Rum from Malecon
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Malecon 10y Incl. Box
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Malecon 10y Incl. Box
In stock
Malecon 10y is a Cuban molasses rum, aged for ten years and bottled at 40%. Its character is built in a measured way: traditional column distillation, maturation in bourbon casks and a flavour profile where fruit is more prominent than wood or spice.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, this is the kind of rum we would point out to someone looking for an aged rum with structure, but without an overly dominant single note. The ten years of ageing give it a mature feel, while the profile remains led by fruit, supported by gentle touches of wood, spice, sweetness and a light floral side.
The bourbon cask maturation helps frame the style: Malecon 10y sits comfortably among mature molasses rums where age, distillation and cask influence work together in a calm, composed (…)Malecon 12y Reserva Superior Incl. Box
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Malecon 12y Reserva Superior Incl. Box
In stock
Malecon 12y Reserva Superior is a molasses-based rum from Cuba, aged for 12 years. Its name sets the direction quite clearly: this is presented as a Reserva Superior, with maturity and composure playing a central role.
Made in a multi-column distillation style and matured in bourbon casks, it points toward a fruit-led profile. The fruit is supported by gentle wood, mild spice, a touch of sweetness and a light floral accent. There is no indication in the supplied information of a pronounced vegetal style; the emphasis sits more on an aged rum with a clear, approachable structure.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, this is the kind of rum we would place in front of someone looking for a well-aged bottle without unnecessary complexity in the story. Twelve years of (…)Malecon 15y + 2 Glasses
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Malecon 15y + 2 Glasses
Only 3 left in stock!
Malecon 15y + 2 Glasses is a Cuban molasses rum aged for 15 years and bottled at 40%. Made in a traditional column style and matured in bourbon casks, it brings together a mature rum profile with a measured cask influence.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, this giftpack is the kind of bottle we like for people who want a rum with age and a little sense of occasion. The two included glasses make it easy to share, while the presentation gives it a thoughtful gift character.
The style is led by fruit, with gentle wood, light spice and a modest sweetness in support. Malecon 15y therefore comes across as a rum where maturation is noticeable, but the fruit-driven side remains clearly present.
The flavour profile is mainly fruit-led, supported by a light (…)Malecon 15y Reserva Superior Incl. Box
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Malecon 15y Reserva Superior Incl. Box
In stock
Malecon 15y Reserva Superior is a Cuban molasses rum carrying a 15-year age statement. That already sets the tone: this is not a very young, straightforward rum, but a matured expression where time in cask is part of the identity.
It is made in a multicolumn distilling style and aged in bourbon casks. The cask influence is present without taking over the whole profile; the supplied flavour profile points more clearly toward fruit, with lighter layers of sweetness, spice, wood and a floral touch around it.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, we would place Malecon 15y Reserva Superior among the rums for people who enjoy a mature Cuban style with structure, but without an overly heavy presentation. It is a rum where the age statement, the molasses base and the restrained (…)Malecon 18y Reserva Imperial Incl. Box
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Malecon 18y Reserva Imperial Incl. Box
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Malecon 18y Reserva Imperial is a Cuban molasses rum where the age statement sets the tone straight away. Eighteen years gives this rum a sense of maturity, with the focus placed on time, cask influence and development rather than on unnecessary embellishment.
Its multicolumn distillation and bourbon cask maturation point towards a composed style, with fruity and woody elements at the centre of the profile. Gentler hints of spice, sweetness and floral notes sit around that core, giving the rum its shape without making it feel overstated.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, this Malecon sits comfortably among aged rums for customers looking for a Cuban rum with a clear sense of origin and a mature, neatly defined character.
The flavour profile is led by (…)Malecon 1976 Esplendida
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Malecon 1976 Esplendida
Only 2 left in stock!
Malecon 1976 Esplendida is a Cuban molasses rum built around a very clear point of identity: the 1976 distillation year. That gives the bottle a more defined story than a regular house-style rum, with the vintage acting as an important part of its character.
It was distilled in a multicolumn style and matured in bourbon cask. The flavour profile points to fruit and wood as the main elements, with spice and sweetness playing a more restrained supporting role. Rather than presenting itself as a heavily sweet rum, it sits closer to a mature, cask-influenced style with a fruity core.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, we see this as a rum for people who enjoy a bottle with a little more context in the glass. The appeal lies in the combination of Cuban origin, a specific (…)Malecon 1976 Esplendida 4,5l
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Malecon 1976 Esplendida 4,5l
Last one in stock!
