Rum & Spirit Drink
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7 Sins Rum Greed 50cl
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7 Sins Rum Greed 50cl
In stock
7 Sins Rum Greed is a Belgian rum with a style that immediately feels a little different. It is made from molasses and sugar cane juice, and distilled using both pot still and column distillation. That combination gives it a broader identity than a rum built around one single production approach.
The Bourbon Cask reference gives the rum a familiar maturation setting, though the supplied flavour profile does not place wood at the centre. Fruit and spice are the main accents here, supported by a lighter sweetness. At Drankenshop Broekmans, this 50 cl bottle sits nicely among rums chosen for drinkers who enjoy discovering a less obvious Belgian take on the category.
With the last bottles now indicated, 7 Sins Rum Greed has become a little more limited in (…)A1710 Blanc Bete A Feu
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A1710 Blanc Bete A Feu
In stock
A1710 Blanc Bete A Feu is a white rum from Martinique made from freshly pressed sugarcane juice. With no age statement and no wood influence, it keeps the focus firmly on the raw material itself: cane in a clear, direct and expressive form.
At A1710, it is distilled in a copper alembic fitted with a 7-plate column, then slowly reduced to 50.9%. That strength gives the rum real presence, while keeping its floral, vegetal and gently spiced side in view.
For Drankenshop Broekmans, this is the kind of white rum that stands out because it does not try to hide behind sweetness or oak. It is all about cane juice, distillation and the mineral freshness that gives it its own identity.
The aroma opens on crushed ripe sugarcane, with flowers and ripe (…)A1710 Blanc La Perle
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A1710 Blanc La Perle
In stock
A1710 Blanc La Perle is a white rum from Martinique made from pure sugar cane juice. Its story is built around immediacy and precision: five days of fermentation followed by distillation in a copper pot still, with no wood influence placed between the cane and the glass.
At 54.5%, La Perle has a firm presence, yet the character described here is not about heaviness. The profile points towards flowers, fruit and spice, with a light vegetal thread that keeps the rum closely connected to fresh cane juice.
In the rum selection at Drankenshop Broekmans, this is the kind of white rum we like to present when someone wants more than a neutral mixing spirit. La Perle gives the raw material a clear voice and shows how expressive a sugar cane juice rum can be when (…)A1710 Cheval Bondieu Tube Incl.
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A1710 Cheval Bondieu Tube Incl.
In stock
A1710 Cheval Bondieu is a Martinique rum made from sugar cane juice, and it holds a special place in the story of A1710. This cuvée was the distillery's first aged rum, blended from spirit matured for 18 to 36 months in French and American oak casks.
Its appeal lies in the way it keeps the energy of a relatively young rum while gaining spice, roundness and structure from the cask. The use of pot still and column distillation gives it a layered feel: expressive and powerful, yet not reduced to oak alone.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, Cheval Bondieu is the kind of bottle we like to point out to customers exploring aged sugar cane juice rum. At 51.5%, it has real presence in the glass, with enough aromatic detail to keep the strength in balance.
A1710 Diamond Rock
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A1710 Diamond Rock
In stock
A1710 Diamond Rock is a white sugar cane juice rum from Martinique, made from freshly pressed cane. The cane is pressed only once, a method used here to capture the cleanest and purest part of the juice. That gives the rum a direct, raw-material-driven identity rather than a soft, wood-influenced one.
At 50.5% ABV, Diamond Rock has real presence. Traditional column distillation and the absence of ageing keep the focus firmly on the cane, with mineral, vegetal and spicy accents shaping the style. At Drankenshop Broekmans, we see this as a white rum for people who want more than neutrality: it speaks clearly of fresh sugar cane.
The name Diamond Rock feels fitting for a rum described with sharpness, clarity and power. It is white rum with a clean edge, built (…)A1710 La Delivrande
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A1710 La Delivrande
In stock
A1710 La Delivrande is an aged rum from Martinique, made from pure sugar cane juice and matured for more than six years on the estate. That combination gives it a clear identity: the cane juice base brings its own freshness and vegetal lift, while oak ageing adds depth, wood influence and a spiced edge.
