The present invention relates to a rubber composition comprised of diene based elastomer, precipitated silica, particulate low molecular weight alcohol-adsorbing (e.g. alkanol-adsorbing) activated carbon and coupling agent comprised of at least one of organopolyalkoxysilane polysulfide (e.g organopolyalkoxysilyl polysulfide such as a bis(3-trialkoxysilylalkyl polysulfide) and organoalkoxymercaptosilane. The invention further relates to a tire having a component of such rubber composition.