Malecon 1976 Esplendida 4.5l is a Cuban molasses rum with 1976 stated as its distillation date. That immediately gives the bottle a different kind of presence: this is not presented as an everyday rum, but as a release where origin, vintage and format all matter.
It is made in a traditional column style and linked to bourbon cask maturation. The supplied profile points towards a rum where wood, spice and fruit all have a clear role, while sweetness stays more in support than in the foreground.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, the 4.5 litre format makes this Malecon stand out on sight, but the interest is not only visual. It remains, first and foremost, a Cuban vintage rum with a cask-influenced profile and a measured strength of 40%.
The flavour (…)Malecon 1979 Esplendida 4,5l
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Malecon 1979 Esplendida 4,5l
Last one in stock!
Malecon 1979 Esplendida 4.5l is a Cuban rum with an immediate sense of presence, partly because of its 1979 vintage reference and partly because of the generous bottle size. It is made from molasses, distilled in a traditional column style and bottled at 40% alcohol.
The bourbon cask element gives this release a wood-driven side, while the supplied flavour profile also points clearly towards spice and fruit. Its sweetness is more restrained, so the impression is not built around sugariness alone.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, we see this as the kind of rum that stands apart from the everyday shelf: Cuban in origin, vintage-led in identity and presented in a 4.5 litre format that makes it particularly striking to serve or share.
The flavour profile (…)Malecon 1982 Esplendida 4,5l
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Malecon 1982 Esplendida 4,5l
Last one in stock!
Malecon 1982 Esplendida 4.5l is a Cuban molasses rum, distilled in 1982 in a traditional column style. With its vintage statement and generous 4.5 litre presentation, it immediately feels like more than a standard bottle; it is the kind of rum that gives a table or back bar real presence.
Maturation in bourbon cask supports a clearly woody side, while the flavour profile also points to spice and fruit. Sweetness is present in a more restrained role, so the impression is not built solely around softness, but around the interplay between wood, spice and fruit.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, this Malecon stands out as a rum with a strong sense of occasion: Cuban origin, distilled in 1982, and bottled in an impressive Esplendida format.
The flavour (…)Malecon 1982 Esplendida Incl. Box
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Malecon 1982 Esplendida Incl. Box
Last one in stock!
Malecon 1982 Esplendida is a Cuban molasses rum distilled in 1982 using a traditional column style. That vintage reference gives the bottle a clear sense of place and time, making it more than a standard rum selection: the year, the origin and the maturation all help define its identity.
The bourbon cask maturation supports a profile built around wood influence, spice and fruit. It is not presented as a heavily sweet rum; the emphasis sits more on the interplay between cask character and distillate.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, this is the kind of rum we place in front of customers who appreciate context in the glass. Cuba, molasses, traditional column distillation and the 1982 vintage come together in a composed 40% bottling with a mature sense of style.
Malecon 1983 Esplendida Incl. Box
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Malecon 1983 Esplendida Incl. Box
In stock
Malecon 1983 Esplendida is a Cuban rum made from molasses and distilled in a multicolumn style. That gives the rum a composed, polished feel rather than a heavy or forceful one.
Within the rum selection at Drankenshop Broekmans, this bottle stands out through its 1983 identity and its Bourbon Barrel cask background. The profile is built around fruit and wood, with gentle spice, a restrained sweetness and a light floral accent adding extra detail.
There is no need to dress this rum up with grand claims. Malecon 1983 Esplendida is most interesting for its calm structure, its vintage reference and its classic Cuban character.
The flavour profile centres on fruit and a clear wooden note. Sweetness stays restrained, while gentle spice and a light (…)Malecon 1985 Esplendida
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Malecon 1985 Esplendida
Last one in stock!
Malecon 1985 Esplendida is a molasses-based rum with a vintage clearly at the centre of its identity. Distilled in 1985 in a multicolumn style, it was matured in bourbon casks and bottled at 40% alcohol.
In the rum selection at Drankenshop Broekmans, this is the kind of bottle that speaks to customers looking for a rum with a defined date and a composed style rather than a loud, heavily sweet profile. The character indicated here is led by spice, with lighter touches of fruit, sweetness, floral nuance and wood sitting around it.
