Haiti rum & Spirit Drink
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Clairin Le Rocher 2022
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Clairin Le Rocher 2022
Only 2 left in stock!
Clairin Le Rocher 2022 is a Haitian rum with a very distinctive voice. It is made from sugar cane syrup that is brought to the boil, a method used here to preserve the characteristic aromas of the three cane varieties involved.
Its single pot still production and bottling in the Clairin style give it a fresh, vegetal and spicy profile, marked by smoky and roasted notes. Rather than leaning on oak influence, Le Rocher puts the distillate itself at the centre, with the raw aromatic side of the cane clearly in view.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, we see this as a rum for drinkers who enjoy expressive, unconventional spirits. At 50% alcohol, it has enough strength to carry its spice and smoke, while still keeping that lively freshness.
The aroma opens (…)Clairin Vaval 2023 Incl. Box
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Clairin Vaval 2023 Incl. Box
Last one in stock!
Clairin Vaval 2023 shows a very direct side of Haitian rum. It comes from Cavaillon on the south coast of Haiti, where Fritz Vaval works with local sugar cane varieties grown on coastal soils exposed to the trade winds.
Its appeal lies in that rural, traditional approach. Spontaneous fermentation keeps the spirit close to its origins, with a character that feels lively and unpolished rather than smoothed into a conventional rum style. At Drankenshop Broekmans, we value this kind of bottling because it shows how expressive sugar cane juice rum can be when its local identity is allowed to speak clearly.
Bottled at 53.5%, Clairin Vaval 2023 has real presence. The profile leans into fruit, spice and vegetal freshness, with only a light floral and sweet touch in (…)Clairin Sonson 2023 Incl. Box
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Clairin Sonson 2023 Incl. Box
Only 2 left in stock!
Clairin Sonson 2023 takes us to Cabaret, north-west of Port-au-Prince, where Stephan Sonson produces this Haitian clairin from fresh sugar cane juice. In the rum selection at Drankenshop Broekmans, this is the kind of bottle that speaks clearly of origin: direct, rural and shaped by the raw material rather than by polish.
This release is made exclusively from Madame Meuze sugar cane, a rare Haitian variety grown traditionally without chemicals. Distillation takes place in a traditional pot still, keeping the spirit close to the cane and to the terroir-driven identity of clairin.
At 49.4% ABV and bottled at cask strength, Clairin Sonson 2023 has presence, yet its description points more toward precision than weight. The style centres on floral, spiced and (…)Clairin Communal
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Clairin Communal
In stock
Clairin Communal from Velier presents Haitian sugar cane juice rum in a direct and expressive way. Its interest does not come from an age statement or a strong wood influence, but from the distillate itself: pot still produced, with fruit and spice clearly shaping the profile.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, this is the kind of bottle we see as a good introduction to a different side of rum, away from more familiar molasses-led styles. Clairin Communal keeps the focus on Haiti, sugar cane juice and a straightforward distillation character.
Bottled at 43%, it has enough strength to show its personality without feeling heavy. Light floral and vegetal touches add detail around the fruitier and spicier core, giving the rum a clearly recognisable identity.
Barbancourt 3* 4y
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Barbancourt 3* 4y
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Barbancourt 3* 4y is a Haitian rum with a clear and straightforward identity: Barbancourt as the house name, Haiti as its origin, four years of ageing and a bottling strength of 40%. The 3* 4y designation keeps the focus on the specific expression rather than on elaborate presentation.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, this is the kind of rum we place in the assortment for customers who are looking for a recognisable Barbancourt release with a defined age statement. It does not need a long explanation to make sense; its appeal lies in the combination of brand, origin and maturity.
This reference is also marked as popular, and the remaining stock is listed as last bottles. That gives it a little extra relevance for anyone specifically looking for this Barbancourt 3* (…)Bristol Reserve Haiti 2004
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Bristol Reserve Haiti 2004
On request only
Bristol Reserve Haiti 2004 is a rum that says a lot through its name alone: Bristol, Haiti and the year 2004 are the key elements. Rather than presenting itself as a generic rum, it draws attention to origin and vintage indication.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, bottles like this tend to interest customers who enjoy rum with a clearer sense of identity. The Haitian origin gives the selection its place, while the 43% strength keeps the presentation in a classic register.
