What is the main distinction between rum and vodka?

Rum is primarily distinguished from vodka by its ingredients and production process. Rum is made from sugarcane or its byproduct, molasses, which impart unique flavors and sweetness to the spirit. This base material significantly influences the characteristics of rum, including its taste, aroma, and overall profile. In contrast, vodka is typically distilled from grains such as wheat or rye or, alternatively, from potatoes. The distillation process for vodka is usually aimed at achieving a neutral flavor, which is a defining characteristic of the spirit.

While some rums may be sweeter than vodka due to their sugarcane origins, this is not an absolute rule and can vary by brand and style. Additionally, although some rums are aged to develop richer flavors, many vodka brands are not typically aged, as the focus is on purity and neutrality. Finally, the alcohol content of both spirits can vary widely depending on brands and production methods; hence it's not accurate to generalize that rum has lower alcohol content than vodka. Thus, the correct answer clearly highlights the fundamental differences in production and ingredients that define these two popular spirits.