Reunion Island rum & Spirit Drink
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Riviere Du Mat Agricole 6y Incl. Box
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Riviere Du Mat Agricole 6y Incl. Box
Only 2 left in stock!
Rivière Du Mat Agricole 6y is a sugar cane juice rum from Île de Réunion, distilled in a traditional column style. That cane juice origin gives it a clear identity within rum: more directly linked to the raw material than a molasses-based style.
Six years in bourbon casks bring wood and spice clearly into the picture, while sweetness is not the main theme here. The profile is more about cask structure, spice and a light vegetal edge, with gentle fruity and floral touches in the background.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, we see this Rivière Du Mat as a fine choice for discovering aged agricole-style rum from Réunion, especially when the appeal lies in cane character supported by measured barrel influence.
The flavour (…)Isautier 10y
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Isautier 10y
On request only
Isautier 10y is a rum from Ile de Reunion with a 10-year age statement and a traditional column distillation style. It sits in the Melasse & Agricole rum category, giving it a clear identity within the broader world of aged rum.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, we would place this bottle with rums that speak through maturity rather than sheer strength. At 40%, it remains measured in alcohol, while its profile points toward a noticeable wood and spice character, supported by lighter fruity, floral, sweet and vegetal touches.
With the last bottles now indicated, this is not a rum that will remain endlessly available in the selection. Additional information about the brand can be found at https://www.isautier.com/
The flavour profile of Isautier 10y (…)Isautier 2007 15y (Habitation Velier)
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Isautier 2007 15y (Habitation Velier)
In stock
Isautier 2007 15y is a molasses rum from Réunion Island, bottled by Velier as part of the Habitation Velier range. Its appeal lies in a clear sense of origin and production: traditional column distillation, distilled in May 2007, followed by 15 years of ageing.
Bottled at cask strength, at 57% alcohol, it keeps a direct and undiluted presence in the glass. The profile points mainly toward fruit and spice, with lighter touches of wood, sweetness, floral notes and vegetal nuances in support.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, this is the kind of bottle we value for its focus and limited nature. With 991 bottles produced and only the last bottles remaining, it has a particularly defined place for rum drinkers who enjoy vintage releases with a clear maturation (…)Papalin Réunion 10y (Velier)
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Papalin Réunion 10y (Velier)
On request only
Papalin Réunion 10y is part of Velier's Papalin project, developed by Luca Gargano with a clear focus on rum blends. The idea behind Papalin is closely tied to the distilleries themselves: research and maturation are planned together with the partners, and the rum matures in the official warehouses until bottling.
For this Réunion release, the maturation took place entirely in the island's climate, in French oak casks. The blend combines several rums, including 10, 12 and 15 year old traditional molasses rums alongside an 11 year old grand aroma rum. That layered composition gives the 10 year old name more context, with maturity coming from different components rather than from a single line of development.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, we see this (…)Reunion 2018 4y (The Nectar - Daily Dram)
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Reunion 2018 4y (The Nectar - Daily Dram)
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Reunion 2018 4y from Daily Dram is a rum with a very focused identity: Ile de Reunion origin, 4 years of age, and an independent bottling by The Nectar under the Daily Dram label. The name keeps things straightforward, putting place, vintage reference and age at the centre of the release.
At 60.8% alcohol, this is a rum with real presence. It is best approached with time and attention rather than treated as a casual pour. The 4-year age statement suggests a young, direct style, while the high strength gives the bottle a firm and expressive stance.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, we see this as the kind of independent rum that adds a more specific and limited angle to the shelf. With only the last bottles remaining, it is a release that is becoming harder to find in (…)Riviere Du Mat 15y Incl. Box
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Riviere Du Mat 15y Incl. Box
Only 3 left in stock!
Rivière Du Mat 15y is a rum shaped by patience, place and cellar work. It comes from Réunion Island, where the sugar cane fields are described through their volcanic terroir, and that sense of origin is paired here with the skill of Rivière Du Mat's cellar master.
The rum spent 15 years in oak casks in the cellars of Saint-Louis, in the south-west of Réunion. Bourbon barrel maturation brings a clear woody presence, supported by spice, floral notes and a quieter layer of fruit and sweetness. Bottled at 43%, it presents itself as a mature rum with poise rather than excess.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, this is the kind of bottle we introduce to customers looking for an aged rum with structure, elegance and a real sense of maturation. It (…)Riviere Du Mat 2006 Cuvee Hors D'Age
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Riviere Du Mat 2006 Cuvee Hors D'Age
Very last one in stock!