This Bristol Reserve Haiti 2004 has proved popular and is now down to the last bottles. For anyone looking for a Haitian rum with this specific year reference, it is worth taking a closer look.
No specific tasting notes were provided for Bristol Reserve Haiti 2004. For that reason, (…)Clairin Casimir 2020
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Clairin Casimir 2020
On request only
Clairin Casimir 2020 is a Haitian rum bottled by Velier, and its identity is clear from the outset. At Drankenshop Broekmans, this is the kind of bottle that stands out because it points to a very specific origin rather than presenting itself as a generic rum.
Bottled at 54.3% alcohol, it has a firm presence and is best approached as a rum with real strength in the glass. The appeal here lies in that directness and in the clear connection to Haiti carried by the Clairin Casimir name.
It has also proved popular, and only the last bottles remain. That gives this 2020 release a sense of limited availability without needing any exaggerated claims around it.
No specific tasting notes are provided for Clairin Casimir 2020. What can be said with (…)Clairin Casimir 2021
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Clairin Casimir 2021
On request only
Clairin Casimir 2021 is a Haitian sugar cane juice rum from Barradÿres, released under the Velier name. Its identity is rooted in small-scale craft: Faubert Casimir grows white and red Hawaii cane on 50 hectares, continuing the legacy of his father Duncan.
The interest here lies in the way the fully ripe cane is handled. It is combined with fermenting pure cane sugar, while lemongrass leaves, cinnamon and sometimes ginger are added during distillation to deepen the aromatic character. Rather than showing a wood-led style, this clairin speaks through flowers, spice and fruit, with a light vegetal edge that keeps it close to the cane.
At 51.5% alcohol, Clairin Casimir 2021 has real presence, yet its appeal is not just strength. At Drankenshop Broekmans, we (…)Clairin Le Rocher 2020
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Clairin Le Rocher 2020
On request only
Clairin Le Rocher 2020 is a Haitian rum made from sugar cane juice and bottled by Velier. What makes it stand out is its straightforward presentation: distilled in 2020, produced on a pot still, released without an age statement and bottled at cask strength at 47.5%.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, this is the kind of rum we place in front of customers who want to understand the origin and production behind the bottle. Rather than leaning on a stated age, it presents a specific 2020 distillate from Haiti, with Velier's name attached to the bottling.
It has also become a well-liked release, and only the last bottles remain in our selection. That gives Clairin Le Rocher 2020 a more fleeting character than a standard permanent bottling.
No specific (…)Clairin Sajous 2021 Incl. Box
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Clairin Sajous 2021 Incl. Box
In stock
Clairin Sajous 2021 is a Haitian sugar cane juice rum made by Michel Sajous, a third-generation distiller. His Distillerie Chelo was founded in 2004 on the family estate near Saint-Michel de l'Attalaye, surrounded by organically grown cane, including the rare Cristalline variety.
The interest here lies in how closely the spirit stays connected to the cane. Harvesting is done by hand between December and August, the fresh juice ferments naturally for 5 to 7 days with wild yeasts, and distillation takes place in a traditional bagasse-fired still, followed by a small column still. After a single 8-hour distillation, it is bottled without reduction; this release sits at 54.2% ABV.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, this stands out as a rum where the voice of the raw (…)Clairin Sajous 2023
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Clairin Sajous 2023
Temporarily sold out
Expected: 28/10/2026Clairin Sajous 2023 is a Haitian sugar cane juice rum made in Saint-Michel de l'Attalaye by Michel Sajous. It is produced from Cristalline sugar cane grown through artisanal farming, with every step rooted in Haiti's rural distilling tradition.
The appeal here lies in its immediacy. Harvesting, production and distillation all take place on site, with no additions, and the spirit is distilled in a traditional pot still. Rather than leaning on wood influence, it speaks through cane, place and a very direct style of production.
Bottled at 55.2%, Clairin Sajous 2023 has the strength to carry that character with real clarity. At Drankenshop Broekmans, this is the kind of bottle we like to show to rum drinkers who are curious about pure, terroir-driven spirits from (…)Clairin Vaval 2022
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Clairin Vaval 2022
On request only
Clairin Vaval 2022 comes from Cavaillon in Haiti, where the Arawaks distillery produces rum in an artisanal way from fresh sugar cane juice. The cane variety is Madame Meuze, and that detail matters here: this is a spirit built around the direct expression of freshly pressed cane.