Malecon 1985 Esplendida presents itself as a Cuban rum with a calm, mature feel. The emphasis is not on excess, but on a measured profile where the spicy side gives the rum its main direction.
The flavour impression is (…)Malecon 1987 Esplendida Incl. Box
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Malecon 1987 Esplendida Incl. Box
In stock
Malecon 1987 Esplendida is a Cuban molasses rum, distilled in 1987 using traditional column distillation. The vintage gives the bottle a clear point of reference: this is a rum shaped around a specific distillation year, with its identity tied closely to time, origin and maturation.
The bourbon cask element sits naturally alongside the stated flavour profile. Wood, spice and fruit are the main themes, while sweetness plays a more restrained supporting role. That gives Malecon 1987 Esplendida a mature, cask-influenced feel rather than a style built simply around sugar and softness.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, we see this as the kind of rum to introduce to customers who enjoy the more composed, traditionally presented side of the category. With its Cuban origin, (…)Malecon 1992 30y 30th Anniversary
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Malecon 1992 30y 30th Anniversary
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Malecon 1992 30y 30th Anniversary is a Cuban molasses rum, distilled in 1992 and aged for thirty years. That long span of maturation sets the tone straight away: this is a mature rum shaped by time, with wood influence playing a clear role alongside a developed fruity side.
Its bourbon barrel maturation supports a style that feels more composed than exuberant. The profile points to noticeable wood and fruit, with lighter touches of spice and floral character in the background. Multicolumn distillation adds to the sense of a controlled, polished rum rather than a heavy or rustic one.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, we see this as a bottle for drinkers who enjoy older rum with a calm, grown-up presence. The 30th Anniversary name gives it a commemorative feel, but the (…)Malecon 1993 Esplendida
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Malecon 1993 Esplendida
In stock
Malecon 1993 Esplendida is a Cuban molasses rum built around the 1993 distillation year. That date gives the bottle a clear point of identity: this is not presented as a generic rum, but as a release tied to a specific moment of production.
It was distilled in a multicolumn style and associated with Bourbon Barrel maturation. The supplied flavour profile points towards fruit and wood as the main impressions, supported more gently by spice, floral touches and a modest sweetness.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, this is the kind of rum we would introduce to someone looking for a Cuban bottle with a stated distillation year, a recognisable cask influence and a classic 40% strength.
The flavour profile is led by fruit and wood, giving the rum its main (…)Malecon 21y Reserva Imperial Incl. Box
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Malecon 21y Reserva Imperial Incl. Box
In stock
Malecon 21y Reserva Imperial is a Cuban molasses rum with ageing at the centre of its identity. The 21-year statement gives it a mature positioning, while the 40% strength keeps the style measured and approachable in the glass.
Its multicolumn distillation and bourbon cask maturation suggest a rum built around polish and structure rather than sheer weight. The supplied profile points to fruit and spice as the clearest elements, supported by lighter sweetness, subtle wood and a gentle floral touch.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, this is the kind of aged rum we would place in front of someone looking for a composed, mature Malecon with character, but without an overly heavy expression.
The flavour profile highlights fruit and spice as the main (…)Malecon 25y Reserva Imperial Incl. Box
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Malecon 25y Reserva Imperial Incl. Box
In stock
Malecon 25y Reserva Imperial is a Cuban molasses rum where the age statement immediately sets the mood. Twenty-five years of maturation gives it a mature, composed position within the Malecon range, with the focus clearly on time and cask development.
The bourbon cask maturation brings a clear woody dimension, yet the supplied profile also points to a notable fruity side. Sweetness, spice and floral notes sit more in the background, supporting the broader impression rather than dominating it. It is a rum built around maturity, wood influence and fruit-driven depth.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, we see this as a fitting choice for customers looking for an older Cuban molasses rum with a calm, well-aged style and a classic 40% strength.
The flavour (…)Malecon 3y
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Malecon 3y
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Malecon 3y is a Cuban molasses rum, distilled in a traditional column style and aged for three years in bourbon casks. It belongs to the younger side of aged rum: the cask influence is present, yet restrained, giving the rum some structure without making wood the main subject.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, we like this kind of bottle for the way it shows a style clearly and without excess. Malecon 3y brings together light touches of wood, spice, fruit, floral character and sweetness, with no single element taking over the glass.
Bottled at 40%, it remains straightforward and easy to read. It is a concise introduction to a young aged Cuban rum made from molasses, shaped by three years of maturation but still focused on a clean, direct expression.
