Gosling's rum is black in color for a couple of reasons. First, the name “Black Seal” comes from the black wax that was originally used to seal the bottles. This was a unique and distinguishing feature of the brand. Over time, the black wax seal became iconic and synonymous with Gosling's rum.
But why is the rum itself black? Well, the color of rum is influenced by a variety of factors, including the aging process and the type of barrels used for maturation. In the case of Gosling's Black Seal, the rum is a blend of rums from both pot stills and continuous column stills. This combination of different distillation methods contributes to the complex flavor profile and rich color of the rum.
During the aging process, rum interacts with the wood of the barrels, which imparts both flavor and color. The barrels used by Gosling's are typically charred on the inside, which allows the rum to absorb more of the barrel's characteristics. This includes the rich, dark color that gives Black Seal its distinctive appearance.
Additionally, the length of time that the rum is aged can also contribute to its color. Gosling's Black Seal is aged for a minimum of three years, allowing the flavors to develop and intensify over time. This aging process not only adds depth and complexity to the rum, but it also deepens its color, resulting in the dark, almost black hue that is characteristic of the brand.
It's worth noting that the color of rum can vary between different brands and styles. Some rums are lighter in color, while others, like Gosling's Black Seal, have a darker, more intense hue. This variation is due to the unique combination of factors involved in the production and aging process of each individual rum.
Gosling's rum is black due to the combination of the black wax seal on the bottle and the aging process that imparts a rich, dark color to the rum itself. The blend of rums from different stills and the use of charred barrels contribute to the complex flavors and deep color that make Gosling's Black Seal a truly iconic rum.