Fermentation is spontaneous, using wild yeasts naturally present on the sugar cane and in the surrounding air. Fritz Vaval then distils it traditionally in a pot still. At Drankenshop Broekmans, this is the kind of rum we like to present when someone wants to understand how characterful and distinctive sugar cane juice rum can be.
Bottled at 53.3%, Clairin Vaval 2022 has strength, but its story is really about purity and origin: fresh cane juice, delicate floral notes, tropical (…)Clairin Vieux Sajous 5y 57,50° (La Maison & Velier)
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Clairin Vieux Sajous 5y 57,50° (La Maison & Velier)
On request only
Clairin Vieux Sajous 5y presents Haitian clairin in a more mature register, while staying close to its sugar cane juice origin. Bottled by Velier, it is linked to Michel Sajous and the Chelo distillery, with five years of ageing in Haiti's tropical climate shaping the spirit.
This second edition of Vieux Sajous follows the first cuvée released in 2020. It is a blend of 14 casks that previously held notable rums, whiskies and cognacs. That cask history brings wood, spice and depth into the picture, yet the identity of Clairin remains central rather than being covered by maturation.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, we see this as a compelling bottle for drinkers interested in aged cane spirits with a clear sense of origin. At 57.5% alcohol it has real presence, (…)Haiti 2004 14y (Transcontinental Rum Line)
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Haiti 2004 14y (Transcontinental Rum Line)
In stock
Haiti 2004 14y from Transcontinental Rum Line is a rum with a very specific frame: distilled in 2004, bottled in 2018 and matured for fourteen years. As a single cask release at cask strength, bottled at 63.1%, it keeps a direct and uncompromised feel.
The bourbon cask is part of the picture, but the real interest lies in the combination of Haitian origin, age and single-cask bottling. Rather than aiming for a repeated house style, this bottle represents one particular cask and one particular point in time.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, we see this as a rum for careful tasting rather than casual pouring. Its limited nature is underlined by the fact that these are the last bottles. The flavour profile points towards a clearly fruity and spiced character, with (…)Providence 2020 (Habitation Velier) Incl. Box
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Providence 2020 (Habitation Velier) Incl. Box
In stock
Providence 2020 is a Haitian rum with a story that immediately sets it apart. With this release, Habitation Velier bottles an aged rum from the Port-au-Prince distillery for the first time, giving it a distinctive place in the rum selection at Drankenshop Broekmans.
The make-up of the rum is particularly interesting. Cristalline cane sugar syrup, fermented with vinasses, is blended with fresh sugar cane juice, then double distilled in a Müller pot still. That combination gives the rum its lively cane-driven feel, with fruit, spice and a gentle vegetal edge rather than an overtly sweet profile.
After four years of tropical ageing in American oak, it is bottled at 55% ABV. The strength gives it presence, but the character remains aromatic and detailed: (…)Providence 3y (La Maison & Velier)
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Providence 3y (La Maison & Velier)
In stock
Providence 3y is a Haitian rum made from sugar cane juice, pot still distilled and bottled at 52%. At cask strength, it has a firm, direct presence, with the focus remaining on a young rum style rather than on heavy or prolonged wood influence.
The detail that gives this release its particular angle is the Caroni Finish alongside its three years of maturation. It is a rum with a clear point of view: Haitian origin, pot still production and a finishing choice that sets it apart from more standard young rum bottlings.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, bottles like this are selected because they give rum drinkers something specific to explore. With only the last bottles remaining, Providence 3y is especially worth noting for anyone interested in cask strength rum with a (…)Providence 3y 2021 Incl. Box
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Providence 3y 2021 Incl. Box
In stock
Providence 3y 2021 is a Haitian sugar cane juice rum from the Port-au-Prince distillery. Founded in 2018 on the former Habitation Sarthe Providence estate, the distillery works with a 1,500-litre Müller pot still and is linked to the revival of double distillation in Haiti.
This 3-year-old release comes from a blend of casks that previously held Bourbon and Caroni rum. The result is not a heavy style, but one built around elegance, freshness and detail. Bottled at 52%, it keeps a lively, direct presence in the glass.
