Rum & Spirit Drink
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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 (…)Millonario Reserva Especial 15
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Millonario Reserva Especial 15
Only 3 left in stock!
Millonario Reserva Especial 15 is a Peruvian rum with a name that immediately suggests a more carefully selected style within the Millonario range. Peru gives it a different place on the rum shelf, away from the origins most people instinctively think of first, and that makes it a bottle worth pausing over.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, this is the kind of rum we would bring into the conversation when someone is looking for a bottle with a clear identity and a classic presentation. Bottled at 40% alcohol, Millonario Reserva Especial 15 sits comfortably within the familiar strength range for rum while retaining that Peruvian point of difference.
Only the last bottles of this reference remain available. For anyone who still wants to discover this Millonario (…)Vizcaya Rum Cristal Light
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Vizcaya Rum Cristal Light
Only 2 left in stock!
Vizcaya Rum Cristal Light is a rum from the Dominican Republic, with the name pointing towards a clear, lighter style within the Vizcaya range. At Drankenshop Broekmans, we see it as a bottle for drinkers specifically looking for that lighter Cristal expression, while still carrying a full 40% alcohol strength.
It is also listed as one of the last bottles in our selection. That gives this Vizcaya a slightly more time-sensitive character in the assortment: understated in style, but worth noting if this particular Cristal Light release is the one you are after.
No specific tasting notes have been provided for Vizcaya Rum Cristal Light. For that reason, we do not add aromas, texture or finish descriptions that are not supported by the available product data.
Rhum Rhum Pmg (Velier Rhum Rhum)
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Rhum Rhum Pmg (Velier Rhum Rhum)
Only 2 left in stock!
Rhum Rhum PMG is a Guadeloupe rum made from sugar cane juice, giving it a different starting point from molasses-based rum. Its identity sits closer to the cane itself, with a style that feels driven by freshness of origin rather than by sweetness or oak.
The Velier bottling and pot still distillation place it firmly in a more specialist corner of the rum shelf. At 41% ABV, it remains approachable in strength, while the profile still has enough definition to make the Guadeloupe sugar cane juice style clear.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, this Rhum Rhum PMG stands out through that precise combination of origin, raw material and bottler. With only the last bottles remaining, it is the kind of rum to discover while it is still within reach.
Rhum Rhum (…)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 (…)Amrut White (Habitation Velier)
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Amrut White (Habitation Velier)
On request only
Amrut White is an Indian white rum with a story that immediately stands out. It marks the first time Habitation Velier has bottled a white rum from the Amrut distillery, giving this limited edition a very specific place within the world of sugar cane juice rum.
Its identity starts close to the distillery itself. The pure sugar cane juice comes from a field next to Amrut, giving the rum a genuine field-to-bottle character. The connection with Amrut's better-known whisky production is also part of the appeal: the yeasts used for fermentation and the pot stills used for distillation are the same as those used for the distillery's renowned whiskies.
Bottled at cask strength at 62.8%, this is a white rum with real intensity and a very direct expression of its raw (…)Angostura Gold 5y
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Angostura Gold 5y
Not available for shipping
Angostura Gold 5y is a rum from Trinidad with a clear 5-year age statement. That gives the bottle a useful sense of place: a defined origin, a stated maturation period and a style presented without unnecessary complication.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, it sits naturally among rums for customers who want to explore Trinidad through a straightforward, age-stated release. Bottled at 40%, it stays within a classic strength, while the Gold name frames the expression in a familiar rum style.
Only the last bottles of Angostura Gold 5y remain. That does not change the rum itself, but it does make this Trinidad bottling worth noting if you have been looking for it specifically.
No detailed tasting notes are provided for Angostura Gold 5y. The available (…)Angostura Number One 3rd
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Angostura Number One 3rd
In stock
Angostura Number One 3rd is a 22-year-old rum from Trinidad, made from molasses and distilled in a multicolumn style. From the information available, this is very much a mature rum, yet not one presented as a sweet-driven style.
