Rum
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Bielle 2002 20y (Asta Morris) Incl. Box
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Bielle 2002 20y (Asta Morris) Incl. Box
In stock
Bielle 2002 20y is a Guadeloupe rum built around a very clear idea: a defined vintage, long ageing and a remarkably small release. Rather than feeling like a regular range bottling, it carries the identity of a specific parcel of rum, distilled in 2002 and held for 20 years before bottling.
Its maturation in a Bourbon Barrel adds an important part of the story, while the 49.4% strength gives the bottle a serious presence. With only 57 bottles released, this is a rum where scarcity is not a marketing phrase but part of the factual identity of the product.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, we see this Bielle as the kind of bottle that naturally draws attention from customers looking for older, limited rum from Guadeloupe. The fact that only the last bottles remain (…)Bielle 2015 7y (Asta Morris)
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Bielle 2015 7y (Asta Morris)
In stock
Bielle 2015 7y is a Guadeloupe rum with a very focused identity: one cask, seven years of ageing and bottled at cask strength. Drawn from a bourbon barrel, the release was limited to just 270 bottles, giving it the feel of a specific cask story rather than a standard expression.
Distilled in a traditional column and bottled in 2022, it carries its 56.2% strength with a clear sense of intensity. The bourbon barrel adds noticeable wood and spice, while the rum still keeps a lively fruit-driven side.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, this is the kind of bottle we like to present to customers who enjoy discovering the individuality of a single cask. With the last bottles now in sight, it is very much a limited release to appreciate while it is still available.
Caroni 1997 24y (Elizabeth Yard Single Cask)
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Caroni 1997 24y (Elizabeth Yard Single Cask)
In stock
Elizabeth Yard Caroni 1997 24y is a Trinidad molasses rum where the appeal lies in precision and scarcity. Distilled in 1997 and bottled in 2022 after 24 years in a bourbon barrel, it comes from a single cask rather than a wider blend. That makes it a very specific snapshot of one barrel's long maturation.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, this is the kind of rum we place in front of customers who are looking for something limited, mature and clearly defined. Only 188 bottles were released, and with the last bottles now indicated, its collectible nature is very much part of the story. Bottled at cask strength, 50.7%, it keeps a firm connection to the cask it came from.
Its profile is built around wood, spice and a pronounced vegetal side, with fruit and floral notes (…)Caroni 1998 23y (The Nectar - Daily Dram)
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Caroni 1998 23y (The Nectar - Daily Dram)
In stock
Caroni 1998 23y from Daily Dram is a Trinidad rum with a very clear identity: a single cask release, matured for a long period and bottled at cask strength. Distilled in 1998 and bottled in April 2022, this molasses rum spent 23 years in a bourbon barrel.
Its limited nature is central to the appeal. The Nectar released it under the Daily Dram label as a single cask bottling, with only 241 bottles drawn from that barrel. Together with the last bottles indication, it feels less like a standard rum release and more like a precise snapshot of one individual cask.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, we see this as a rum for drinkers who appreciate a direct, undiluted style. Traditional column distillation, bourbon barrel maturation and bottling at 59% come together in a (…)Domenican Republic Afd (Alcoholes Finos Dominicanos) 2010 11y Ww (Campbeltown Whisky Company)
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Domenican Republic Afd (Alcoholes Finos Dominicanos) 2010 11y Ww (Campbeltown Whisky Company)
In stock
Domenican Republic AFD 2010 11y from Watt Whisky is a molasses-based rum from the Dominican Republic, distilled at Alcoholes Finos Dominicanos in a traditional column style. Rather than presenting a broad house blend, this release focuses on one individual cask and the character it developed over time.
Distilled in 2010 and bottled in 2022, it spent 11 years in a bourbon barrel before being bottled at natural cask strength, 57.1% ABV. Only 264 bottles came from the cask, giving this rum a deliberately small-scale feel.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, we see this as the kind of rum that rewards curiosity: a limited single cask bottling with a clear origin, a firm strength and very little distance between cask and glass. With the final bottles now available, it has (…)Dominican Republic 2006 16y (1423 Single Barrel Selection)
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Dominican Republic 2006 16y (1423 Single Barrel Selection)
Very last one in stock!