Distillation in both pot still and column gives this rum a profile that feels expressive yet composed. At 48.8% ABV it has real presence, though the appeal is not simply its strength. The character moves through dark fruit, smoked wood, blond tobacco and roasted notes, with a long and intense close.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, this is the kind of Martinique rum we like to introduce when someone is looking for a more mature, layered interpretation of sugar cane (…)A1710 La Perle Brute
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A1710 La Perle Brute
In stock
A1710 La Perle Brute is a Martinique rum made from sugar cane juice, pot still distilled and bottled at a bold 66%. The strength is part of its personality, but the real focus here is the cane itself.
For this cuvée, A1710 selected the plantation of Mr Paul Octave, where old sugar cane varieties are cultivated. That choice places the culture of sugar cane in Martinique at the centre of the bottle. At Drankenshop Broekmans, this is the kind of rum we value for the way it connects origin, raw material and distillation without needing a complicated story around it.
Its style is aromatic, with a clear spicy and floral side, while the sugar cane remains firmly present. La Perle Brute feels direct and expressive: a powerful Martinique rum built around cane (…)A1710 La Perle Fine
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A1710 La Perle Fine
In stock
A1710 La Perle Fine is a Martinique rum made from fresh sugar cane juice and bottled at a substantial 67.5%. That strength is part of its identity: this is a concentrated rum, built around the intensity and clarity of the distillate rather than a soft, diluted style.
It is produced through double distillation of fresh cane juice, followed by a distinctive maturation process. The emphasis remains on cane, ripe white fruit, floral detail and spice, without the profile being driven by pronounced wood influence.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, La Perle Fine sits comfortably among rums with a more expressive personality: powerful in strength, aromatic in style, yet described with a soft and creamy palate.
The nose is expressive and full, with aromas of (…)A1710 La Perle Rare Bleue
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A1710 La Perle Rare Bleue
On request only
A1710 La Perle Rare Bleue is a Martinique rum built around a very specific expression of sugar cane. It is certified organic, parcel-based and made from a single cane variety: B69-566, known as Canne Bleue. That gives the bottle a clear focus, with the cane itself at the centre of the story.
The sugar cane is grown on A1710's plot at Habitation du Simon. Rather than leaning on wood influence, this cuvée is about the character of one variety from one place. At Drankenshop Broekmans, that makes it a particularly interesting bottle to introduce when someone wants to explore rum through its raw material and origin.
Distilled in a pot still and bottled at 52.9%, La Perle Rare Bleue has enough strength to carry its floral, fruity and spicy sides with (…)A1710 La Perle Rare Rouge
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A1710 La Perle Rare Rouge
In stock
A1710 La Perle Rare Rouge is a Martinique rum made from sugar cane juice and the R579 variety, known as red sugar cane. This cuvée comes from a specific vineyard close to the distillery and is certified organic, placing origin and varietal expression at the centre of the rum.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, we see this as a rum for drinkers who enjoy a clearly defined sense of place. Pot still distillation and a strength of 54.2% give it real presence, while the available profile points towards ripe fruit, warm spice and a noticeable floral side.
With only the last bottles remaining, La Perle Rare Rouge feels like a focused snapshot of red sugar cane from Martinique. It is aromatic, expressive and shaped by a very particular raw material rather than by a (…)A1710 Laperle Rare Roseau
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A1710 Laperle Rare Roseau
In stock
A1710 La Perle Rare Roseau is a Martinique rum made from sugar cane juice, with the spotlight placed firmly on one specific cane variety: B59-92, known as Roseau. The cuvée comes from A1710's second organic planting in François, where this cane produces notably aromatic juice.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, we see this as a rum that speaks through its raw material rather than through oak influence. It carries no age statement and is bottled at 54.1%, giving the fresh cane character plenty of presence. Traditional column distillation keeps the style clear, aromatic and expressive, with floral, vegetal, fruity and gently spiced accents.
La Perle Rare Roseau is therefore a fine choice when you want to taste the cane itself: direct, fragrant and rooted (…)A1710 Nuée Ardente Tube Incl.
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A1710 Nuée Ardente Tube Incl.
In stock
A1710 Nuée Ardente is a Martinique rum blend with a notably layered composition. It brings together 11 outstanding rums, each aged between 6 and 22 years in oak casks. Rather than relying on a single note, it is built around maturation, blending and aromatic depth.
