Rum from Saint James
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Saint James VSOP
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Saint James VSOP
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Saint James VSOP brings together several elements that give it a clear identity: Martinique origin, a sugar cane juice rum style, traditional column distillation and maturation in bourbon casks. Rather than leaning on sweetness, it presents itself through structure and cask influence.
The bourbon cask element is the most prominent part of its profile, with wood clearly present and lighter touches of fruit, spice and floral notes around it. At 43% ABV, it has enough strength to carry that character without feeling positioned as an overpowered rum.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, we see Saint James VSOP as a good choice for customers looking for a Martinique rum with a drier, wood-led personality. It is not a rum built around overt sweetness; its interest lies in the (…)Saint James Blanc Fleur De Canne
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Saint James Blanc Fleur De Canne
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Saint James Blanc Fleur De Canne is a white rum from Martinique, made from sugar cane juice and bottled at a confident 50% ABV. It is not presented as a soft, understated rum; its interest lies in its direct cane-juice style and the firm presence that comes with that strength.
Traditional column distillation gives this bottle a clear sense of purpose: a bright, unaged rum style with structure and energy. At Drankenshop Broekmans, we see it as a good choice for customers looking beyond standard white rum and wanting something with a more defined origin and profile.
Additional information about the brand can be found at https://www.rhum-saintjames.com/
No detailed aroma or flavour notes are provided in the source data, but the style is clear: a (…)Saint James 12 Years
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Saint James 12 Years
In stock
Saint James 12 Years is a Martinique rum with a clear sense of origin: made from sugar cane juice and distilled in a traditional column style. Rather than presenting rum as a broad, anonymous category, this bottle puts its raw material and island provenance at the centre.
The 12-year age statement and bourbon cask maturation give it a more mature position within the Saint James range. At 43% alcohol, it keeps a measured strength while allowing the long ageing and cask influence to remain part of the conversation.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, we see this as a strong choice for drinkers who want to explore aged rum beyond more familiar molasses-based styles, with Martinique origin and traditional production clearly in view.
Additional information (…)Saint James 15 Years
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Saint James 15 Years
Temporarily sold out
Expected: 30/10/2026Saint James 15 Years is a Martinique rum made from sugar cane juice and distilled in a traditional column. That gives it a clear sense of origin: this is a rum style where the raw material remains part of the identity, even after extended ageing.
The 15-year age statement is central to its appeal. Matured in bourbon casks, it represents a more developed side of Saint James, shaped over time rather than presented as a young, immediate cane spirit.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, we see this as a meaningful bottle for customers exploring aged rum from Martinique, especially when they are looking for a cane-juice rum with a mature profile and a measured strength of 43%.
Additional information about Saint James can be found at (…)Saint James 18y Incl. Box
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Saint James 18y Incl. Box
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Saint James 18y is a rum from Martinique where the age statement immediately becomes part of the conversation. Eighteen years is not just a label detail here; it is central to how this bottle presents itself.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, we place it among rums chosen for a clear sense of identity: the Saint James name, a Martinique origin and bottling at 43% alcohol. It is a rum defined by provenance, age and a recognisable producer rather than by unnecessary embellishment.
No specific tasting notes are included in the supplied information for Saint James 18y. The confirmed details are that this is a Saint James rum from Martinique, carrying an 18-year age statement and bottled at 43% alcohol.Saint James 2008 Velier (La Maison & Velier)
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Saint James 2008 Velier (La Maison & Velier)
On request only
Saint James 2008 Velier is the kind of rum where the name already gives you several points of interest: Saint James, Martinique, the 2008 vintage and the Velier reference. The available information is concise, but it clearly places this bottle away from everyday rum and into a more specialist corner. At 60.8% ABV, it is presented with considerable strength and presence.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, we would place a bottle like this in front of someone looking specifically for a Martinique rum with a stated vintage and a more powerful bottling strength. The fact that these are the last bottles also gives it a natural sense of scarcity; this is not a release that will remain available indefinitely.