Dominican Republic 2006 16y from 1423 Rum World Class is a molasses-based rum from the Dominican Republic, distilled in 2006 and bottled in August 2022. It is a rum with a clear sense of place and time: 16 years old, drawn from a single cask and bottled at natural cask strength.
The spirit was made in a Traditional Column style and matured in a Bourbon Barrel. That cask influence is an important part of its identity, supported by lighter sweet, fruity, spiced and floral accents rather than a broad or heavily blended style.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, this is the kind of bottle we like to present as a focused rum selection: one cask, 59% alcohol, only 282 bottles produced. With the last bottles now available, it has the character of a limited release that (…)Fiji 2004 17y Eli Yard (Elizabeth Yard Single Cask)
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Fiji 2004 17y Eli Yard (Elizabeth Yard Single Cask)
In stock
Fiji 2004 17y Eli Yard is a molasses rum with a very clearly defined identity. Distilled in Fiji in 2004 and bottled in 2022, it spent 17 years maturing before being released by Elizabeth Yard as part of its single cask range. It comes from one hogshead and was bottled at cask strength, at 52.7% ABV.
The appeal here lies in the precision of the release. One cask, only 250 bottles, and now marked as last bottles. Within the selection at Drankenshop Broekmans, this is the kind of rum that speaks to drinkers who enjoy limited bottlings with a clear sense of origin and maturation rather than a broad, blended style.
The rum was produced using pot still and column distillation, giving it an additional point of interest for anyone exploring Fiji rum in more detail. (…)Fiji 2004 18y (1423 Single Barrel Selection)
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Fiji 2004 18y (1423 Single Barrel Selection)
In stock
Fiji 2004 18y from 1423 Rum World Class is the kind of rum where the details matter because they all point in the same direction: one vintage, one cask, one concentrated release. Distilled in 2004 and bottled in August 2022, this molasses rum spent 18 years in a Bourbon Barrel.
The small scale is part of its appeal. As a single cask bottling at cask strength, with only 210 bottles drawn, it represents a very specific slice of maturation rather than a broad house blend. At Drankenshop Broekmans, releases like this are valued for that directness: they let a single barrel do the talking.
Pot still style distillation and a strength of 68.3% give this rum a firm presence. Its profile is led by spice, supported by lighter notes in the fruity, woody, floral and (…)Fiji Spd 2009 12y Tasttoe (The Whisky Jury - For Tasttoe)
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Fiji Spd 2009 12y Tasttoe (The Whisky Jury - For Tasttoe)
In stock
Fiji Spd 2009 12 Years by The Whisky Jury is a tightly focused rum release rather than a broad, ongoing expression. Distilled in September 2009 and bottled in May 2022, it captures twelve years of maturation from one individual cask.
Drawn from a refill barrel and bottled at cask strength, it comes in at 58.4% ABV. Only 190 bottles were filled, and at Drankenshop Broekmans this now belongs to the final bottles available, giving the release a naturally limited feel without needing to dress it up.
The For TasTToe bottling detail gives this edition an extra point of identity within The Whisky Jury's range. It is a bottle for drinkers who enjoy exploring rum through small releases, single casks and precise snapshots rather than standardised house styles.
Foursquare 2007 14y Tb (Thompson Brothers)
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Foursquare 2007 14y Tb (Thompson Brothers)
Very last one in stock!
Foursquare 2007 14y TB is a Barbados molasses rum released under the Thompson Brothers name. Its appeal lies in the way the details come together: distilled in December 2007, bottled in October 2022, aged for 14 years and drawn from a single cask.