For Drankenshop Broekmans, Providence is the kind of rum that gives a clear sense of place and craft. Its fruity side is the most prominent, while gentle spice, wood, floral touches and a light vegetal note add extra dimension without taking (…)Providence 3y 2022 Incl. Box
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Providence 3y 2022 Incl. Box
In stock
Providence 3y 2022 is a Haitian rum with a very direct connection to sugar cane. It is produced at Distillerie de Port-au-Prince from sugar cane syrup made with the historic Cristalline variety, grown on Michel Sajous' fields around 150 kilometres north of the distillery.
The production method gives this release much of its personality. The cane juice is cooked down at high temperature into syrup using a traditional 19th-century approach. Fermentation follows with selected yeasts and dunder, before distillation in an artisanal Müller bain-marie pot still, bringing an old Haitian distilling technique back into focus.
The rum matured for three years in Haiti's tropical climate as a blend of 29 casks, drawn from former Caroni and Bourbon barrels. It is (…)Providence Dunder & Syrup
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Providence Dunder & Syrup
Temporarily sold out
Expected: 01/11/2026Providence Dunder & Syrup is a Haitian rum with a very clear sense of presence. Pot still distilled and bottled at 56%, it sits firmly in a more expressive corner of rum, with the Syrup & Fresh Cane indication adding to that raw, ingredient-led identity.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, this is the kind of Providence we point to when someone is looking beyond soft, wood-driven or sweetened styles. Its profile centres on floral, spiced and fruity elements, with a lighter vegetal edge in support. The strength gives it extra focus without shifting the story towards oak or sweetness.
Dunder & Syrup is a no age statement bottling that feels direct and distinctive: a Haitian rum for drinkers who appreciate character that comes from distillation style and (…)Providence White (Habitation Velier)
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Providence White (Habitation Velier)
In stock
Providence White is a Haitian rum made from fresh sugar cane juice, using Cristalline cane grown in Saint Michel de l'Attalaye. Its identity is closely tied to the cane itself, to the land, and to a way of working that pays tribute to Haiti and its traditions.
The production method is carefully defined. A first fermentation is distilled in a 380-litre Müller still to between 25 and 30% alcohol. That distillate is then taken to the Distillerie de Port-au-Prince for a second distillation in a 1500-litre Müller still with four plates, reaching 72%. Bottled at 59%, Providence White keeps a firm, vibrant presence while staying focused on cane-driven character.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, this is the kind of rum we like to introduce to customers looking (…)Vieux Casimir 2016 10y (La Maison & Velier) Incl. Box
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Vieux Casimir 2016 10y (La Maison & Velier) Incl. Box
In stock
Vieux Casimir 2016 10y is a Haitian rum from Velier, made from sugar cane juice and distilled in a pot still. That already points toward a more direct, distillate-driven style rather than a rum built around easy sweetness.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, this bottle stands out because of its combination of origin, strength and maturation detail. The Caroni Finish gives the ageing an extra point of interest, while the core remains clear: a ten-year-old Haitian rum bottled at a serious 55.9% ABV.
The supplied profile places wood, spice and vegetal notes at the centre, with fruit playing a quieter role. Vieux Casimir 2016 10y is therefore best understood as a firm, characterful rum with structure and presence, made for drinkers who enjoy a more outspoken cane-juice (…)Vieux Sajous 2019 5y (Velier)
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Vieux Sajous 2019 5y (Velier)
In stock
Vieux Sajous 2019 5y is a Haitian sugar cane juice rum from Velier, produced by the Chelo distillery. It starts with the Cristalline cane variety, grown without chemicals on 30 hectares. That detail matters here, because this is a rum with a clear agricultural starting point rather than a spirit built around anonymity.
The production keeps that character close to the surface. Fermentation takes place naturally for 5 to 8 days with indigenous yeasts, followed by distillation over an open fire in a copper pot still. Maturation then takes place in the tropical climate of the Distillerie de Port-au-Prince cellars, using American oak and a combination of casks that previously held rum and whiskies.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, we see this as a bottle for drinkers who (…)Vieux Sajous 2020 5y (Velier) Incl. Box
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Vieux Sajous 2020 5y (Velier) Incl. Box
In stock
Vieux Sajous 2020 5y is a Haitian sugar cane juice rum with a very clear sense of origin. It is made from pure Cristalline cane juice from Saint-Michel de l'Attalaye, at Michel Sajous, and distilled in a pot still. That gives the rum a direct connection to the raw cane material rather than a more neutral molasses-based style.
