Rum from Famille Ricci
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Domaine Ricci Quintessence 2024 (Famille Ricci)
LAST PIECES229
Domaine Ricci Quintessence 2024 (Famille Ricci)
On request only
Domaine Ricci Quintessence 2024 is a rum built around the idea of blending as a craft in its own right. Famille Ricci brings together a wide range of origins and styles here, bottled at a confident 55%, with the character of a cuvée made to show breadth and depth.
The blend is made from 28 rums from around the world, including names such as TDL, Foursquare, Clarendon, Long Pond, HPDN, Uitvlugt, Diamond, Beenleigh, Guatemala and Bologna. Pot still and column distillates meet in the same composition, while maturation has taken different paths through bourbon, French oak and ex-Pineau des Charentes casks.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, this is the kind of bottle we would introduce to someone curious about a rum that is not defined by one single origin, but by (…)Domaine Ricci Unique Blend N°2 50cl (Famille Ricci)
LAST PIECES160
Domaine Ricci Unique Blend N°2 50cl (Famille Ricci)
On request only
Domaine Ricci Unique Blend N°2 is built around contrast and selection. It brings together rum from Guyana 2004, Jamaica 2017 and Nicaragua 2004, drawn from TDL, Worthy Park and Compania Licorera de Nicaragua. The blend combines pot still and column still distillation, giving the release more than one voice from the start.
Maturation in bourbon casks gives the rum a clear frame, while the tasting profile points toward wood, spice, floral lift and a touch of fruit. Bottled at 54.1%, it is presented with real intensity, the kind of strength that suits a rum with sandalwood, cacao, vanilla and cooling eucalyptus notes in its aromatic range.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, we see this as a rum for drinkers who enjoy blends with a defined composition rather than a (…)Domaine Ricci Unique Blend N°3 50cl (Famille Ricci)
LAST PIECES137
Domaine Ricci Unique Blend N°3 50cl (Famille Ricci)
On request only
Domaine Ricci Unique Blend N°3 is the kind of rum that shows how much depth a carefully built blend can carry. It brings together Guyana 2011/2003 and Trinidad 2008, with components from Port Mourant, Uitvlugt and TDL. The ages involved are notable too: 14, 17 and 22 years, gathered into one compact but serious release.
There is also real variety in the way the rum was made, with pot still and column distillation both part of the story. Maturation in bourbon and whisky casks adds another layer, giving this blend a profile shaped by origin, distillation style and cask influence rather than by one single element.
Bottled at 61.4% in a 50 cl format, and with only 270 bottles released, it is a limited rum with a firm presence. At Drankenshop Broekmans, we see (…)Ricci 7e Symphonie (Famille Ricci) Incl. Box
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Ricci 7e Symphonie (Famille Ricci) Incl. Box
In stock
Ricci 7e Symphonie is built around the idea of a composed blend rather than a single-origin statement. Famille Ricci brings together rum from Marie-Galante at 30% and Barbados at 70%, combining pot still and column still distillates, with no additives. The result is a rum with a layered foundation and a clear sense of structure.
What makes this bottle stand out in the Drankenshop Broekmans selection is the ambitious cask work behind it. French oak, American oak, black oak, Ambura, Minuzara, Acacia and Mahogany all play a part in the maturation. That variety is not just there for effect; it gives the rum room to develop wood depth, spice and gentle sweetness without losing its sense of harmony.
Bottled at 49%, it has enough strength to carry those layers with (…)Ricci 7e Symphonie Cask Strength 50cl (Famille Ricci) Incl. Box
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Ricci 7e Symphonie Cask Strength 50cl (Famille Ricci) Incl. Box
In stock
Ricci 7e Symphonie Cask Strength is a powerful rum from Famille Ricci, built from 30% Marie-Galante rum and 70% Barbados rum. At 69% alcohol, it makes no attempt to hide its strength: this is a full cask strength release, kept intense and direct.
The interest lies in the way several components come together. Distillation takes place in both columns and pot stills, with no additives, followed by maturation in a range of new casks. French oak, American oak, black oak, Ambura, Minuzara, Acacia and Mahogany all play a role, adding layers to a rum that already carries a bold fruit-and-spice profile.
For Drankenshop Broekmans, this is the kind of rum we would present to someone looking for impact rather than softness. The name 7e Symphonie feels well chosen: (…)Ricci Belier Incl. Box
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Ricci Belier Incl. Box
In stock
Ricci Belier by Famille Ricci brings together two Caribbean origins in one molasses-based rum: Jamaica and Belize. Its identity is built around that meeting point, supported by a combination of pot still and column distillation rather than a single, narrowly defined style.
