In order to try the legendary Thai rum, it is best to immediately go to Thailand. You can start the tasting right at Suvarnabhumi - the international airport that accepts most of the tourist destinations. By the way, this is not such an expensive pleasure as it might seem at first glance. But first things first.
The taste of real tropics
Thai rum Sang Som has a very unusual bouquet. Anyone who tried it for the first time will surely experience surprise. At the heart of the bouquet is a mixture of citrus notes, Chinese cinnamon bark, fennel and eucalyptus. The aroma of rum is also quite strong.
Such an unusual taste creates excellent harmonious compositions with many drinks, combined with them in cocktails. Many prefer undiluted Thai rum. Although its strength is quite impressive - the classic 40.
Historical excursion
Sang Som rum was first released in 1977. Today it is produced by the same company - Sangsom Co. Ltd. Frankly speaking, production technology can be called conservative - it has not undergone virtually any changes. Or maybe it is thanks to fidelity to traditions that Thai rum is respected by fans? Reviews from, in any case, agree on one thing - there is nothing better than its classic taste and spicy aroma.
Today you can often hear that this drink is called real Thai whiskey, although this has nothing to do with reality. Sang Som is a rum that has all its characteristics and meets the international standards of this particular category of alcoholic beverages.
Production
Thai rum Sang Som has a pleasant dark honey color. It is made from high-quality alcohols obtained by sugarcane. The drink is traditionally aged in large oak barrels for a long time - for 3-5 years. During this time, all aromas and tastes are fully revealed.
Despite the fact that, by the standards of the modern world, the technology is rather complicated, a drink at home is quite inexpensive. Thai rum Sang Som, whose price is $ 3.5 per 0.33 liter, can afford most of the inhabitants of Thailand and tourists.
Today, about 70 million liters of this drink are produced in Thailand, which exceeds 70% of the production of all Thai alcohol.
Sang Som Outside Thailand
This drink is common in many countries. Of course, like other varieties of the famous alcohol, to which Sang Som belongs, it is faked. In some cases, this is easier than arranging supplies from Asia. But I must say that this Thai rum is not produced in franchise anywhere else, they release it only in the historical homeland. And from there he goes to more than 20 countries around the world.
However, Thai legislation favors economic development. Thai rum, whose price, although small, but due to turnover, the contribution to the budget is very tangible, is produced in sufficient quantities to satisfy the demand of all its fans. Although, most of the rum is still drunk in Tai. Only about 1% is exported.
Rum cocktails
Thais rarely drink strong drinks in their pure form. Although, I must say that Thailand is among the five world leaders in alcohol consumption. Of course, the figures are based on the huge number of tourists visiting the kingdom annually.
Usually, locals consume Sang Som, mixing it with chilled soft drinks. Juices from fresh fruits and berries, ordinary soda, famous cola and fanta go well with its rich taste. No less popular are mixtures with power engineers, which, by the way, are widely produced in Tai.
This drink and the bartenders did not ignore. It is often used to create multi-component alcoholic cocktails. Moreover, bartenders appreciate not only the unusual taste of rum, but also its honey color, which allows you to get incredible combinations in a glass or glass. By the way, Thai rum is used both for strong spicy shots and for light long drinks.
Buckets
Widespread so-called buckets. They really are buckets, complemented by a bottle of rum and a jar of drink. In this form, it is all sold everywhere throughout Thailand. Just mix the drinks in the desired proportion, add ice, stick a straw and enjoy. A bright tube or even several are also included in the set.
How to drink Thai rum
Rum can be drunk from brandy glasses or vodka glasses, you can add ice to it or dilute it at your discretion.
Serve Thai rum Sang Som and in reputable restaurants. It serves traditional cuisine of the Far East, which, of course, is based on fish and seafood. Exotic fruits are also great for this drink - they emphasize aroma and taste.
Another thing is if you really went to Thailand to try the legendary rum ... Be sure to study the customs of this country before the flight, check out the calendar of national holidays. For example, you will not be sold either rum or any other alcohol on the birthday of the queen or king. In addition, it is forbidden to sell alcohol from midnight to 11 am and from 14 to 17 hours. It is also not for sale in stores near which schools, churches and mosques are located. Surprisingly, alcohol is not available at gas stations. And according to the legislation of this country, it is forbidden to sell alcohol to persons under the age of twenty. However, basically these rules concern local ones. With tourists in Thailand is still not so strict. In addition, hotel bars and restaurants operate almost around the clock on any day of the week.
Awards
The excellent taste characteristics and good quality of the drink not only brought him worldwide fame, but also served as the occasion for several international awards. Rum has been repeatedly presented at various exhibitions and competitions of alcoholic beverages. Among them are the festivals of 1982 and 1983 in Madrid, an exhibition in Dusseldorf (1983), and in 2006 the rum again went to Spain. More than once this drink has become not only a laureate, but also a prize winner.
All the medals that Sang Som rum has been awarded are today shown on the label. Currently, the manufacturer leaves a little free space next to the painted awards, as if hinting that the wonderful Thai rum still has many victories ahead.