The Oloroso Sherry cask maturation gives wood and spice an important place in its character. The appeal lies in the way its age, Trinidad origin and cask type come together: a rum with structure and maturity, shaped by time in wood rather than by overt sweetness.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, this sits well among the more serious aged rums in the selection. With only the last bottles remaining, Angostura Number One 3rd also has the feel of a release that will not stay easy to find for long.
The flavour profile is led by (…)Appleton 1994 26y Hearts Collection
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Appleton 1994 26y Hearts Collection
In stock
Appleton 1994 26y Hearts Collection is a Jamaican molasses rum built around a very specific set of details: distilled in 1994, aged for 26 years and produced in pot still style. Those facts give the bottle a clear sense of identity, with the emphasis firmly on maturity, origin and concentration.
The bourbon barrel maturation and cask strength bottling at 60% place it among the more powerful and serious Appleton releases. With 3000 bottles produced, marked as a collectors item and now down to the last bottles, this is a release with a distinctly limited presence rather than a regular shelf expression.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, bottles like this are selected for customers who appreciate rum with a defined vintage, long ageing and an undiluted presentation that (…)Appleton 1995 25y Hearts Collection
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Appleton 1995 25y Hearts Collection
In stock
Appleton 1995 25y Hearts Collection is a Jamaican molasses rum with a firmly defined identity. Distilled in 1995, matured for 25 years and bottled at cask strength, it presents pot still rum in a concentrated, uncompromising form.
The bourbon barrel maturation supports the rum with clear wood, spice and fruit, while sweetness stays very much in the background. At 63% alcohol, the bottling keeps close to the strength and presence of the cask rather than softening the experience.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, this release stands out through its age, strength and limited nature. With 3000 bottles produced and the last bottles now available, it is a particularly noteworthy Appleton for those looking at Jamaican rum as a serious collector's item.
Arecha Anejo Reserva
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Arecha Anejo Reserva
Not available for shipping
Arecha Añejo Reserva is a Cuban rum with a straightforward and recognisable identity. The name keeps the focus where it belongs: on Arecha, on Cuba, and on the Añejo Reserva style indicated on the bottle.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, we see this as the kind of rum customers look at when they specifically want a Cuban bottle with a familiar 38% alcohol strength. The Añejo Reserva wording gives it a more considered feel than a basic rum, while the overall presentation remains clear and approachable.
With only the last bottles remaining, this Arecha has become a little more finite within the selection. Not in a dramatic way, but enough to make it worth noting for anyone who likes to keep Cuban rum on the shelf.
No specific (…)Arehucas Carta Oro 1y 1l
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Arehucas Carta Oro 1y 1l
Very last one in stock!
Arehucas Carta Oro 1y 1l is a Spanish rum with a straightforward identity: the Arehucas name, the Carta Oro designation and an age statement of 1 year. There is no elaborate cask story or limited-release framing here; the appeal lies in its clear, easy-to-understand presentation.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, it sits naturally among rums for customers looking specifically for a Spanish bottling in a generous 1-litre format. At 37.5% alcohol, it stays within a familiar strength for rum, with the focus kept firmly on the recognizable Arehucas label.
No specific tasting notes have been supplied for Arehucas Carta Oro 1y. For that reason, we do not add invented aromas, palate descriptions or finish details; the available information confirms it as a Spanish Arehucas (…)Australia 2007 13y (1423 Single Barrel Selection)
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Australia 2007 13y (1423 Single Barrel Selection)
Very last one in stock!
Australia 2007 13y from 1423 Rum World Class is an Australian molasses rum with a very focused identity: distilled in 2007, matured for 13 years and bottled in February 2020 from a single bourbon barrel. It is a pot still rum, released at cask strength at 55%, keeping the presentation close to the individual cask.
Its limited nature is central to the appeal. Only 323 bottles were drawn from this single cask, and the remaining stock is now down to the last bottles. At Drankenshop Broekmans, a rum like this stands out because it is not a broad blended style, but a specific Australian cask release with a clear vintage and maturation story.