Rivière Du Mat 2006 Cuvée Hors D'Age shows a distinctive side of rum from Réunion, built around sugar cane juice rather than a heavier molasses base. The emphasis is on the natural expression of the cane, carried by a style that combines fruit, oak and a restrained touch of spice.
Distilled in a traditional column and matured in oak casks, this 2006 vintage rum has a clear sense of place and time. The wood gives it structure, while the cane-juice origin keeps the profile lively and aromatic. It is bottled at 43%, giving enough presence without pushing the spirit into an overly forceful register.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, this is the kind of rum we would point out to someone looking beyond the familiar: a Réunion agricole rum with (…)Riviere Du Mat Cuvee 1886
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Riviere Du Mat Cuvee 1886
In stock
Rivière Du Mat Cuvée 1886 is a rum from Ile de Reunion, made in a style connected to sugar cane juice. That immediately gives it a more distinctive place on the shelf: the emphasis is less on sweetness and more on structure, with wood, spice and fruit shaping the overall impression.
Its bourbon cask maturation adds an important layer to the rum. The cask influence gives it firmness and depth, while the traditional column distillation keeps the profile clean and composed rather than heavy-handed.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, this is the kind of rum we would point out to someone looking beyond very sweet rum styles. Bottled at 43%, Cuvée 1886 has enough strength to carry its character clearly, without losing its approachable feel.
Riviere Du Mat Opus 5 Incl. Box
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Riviere Du Mat Opus 5 Incl. Box
Only 3 left in stock!
Rivière Du Mat Opus 5 is a rum from Ile de Reunion made from sugar cane juice, distilled in a traditional column and matured in bourbon casks. Those details tell the most important part of the story: this is a rum built around origin, raw material and cask influence rather than around a broad, generic rum profile.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, we would place this bottle in front of customers who enjoy exploring the differences within rum styles, especially those curious about sugar cane juice as a starting point. Opus 5 sits within the Rivière Du Mat range as a considered release where the production choices are central to the identity of the rum.
The 43% alcohol strength gives it presence without making strength the main subject. The bourbon cask (…)Riviere Du Mat Royal Reserve
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Riviere Du Mat Royal Reserve
Only 3 left in stock!
Rivière Du Mat Royal Reserve is a rum from Île de Réunion built around sugar cane juice. That gives it a different starting point from rums centred mainly on molasses, with the cane itself playing a more direct role and traditional column distillation shaping the spirit.
Bourbon cask maturation adds a clear layer of wood and spice. Around that core, the profile shows lighter floral, fruity and vegetal touches, while sweetness is not the main theme. The result is a rum that feels more structured than overtly sweet.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, this is the kind of bottle we would point out to someone looking for a sugar cane juice rum with cask influence and a firm, composed style.
The flavour profile is led by clearly present (…)Riviere Du Mat Single Cask 2003 Incl. Box
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Riviere Du Mat Single Cask 2003 Incl. Box
In stock
Rivière Du Mat Single Cask 2003 is a rum from Réunion Island with a very focused identity. Made from sugar cane juice, distilled in a traditional column and drawn from a single bourbon cask, it gives the drinker a direct view of one particular maturation rather than a broader blended style.
The bourbon cask influence comes through in the way the profile leans towards wood, spice and fruit. It is not built around sweetness; the lighter floral and vegetal touches sit more quietly in the background, adding detail to the sugar cane juice character. At 46%, it has enough presence to carry that cask-driven style without making strength the main subject.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, this is the kind of rum we like to present to customers who are curious (…)Rivière Du Mat Grande Reserve Incl. Box
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Rivière Du Mat Grande Reserve Incl. Box
In stock
Rivière Du Mat Grande Reserve takes its place in the world of rum with a clear sense of origin: it comes from Réunion Island and is made from sugar cane juice. That detail matters, because it places the cane itself at the heart of the rum's identity rather than treating it as a background note.