Five years of tropical ageing add depth while keeping the spirit lively. The rum matured in a mix of casks that previously held whisky, rum and bourbon, bringing structure and spice around the cane juice core. Bottled at 59.52%, it has the strength and energy of a cask strength release.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, this bottling stands out because it combines a precise Haitian origin with a defined place in the Vieux project by Spirit of (…)Vieux Vaval 2016 10y (La Maison & Velier) Incl. Box
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Vieux Vaval 2016 10y (La Maison & Velier) Incl. Box
In stock
Vieux Vaval 2016 10y is a Haitian rum made from sugar cane juice and bottled by Velier. That already sets the tone: this is a rum where the cane-based origin remains central, rather than a style built around a sweeter molasses-driven impression.
Distilled in 2016 on a pot still and bottled after 10 years at 54.6%, it comes from a single cask with a Caroni Finish. Within the selection at Drankenshop Broekmans, this is the kind of bottle we like to explain carefully: it is not a broad blend, but a focused cask-driven release with a very specific maturation choice.
The available profile points toward a rum led by woody and vegetal elements, supported more lightly by spice, fruit and floral touches. Its interest lies less in sweetness and more in structure, (…)
Frequently asked questions
Answers to most frequently asked questions about rum
What is rum?
Rum is a liquor made from sugar cane. It can be made via molasses (the syrupy by-product of sugar production) or via fresh sugarcane juice. After fermentation and distillation, you have the base, which is then often aged in wooden barrels. As simple as it sounds, the result is versatile: from light and fresh to deep and complex.
Europe has imposed rules and distinguishes between "rum" and "spirit drink". A drink can only be called rum if it:
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is made from sugar cane products
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is fermented and distilled
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has a maximum alcohol content of 96% at distillation
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contains at least 37.5% alcohol at bottling
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contains no flavourings or large quantities of sugar
If producers do use extra flavourings, lots of sugar or other additives, it legally becomes "spirit drink" or "spirituose" instead of rum.
What is the difference between rum and spirit drink?
In Europe, this difference has come about mainly because of stricter and clearer rules around protected drink categories. "Rum" is not a non-committal marketing term in the EU, but a legally defined category. If a product does not exactly meet that definition, it can no longer officially be called rum and must be sold as a "spirit drink", for example.
The main rules are in the European geographical indications and spirit legislation, now under Regulation (EU) 2019/787.
The heart of the problem usually lies in one of these points:
- Added flavourings
Real rum may not simply be flavoured with, say, vanilla, chocolate or other distinct flavourings if it is still to be called "rum". Once the additives fall outside the permissible limits, it legally becomes a "spirit drink". - Added sugar or sweeteners
There are limits on how much sugar or sweetening can be added without losing the "rum" category. Some producers used to add relatively large amounts of sugar to make the drink softer or fuller. Stricter controls required those products to be relabelled. - Alcohol from other raw materials
Rum must come from sugar cane products such as molasses or sugar cane juice. If neutral alcohol of other origin is added (e.g. grain alcohol), the product falls outside the definition. - Production method or strength
Minimum alcohol percentages and production methods are also set by law.
Especially in recent years, enforcement has become stricter. As a result, you see that some brands that were sold as rum for years suddenly got "spirit drink", "spiced spirit drink" or "rum-based spirit drink" on the label.
A well-known example are certain "spiced rums". Many consumers still call them rum, but legally some of them cannot be called rum in Europe because they are too strongly flavoured or sweetened.
That does not necessarily mean the quality is worse - just that the product no longer fits within the strict EU definition of rum. Some enthusiasts actually find these stricter rules positive, as it makes it clearer what is pure rum and what is a flavoured variety.
Which rum is tasty?
The question "which rum is good?" seems simple, but the answer depends entirely on personal taste. Instead of immediately reaching for specific bottles, it makes more sense to first consider what you would like to drink. Do you like soft, sweet flavours like vanilla, caramel and honey, or do you rather prefer fresh and light notes like citrus and coconut? Maybe you just go for something more powerful with wood, spices and cocoa, or even a more pronounced, funky style with ripe fruit and an almost wild intensity. After all, rum is one of the most diverse spirits, and "tasty" means something different to everyone.
In addition, the moment also plays a role. A light, fresh rum comes into its own in cocktails and on hot days, while a richer, fuller rum is better suited to drinking on its own or as a digestif. There are also styles that sit somewhere in between: accessible enough for mixed drinks, but with enough character to appreciate solo as well.
