The Power of Process: State Line Rum from Sugar to Spirit

At State Line Distillery, we craft exceptional spirits that embody our commitment to quality, tradition, and innovation. State Line Rum is a prime example of this dedication, meticulously crafted from sugar to spirit using a blend of dark and light molasses paired with our own house dunder.

The journey of State Line Rum begins with the selection of high-quality ingredients. We use a blend of dark and light molasses, which are by-products of sugar production. These molasses provide the rich, complex flavors that are the hallmark of our rum.

Dark Molasses: Known for its robust, full-bodied flavor, dark molasses adds depth and intensity to our rum. It brings notes of caramel, toffee, and a hint of smokiness that create a distinctive taste profile.

Light Molasses: Lighter in color and flavor, light molasses contributes subtle sweetness and a delicate complexity. It balances the intensity of the dark molasses, resulting in a harmonious blend.

House Muck (AKA Dunder): Dunder is a traditional component in rum production. It is the leftover beer from a previous distillation, rich in nutrients, which is used to ferment the next batch of rum. Dunder produces muck, a mass of bacteria and microbes similar to those found in yogurt. Muck is like the "sourdough starter" of rum. The muck is used to create Esters, a key part of the flavor development of rum. Esters are the product of oxidizing a mixture of ethanol and organic acids. This creates the “funk” in rum, creating very fruity notes of pineapple, mango, guava, and more.

Our house muck is carefully maintained to ensure it enhances the complexity and depth of our rum. It introduces a unique microbial profile that contributes to the distinctive flavor characteristics of State Line Rum.

Fermentation is a critical step in the rum-making process. It’s during fermentation that the sugars in the molasses are converted into alcohol, and the complex flavors of the rum begin to develop. We use a controlled fermentation process, carefully monitoring temperature and time to ensure optimal conditions for yeast activity. This precision allows us to achieve a consistent and high-quality flavor profile in every batch.

The combination of our molasses blend and house dunder during fermentation creates a rich tapestry of flavors. The yeast and bacteria interact with the sugars, producing a range of compounds that contribute to the rum's aroma and taste.

Distillation is where the alcohol is separated from the fermented mash, concentrating the flavors and refining the spirit. Our distillation process is designed to capture the essence of the ingredients while ensuring the highest level of purity.

We use hybrid copper pot stills, which provide excellent control over the distillation process. The copper interacts with the vapors, removing unwanted compounds and enhancing the smoothness of the final product. During distillation, we make precise cuts to separate the "hearts" (the desirable middle portion of the distillate) from the "heads" and "tails" (the undesirable portions). This ensures that only the best part of the distillate makes it into our rum, resulting in a clean and flavorful spirit.

After distillation, our rum is aged to allow the flavors to mature and develop further. Aging in barrels adds complexity and depth, as the rum interacts with the wood, mellowing and absorbing oak flavor compounds. . We carefully select our barrels to complement the flavor profile of our rum. The type of wood, previous use, and char level all influence the final taste, adding layers of vanilla, oak, fruit and spice.

The culmination of our meticulous process is State Line Rum, a spirit that embodies the rich heritage of rum-making with a modern twist. Its flavor profile is a testament to our commitment to quality and craftsmanship, offering a harmonious blend of sweetness, complexity, and depth.

Whether enjoyed neat or in a crafted cocktail, State Line Rum is a versatile spirit that brings a touch of elegance to any occasion. Its smooth, rich character makes it a favorite among discerning rum enthusiasts.

From the careful selection of ingredients to the art of fermentation, distillation, aging and blending, every step is a labor of love. Our State Line Rum is more than just a spirit; it’s a celebration of craftsmanship, tradition, and innovation.