The flavour direction points more towards fruit and vegetal notes than pronounced sweetness. Light touches of wood, spice (…)Australia 2007 17y Elixir Trail (Elixir Distillers - Whisky Trail)
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Australia 2007 17y Elixir Trail (Elixir Distillers - Whisky Trail)
On request only
Australia 2007 17y Elixir Trail is an artisanal rum from Queensland, bottled by Elixir Distillers as part of the Whisky Trail series. Its personality starts with the production approach: double distilled through column and pot still, then matured for seventeen years in American oak.
That age gives the rum a mature, developed feel, but the character described here is not only about oak. The available flavour profile points to a broad spread of impressions, with fruit, sweetness, gentle spice, wood and a light vegetal note all present in measured ways. It supports the description of a rich and complex rum without turning it into something one-dimensional.
With 450 bottles produced and the last bottles now indicated, this release has the feel of a small, (…)Austrian Empire Solera 21y
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Austrian Empire Solera 21y
On request only
Austrian Empire Solera 21y is a rum from the Dominican Republic with the emphasis placed firmly on maturity, carried by the 21-year Solera statement in its name. It is the kind of bottle that draws attention from customers looking for an aged rum with a clear and uncomplicated identity.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, it sits comfortably among rums chosen for drinkers who appreciate a more mature presentation, a 40% strength and a recognisable origin. Its popularity is easy to understand: the name communicates the style directly, while the Dominican Republic gives the bottle a defined sense of place.
With only the last bottles remaining, Austrian Empire Solera 21y also has a more fleeting presence in the selection. That makes it a rum worth noticing while it is (…)Bacardi Carta Oro/Gold
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Bacardi Carta Oro/Gold
Not available for shipping
Bacardi Carta Oro/Gold is a rum from Puerto Rico with the Bacardi name placed firmly at the centre. The Carta Oro/Gold designation gives this bottle its own clear identity within the range, presented in a straightforward and recognisable way.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, we see it as the kind of bottle that is easy to understand: a Puerto Rican Bacardi rum bottled at 40% alcohol. It is also down to the last bottles in our selection, so this Bacardi Carta Oro/Gold is becoming less present on our shelves.
No specific tasting notes are provided for Bacardi Carta Oro/Gold in the supplied data. The confirmed details are that it is a rum from Puerto Rico bottled at 40% alcohol.Bar Ran Funky Juice
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Bar Ran Funky Juice
Not available for shipping
Bar Ran Funky Juice is a rum from 1423 Rum World Class with a name that immediately sets the tone. Its origin is listed as Mix, so the focus is less on a single country of production and more on the style and personality of the bottling.
At 48% alcohol, it carries more presence than many standard-strength rums. That extra weight suits the Funky Juice name well: direct, informal and clearly not trying to present itself as a quiet, traditional label.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, bottles like this are appreciated for bringing a more individual note to the rum selection. With only the last bottles remaining, it is also a release that is gradually becoming harder to come by.
No specific tasting notes are provided for Bar Ran Funky Juice. What can be (…)Barbados 2000 23y Tb (Thompson Brothers)
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Barbados 2000 23y Tb (Thompson Brothers)
On request only
Barbados 2000 23y TB from Thompson Brothers is a molasses-based rum with a very focused identity: Barbados origin, distilled in 2000, matured for 23 years and drawn from a single refill barrel. The distillation style combines pot still and column distillation, adding another layer to the way this rum is framed.
Only 247 bottles came from this cask, and the remaining availability is limited to the last bottles. Rather than presenting a broad house blend, this release captures one individual barrel after long maturation, bottled at 48.5%.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, this is the kind of rum we like to present to customers who are curious about specific cask selections. The supplied profile points towards a rum where wood and spice carry the main weight, with (…)Barbados 2011 14y (Berry Bros Odyssey Range)
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Barbados 2011 14y (Berry Bros Odyssey Range)
On request only
Berry Bros. & Rudd Barbados 2011 14y is an independent rum bottling from the Odyssey Range, sourced from Foursquare in Barbados. It was bottled as Cask #22 after 14 years of maturation, drawn at cask strength with an ABV of 60.2%.
