What is the minimum ABV at which rum must be bottled according to EU?

In the European Union, the regulations for rum state that it must be bottled at a minimum alcohol by volume (ABV) of 37.5%. This standard helps to ensure a certain level of intensity and flavor in the spirit, which is particularly important for rum, as it can be produced from a variety of raw materials, including sugarcane juice and molasses.

By requiring this minimum ABV, the EU aims to maintain the integrity of rum as a spirit category, ensuring that products labeled as rum deliver a consistent experience to consumers. This regulation also distinguishes rum from lower-strength beverages, supporting quality and consumer trust in spirit labeling across Europe.

The other ABV figures mentioned—40%, 42%, and 45%—are not accurate minimum requirements set by the EU for rum. While these might represent typical bottling strengths across various spirits, they do not reflect the specific threshold defined in the EU regulations for rum.