Rum from New Grove
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Lazy Dodo
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Lazy Dodo
In stock
Lazy Dodo by New Grove is a Mauritian rum made from molasses, with a character that leans clearly towards fruit. Distilled in a traditional column style, it presents a clean and approachable side of Mauritius rum without feeling anonymous.
Maturation in bourbon barrels adds a gentle wood note and a touch of spice, while the fruity side remains the main impression. At 40% alcohol, Lazy Dodo stays easy to enjoy, more about aromatic smoothness and charm than weight or force.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, this is the kind of rum that fits well for customers looking for a friendly introduction to New Grove and to rum from Mauritius. It has enough character to be interesting, while keeping a relaxed and welcoming style.
Additional information about the (…)New Grove 10y
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New Grove 10y
In stock
New Grove 10y is a molasses rum from Mauritius, made in a traditional column style and matured for at least ten years. It presents a mature side of Mauritian rum, with enough age to bring depth while keeping a sense of finesse.
The maturation in new French casks and cognac casks gives this cuvée much of its identity. There is structure from the wood, a measured spicy side and a clear fruity core. Bottling at 42% helps keep the rum refined rather than heavy.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, we see this as a rum for customers who want to explore Mauritius through a well-aged, elegant style. It has presence, but it remains rounded and composed, with the cask influence supporting rather than overwhelming the fruit.
The aroma brings together citrus (…)New Grove Beau Plan Incl. Box
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New Grove Beau Plan Incl. Box
In stock
New Grove Beau Plan is a Mauritian rum made from molasses and distilled in a traditional column still. Its style is led by fruit, with lighter layers of wood, spice, sweetness and a gentle floral touch shaping the background.
The maturation in bourbon and Cognac casks gives the rum extra structure without turning it into a heavily wood-driven expression. At Drankenshop Broekmans, we see this as a rum for customers who appreciate a clear, approachable style with enough detail to explore at a relaxed pace.
Bottled at 40%, New Grove Beau Plan remains clean and easy to follow. Its appeal lies in the combination of Mauritian origin, molasses-based production and maturation in two complementary cask types.
Fruit is the main impression here, supported (…)Lazy Dodo Pineapple & Vanilla
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Lazy Dodo Pineapple & Vanilla
In stock
Lazy Dodo Pineapple & Vanilla is built on Mauritian rum and given a clear island character through Victoria pineapple and vanilla. It is a soft, fruity and sweet style of rum, with roasted pineapple taking the lead rather than heavy spice or oak.
The vanilla adds roundness and a gentle roasted note, making the rum feel smooth and approachable while keeping the tropical fruit character very easy to recognise.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, we see Lazy Dodo Pineapple & Vanilla as a flavourful choice for customers who enjoy rum with a pronounced fruit signature and a mellow, sweet finish.
The aroma is delicate, with roasted pineapple and vanilla coming through clearly. On the palate, the same pairing remains central: smooth roasted vanilla (…)Lazy Dodo Grapefruit & Litchi
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Lazy Dodo Grapefruit & Litchi
In stock
Lazy Dodo Grapefruit & Litchi takes Mauritian rum in a bright, fruit-led direction. It is made with premium rum from Mauritius, carefully blended with grapefruit, local lychee and pepper. Rather than leaning on heavy spice or oak, its character is built around fresh fruit, gentle sweetness and a small touch of warming spice.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, we see this as a spiced rum with a sunny, aromatic personality. Grapefruit brings freshness and lift, lychee adds a delicate sweetness, and pepper gives the flavour just enough warmth to keep it lively.
At 35% alcohol, Lazy Dodo Grapefruit & Litchi remains smooth and approachable while keeping a clear Mauritian rum base. It is a good bottle to explore when you want rum with a pronounced fruit accent and a (…)Lazy Dodo Passionfruit & Mango
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Lazy Dodo Passionfruit & Mango
In stock
Lazy Dodo Passionfruit & Mango takes Mauritian rum in a distinctly tropical direction. It is made from premium rum from Mauritius, carefully blended with mango and passion fruit, so the fruit character sits right at the heart of the drink.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, we see this as a spiced rum for anyone looking for something generous, exotic and fruit-driven. Mango brings ripe tropical sweetness, passion fruit adds a fragrant lift, and the sweet spice notes give it a rounded, gourmand edge.
At 35% ABV, Lazy Dodo Passionfruit & Mango remains approachable in style, with a long, pleasant finish that keeps the fruit character lingering.