The maturation took place in bourbon barrels, with 14 years in Jamaica and 16 years in Belize. That gives Belier its sense of depth: tropical fruit at the front, a clear spicy side, and enough wood influence to frame the rum without taking away from its fruit-driven energy.
At 56.5%, this is bottled at cask strength, so the concentration is immediately part of the experience. At Drankenshop Broekmans, we see this as a rum for drinkers who enjoy discovering how different Caribbean (…)Ricci Cancer 50cl Incl. Box
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Ricci Cancer 50cl Incl. Box
In stock
Ricci Cancer 50cl is a high-strength molasses rum from Famille Ricci, built around mature Australian rum from the Beenleigh distillery. Distilled in 2007 in a pot still and aged for 17 years entirely in bourbon barrels, it has a clear sense of depth and concentration from the outset.
At 65.2% ABV, this is a cask strength bottling presented without additives. That matters here, because the rum is meant to be tasted in a direct, unpolished way, with its natural power and maturity intact. At Drankenshop Broekmans, we place a bottle like this among the rums for drinkers who enjoy strength, age and a more outspoken style rather than easy sweetness.
With the final bottles now indicated, Ricci Cancer also has the feel of a limited selection rather than a permanent (…)Ricci Divergence N°1 50cl (Famille Ricci)
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Ricci Divergence N°1 50cl (Famille Ricci)
In stock
Ricci Divergence N°1 is a rum with a deliberately unconventional feel. Famille Ricci presents a rare 55% blend built around Grogue Tarrafal Graciano 7596 and HPDN H. It is fully pot still distilled and made without additives, so the expression stays direct, firm and uncompromised.
What makes it particularly distinctive is its maturation in stainless steel vats and amphorae. Rather than leaning on wood influence, it keeps the focus on cane, fruit and a clearly present spiced dimension. At Drankenshop Broekmans, this is the kind of bottle we would point out to someone interested in rum that steps away from the usual path.
Divergence is an apt name here: powerful, fruity, lightly vegetal and driven by character rather than softness.
The aroma (…)Ricci Divergence N°1 50cl (Famille Ricci) (Damaged: Label dirty, damaged or missing)
DAMAGED57
Ricci Divergence N°1 50cl (Famille Ricci) (Damaged: Label dirty, damaged or missing)
In stock
Ricci Divergence N°1 is a rum with a deliberately unconventional feel. Famille Ricci presents a rare 55% blend built around Grogue Tarrafal Graciano 7596 and HPDN H. It is fully pot still distilled and made without additives, so the expression stays direct, firm and uncompromised.
What makes it particularly distinctive is its maturation in stainless steel vats and amphorae. Rather than leaning on wood influence, it keeps the focus on cane, fruit and a clearly present spiced dimension. At Drankenshop Broekmans, this is the kind of bottle we would point out to someone interested in rum that steps away from the usual path.
Divergence is an apt name here: powerful, fruity, lightly vegetal and driven by character rather than softness.
The aroma (…)Your benefit: € 6,91 / 15%
Ricci Divergence N°2 50cl (Famille Ricci)
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Ricci Divergence N°2 50cl (Famille Ricci)
In stock
Ricci Divergence N°2 is a rum for drinkers who enjoy seeing the category from a different angle. Famille Ricci brings together 70% Port Mourant and 30% HPDN H 3096 in this molasses-based rum, fully pot still distilled and bottled at 55% ABV.
Its identity comes from a deliberately distinctive approach. No additions are mentioned, and the rum is carefully matured in stainless steel vats and amphorae. That keeps the focus close to the spirit itself: fruit-driven and spicy, with a light floral and vegetal edge in the background.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, this is the kind of rum we would introduce to curious tasters rather than to someone looking only for sweetness or heavy wood. Divergence N°2 is about texture, tension and discovery, with ripe fruit, (…)Ricci Divergence N°3 50cl (Famille Ricci)
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Ricci Divergence N°3 50cl (Famille Ricci)
In stock
Ricci Divergence N°3 is built around a meeting of two distinct rum components: 40% Port Mourant rum and 60% Grogue Tarrafal Graciano. Famille Ricci keeps the approach deliberately pure, with 100% pot still distillation and no additives, allowing the blend itself to do the talking.
Maturation in stainless steel vats and amphorae keeps the focus close to the spirit rather than pushing the rum into a heavily wooded style. There is no age statement here; the interest lies in the composition, the raw material expression and the way the different parts come together. At 55% ABV, it has real presence, yet the producer describes it as harmonious, rich and layered.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, this is the kind of rum we would introduce to someone looking for a more (…)Ricci Dynasty (Famille Ricci) Incl. Box
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Ricci Dynasty (Famille Ricci) Incl. Box
In stock
Ricci Dynasty by Famille Ricci is a molasses-based blended rum built from four carefully selected sources of old rum. South America, the Caribbean, Asia and Oceania each contribute to the final composition, giving the blend a broad sense of origin without losing sight of balance.