Only 272 bottles were produced, so this is a tightly limited bottling rather than a regular release. The refill barrel points to a cask influence that stays in a supporting role, while the 57.1% strength gives the rum a firm, cask-strength presence.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, this sits well among rums chosen for drinkers who like a more focused view of Barbados rum through one individual cask. The flavour direction is not built around one dominant note; instead, it shows a light spread of fruit, sweetness, spice, (…)Guyana 1998 23y Uitvlught (The Nectar - Daily Dram)
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Guyana 1998 23y Uitvlught (The Nectar - Daily Dram)
In stock
Guyana 1998 23y Uitvlught from Daily Dram is a molasses-based rum with a very clearly defined identity. Distilled in 1998 and bottled in April 2022, it spent 23 years maturing before being released by The Nectar under the Daily Dram label. The traditional column distillation and Bourbon Barrel maturation give the bottling a focused sense of origin and style.
Its appeal lies strongly in its small-scale nature. This is a single cask release, bottled at cask strength, with only 167 bottles produced. With the last bottles now involved and the release marked as a collectors item, it holds a distinctive place in the rum selection at Drankenshop Broekmans.
At 58.4%, this is not a softened or broadly styled rum. It is a direct presentation of one cask, one Guyanese (…)Guyana 1998 24y Uitvlught (1423 Single Barrel Selection)
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Guyana 1998 24y Uitvlught (1423 Single Barrel Selection)
Only 2 left in stock!
Guyana 1998 24y Uitvlught (1423 Single Barrel Selection) is a(n) rum from Guyana by the brand 1423 Rum World Class. It falls within the rum group under the category Mélasse. It is one of the many references you can currently buy online at Drankenshop Broekmans.
IMPORTANT: This rum from 1423 Rum World Class will never return once it is sold out. If you want to be sure that this 1423 Rum World Class will shine in your bar cabinet, don't wait too long to order!
This rum is matured in Bourbon Cask barrels. It is a version of 70 cl and has an alcohol content of 56,4%.
Guyana 1998 24y Uitvlught (1423 Single Barrel Selection) is bottled by 1423 Single Barrel Selection.
This rum is a single cask bottling. What is a single (…)Guyana 1999 23y Uitvlugt (1423 Single Barrel Selection)
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Guyana 1999 23y Uitvlugt (1423 Single Barrel Selection)
Only 3 left in stock!
Guyana 1999 23y Uitvlugt (1423 Single Barrel Selection) is a(n) rum from Guyana by the brand 1423 Rum World Class. It falls within the rum group under the category Mélasse. It is one of the many references you can currently buy online at Drankenshop Broekmans.
IMPORTANT: This rum from 1423 Rum World Class will never return once it is sold out. If you want to be sure that this 1423 Rum World Class will shine in your bar cabinet, don't wait too long to order!
This rum is matured in Bourbon Barrel barrels. It is a version of 70 cl and has an alcohol content of 62,6%.
Guyana 1999 23y Uitvlugt (1423 Single Barrel Selection) is bottled by 1423 Single Barrel Selection.
This rum is a single cask bottling. What is a single (…)Guyana 2012 Albion Pm (1423 Single Barrel Selection)
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Guyana 2012 Albion Pm (1423 Single Barrel Selection)
Only 2 left in stock!
Guyana 2012 Albion Pm (1423 Single Barrel Selection) is a(n) rum from Guyana by the brand 1423 Rum World Class. It falls within the rum group under the category Mélasse. It is one of the many references you can currently buy online at Drankenshop Broekmans.
IMPORTANT: This rum from 1423 Rum World Class will never return once it is sold out. If you want to be sure that this 1423 Rum World Class will shine in your bar cabinet, don't wait too long to order!
This rum is matured in Bourbon Cask barrels. It is a version of 70 cl and has an alcohol content of 64,6%.
Guyana 2012 Albion Pm (1423 Single Barrel Selection) is bottled by 1423 Single Barrel Selection.
This rum is a single cask bottling. What is a single cask? A (…)Guyana Mda 2012 10y (The Nectar - Daily Dram)
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Guyana Mda 2012 10y (The Nectar - Daily Dram)
On request only
Guyana Mda 2012 10y is the kind of rum where the details actually matter. Distilled in 2012 and bottled in May 2022 by The Nectar for the Daily Dram range, it comes from a single bourbon barrel rather than from a broad blend. That gives the bottle a very specific identity: one cask, one moment, one limited release.