The aroma is immediately tropical, with intense mango and passion fruit at the front. On the palate, the (…)Lazy Dodo VSOP Tube Incl.
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Lazy Dodo VSOP Tube Incl.
In stock
Lazy Dodo VSOP is a molasses rum from Mauritius with a story that feels closely tied to place and people. It is presented as a tribute to Alain Vallet, an important figure at the Grays distillery, and is distilled in traditional columns in the village of Beau Plan.
The rum brings together the natural aromas of sugar cane and exotic fruit with 6 to 8 years of maturation. French oak, American oak and former peated whisky casks all play a role, giving the spirit warmth, roundness and a subtle smoky dimension alongside its fruit-driven core.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, this is the kind of rum we like to introduce when someone is looking for something with a clear identity: Mauritian sweetness and tropical fruit, shaped by oak and lifted by a gentle peated accent (…)Lazy Dodo XO Chronicles Incl. Box
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Lazy Dodo XO Chronicles Incl. Box
In stock
Lazy Dodo XO Chronicles is a molasses-based rum from Mauritius, made in a traditional column-distilled style. At Drankenshop Broekmans, we see it as a rum for those who enjoy a clear island origin with a profile that is more shaped by wood, spice and fruit than by heavy sweetness.
The bourbon barrel influence gives the rum its firm backbone, while the fruity and spiced sides bring warmth and movement. A light floral touch and gentle sweetness sit further in the background, keeping the overall impression composed rather than excessive.
Bottled at 40%, Lazy Dodo XO Chronicles remains approachable in strength while still offering enough structure for a relaxed tasting moment. More information about the brand can be found at https://www.newgrove.mu/
New Grove 1969 Old
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New Grove 1969 Old
On request only
New Grove 1969 Old is the kind of rum where the date does much of the talking. Distilled in 1969 in Mauritius, made from molasses and produced in a traditional column style, it places the focus on origin and vintage rather than on a broad, modern rum recipe.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, bottles like this naturally stand apart, especially when only the last bottles remain. The 47% strength gives it a serious presence, while the available profile points clearly toward wood and fruit, with spice in a supporting role. It is a rum to approach slowly, with the vintage at the centre of the conversation.
Additional information about New Grove can be found at https://www.newgrove.mu/
As no detailed tasting note is supplied, the flavour description stays (…)New Grove 3y Oak Aged Mini
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New Grove 3y Oak Aged Mini
Not available for shipping
New Grove 3y Oak Aged Mini is a compact introduction to Mauritian molasses rum. Made by New Grove, aged for three years in bourbon barrels and bottled at 40%, it presents a fruit-led style with gentle notes of wood, spice and a light floral touch supporting the profile.
The bourbon barrel ageing gives it a clear step beyond unaged rum, while keeping the wood influence moderate rather than dominant. Its traditional column distillation points towards a clean and approachable style, shaped by both its molasses base and its time in oak.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, we like miniature releases like this because they make discovery easy: a small-format way to explore New Grove and rum from Mauritius without committing to a full bottle. With only the last bottles (…)New Grove 5y
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New Grove 5y
On request only
New Grove 5y is a molasses-based rum from Mauritius, aged for five years and bottled at 40%. What makes it appealing is the clarity of its identity: a Mauritian rum with a stated age, shaped by maturation but still centred around fruit and spice.
Its traditional column distillation and Limousin oak ageing point towards a style where the cask supports rather than dominates. In the rum selection at Drankenshop Broekmans, this sits nicely for customers who want to explore Mauritius through a rum with some maturity and a defined profile.
As these are the last bottles, it also carries a slightly more limited feel within the range. A quiet but worthwhile bottle for anyone curious about New Grove and the rum style of Mauritius.
Additional information (…)New Grove 5y Incl. Box
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New Grove 5y Incl. Box
In stock
New Grove 5y is a Mauritian rum from the Old Tradition line, created as a tribute to New Grove's single estate vision. It is a five-year-old cuvée, distilled in a traditional column style and matured in a tropical climate.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, this rum stands out because its maturation gives shape without making the wood dominate. The style remains lively, with fruit, spice and freshness all clearly part of the conversation. Bottling it at 42% helps keep that sense of definition while preserving the rum's essential character.
