There are two major differences between white and dark rum: the aging process and the taste. Dark rum is aged in charred oak barrels after it has gone through the distillation process. This aging process, along with the addition of caramel or brown sugar, gives dark rum its signature amber color.

Dark Alcohols May Contain More Antioxidants Due to their color, darker alcohols may contain more antioxidants, which are "generally felt to be protective," Dr. Heskett says. Think along the lines of red wines, and how many studies have shown they provide various health benefits.

Whiskey and brandy are the most common brown liquors. Scotch, a variety of whiskey, and cognac, a type of brandy, fall into this category as well. Brown liquors get their color from barrel aging, sometimes in charred barrels. This aging process also adds a distinct flavor.

The color of the alcohol really doesn't matter at all when it comes to intoxication. Although, dark liquor may increase the risk of hangovers due to congeners. Congeners are other chemicals in dark liquor that are a byproduct of aging alcohol in barrels.