Its traditional column distillation and maturation in bourbon casks give the Grande Reserve a defined framework. The story here is not about excess; it is about a cane-juice rum shaped by a recognisable distilling style and a familiar cask influence.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, we see Rivière Du Mat Grande Reserve as a worthwhile introduction to rum from Réunion, especially for customers curious about sugar cane juice styles and bourbon cask (…)Rivière Du Mat XO Incl. Box
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Rivière Du Mat XO Incl. Box
In stock
Rivière Du Mat XO is a rum from Île de Réunion, made from sugar cane juice. That immediately gives it a clear identity within the rum category, with the raw material itself playing a central role in the story.
It is distilled in a traditional column and matured in bourbon casks, so the appeal lies in the combination of island origin, cane juice production and cask ageing. Nothing in the available information suggests an overcomplicated release; the interest is in its clear, well-defined style.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, Rivière Du Mat XO fits naturally among rums for customers who want to explore something with a distinct origin and a matured profile. At 42% alcohol, it has enough presence to carry its style without moving into an (…)Réunion 2016 6y The Wild Parrot Tube Incl.
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Réunion 2016 6y The Wild Parrot Tube Incl.
In stock
Réunion 2016 6y The Wild Parrot is built around a very clear proposition: rum from Île de Réunion, drawn from a single cask and bottled at cask strength. The 2016 distillation, 6 years of age and 2023 bottling give this release a precise sense of time and place.
The most compelling aspect here is the single cask nature of the bottling. Rather than presenting a broader blend, it captures one individual cask at 60.8% alcohol, keeping the rum in a powerful, undiluted form.
For Drankenshop Broekmans, this is the kind of bottle that stands out through its focus and limited availability. With the last bottles now indicated, Réunion 2016 6y The Wild Parrot has the feel of a finite release: specific, direct and increasingly scarce.
Savanna 2013 8y El Yard (Elizabeth Yard With Finishes)
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Savanna 2013 8y El Yard (Elizabeth Yard With Finishes)
In stock
Savanna 2013 8y El Yard is a molasses rum from Réunion, bottled by Elizabeth Yard. Its appeal lies in its precision: one single cask, bottled at cask strength, with an alcoholic strength of 54.5%. It is not presented as a broad, softened house style, but as a focused selection from one individual cask.
Distilled in 2013 using a traditional column still and bottled on 8 June 2022 after 8 years of maturation, it belongs to the Elizabeth Yard with finishes range. The wine cask forms part of the identity of this release, adding to the sense that this is a very specific bottling rather than a standard expression.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, bottles like this are valued for their small-scale nature and clear individuality. With only 140 bottles released and (…)Savanna 7y
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Savanna 7y
On request only
Savanna 7y is a rum with a very clear identity: Savanna, from Ile de Reunion, carrying a 7 year age statement and bottled at 43%. It is the kind of bottle where the essential story is already in the name, built around origin, age and producer.
In the rum selection at Drankenshop Broekmans, this stands out for its straightforward character. It will naturally catch the eye of anyone looking specifically for rum from Ile de Reunion or for a Savanna bottling with a stated age.
Availability is now limited to the last bottles. More information about Savanna can be found at https://www.savanna.fr/
No detailed tasting notes are provided for Savanna 7y in the supplied information. For that reason, the tasting description remains deliberately factual: (…)Savanna 9y Ao (Elizabeth Yard With Finishes)
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Savanna 9y Ao (Elizabeth Yard With Finishes)
In stock
Savanna 9y AO from Elizabeth Yard presents rum from Réunion Island in a very small release. Aged for 9 years, it belongs to the Elizabeth Yard With Finishes series and was matured and refined in American oak casks.
The appeal here lies in its focus and rarity. This is a single cask rum, bottled at cask strength at 49.9%, with only 87 bottles produced. It feels like a precise cask selection rather than a broad, regular bottling.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, releases like this are valued for the way they show a specific side of a rum's maturation. Made in a traditional column style, this Savanna combines fruit and spice with a lively freshness and a measured touch of wood.
The tasting profile brings together mint, woody spice and black fruit, (…)Savanna 9y So (Elizabeth Yard With Finishes) Incl. Box
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Savanna 9y So (Elizabeth Yard With Finishes) Incl. Box
In stock
Savanna 9y So is a 9-year-old rum from Réunion, bottled by Elizabeth Yard as part of the With Finishes series. It has the feel of a very specific selection: a single cask release, bottled at cask strength at 50.6%, and distilled in a traditional column.