Rather than presenting itself as a heavy, oak-led rum, New Grove 5y feels refined and energetic. The ripe citrus, tropical fruit, mint-like freshness and light wood note make it a thoughtful choice for anyone looking for a (…)New Grove 8y Whisky Finish Rozelieures
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New Grove 8y Whisky Finish Rozelieures
On request only
New Grove 8y Whisky Finish Rozelieures is a molasses-based rum from Mauritius with a clear whisky connection. Distilled in 2013 and aged for 8 years, it was finished in whisky casks, with Rozelieures referenced directly in the name. That finishing detail gives this release a different angle within the New Grove range.
The rum was produced in a multicolumn style and bottled at 46% alcohol. Its profile points mainly towards fruit and spice, supported by lighter floral and vegetal nuances. It is not presented as a rum driven by sweetness or heavy wood influence, which makes the whisky finish all the more intriguing.
Within the selection at Drankenshop Broekmans, this bottling stands out as a limited release: 1500 bottles were filled, and the remaining stock is (…)New Grove 8y Whisky Finish Vercors
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New Grove 8y Whisky Finish Vercors
In stock
New Grove 8y Whisky Finish Vercors is a molasses rum from Mauritius with a clear identity: distilled in 2013, aged for 8 years and finished in a whisky cask. It is the kind of bottle where the interest lies in the meeting point between rum, maturation and a distinctive finishing cask.
The Vercors whisky finish gives this New Grove its specific place within the range. Multicolumn distillation and a bottling strength of 46% suggest a rum made for unhurried tasting rather than casual mixing, with enough presence to let the cask influence speak.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, we see this as a particularly appealing limited release within the rum selection. Only 1500 bottles were produced, and with the last bottles now remaining, it has become a more fleeting (…)New Grove B.V. 2005 Mini
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New Grove B.V. 2005 Mini
Not available for shipping
New Grove B.V. 2005 Mini presents Mauritian rum in a smaller format, with the 2005 reference standing out clearly in the product name. It is the kind of bottle that suits a more focused discovery of New Grove without committing to a full-size presentation.
At 45% alcohol, it has a firmer presence than a very light rum, although the supplied information does not include specific flavour or aroma details. At Drankenshop Broekmans, mini releases like this often attract customers who enjoy tasting, comparing or choosing a smaller bottle with a clear sense of origin.
With only the last bottles remaining, this New Grove B.V. 2005 Mini has a more limited feel than a standard shelf rum. Additional information about the brand can be found at (…)New Grove Beau Plan + 2 Glasses
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New Grove Beau Plan + 2 Glasses
In stock
New Grove Beau Plan comes from the Beau Plan estate in Mauritius and presents a polished expression of molasses-based rum. Distilled in a traditional column style and bottled at 40%, it has an approachable profile with enough character to make it more than a simple easy-drinking rum.
Maturation in bourbon and cognac casks brings a gentle woody touch and a rounded vanilla note, while ripe fruit remains an important part of its personality. The impression is smooth, lightly spiced and softly sweet, without becoming heavy.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, this gift pack feels especially well suited to discovery or gifting. With two tasting glasses included, it invites you to open the bottle, pour carefully and enjoy New Grove in good company.
The aroma (…)New Grove Bon Espoir
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New Grove Bon Espoir
In stock
New Grove Bon Espoir is a rum from Mauritius, and that origin is an important part of its appeal. It brings New Grove's Mauritian perspective to a style connected with molasses and sugar cane juice, offering something different from the more familiar rum regions.
Its production combines pot still and column distillation, giving Bon Espoir a place between two rum-making approaches. The bourbon barrel reference adds a cask element, although the available profile points to a relatively gentle wood influence rather than a heavily oak-driven style.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, we see this as a good introduction to Mauritian rum for drinkers who prefer a measured, approachable glass. At 40% alcohol, the emphasis stays on an easy flow of light fruit, soft spice, gentle (…)New Grove Bourbon Cask Tube Incl.
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New Grove Bourbon Cask Tube Incl.
In stock
New Grove Bourbon Cask is a molasses-based rum from Mauritius, distilled in a traditional column still. The name points straight to its maturation style: bourbon casks shape the direction of the rum, while the overall impression remains measured rather than heavy.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, this is the kind of bottle we like to present to customers who want to explore Mauritian rum through a clear, approachable style. Its character is built around gentle wood, light spice, a fruity touch, mild sweetness and a subtle floral side, with no single element dominating the glass.