Made from molasses and distilled in a pot still, it has been bottled at cask strength, reaching 62.5% alcohol. Nothing in the supplied information points toward a softened, sweet style; the emphasis is instead on power, spice and directness, with the cask playing a supporting role.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, we see this as a rum for drinkers who enjoy exploring individual cask selections from Guyana. With 227 bottles produced and the last bottles (…)Guyana Pm 2020 2y (1423 Single Barrel Selection)
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Guyana Pm 2020 2y (1423 Single Barrel Selection)
In stock
Guyana Pm 2020 2y is a molasses-based rum from Guyana, bottled by 1423 Rum World Class. Distilled in 2020 and bottled in August 2022, it is young by age, but not modest in style. Maturation in virgin oak gives the rum a clear wood presence, while leaving room for the direct, pot still character to come through.
This is a single cask release bottled at cask strength, at 66.4% ABV. That combination points to a rum with real intensity rather than an easy, softened profile. The main impression is built around wood and floral tones, supported by lighter spicy, fruity and vegetal elements, with sweetness not playing the leading role.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, this is the kind of bottle we look at as a focused snapshot of one cask rather than a broad house style. (…)Guyana Skeldon Swr 1997 25y (The Nectar - Daily Dram)
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Guyana Skeldon Swr 1997 25y (The Nectar - Daily Dram)
Only 3 left in stock!
Guyana Skeldon Swr 1997 25y is the kind of rum where the interest lies in the specific cask and the time behind it. Distilled in 1997 and bottled in 2022, this molasses-based Guyanese rum spent 25 years maturing before being selected for the Daily Dram range.
Bottled by The Nectar from a single bourbon barrel, it is a very limited release of just 217 bottles. At 47.6% cask strength, it keeps close to the identity of that individual cask rather than aiming for a broad, standard house style.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, we see this as a rum for those moments when detail matters. The profile is built around wood, spice and fruit, without a pronounced sweet emphasis, while the traditional column distillation and long maturation give it a mature, composed presence. (…)Guyana Sv 2001 21y (The Nectar - Daily Dram)
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Guyana Sv 2001 21y (The Nectar - Daily Dram)
In stock
Guyana Sv 2001 21y is a molasses-based rum where the appeal lies in the meeting point between maturity, origin and individual cask character. Distilled in Guyana in 2001 and bottled in August 2022, it spent 21 years developing before being released as a single cask bottling.
It comes from The Nectar under the Daily Dram label, a range that sits comfortably at Drankenshop Broekmans for drinkers who enjoy independent selections with a clear sense of identity. The rum was distilled in a Coffey Still, matured in a bourbon barrel and bottled at cask strength at 50.2%, giving it a direct and unpolished presentation.
The last bottles status adds to the feeling of specificity. With a single cask, there is no second batch waiting in the background; once that cask is (…)Hampden 1993 29y C<>h
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Hampden 1993 29y C<>h
Temporarily sold out
Hampden 1993 29y C<>h is a Jamaican rum with a very clear sense of provenance. Distilled in April 1993 and bottled in March 2022, it carries a 29-year age statement, placing it firmly among mature and highly limited rum releases.
Its appeal lies in the precision of the bottling. This is a single cask rum, bottled at cask strength at 58.9%, with only 65 bottles produced. Rather than presenting a broad house style, it captures one individual cask from one specific vintage.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, this is the kind of bottle we would present to someone who pays attention to rare rum details rather than general labels. Hampden, Jamaica, 1993, 29 years old, single cask and just 65 bottles: the story is compact, but it says a great deal.
No (…)Hampden 2013
8y (The Nectar - Daily Dram) LAST PIECES94360° view available
Hampden 2013
8y (The Nectar - Daily Dram) On request only
Hampden 2013 <H> 8y is a Jamaican molasses rum with a very direct presentation. Distilled in 2013 on a pot still and bottled in April 2022, this Daily Dram release from The Nectar spent 8 years maturing before being bottled at cask strength: 64.4% ABV from a single bourbon barrel.