The Pedro Ximenez sherry cask finish adds an extra layer without taking the rum away from its Réunion origin. Its character sits around spice, modest fruitiness and a subtle vegetal edge, with the Spanish Oak finish giving it a darker, more mature frame.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, this is the kind of bottling we like to point out to customers who enjoy limited rum releases with a clear sense of individuality. With only 189 bottles produced and the last bottles now remaining, it feels less like a (…)Savanna Creol
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Savanna Creol
Not available for shipping
Savanna Creol keeps its message clear: a rum from Savanna, with its origin in Ile de Reunion. Rather than relying on a long list of technical details, this bottle stands on the strength of its name, its producer and its place of origin.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, we would place a rum like this in front of someone who enjoys exploring bottles with a clearly stated provenance. Bottled at 45% alcohol, Savanna Creol has a firm presence, while the available information keeps the focus on identity rather than invented flavour claims.
More information about the brand can be found at https://www.savanna.fr/
No specific tasting notes are provided for Savanna Creol. For that reason, we do not add aromas, flavours or finish descriptions that are not (…)Savanna Creol 5y 50cl
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Savanna Creol 5y 50cl
On request only
Savanna Creol 5y 50cl is a rum with a clear sense of origin: Ile de Reunion. It brings together the Savanna name, a 5-year age statement, a 46% strength and a compact 50 cl bottle size, making it a focused way to explore this particular release.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, we see this as the kind of rum where the details matter without needing to overcomplicate the story. Creol gives the bottling its own identity, while the age statement and strength place it firmly beyond the anonymous everyday category.
More information about Savanna can be found at https://www.savanna.fr/
No specific aromatic tasting notes are provided for Savanna Creol 5y. What is clear from the available information is its structure: a 5-year-old rum bottled at 46%, inviting (…)Savanna Grand Arome 50cl (Old Brothers)
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Savanna Grand Arome 50cl (Old Brothers)
On request only
Savanna Grand Arome 50cl is a molasses-based rum from Réunion, released under the Old Brothers name. Its appeal lies in a forceful, highly aromatic presentation: 68.8% alcohol, traditional column distillation and a flavour direction built around floral, spiced, fruity and vegetal elements.
The available information does not point towards wood influence or overt sweetness. With no age statement given, the focus remains firmly on the spirit itself rather than on maturation, giving this rum a more direct and expressive identity.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, bottles like this are selected for customers who enjoy discovering rum beyond the softer, sweeter styles. As these are the last bottles, this 50 cl release has an added sense of scarcity for anyone (…)Savanna Herr 1802 50cl (Old Brothers)
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Savanna Herr 1802 50cl (Old Brothers)
On request only
Savanna Herr 1802 by Old Brothers is a molasses rum from Réunion Island, bottled at a robust 55.6%. With its cask strength presentation, it comes across as a rum with real presence rather than a softened, easy-going style.
The Pot Still distillation gives the release a distinct personality. Its profile is built around floral, spicy and fruity elements, with a light vegetal touch in the background. There is no emphasis here on sweetness or oak; the attraction lies more in its direct, expressive rum character.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, this is the kind of bottle we place in front of customers who enjoy discovering rums with a clear identity and a less conventional profile. As these are the last bottles, Savanna Herr 1802 is also becoming harder to (…)Savanna Intense
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Savanna Intense
Not available for shipping
Savanna Intense is a rum from Savanna, produced in Ile de Reunion. The name gives the bottle its direction straight away: a clear, direct expression from the brand, without relying on unnecessary technical detail.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, we see it as a straightforward introduction to Savanna at 40% alcohol. It is a rum where the focus remains on the brand, the origin and the concise identity suggested by the Intense name.
Additional information about Savanna can be found at https://www.savanna.fr/
No specific tasting notes are provided for Savanna Intense. For that reason, we do not describe aromas, palate development or finish details that are not present in the available product information.Savanna Metis
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Savanna Metis
Not available for shipping
Savanna Metis is a rum from Savanna, produced on Île de Réunion. Its appeal lies in that clear sense of origin: a rum with a defined provenance and a recognisable producer behind it, rather than a bottle presented only through technical details.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, Savanna Metis stands out because we are down to the last bottles. That makes it a timely choice for anyone looking to explore a rum from Réunion while it is still part of our selection. Bottled at 40% alcohol, it sits at a classic strength, with no further detailed tasting or production notes supplied.
Additional information about Savanna can be found at https://www.savanna.fr/
No specific tasting notes have been provided for Savanna Metis. For that reason, (…)
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.
