Updated April 2026.
Rum and vodka are different agricultural classes, usually the same proof. US rum is a sugarcane distillate bottled at ≥40% ABV. US vodka is distilled to ≥190 proof and treated to be neutral, then bottled at ≥40%. A 1.5-ounce 80-proof pour is one NIAAA standard drink either way. Captain Morgan Original Spiced is often 35% ABV in the US — a flavored class, not the rum floor.
White, gold, and dark rum are mostly color and age marketing unless there is an age statement. Caramel color is allowed. Related: rum guide, vodka guide, white vs dark rum.
Cane vs neutral
| Rule | Rum | Vodka |
|---|---|---|
| Base | Sugarcane / molasses / cane juice | Any fermentable (grain, potato, grapes) distilled to neutrality |
| Distillation cap | <190 proof | ≥190 proof |
| Typical US bottle | 40% (Bacardi Superior) | 40% |
| Watch-for SKU | Spiced 35% (Captain Original US) | Flavored often 30–35% |
| 1.5 oz at 40% | 1.00 drink | 1.00 drink |
A 750 mL 40% bottle is about 17 standard drinks; a 35% spiced bottle is about 15. Four 1.5-ounce 40% pours are four drinks. NIAAA binge pattern is a health line, not a target. Pour math: rum drinks.
Sources
- TTB 27 CFR 5.151 (rum); 5.142 (vodka).
- US Captain Morgan Original Spiced 35% — prior label/trade line; confirm the neck.
- NIAAA standard drink (December 2025). No invented MSRP.
- (27 CFR 5.151)
- (27 CFR 5.142)