Additional information about Saint James can be found at (…)Saint James 2010 12y Velier
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Saint James 2010 12y Velier
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Saint James 2010 12y Velier carries a clear sense of Martinique rum heritage. The supplied information describes Saint James as the oldest distillery in Martinique, founded in 1765, and this AOC agricole rum follows that identity closely: made from sugar cane juice, distilled in a Creole column and matured for twelve years in bourbon casks.
Its appeal lies in the depth that comes from maturation without losing the aromatic drive of agricole rum. Wood and spice are clearly present, supported by gentler touches of fruit, sweetness, floral notes and a light vegetal edge. At 45%, it has enough structure to carry those layers while keeping the focus on flavour rather than sheer strength.
Within the selection at Drankenshop Broekmans, this Saint James stands out (…)Saint James 7 Years °
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Saint James 7 Years °
On request only
Saint James 7 Years is a rum from Martinique with a clear age statement at its centre: seven years. For anyone looking at aged rum through the lens of origin and maturity, that gives this bottle an immediate sense of place and positioning, supported by its 43% alcohol strength.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, we see releases like this as useful references for customers who prefer their rum choices to be grounded in concrete details rather than vague promises. With Saint James on the label, Martinique as its origin and only the last bottles remaining, it is a bottle with a clearly defined identity in the rum selection.
Additional information about the brand can be found at https://www.rhum-saintjames.com/
No specific tasting notes were supplied for (…)Saint James Brut De Colonne
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Saint James Brut De Colonne
In stock
Saint James Brut De Colonne presents Martinique rum in a very direct form. It is an agricultural rum distilled in a Creole column and bottled brut, meaning it has not been reduced, retaining its full natural strength at 74.2% ABV.
That strength is central to the way this rum expresses itself. It carries the richness of Martinique's terroir with real intensity, while keeping a lively profile marked by fresh cane, fruit and spice.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, this is the kind of Saint James we like to introduce to customers who want to experience a more powerful, unsoftened side of the distillery, while still finding clarity and freshness in the glass.
Additional information about the brand can be found at https://www.rhum-saintjames.com/
Saint James Cuvee 1765
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Saint James Cuvee 1765
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Saint James Cuvée 1765 is a rum from Martinique made from sugar cane juice, a style where the raw material remains close to the identity of the spirit. The name gives the cuvée a clear historical reference point, while the Saint James brand places it in a recognisable Martinique rum context.
It is traditionally column distilled and bottled at 42% alcohol. The stated bourbon cask element gives the rum a maturation angle, adding structure to a cane juice rum without shifting the focus away from its origin.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, we see Saint James Cuvée 1765 as a good choice for customers who want a rum with a defined provenance and a more considered style than a simple everyday pour. Its popularity is understandable: the bottle combines (…)Saint James Elegance 260th Anniversary Incl. Box
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Saint James Elegance 260th Anniversary Incl. Box
Last one in stock!
Saint James Elegance 260th Anniversary is a Martinique rum created to mark 260 years of Saint James history. Rather than presenting a single vintage, the house brings together six exceptional vintages selected by Marc Sassier, the brand's oenologist and production director. That makes this release feel very much like a crafted composition, shaped by experience and by a clear sense of house style.
Made from sugar cane juice and distilled in a traditional column, it carries the earthy, vegetal side of its raw material while drawing structure from maturation in American and French oak casks. The wood and spice are clearly part of the story, supported by fruit and a gentle sweetness rather than dominated by them. At 43.5%, it has enough strength to carry that depth without (…)Saint James Ephemeres N°6 Incl. Box
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Saint James Ephemeres N°6 Incl. Box
In stock
Saint James Ephemeres N°6 is a rum from Martinique made from sugar cane juice, distilled in a traditional column and bottled at cask strength. At 54.4%, it keeps a firm and direct expression, staying close to the influence of the cask rather than being softened into a gentler style.