Bottled at 40%, New Grove Bourbon Cask keeps an easy, composed profile, well suited to moments when you want a rum with identity but without excessive intensity.
Additional (…)New Grove Emotion 1969
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New Grove Emotion 1969
Only 3 left in stock!
New Grove Emotion 1969 is a Mauritian rum with an immediate point of interest: the 1969 reference connects to the distillation year given for this release. That alone gives the bottle a very different feel from a standard everyday rum.
It is a blend, traditionally column distilled and matured in bourbon barrels. The available profile points towards a rum where wood influence and fruit are the main voices, supported more gently by spice, sweetness and a light floral touch. At 47% ABV, it carries a little extra weight without the product data presenting it as a single cask or cask strength release.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, we see this as a distinctive New Grove for drinkers who want to explore rum from Mauritius with a clear origin, a striking year reference (…)New Grove Inception 2004 21y Incl. Box
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New Grove Inception 2004 21y Incl. Box
In stock
New Grove Inception 2004 21y is a mature Mauritian molasses rum with a clear sense of place and craft. Distilled in a traditional column style and bottled at 50%, it combines depth from long ageing with a fruit-driven character that remains lively rather than heavy.
The rum has been ageing since 2004 and was assembled from two carefully selected casks, with 960 bottles released. That gives this Inception a focused identity: a 21-year-old expression shaped by time, wood influence and ripe fruit, rather than a broad everyday bottling.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, this is the kind of rum we like to introduce to customers who appreciate mature molasses rum with structure and personality. Its mix of yellow fruit, dried fruit, elegant wood notes and subtle freshness (…)New Grove Plantation
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New Grove Plantation
Not available for shipping
New Grove Plantation shows the aromatic side of rum from Mauritius. Rather than drawing its personality from oak, it focuses on sugar cane itself: molasses and pure sugar cane juice are brought together and distilled in traditional columns to create a white rum with an exotic, highly aromatic profile.
Made in Beau Plan, it also carries a clear sense of place. The references to northern Mauritius Pieter Both mountain, Coin de Mire island, the paille-en-queue bird, the Bon Espoir sugar mill and the Mauritian lagoon give this rum a vivid island identity. The style is fragrant and expressive, without a woody direction.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, we see this as a white rum for drinkers who enjoy clarity and freshness, but still want character in the glass. Floral (…)New Grove Plantation 33cl
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New Grove Plantation 33cl
Not available for shipping
New Grove Plantation 33cl is a molasses-based rum from Mauritius, bottled at 40% alcohol. The 33cl size makes it a useful way to get acquainted with New Grove without immediately choosing a full-sized bottle.
Rather than being presented around an age statement or a pronounced wood influence, this rum is centred on its aromatic side. Floral and spiced notes are the most noticeable elements, with lighter touches of fruit and sweetness behind them. Its traditional column distillation supports that clean, direct style.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, we see this as a compact introduction to Mauritian rum with a clear aromatic identity. As these are the last bottles, it also has a slightly more limited feel than a regular shelf item.
Additional (…)New Grove Plantation Mini
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New Grove Plantation Mini
Not available for shipping
New Grove Plantation Mini presents a Mauritian molasses rum in a small and approachable format. Distilled in a traditional column style and bottled at 40%, it is a practical way to discover New Grove without opening a full-size bottle.
The bourbon cask influence gives a gentle touch of wood, while the overall profile remains evenly spread rather than driven by one dominant note. The flavour indicators point to light fruit, soft spice, mild sweetness, a floral hint and a modest woody accent.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, this kind of mini bottle is a useful choice for customers who enjoy exploring rum by origin or want to taste something from Mauritius in a more modest size. With the last bottles now available, it is one to consider while it is still on the (…)New Grove Silver
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New Grove Silver
Not available for shipping
New Grove Silver is a Mauritian molasses rum made in a traditional column style. At Drankenshop Broekmans, it stands out as a clear, straightforward rum where the emphasis is not on age or wood influence, but on a bright fruit-led profile.
The flavour direction is shaped mainly by fruitiness, with lighter floral, spicy and sweet touches adding nuance without making the rum feel heavy. With an alcoholic strength of 37.5%, New Grove Silver keeps its character approachable and direct, in line with an unwooded silver rum style.
The note that these are the last bottles gives this release a slightly more limited place on the shelf. It is a neat introduction to a Mauritian rum style that stays fresh, fruit-focused and uncomplicated.
More information (…)
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.