After selection, the rum undergoes a second maturation in different casks. That extra stage is used to enrich the aromatic range, while the final blend is decided through tasting. It gives Ricci Dynasty a clear focus on the art of blending rather than on a single country or single style.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, we see this as a rum for drinkers who enjoy a softer, more generous profile with fruity and sweet accents. The combination of pot still and column distillation supports that (…)Ricci Gemeaux 50cl Incl. Box
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Ricci Gemeaux 50cl Incl. Box
In stock
Ricci Gemeaux 50cl from Famille Ricci is built around a striking equal-parts blend: Jamaican rum from Worthy Park, distilled in 2006, and Fiji rum from South Pacific, distilled in 2012. Both components are pot still rums and were fully matured in bourbon barrels.
It is bottled at cask strength, 60.6%, with no additives. That gives the rum a direct, unpolished presence, where the character of the two origins can come through with real force. Fruit, spice, wood and menthol-like freshness all play a role, without the rum feeling softened or rounded by additions.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, this is the kind of bottle we place in front of customers who enjoy molasses rum with power and personality. With the last bottles now available, Ricci Gemeaux has the feel of a (…)Ricci Influences N°1 (Famille Ricci) Incl. Box
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Ricci Influences N°1 (Famille Ricci) Incl. Box
In stock
Ricci Influences N°1 from Famille Ricci is a molasses-based rum built from two origins: 70% Trinidad and 30% Jamaica. It brings together pot still and column distillation, giving the rum a layered feel rather than a single, straightforward direction.
The maturation story is a major part of its identity. Bourbon casks, new oak, Pineau casks and heated mini-casks all play a role, drawing the rum towards wood, spice and toasted notes. Bottled at 46% and made without additives, it keeps a clear sense of structure while retaining a smooth, approachable texture.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, we see Ricci Influences N°1 as a rum for drinkers who enjoy a more cask-driven style without moving into heavy sweetness. Its name is well chosen: this is a rum shaped by (…)Ricci Influences N°2 (Famille Ricci) Incl. Box
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Ricci Influences N°2 (Famille Ricci) Incl. Box
In stock
Ricci Influences N°2 from Famille Ricci is built around the idea of influence: origin, still type and cask selection all play their part. The blend brings together 60% Australian rum and 40% Jamaican rum, pot still distilled and bottled without additives.
The maturation approach gives this release much of its personality. Bourbon, acacia and Pineau casks each add a different layer, while specially heated mini casks are used to draw out further aromatic detail. Within the rum selection at Drankenshop Broekmans, this is the kind of bottle we like to present to customers who enjoy seeing how cask work can shape a spirit.
At 46% ABV, Ricci Influences N°2 has enough strength to carry its style clearly, while keeping room for its floral, fruity and gently (…)Ricci Influences N°3 (Famille Ricci) Incl. Box
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Ricci Influences N°3 (Famille Ricci) Incl. Box
In stock
Ricci Influences N°3 is a molasses-based rum from Famille Ricci, built around a blend of Guatemala at 62% and Guyana at 38%. The use of both pot still and column distillation gives the rum a layered foundation, while the absence of additions keeps the focus on the blend and its maturation.
The cask selection adds much of the intrigue here. Bourbon casks, heavily toasted new casks, Sauternes casks and small toasted acacia casks come together in a style shaped by citrus, dried fruit, gentle honeyed sweetness and toasted notes. It is a refined rum rather than an overly wood-driven one, with the cask influence supporting the fruit and roasted accents.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, we see Ricci Influences N°3 as a rum for those who enjoy discovering how (…)Ricci Poisson 50cl Incl. Box
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Ricci Poisson 50cl Incl. Box
In stock
Ricci Poisson 50cl from Famille Ricci is a full-strength rum bottled at 62.8% ABV. It is a bold style, but not a one-dimensional one; the appeal lies in the way its power carries floral, spicy and fruity detail rather than simply overwhelming the glass.
This rum comes from Guyana and was distilled at Diamond Distillery on an Uitvlugt Still, a Column Savalle still. It matured entirely in bourbon barrels, giving the rum a firm framework while allowing the distillate's aromatic side to remain central.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, Poisson stands out as a rum for drinkers who enjoy intensity with precision. Its combination of white flowers, herbs, honeyed touches, citrus brightness and tropical fruit makes it distinctive, and the last-bottles indication adds a quiet (…)Ricci Taureau 50cl Incl. Box
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Ricci Taureau 50cl Incl. Box
In stock
Ricci Taureau from Famille Ricci is a molasses rum built from two mature Caribbean components: 25% 10-year-old Jamaican rum and 75% 16-year-old Trinidad rum. That composition gives the bottling a clear sense of depth, with the Jamaican part adding aromatic drive and the Trinidad share bringing mature weight.