On (…)Malecon 3y 1l
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Malecon 3y 1l
In stock
Malecon 3y 1l is a Cuban molasses rum, made in a traditional column distillation style and bottled at 40%. Its 3 years of ageing keep the rum youthful and direct, while bourbon cask maturation adds a gentle touch of wood without making the style heavy.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, this is the kind of bottle we place with rums that are clear in style and easy to enjoy: lightly sweet, gently fruity, mildly spiced and with a small floral edge. The 1 litre format also makes it a practical choice for anyone who likes to keep a dependable rum at home.
With the last bottles now in stock, it is worth considering while this young Malecon is still available.
The flavour stays light and measured, built around gentle sweetness with subtle fruity, floral and (…)Malecon 8y Gran Reserva
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Malecon 8y Gran Reserva
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In stockMalecon 8y Gran Reserva is a Cuban molasses-based rum, aged for eight years and bottled at 40%. The Gran Reserva name points to a matured style, but the available profile suggests a rum where oak remains a supporting element rather than the main focus.
Its multicolumn distillation and bourbon cask maturation give it a composed, polished framework. The fruit side is the clearest part of the profile, while wood, spice, sweetness and a light floral touch sit more quietly around it.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, we would place this Malecon among the rums for customers looking for a well-aged Cuban style with a fruit-led character and measured cask influence. It is not a rum built on excess, but on a clean and approachable sense of balance.
Fruit is the (…)Malecon Anejo Genuino 1l
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Malecon Anejo Genuino 1l
In stock
Malecon Anejo Genuino 1l is a Cuban molasses rum made in a traditional column still style. Bottled at 40% alcohol and without an age statement, it presents itself as a straightforward, rounded rum with a clear and approachable identity.
Its profile is built around a sweeter core, supported by lighter fruity, spicy, floral and woody touches. The bourbon cask reference gives context to the gentle wood influence, while the overall impression remains more about softness and drinkability than heavy cask weight.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, this one-litre bottle sits comfortably among Cuban molasses rums for customers looking for a classic style with an easy-going flavour profile.
The flavour leans first toward sweetness, with light fruity and floral (…)Malecon Extra Seco 1l
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Malecon Extra Seco 1l
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Malecon Extra Seco 1l is a Cuban molasses rum with a clear lean towards a drier, spiced style. The Extra Seco name says quite a lot here: this is not a rum built mainly around sweetness, but one with a cleaner and more direct expression.
Traditional column distillation and the bourbon cask reference help shape a profile where spice is the main thread, with wood, fruit and a light floral touch playing a quieter role. The one-litre bottle also makes it a practical choice for anyone who enjoys keeping a dry rum style close at hand.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, this is the kind of bottle we place in front of customers looking for a molasses rum that remains approachable without becoming overly sweet. With only the last bottles left, it has become a little more (…)Malecon Rare Proof 13y + 2 Glasses Incl. Box
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Malecon Rare Proof 13y + 2 Glasses Incl. Box
In stock
Malecon Rare Proof 13y + 2 Glasses has a more assertive personality than a classic easy-going sipping rum. Bottled at 50.5%, it keeps the strength and density suggested by the Rare Proof name, while remaining clearly built for tasting rather than simply for impact.
The supplied information points to a 2009 distillation and a 2022 bottling, after at least 13 years of maturation. Ageing in American oak bourbon casks gives a natural context to the caramel and wood notes found in the tasting description. Made from molasses and distilled in a traditional column style, it reflects a Spanish-style rum approach where maturity, spice and roundness play an important role.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, we would place this bottle in front of someone looking for a rum with (…)Malecon Rare Proof 13y Batch 2009
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Malecon Rare Proof 13y Batch 2009
In stock
Malecon Rare Proof 13y Batch 2009 is a molasses rum with a noticeably firm personality. Distilled in 2009 and bottled in 2022 at 50.5%, it carries the Rare Proof name with purpose: this is a small-batch release with real presence in the glass.
Its minimum 13 years of maturation in American oak bourbon casks gives it warmth and structure, while the producer's information places it in a Spanish-style tradition. The result is a rum where fruit, spice and wood all have a role, without turning into a simple oak-driven spirit.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, we would introduce this Malecon to customers who enjoy aged rum with a little more strength and depth. It has the comfort of mature rum, but also enough freshness and power to keep each sip engaging.
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.
