Additives in Spirits: Does Caramel Count?

I wrote a story for AlcoholProfessor.com about additives in rum. The initial point of the story was that the term “additive-free” has become charged due to its use in the tequila industry, and now the term is spilling over into rum.

I learned in the process of reporting the story that some brands have used the “additive-free” terminology for a long time. I then became curious about whether caramel coloring is considered an additive by people using the term.

I gathered some good thoughts and quotes from the producers. Check out the story here.