turned into Rum. “Rum” is directly linked to the English style of production dating back to the colonization of the Americas and Caribbean. The most common method for making this style is characterized by a prolonged fermentation period usually using molasses, and distillation using a copper pot and/or column stills creating a heavier body and complex flavorful Rum that is influenced by the base materials used during fermentation. Right me old matey, time to make some Rum!
Cheers #enjoyresponsibly #distilsafely
Mathew | Molasses Rum Recipe Kit Contents:
Note: In this Kit there is enough fermentables (Molasses) for 3 x 30 Litre Rum Washes. Feel free to buy more Still Spirits – Distillers Yeast – Rum and Still Spirits – Dark Spirits Nutrient if you intend to ferment and distil multiple Rum washes.
- 14Kg Bundaberg Molasses (Food Grade)
- 1 x 20g packet Still Spirits – Distillers Yeast – Rum
- 50g (45mL) of Still Spirits – Dark Spirits Nutrient
- 1 x 130g packet Still Spirits – Turbo Clear
Equipment Required: (NB: not included in Kit)
- 30 Litre AMPI HDPE Plastic Food Grade fermenter or larger with tight fitting lid
- Senior Airlock or S-Type Airlock and Grommet for Airlock
- Long Handle Plastic Spoon
- Hydrometer
- 250mL Glass Measuring Cylinder
- HI98103 Checker pH Tester
Vital Stats:
- Fermentation Batch Sizes: 30 Litres / 8 US Gallons
- Boil Time: 0 mins
- Starting Gravity (est.) 1.075
- Final Gravity (est) 0.9987
- Rum Wash ABV: 10%
OPTIONAL EXTRAS (SOLD SEPARATELY):
- Anti-Foam Agent – Still Spirits Distilling Conditioner
Fermentables:
- 4.0 Litres (5.6 Kg) of Bundaberg Food Grade Molasses
Yeast:
- 1 x 20g packet Still Spirits – Distillers Yeast – Rum
Aids:
Water Adjustments (Optional fermentation pH is between 4.0 and 5.0):
- Calcium Carbonate (sold separately, NOT included in Kit) or Baking Soda
- Citric Acid (sold separately, NOT included in Kit)
- 1 x 130g packet Still Spirits – Turbo Clear (included in Kit) to clarify wash (rum wine)
- 50g (45m) of Still Spirits – Dark Spirits Nutrient – (Included in Kit)
Method:
- Heat 8 Litres (2 gallons) of water to 77C (170F) and add to fermenter. Dissolve 4 Litres (5.6Kg) of Molasses and stir vigorously. Add the 50g (45m) of Still Spirits – Dark Spirits Nutrient. Add another 12 Litres (3 gallons) of water to obtain a temperature of 32C (90F). Stir vigorously or use an oxygen aeration kit to oxygenate the wort prior to fermentation.
- Test the pH of your wash. The ideal pH is 4.5 to 5.0. Use citric acid to bring the pH down and calcium carbonate to bring it up.
- Pitch the Yeast – sprinkle on top of the wash.
- Allow to ferment in the temperature range 20-35C. A cooler fermentation will produce less esters and take longer to ferment for an arguably cleaner more pure flavour. A warmer fermentation will ferment more quickly and produce some more ester character to your wash and final spirit. Aim for the higher end of the range around 32-35C for a more full flavour higher ester Rum wash.
- Fermentation should be completed within 3-5 days. Wait for two consecutive days of consistent low Hydrometer readings.
- Once fermentation is complete. Stir the wash vigorously to remove all of the remaining CO2. Once degassed, add the contents of Part A of Still Spirits – Turbo Clear 130g stir well, then leave for 1 hour to stand.
- After 1 hour, slowly pour Part B of Still Spirits – Turbo Clear 130g evenly over the top of the wash while stirring gently to help spread it evenly. Do not stir vigorously as this will disrupt the clearing process. Leave to clear for 24 hours. During this time Part B will drop down from the top, taking all unwanted yeast and sediment with it to the bottom. If you have temperature control of your fermenter or an old fridge feel free to crash chill to assist with clarification of your wash before distillation.
- Complete the above process up to 3 times. Note: You may need to buy additional Yeast, Nutrients and Turbo Clear. To add flavour and character to your second and third batches you can use some of the Dunder leftover from the previous distillation to add flavour and character to your next batch of Rum wash. Be judicious with your addition of Dunder – no more than 7% as a guidance into the next fermentation of the total volume of wash or 2L of Dunder. What is Dunder? See below further reading and references for links.
Move the wash to your Still and prepare to Distil Happy!
Mathew | Molasses Rum Recipe Kit Contents:
- 14Kg Bundaberg Molasses (Food Grade)
- 1 x 20g packet Still Spirits – Distillers Yeast – Rum
- 1 x 130g packet Still Spirits – Turbo Clear
Note: Enough Molasses to make at least 3 x 30L Rum Washes. Feel free to buy another 2 x 20g packet Still Spirits – Distillers Yeast – Rum and 2 x 130g packet Still Spirits – Turbo Clear to make more Mathew | Molasses Rum Wash!
Optional Extras – Not included in Mathew | Molasses Rum Recipe Kit:
Equipment Required:
- 30 Litre AMPI HDPE Plastic Food Grade fermenter or larger with tight fitting lid
- Senior Airlock or S-Type Airlock and Grommet for Airlock
- Long Handle Plastic Spoon
- Hydrometer
- 250mL Glass Measuring Cylinder
- HI98103 Checker pH Tester
Distilling Aids:
- Calcium Carbonate (sold separately)
- Citric Acid (sold separately)
- Still Spirits | Dark Spirits Yeast Nutrient (sold separately)
Further Reading and Watching and Knowledge Sources on How to Brew and Distil a Rum Happy!
- Mile Hi Distilling | How to Make a Rum
- Rick Morris | The Joy of Home Distilling
- The Deal with Dunder | Artisan Spirit Magazine