It was distilled using both pot still and column still distillation, then matured entirely in bourbon barrels. Bottled at cask strength at 65.6% ABV and without additives, this is a pure, forceful rum where concentration and authenticity are very much part of the experience.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, Ricci Taureau is the kind of bottle we would introduce to someone looking for a serious, high-strength rum with ripe fruit, texture and intensity. With only (…)Ricci Verseau 50cl Incl. Box
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Ricci Verseau 50cl Incl. Box
In stock
Ricci Verseau 50cl is a molasses-based rum from Famille Ricci, bringing together rum from Trinidad and Nicaragua. With TDL 2008 and Compañera de Licor de Nicaragua 2004 mentioned in the background of the release, it is a bottling built around two origins rather than a single distillery voice.
Maturation in bourbon barrels gives the rum its frame, while the combination of pot still and column distillation adds to its layered identity. Bottled at cask strength, 63.6% alcohol, Verseau keeps its force and density intact rather than smoothing everything away.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, we see this as a rum for drinkers who enjoy a more expressive bottle: fruity, spiced and gastronomic in tone, with enough strength to remain firmly present in the glass. With (…)Ricci Voltface N°1 50cl (Famille Ricci)
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Ricci Voltface N°1 50cl (Famille Ricci)
In stock
Ricci Voltface N°1 from Famille Ricci is a molasses rum built around a 60% Guyana and 40% Jamaica blend. That immediately gives the bottle its direction: this is a rum where origin, distillation style and strength are allowed to stand clearly in the foreground.
It brings together column and pot still distillation and is bottled without additives. At 66.6% ABV, and presented at cask strength, Voltface N°1 is a concentrated rum experience rather than a softened interpretation of the style.
Maturation in ex-Pineau des Charentes Blanc casks and new chestnut wood gives this release its own place in the rum selection. At Drankenshop Broekmans, we value it for that distinctive combination: Guyana and Jamaica brought together in a warm, spicy and intense rum (…)Ricci Voltface N°2 50cl (Famille Ricci) Incl. Box
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Ricci Voltface N°2 50cl (Famille Ricci) Incl. Box
In stock
Ricci Voltface N°2 from Famille Ricci is a molasses rum built around a meeting of Jamaica and Barbados. The blend is made up of 35% Jamaican rum and 65% Barbadian rum, giving the bottling a character shaped by contrast rather than by a single origin.
Distillation takes place in both column stills and Pot Stills, and the rum is made without additives. Its maturation in ex-Pineau des Charentes Blanc casks and new chestnut casks gives Voltface N°2 a distinctive frame, with spice, fruit and gentle wood influence forming the main thread. At Drankenshop Broekmans, we see this as a rum for drinkers who enjoy strength with real flavour definition.
At 66.4% ABV, this is unmistakably a cask strength release. The high strength brings intensity and warmth, but (…)Ricci Voltface N°3 50cl (Famille Ricci) Incl. Box
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Ricci Voltface N°3 50cl (Famille Ricci) Incl. Box
In stock
Ricci Voltface N°3 from Famille Ricci brings together two rum origins in one powerful bottling: 45% Guyana and 55% Barbados. Distillation takes place through both column and pot still, giving the rum a broad foundation with drive, weight and a distinctly expressive style.
Its maturation in ex-Pineau des Charentes Blanc casks and new chestnut wood casks adds another layer to the story. Bottled without additions at 64.5%, this molasses rum keeps its concentrated, cask-strength personality intact. It is a bold rum, but its strength is matched by a notably dessert-like aromatic profile.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, this 50 cl release sits naturally among rums chosen for character rather than softness. Voltface N°3 is especially interesting when you want a (…)Uitvlught 1992 32y For The Nectar (Famille Ricci Exception)
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Uitvlught 1992 32y For The Nectar (Famille Ricci Exception)
In stock
Uitvlught 1992 32y For The Nectar is a Guyanese molasses rum with a very defined sense of place. It comes from the Uitvlught distillery and was distilled on the Column Savalle Uitvlught Still, a detail that helps explain the individuality of this release rather than simply serving as technical background.
It matured exclusively in bourbon barrels and was bottled by Famille Ricci as part of the Ricci Exception range. At 56.4% alcohol, it remains close to cask strength in feel: direct, mature and made for slow tasting rather than casual sipping.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, this is the kind of rum we place in front of customers who appreciate a bottle with a clear identity and genuine scarcity. It is a single cask release of only 190 bottles, now down to the last (…)
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.
