Ahoy Matey! Well, that’s pretty stereotypical of rum – pirates and the Caribbean, but Captain Morgan with their logo fits the bill. In fact, their slogan is “Live like the Captain.”
Yes, Captain Morgan Original Spiced Rum is gluten-free. All distilled alcohol is gluten-free, according to the FDA. Unless gluten ingredients are added after distillation, all rums are gluten-free. Captain Morgan does have four rums that are gluten-free and several that may contain unlisted gluten ingredients. Other gluten-free alternatives include Sailor Jerry Spiced Rum and Bacardi Spiced Rum.
Let’s talk about how rum is made, how Captain Morgan got its start, Captain Morgan varieties, popular ways to enjoy spiced rum, and other rums to consider that have varying spice flavors.
Contents
History
It was named after the 17th-century Welsh explorer, Sir Henry Morgan, who set sail for the West Indies but stopped and stayed in the Caribbean. He spent time as mayor of Jamaica, where he lived until he died in 1688.
In the 16th century, farmers began to use sugar cane for the production of alcoholic beverages. Those in Jamaica added molasses (a by-product of sugar) and distilled it into rum. As rum was a pretty strong drink, many producers added herbs and spices to soften the flavors.
In the 1940s, the Levy family was purchasing rum and adding herbs and spices. The Seagram Company caught wind of this practice when it purchased the Long Pond Distillery from the Jamaican government and bought the rights to the rum. They named their creation Captain Morgan. By 1984, Captain Morgan was known worldwide.
In 2001, Seagram sold Captain Morgan to Diageo, a British multinational beverage conglomerate, who created a new mascot, brand, and marketing campaign. Today, Captain Morgan is one of the most well-known names in spiced rum, but it has plenty of competition.
How Rums are Made
Most rums use sugar cane which is crushed to extract the juice. This sugar cane is directly fermented or converted into molasses. The distilled sugar cane juice or molasses is mixed with water, and yeast is added. The yeast consumes the sugar and converts it into alcohol. The rate and type of yeast determine the darkness or lightness of the rum.
There are two forms of distillation: Copper Pot Distillation or Column Still Distillation. Either one or both of these methods are used and create different alcohol contents.
After the distillation process, the rum is placed in stainless steel vats or oak barrels to age. Latin American countries require aging for a minimum of two years; fine rums are aged for decades. The type of barrel material and the length of the aging process affect the flavors as well.
After this is complete, rums can be blended with other barrels, or flavorings can be added. A single batch comes from the same barrel. Some add vanilla or molasses to enhance the flavor. Some add caramel to make the rum look older.
What is Spiced Rum?
Captain Morgan was one of the first companies to popularize spiced rum. To prevent the aging barrels from absorbing the flavors, rum can be infused with various flavors after it comes out of the barrels. This process can take from one to six months. Some producers use herbs or spices. Cinnamon, nutmeg, and vanilla are the most common. Others use ginger, cloves, rose hips, and juniper berry. Some manufacturers use all-natural ingredients, and some use artificial sweeteners.
Captain Morgan Products
Captain Morgan Varieties that are considered gluten-free:
- Original Spiced Rum
- White Rum
- 100 Proof Spiced Rum
- Silver Spiced Rum
Flavored Rums that are not recommended for someone with gluten sensitivities:
- Sliced Apple
- Black Spiced Rum
- Private Stock
- Coconut Rum
- Pineapple Rum
- Orange Vanilla Twist
- Tropical PUnch
- Long Island Iced Tea
- Mai Tai
Captain Morgan Ingredients
Captain Morgan does not disclose ingredients or nutrition information. The ingredients here are inferred from articles about Captain Morgan and research. Keep in mind that alcohol does not add much nutritional value to your diet. When calculating calories, be sure to include the calories, carbohydrates, sodium, and fat of your mixer.
Ingredients:
- Molasses
- Water
- Mash
- Yeast
- Spices
- Natural Flavors
Nutrition in Captain Morgan Rums (40ml serving):
- 89 Calories for Original or Spiced Rum
- 137 Calories for Parrot Bay Coconut Rum
- 0g Carbohydrates in Original, White Rum, and Spiced Gold Rum. Depending on the flavor, there could be low carbohydrates in some of the flavors that add sugars.
In general, spiced rum without added flavors has these values per 1 1/2 oz:
- 97 Calories
- 0g Fat
- 0g Carbohydrates
- 0.4mg Sodium
- 0.8g Potassium
Popular Drinks Using Spiced Rum
When choosing cocktails, make sure that anything you add to the rum is also gluten-free.
Spiced Rum & Cola
Alternatively, you can add ginger ale or fruit juices.
