What is a defining characteristic of rum?

Rum is distinctly characterized by its base ingredients, which are primarily sugarcane or its by-products, such as molasses. The production process begins with the fermentation of these sugar sources, followed by distillation, which results in the spirit known as rum. This use of sugarcane is what separates it from other spirits, such as whiskey, which is made from grains like barley, or vodka, which can be produced from a variety of raw materials including potatoes or grains.

While rum does often undergo aging in oak barrels and may sometimes have added sugars post-distillation to enhance sweetness or flavor, the defining characteristic lies in its raw materials. Therefore, the answer highlighting that rum is distilled from sugarcane or molasses captures the essence of what makes rum unique. Understanding this foundational aspect lays the groundwork for recognizing the diversity within the category of rum and how it differs from other spirits.