After this long ageing, the blend is further matured in French oak casks that previously held Cognac brandy. That finishing stage adds a more polished, mature dimension, giving room to wood, spice and fruit while keeping the rum expressive. The use of pot still and column distillation helps shape a broad profile, combining structure with clarity.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, Nuée Ardente stands out as a rum for drinkers who enjoy seeing how careful blending and cask ageing can shape a (…)A1710 Prosper
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A1710 Prosper
In stock
A1710 Prosper is an aged rum from Martinique made from pure organic sugar cane juice. That gives it a clear sense of origin: this is a rum built around the cane itself rather than around a heavier molasses style.
It is distilled in a traditional column and matured for 3 years in French and American oak casks. The cask influence is an important part of the profile, bringing a firm woody structure alongside pronounced spice and ripe fruit notes. At 49.6% ABV, it has enough strength to carry that character with real presence.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, we see A1710 Prosper as a strong choice for customers exploring Martinique rum with depth, oak influence and a spiced, mature style rather than a soft or overtly sweet expression.
The aroma brings (…)A1710 Renaissance Incl. Box
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A1710 Renaissance Incl. Box
| 1 review
In stockA1710 Renaissance is a white sipping rum from Martinique, made as rhum agricole from pure sugar cane juice. Its identity is built around clarity, freshness and the natural character of the cane, rather than dark colour or heavy wood influence.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, this is the kind of white rum we like to present to customers who want to discover how expressive an unaged-looking rum can be when it is made for sipping. A1710 created Renaissance to be enjoyed neat, either as an aperitif or after a meal. It carries 52% alcohol, yet the producer describes it as a rum whose strength does not immediately dominate the tasting experience.
The style is shaped by a long fermentation of five to six days, the use of wine yeasts, distillation in a copper still and a (…)A1710 Tricentenaire
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A1710 Tricentenaire
On request only
A1710 Tricentenaire is a Martinique rum made from sugar cane juice, with its identity built around ageing and careful blending. It brings together exceptional rums matured between 6 and 20 years, followed by further maturation in French oak casks.
The combination of bourbon barrel influence and French oak gives this release a more developed, contemplative style. The wood is present without taking over, leaving room for spice, fruit and the deeper tones that come with mature rum.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, we see this as a rum for drinkers who enjoy the more refined side of Martinique: layered, mature and shaped by time. Its story is carried by chocolate, leather, roasted flavours and candied fruit rather than by sweetness or sheer intensity.
On (…)Abuelo 12y Gran Reserva
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Abuelo 12y Gran Reserva
In stock
Abuelo 12y Gran Reserva is a Panamanian rum built around a clear and confident proposition: Abuelo, 12 years of age, and the Gran Reserva name. Those details give the bottle its identity without needing a long explanation. It is a mature expression within the Abuelo range, with Panama firmly at the centre of its origin story.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, this is the kind of rum we would introduce to someone looking for a bottle with a stated age, a recognised brand name and a straightforward sense of provenance. The appeal lies in that clarity: a 12-year-old rum from Panama, bottled at 40%, presented in a way that feels composed and easy to understand.
Additional information about the brand can be found at https://www.ronabuelo.com/
No separate (…)Abuelo 12y Two Oaks Incl. Box
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Abuelo 12y Two Oaks Incl. Box
In stock
Abuelo 12y Two Oaks is a molasses-based rum from Panama, matured for 12 years and shaped by a clear oak influence. The name already gives a useful clue: this is a rum where wood is part of the identity, not just a background note.
Made through multicolumn distillation and aged in American Oak, it sits at Drankenshop Broekmans among the more mature rums for drinkers who appreciate structure, spice and fruit rather than a heavily sweet style. At 40% alcohol, it presents that aged character in a measured, approachable way.
The emphasis falls on wood, with spice and fruit also clearly present, while sweetness and floral notes remain more restrained. More information about the brand can be found at https://www.ronabuelo.com/
Abuelo 12y Two Oaks (…)Abuelo 7y
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Abuelo 7y
In stock
Abuelo 7y is a Panamanian rum with a clear and straightforward identity: Abuelo as the producer, a 7-year age statement in the name, and a strength of 40% alcohol. It is the kind of bottle that tells you its main story immediately, without needing a long explanation.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, we see Abuelo 7y as a rum for customers who appreciate a recognisable origin and a defined age statement. Panama is part of the character presented on the label, giving this rum a clear place within the wider selection of rums.
Additional information about the brand can be found at https://www.ronabuelo.com/
No specific tasting notes have been provided for Abuelo 7y. The available information identifies it as a Panamanian rum from Abuelo, carrying a 7-year (…)Abuelo Anejo 5y
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Abuelo Anejo 5y
Only 3 left in stock!