- 1/2 oz spiced rum
- 1/4 oz cola (regular or diet)
Mai Tai
- 1 1/2 oz spiced rum
- 1 1/2 oz coconut flavored rum
- 1 tsp grenadine syrup
- 3 oz pineapple juice
- 2 oz orange juice
Daiquiri
Mix all ingredients in a blender.
- 3 oz frozen fruit (strawberries are the most popular)
- 1 3/4 oz sweet and sour mix
- 1 1/4 oz spiced rum
- 1 cup crushed ice
Long Island Spiced Tea
- 1/3 oz vodka
- 1/3 oz gin
- 1/3 oz Grand Marnier
- 1/2 oz spiced rum
- 1/2 oz fresh lime juice
- 1/2 oz fresh lemon juice
- 1/2 oz water
- 1/2 oz cola
Hot Toddy
Spiced rum can also be served in a hot drink. Add cloves and cinnamon for even more spice.
- 2 oz spiced rum
- 1/2 oz honey
- 6 oz hot water
- lemon peel
Alternatives
There are many brands of spiced rum that have sprung up over the years. As mentioned earlier, most do not disclose their exact ingredients list or nutritional information. This information comes from websites, reviews, and tasting notes.
1. Boukman Botanical Rhum
Originating in Haiti, this rum is made from fresh sugar cane infused with barks and wood, baking spices, and bitter orange. Haiti is a well-regarded rum-producing area in the Caribbean.
2. Sailor Jerry Spiced Rum
A dark rum created the old-school way and flavored with spices, vanilla, and cinnamon. You can also taste oak and clove in the mix. This rum is at a higher alcohol content at 92 proof. It has a smooth, rich flavor and is perfect for mixing in cocktails.
3. Bacardi Spiced Rum
This rum is best mixed in cocktails. You’ll taste rum mixed with vanilla, nutmeg, and cinnamon spices. There’s a hint of caramel-like vanilla flavor from Madagascan Bourbon Vanilla Beans. Charred oak barrels are used in the aging process. Honey added at the end keeps everything in balance. (This rum would not be considered vegan.) Created in Puerto Rico with 35% alcohol by volume.
4. Chairman’s Reserved Spiced Rum
With aromas of bitter orange, nutmeg, and sweet raisin, it is produced in Saint Lucia and aged in ex-bourbon barrels with fruits and spices (cinnamon, clove, vanilla, allspice, lemon, and orange peels) added during the final six months. The alcohol by volume is 40%.
5. Bayou Spiced Rum
Distilled from local sugar cane in Louisiana, Creole spice is added to the rum for a unique taste. This has 40% alcohol by volume.
6. Kraken Black Spiced Rum
Hailing from the UK, the Kraken is a darker rum with strong vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg, and charred oak flavors. It is made in Trinidad and Tobago with 47% alcohol by volume.
7. Cardinal Lake House Spiced Rum
Most rums are made in the Caribbean, but this one is made in the heart of the USA in Indiana. Spices such as black pepper, cardamom, cinnamon, orange peel, and vanilla are infused into the rum. It is made in small batches and there are no artificial flavors or sweeteners. This is a highly rated blend with 37.5% alcohol by volume.
Ingredients:
- Cane Juice
- Molasses
- Sweet Hefeweizen Yeast
- Yeast found on Wild Sugarcane
8. Cruzan 9 Spiced Rum
Back to the islands, we find Cruzan in St Croix, US Virgin Islands. There are nine spices in this complex rum, including allspice, vanilla, pepper, ginger, mace, clove, nutmeg, cinnamon, and juniper berry.
9. Twenty Boat Spiced Rum
Based in Truro, Massachusetts, they include spices such as cardamom, vanilla bean, anise, and rosehip. This rum is twice distilled from organic molasses in small batches.
10. Don Q Oak Barrel Spiced Rum
This rum is produced in Puerto Rico that is aged in oak barrels for at least three years. In addition to spices, there is a touch of toasted coffee for a smooth taste not seen in other brands.
Related Questions
Is Captain Morgan Spiced Rum Keto-Friendly?
Yes, rums and other distilled spirits contain no sugars and no carbohydrates. It is said to slow the rate of ketosis as your body processes the alcohol first. It is not calorie-free and does not add any other nutrients, so one should consume it responsibly.
Can I Make Spiced Rum?
Yes! Take a jar, add your favorite rum and your favorite spices. Leave in a dark area for a few days. Check the flavor every day or two. When it tastes excellent, strain the spices and enjoy. Spices can include allspice berries, cloves, cinnamon, vanilla beans, nutmeg, orange peels, cardamom, or whatever else you’d like to try. This can be quite a fun process.
Is Captain Morgan Spiced Rum Vegan?
Yes, it contains no animal products. In general, when consuming rum, stick to the ones without flavors or check to see if the company uses natural flavoring, colorings, or honey.