The interest here lies in its very clear sense of origin and method. Made from molasses, distilled through a combination of pot and column stills, and matured in a bourbon barrel, it reflects the classical Barbados rum style described in the supplied information. Foursquare is presented as a fourth-generation family rum house led by Richard Seale, with a commitment to rum made without added sugar, colour or flavourings.
For Drankenshop Broekmans, this is the kind of rum that earns attention through detail rather than noise: one (…)Barbados 2013 10y Foursquare (The Nectar - Daily Dram)
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Barbados 2013 10y Foursquare (The Nectar - Daily Dram)
On request only
Barbados 2013 10y Foursquare from Daily Dram is a molasses rum distilled at Foursquare in Barbados and bottled by The Nectar after 10 years of maturation. Its pot still and column distillation give it a layered foundation, while the bourbon barrel influence supports the rum without taking attention away from its tropical and spicy side.
This is a single cask release bottled at cask strength. Only 250 bottles were filled, and with the last bottles now in circulation, it feels very much like a precise snapshot from one individual barrel rather than a standard batch. At Drankenshop Broekmans, these are the kinds of rums that stand out: direct, concentrated and clearly shaped by their origin and cask.
At 64.9% ABV, it carries real strength, yet the tasting notes (…)Barbancourt 3* 4y
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Barbancourt 3* 4y
Not available for shipping
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* (…)Beenleigh 2007 13y Barc (Blackadder Rum)
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Beenleigh 2007 13y Barc (Blackadder Rum)
On request only
Beenleigh 2007 13y Barc is an Australian rum with a very direct point of interest: it is a single cask Blackadder bottling, drawn from one hogshead and released at its natural cask strength of 65.1%.
The dates matter here. Distilled in 2007 and bottled in 2020, this rum spent 13 years maturing before being selected for the Blackadder Rum range. Rather than presenting a broad house style, it gives a focused look at one individual cask.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, bottles like this are appreciated for their clarity of origin and their independent bottler character. With only the last bottles remaining, this release has the feel of a rum that is becoming increasingly hard to revisit.
Bottled at 65.1% cask strength, this rum is presented in an (…)Beenleigh 2015 8y Mag 1,5l (Velier)
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Beenleigh 2015 8y Mag 1,5l (Velier)
Very last one in stock!
Beenleigh 2015 8y Mag 1.5l is an Australian molasses rum with a strong sense of place. It comes from Beenleigh, a distillery founded in 1884 in Queensland, and is made from molasses sourced from Australia's last privately owned mill. That background gives the bottle a story before the glass is even poured.
The rum is distilled using both columns and pot stills, then aged for 8 years in bourbon barrels. At 60% and bottled at cask strength, it keeps a firm, direct character rather than smoothing away its natural intensity. The 1.5 litre magnum format adds to its distinctive presence, especially as these are the last bottles.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, this Velier bottling sits in the selection for drinkers who appreciate rum with origin, power and detail: (…)Belize 2006 15y (The Nectar - Daily Dram)
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Belize 2006 15y (The Nectar - Daily Dram)
On request only
Belize 2006 15y from Daily Dram is the kind of rum where the appeal lies in the exactness of the release. It comes from a single Bourbon Barrel, was distilled in 2006 from molasses on a traditional column still, and was bottled by The Nectar in May 2021 after 15 years of ageing.
Only 90 bottles were drawn from this cask, and it was bottled at cask strength, 65.4% alcohol. That gives the rum a very specific identity: not a broad blend shaped for consistency, but one individual barrel captured at a particular point in its maturation.
In the selection at Drankenshop Broekmans, this Belize rum sits among the more characterful discoveries. The flavour profile points toward a firm presence of wood, spice and fruit, with lighter floral and vegetal accents, while (…)
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.