By approaching the question in this way, you will not only discover what you yourself find a tasty rum, but you will also eventually begin to better understand why that rum suits you.
What types of rum are there?
The best-known subdivisions are white, gold and dark. White rum is bright, fresh and perfect for cocktails like mojito or daiquiri. Golden rum has a bit more body thanks to a short maturation. Dark rum matures longer and develops rich, spicy notes that you can safely drink pure. And then there is spiced rum, where spices like vanilla or cinnamon give it an extra sweet twist.
Broadly speaking, you can distinguish the following styles:
- White rum: clear and light in flavour
- Gold rum: golden, richer flavour than white rum with notes of caramel and vanilla
- Dark rum: dark, deep in colour, with rich and complex flavours such as molasses, chocolate and spices
- Spiced rum: flavoured with spices such as cinnamon, cloves and vanilla
- Overproof rum: high alcohol content, often above 50%
- Flavored rum: Added flavours such as coconut, pineapple or mango
What is English-style rum?
This rum is known for its full, rich and complex flavours. The English-style rum often has notes of molasses, caramel, fruit and spices.
This style rum is made from molasses and is often distilled in pot stills, resulting in a robust flavour profile. According to American Chemical Society, rums from pot stills contain more esters and higher alcohols, which contribute to the complex flavour.
Countries where the specific style of rum is traditionally produced include Jamaica, Barbados, Guyana and Trinidad. Well-known brands of English-style rums include Appleton Estate, Mount Gay and El Dorado.
What is Spanish-style rum?
Spanish-style rum ("Ron") is lighter and sweeter, with a smooth and refined taste. These rums often have notes of vanilla, caramel and tropical fruit.
It is made from molasses and often distilled in column stills, resulting in a lighter, purer rum. Column stills allow for more efficient distillation, giving the rum a more consistent character. Furthermore, these rums are often aged in a so-called Solera system.
Countries where the specific style of rum is traditionally produced: Cuba, Puerto Rico, Dominican Republic and Venezuela, brands like Bacardi, Ron Zacapa and Havana Club probably sound familiar.
What is Rhum Agricole (French style)?
French-style rum has an earthy, grassy and sometimes floral flavour. It is often complex and can range from light and fresh to rich and spicy. It is a real "love it or hate it" type of rum: some swear by it and others revile it.
This rum is made from freshly squeezed sugarcane juice and usually distilled in pot stills. Production often follows strict standards, such as the AOC (Appellation d'Origine Contrôlée) in Martinique, ensuring consistent and high-quality production.
Countries where this particular style of rum is traditionally produced: Martinique, Guadeloupe and Haiti. Well-known brands include Rhum Clément, Rhum JM and Barbancourt.
What do VS, VSOP and XO mean?
Unlike with cognac, these designations are not regulated within rum. These designations in rums therefore often say more about quality or style, but do not necessarily refer to an explicit (minimum) age of the spirit in the bottle.
How strong is rum?
Most rums are around 37.5% to 40% alcohol. But beware: there are also so-called overproof rums that easily exceed 60%. These will immediately spice up your cocktail - or provide a solid punch when drunk straight.
What is the difference between rum, cachaça and rhum agricole?
It's all in the base. Rum is usually made from molasses, while cachaça (from Brazil) and rhum agricole (from the French Caribbean) always come from fresh sugarcane juice. The result? Agricole and cachaça often have a somewhat grassy, spicy touch, while rum tends to be rounder and softer.
What rum do you use for cocktails?
For fresh mixed drinks such as a mojito or daiquiri, it is best to choose a light white rum. Tiki cocktails or a Dark 'n Stormy, on the other hand, get more depth from a dark or spicy rum. In short: your choice of rum makes all the difference in your glass.
Which rums can you drink pure?
Aged rums from Barbados, Jamaica or the Dominican Republic, for example, are often smooth, complex and ideal to enjoy pure. They can easily compete with a good whisky or cognac in terms of depth.
How does rum taste compared to whisky or brandy?
Rum tends to be sweeter and rounder thanks to the sugar cane. Whisky can be malty, spicy or smoky, while brandy is more likely to have fruity, wine-like notes. A matter of taste, but rum often has a more tropical character.
What is the maturation process for rum?
Rum usually matures in ex-bourbon barrels. Due to the warm climate in the Caribbean, this is faster than for whisky in Scotland. As a result, an 8-year-old rum can already taste surprisingly intense.