Abuelo Anejo 5y is a Panamanian rum from Abuelo, carrying a 5-year age statement. It is a straightforward and clearly presented bottle: Panama as its origin, añejo as its style, and 40% alcohol as its bottling strength.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, we see this as the kind of rum that suits customers looking for a matured Panamanian expression without an overly complicated presentation. The product name does much of the talking: Abuelo, añejo, 5 years.
Additional information about the brand can be found at https://www.ronabuelo.com/
No specific tasting notes were provided for Abuelo Anejo 5y in the supplied information. The confirmed details are that it is a 5-year-old rum from Panama, bottled at 40% alcohol.Abuelo Centuria 30y Incl. Box
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Abuelo Centuria 30y Incl. Box
Only 3 left in stock!
Abuelo Centuria 30y is a Panamanian rum where the age statement immediately shapes the conversation: thirty years of maturation. At Drankenshop Broekmans, we would place a bottle like this among the more considered choices, for customers looking for a rum defined by time and maturity.
Centuria is a name that naturally points towards patience and age. Bottled at 40%, it sits at a classic drinking strength, so the focus is not on sheer alcohol power but on the long development behind the rum.
For anyone exploring Abuelo from Panama in an older expression, this 30-year-old release is direct and clear in its appeal: provenance, age and a sense of quiet refinement without needing unnecessary explanation.
Additional information about the brand can be (…)Abuelo Xv Tawny Port Incl. Box
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Abuelo Xv Tawny Port Incl. Box
In stock
Abuelo XV Tawny Port is a Panamanian rum built around a Port Finish, with the Tawny Port reference giving the bottle its particular identity. At Drankenshop Broekmans, we see this as a rum for customers who are curious about how a specific cask finish can shape the final style of a familiar spirit.
Bottled at 40%, the focus here is not on high strength, but on the character of the finishing choice. The Port Finish is the detail that sets this Abuelo apart and makes it a worthwhile bottle to place alongside other rum styles when exploring the influence of cask selection.
Additional information about the brand can be found at https://www.ronabuelo.com/
No detailed tasting notes are provided for Abuelo XV Tawny Port. The most reliable way to frame (…)Admiral Rodney Formidable
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Admiral Rodney Formidable
On request only
Admiral Rodney Formidable is a molasses rum from St. Lucia that puts its emphasis on style rather than an age statement. This multivintage release brings together different vintages, distilled in a Coffey Still and matured in American oak. The result is a rum shaped by cask influence, spice and fruit rather than by sweetness alone.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, we see this as a bottle for customers who enjoy rum with a little more structure and definition. There is a gentle sweet note in the background, but the main impression is built around wood, spice and fruity depth. At 40% alcohol, it remains approachable while still offering enough character to spend time with.
The flavour profile centres on wood, spice and fruit, with sweetness playing a gentler (…)Admiral Rodney Hms Princessa
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Admiral Rodney Hms Princessa
Temporarily sold out
Expected: 06/11/2026Admiral Rodney HMS Princessa is a molasses-based rum from St. Lucia with a character shaped by more than one production angle. It brings together pot still and column distillation, giving the rum a broader foundation than a single-method style would suggest.
It is also presented as multivintage, so the focus is not on one stated age but on a composition drawn from different years. At Drankenshop Broekmans, we see this as part of its appeal: a St. Lucian rum built around structure, with wood, spice and fruit forming the main line of the experience.
Bottled at 40%, Admiral Rodney HMS Princessa remains moderate in strength, while still showing a clearly defined profile. The emphasis sits on woody, spicy and fruity tones, with lighter floral and sweet accents in (…)Amrut Two Indies Dark
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Amrut Two Indies Dark
In stock
Amrut Two Indies Dark is an Indian molasses rum bottled at 42.8%. The name points clearly towards a dark rum style, while its Indian origin gives it a different angle from many of the more familiar rum-producing regions.
Its pot still distillation and American Oak cask reference suggest a rum built around a more pronounced core, although the supplied flavour profile does not place wood at the centre. Spice is the main thread here, supported by gentle fruit, light sweetness and a subtle floral touch.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, this sits well among darker molasses rums for customers looking for something spiced and characterful, without an age statement or unnecessary embellishment.
The flavour profile is led by spice. Light fruity and sweet (…)
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.
