Hello, I'm Dr. Emily Carter, a chemist specializing in the properties of beverages. I've spent years researching the complexities of alcoholic solutions, particularly the factors influencing their freezing points. Let's delve into why rum freezes.

It's a common misconception that alcohol doesn't freeze. While alcohol has a lower freezing point than water, it still freezes, albeit at a much lower temperature. This is due to the intermolecular forces between alcohol molecules, which are weaker than those between water molecules.

Rum, being a spirit with a significant alcohol content, exhibits a similar behavior. The alcohol present acts as a depressant, lowering the freezing point of the solution. In essence, the alcohol molecules disrupt the formation of a crystalline structure, making it more difficult for the rum to solidify.

However, the freezing point of rum depends on its alcohol content. A higher alcohol content generally leads to a lower freezing point. For instance, a typical rum with around 40% alcohol by volume (ABV) might freeze at approximately -20°C (-4°F), while a rum with 60% ABV could freeze at around -30°C (-22°F).

It's important to note that the freezing point of rum can also be influenced by other factors, such as the presence of sugar, additives, and even the pH of the solution. These components can further alter the intermolecular forces at play, ultimately affecting the freezing point.

Therefore, while rum does freeze, it requires temperatures significantly lower than the freezing point of water. The exact freezing point will vary depending on the specific composition of the rum.

Let's consider a practical example: If you leave a bottle of rum in a freezer set at -18°C (0°F), it's highly likely that the rum will freeze. However, if the rum has a higher alcohol content, it might not freeze until the temperature drops further.

In summary, rum freezes due to the presence of alcohol, which lowers the freezing point of the solution. However, the freezing point can be influenced by several factors, including the alcohol content, the presence of other components, and the overall pH of the rum.

I hope this explanation clarifies why rum freezes and helps you better understand the fascinating world of alcoholic solutions.

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Water freezes at 0 C (32 F) and the freezing point of pure ethanol alcohol is -114 C (-173.2 F). ... The exact freezing point of vodka, tequila, rum, whiskey and liqueurs (as well as wine and beer) is dependent on its alcohol by volume (or its proof). The lower the alcohol content, the warmer the freezing point.read more >>