What is the difference between pot still rum and column still rum?
- Pot still-rum is rich, powerful and complex because it is distilled in smaller batches.
- Column still-rum is lighter and cleaner, ideal for blending.
Many brands combine both styles to get a balanced profile.
What does "solera" or "solera system rum" mean on a rum bottle?
Solera System rum refers to a maturation method where young and old rums flow together. In a Solera System, barrels of different ages are stacked on top of each other, with the oldest rum sitting at the bottom. Bottles are filled from these lower barrels, and then the barrel is replenished with rum from the row above, and so on. The result is a blend of quite a few different ages that results in a flavourful, complex final product that is still consistent in quality, style and recognisability. Because the oldest barrels at the bottom are always diluted with younger rums, the final product in a properly functioning Solera system, after decades of production, basically still contains traces of the very first, oldest rum the process ever started with.
The year number on the bottle then often refers to the oldest rum in the blend, not the average age.
Is rum always made from sugar cane?
Yes, that is a must. Whether it is molasses or sugarcane juice, rum must always come from sugarcane. Other sugars (beet, palm, etc.) are officially outside the definition.
The base for a rum can usually be reduced to one of the following groups:
- Molasses (molasses, syrup): Molasses is fermented and distilled, after which the rum can be aged in barrels. Molasses is a by-product of sugar production and contains many sugars that are converted into alcohol and complex flavourings during fermentation.
- Suger Cane Juice : This rum is known for its natural, unadulterated taste of sugar cane. In this rum, the juice is directly fermented and then distilled.
- Spiced rum: Base rum to which spices and sometimes additional flavours are added during or after the distillation process.
- Sugar Cane Syrup: Sugar cane syrup is fermented and distilled. The use of sugar cane syrup gives the rum a more concentrated and pure sugar cane flavour.
- Sugar Cane Honey: This substance, also known as "miel de caña" in Spanish, is a thick, syrupy liquid obtained by boiling the juice of sugar cane until it thickens, but before it crystallises into sugar. This method is less common and results in a rum with a unique, rich flavour.
- Arranged rum: Base rum is mixed with various flavourings and left to macerate for some time. This gives the rum a distinct and often sweet profile.
What is molasses?
Molasses is a syrupy by-product of sugar refining. It is created when sugar cane or sugar beet is processed to produce sugar.
What is the difference between white and dark rum?
The difference between white and dark rums is mainly in the production methods and ageing times, resulting in different flavours, colours and uses. White rum is clear and translucent, has a mild and light flavour with subtle notes, and is often aged for a shorter time than dark rum, usually in stainless steel tanks or neutral barrels to preserve its colour. This rum type is popular in cocktails such as mojitos and daiquiris, where a subtle rum flavour is desired without affecting the colour of the drink.
Dark rum, on the other hand, is dark brown to almost black in colour, with a rich and full-bodied flavour that contains complex notes of caramel, vanilla and sometimes spices. This rum is aged longer in oak barrels, which contributes to its dark colour and rich flavour. Sometimes caramel is also added for extra colour and flavour. Dark rum is often used in cocktails where a stronger rum flavour is desired, such as in a rum old fashioned, or drunk pure as a sipping rum.
What is the history of rum?
Rum was first produced in the Caribbean in the 17th century, with the first documented production in Barbados around 1650. Production quickly spread to North America, especially to the colonies in New England, where rum became an important trade product.
Rum played a crucial role in the transatlantic slave trade, also known as the Triangular Trade. Slaves from Africa were brought to the Caribbean to work on sugar cane plantations, while sugar and rum were shipped to Europe and North America. Locals and workers often had access to the rum produced locally, making it a popular drink among the lower social classes. This gave rum a negative connotation and it was seen as the drink for the poor. Today, this image has completely changed is rum is a versatile and popular drink.
Why is rum so strongly associated with pirates?
In the 17th and 18th centuries, rum was the means of payment and exchange in the Caribbean. Sailors often received a ration of rum as part of their wages. No wonder pirates and rum have been inextricably linked ever since.
Where can I buy rum?
Basic rums like a brown Havana Club can be found in any shop or supermarket these days, but there is so much more! With over 1,000 rums in our range, Drankenshop Broekmans is the right place for all your rum needs, no matter what colour, flavour, profile, brand, country or price range you are looking for.
