What is the difference between dark and light rum?

Answer 1

The color of a liquor is determined by various dissolved substances depending on the type of liquor. Sugar itself is colorless in solution so there is no relation between the color and the sugar content. Most liquors (e.g. vodka, gin, whisky, rum) have little to no sugar anyway; however liqueurs (e.g. amaretto, Kahlua, triple sec, Jaegermeister) are sweetened and generally less alcoholic than liquors. Again, there is no direct relation between color and sugar content.

Answer 2

Either. The only usual difference between light/clear and dark liquors is that the clear ones are usually filtered and may lack flavorings that was present before (and this is is part of the reason why it's usually suited for mixed drinks).

Answer 3

I believe it has to do with the barrel it is stored in.

Dark alcohol picks up its color from aging in wooden casks/barrels.

Answer 4

One appears generally rather dark, whilst the other is not so dark.

Answer 5

Yes