That single cask origin matters. This is not a broad, softened blend, but the voice of one individual cask. Within the rum selection at Drankenshop Broekmans, it stands out as a powerful Jamaican release for drinkers who appreciate rum with clear origin, concentration and presence.
The flavour profile points towards pronounced fruit, spice and vegetal notes, supported by lighter floral and woody accents. Rather than presenting sweetness as the main theme, this bottling leans (…)Hampden Dok 2020 2y (The Nectar - Daily Dram)
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Hampden Dok 2020 2y (The Nectar - Daily Dram)
On request only
Hampden Dok 2020 2y is a Jamaican molasses rum with a clearly independent-bottler identity. Released by The Nectar under the Daily Dram label, it was distilled in 2020 and bottled in September 2022 at 2 years of age.
The appeal here lies in its compact but forceful setup: pot still distillation, a single cask, cask strength bottling at 65.6%, and an Islay finish. Rather than leaning on sweetness, this rum is shaped by wood, spice and fruit, with the Islay cask adding an unusual angle to the maturation.
Only 228 bottles were produced, and with the last bottles now in circulation, this Hampden has a particularly distinctive place at Drankenshop Broekmans for drinkers who enjoy small-batch Jamaican rum with intensity and a less conventional cask influence.
Hampden Jmh 2000 22y Tb (Thompson Brothers)
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Hampden Jmh 2000 22y Tb (Thompson Brothers)
On request only
Hampden JMH 2000 22y TB is a Jamaican rum with a very focused identity: one cask, long maturation and a small outturn of just 178 bottles. Distilled in September 2000 and bottled in October 2022, it captures 22 years of development in a tightly limited release.
At 54.3% and bottled at cask strength, it keeps close to the character of the individual barrel. The refill barrel gives structure without making the story solely about wood. Instead, the profile is built around clear oak influence, spice and a more vegetal side, with lighter fruit and floral touches in support.
For Drankenshop Broekmans, this is the kind of rum that speaks to customers looking for a specific single cask snapshot rather than a standard blended expression. With only the last bottles (…)Jamaica & Trinidad 5y+7y (The Nectar - Daily Dram)
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Jamaica & Trinidad 5y+7y (The Nectar - Daily Dram)
On request only
Jamaica & Trinidad 5y+7y from Daily Dram is a molasses rum with a direct, assertive presence. Bottled by The Nectar under the Daily Dram label, it brings Jamaica and Trinidad together in a small release that feels very much aimed at drinkers who enjoy independent rum bottlings with a clear cask-driven identity.
There is plenty here to set the tone: pot still and column distillation, maturation in a bourbon barrel, a 5y+7y age indication and a multivintage composition. Bottled at cask strength at 70%, it presents the rum in a powerful form, without softening the message of the cask.
Within the Drankenshop Broekmans selection, this is the kind of bottle we would point out to someone looking for rum beyond the rounder, more polished styles. With only 200 (…)Jamaica 2015 Clarendon Sb (1423 Single Barrel Selection)
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Jamaica 2015 Clarendon Sb (1423 Single Barrel Selection)
Very last one in stock!
Jamaica 2015 Clarendon Sb from 1423 Rum World Class is a molasses-based Jamaican rum, pot still distilled and bottled at cask strength. It comes from a single cask, so the emphasis is on a precise cask-driven snapshot rather than a broad, polished blend.
Distilled in 2015 and bottled in 2022, it matured in a bourbon barrel and was released at 65.7% ABV. At Drankenshop Broekmans, this is the kind of rum we would point out to someone looking for Jamaican rum with real intensity and a more direct style.
With the last bottles now available, the limited nature of the cask becomes part of the appeal. Its profile is centred on wood and spice, with lighter fruit, floral and vegetal accents in support, while sweetness is clearly not the main focus.
The (…)
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.