It was distilled on 12 December 2006 and aged for 15 years in American oak. That maturation places wood and spice at the centre of the rum's personality, with lighter floral, fruity and vegetal touches giving a reminder of its sugar cane juice origin.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, this is the kind of bottle we place in front of customers looking for a mature agricole-style rum with power, age and a clear oak signature. With 4,910 bottles released and only the last bottles (…)Saint James Ephmere N°5 Vintage 2005 Incl. Box
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Saint James Ephmere N°5 Vintage 2005 Incl. Box
In stock
Saint James Ephmere N°5 Vintage 2005 is a Martinique rum made from sugar cane juice and distilled in 2005 in a traditional column style. That gives the bottle a clear sense of origin: the story begins with the cane itself, rather than with a sweeter molasses-driven profile.
Maturation in a bourbon barrel places wood and spice at the front of the experience. This is not presented as a sweet rum; its appeal lies more in the cask influence, the spicy structure and the more direct cane-juice style, carried by a firm strength of 51.8%.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, we see this as the kind of rum that rewards a more curious drinker. Its 2005 vintage, Martinique origin and collector's item status give it a specific place among Saint James releases, especially for (…)Saint James L'Essentiel
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Saint James L'Essentiel
Last one in stock!
Saint James L'Essentiel is a rum from Martinique made from sugar cane juice and distilled in a traditional column. That immediately gives it a distinct identity, with the raw material remaining central to the way the rum presents itself.
Maturation in bourbon casks brings forward wood, spice and fruit, while the profile does not lean on pronounced sweetness. At 43% alcohol, it has enough presence to carry those elements without moving into an overpowered style.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, we see this as a fitting choice for drinkers interested in Martinique rum with a clear sugar cane juice foundation and a cask-influenced, spicy-fruited profile.
Additional information about the brand can be found at https://www.rhum-saintjames.com/
Saint James La Verticale 7l (Set 10 Bottles)
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Saint James La Verticale 7l (Set 10 Bottles)
Only 2 left in stock!
Saint James La Verticale is built around comparison. Rather than presenting one single bottle, this gift set brings together ten bottles with a total volume of 7 litres, offering a multi-vintage look at Saint James rum from Martinique.
The set is tied together by traditional column distillation and maturation in bourbon barrels. In a vertical selection, those shared elements matter: they give a common thread, while the different vintages invite a more patient way of tasting. At 47% alcohol, the rums have enough strength to be approached with attention rather than treated as a casual pour.
For Drankenshop Broekmans, this is the kind of rum set that belongs in a more specialist conversation. It has the presentation of a gift pack, the interest of a collector's (…)Saint James Quintessence
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Saint James Quintessence
On request only
Saint James Quintessence is a rum from Martinique with a name that naturally invites curiosity. At Drankenshop Broekmans, it stands out mainly through its origin and the fact that only the last bottles remain. That gives this release a quiet sense of urgency: not overstated, but clearly not something that will stay available indefinitely.
Bottled at 42% alcohol, Saint James Quintessence has enough presence to feel purposeful while keeping the focus on Saint James and its Martinique origin. For customers looking for a rum with a clear name, provenance and limited remaining availability, this is the kind of bottle that deserves a closer look.
More information about Saint James can be found at https://www.rhum-saintjames.com/
No separate tasting (…)Saint James Single Cask 1997
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Saint James Single Cask 1997
On request only
Saint James Single Cask 1997 is an agricole rum from Martinique, distilled at Saint James in 1997. Its appeal lies in the fact that it comes from a single cask, giving a more individual view of the distillery than a broader blended release.
Made from sugar cane juice and distilled in a traditional column still, it matured in oak, specifically a bourbon barrel. That cask influence is an important part of the story here, bringing wood and spice into focus while still leaving room for fruit, gentle sweetness and a subtle vegetal note.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, this is the kind of rum we like to present to customers who want to explore agricole rum with maturity and depth. The 1997 vintage, the single cask origin and the bourbon barrel maturation give it a (…)Saint James Single Cask 1998
169
Saint James Single Cask 1998
On request only
Saint James Single Cask 1998 is a matured rum from Martinique, made from sugar cane juice and distilled in a traditional column style. Rather than presenting a broad house blend, it focuses on one particular vintage: 1998.
Drawn from a single bourbon barrel and bottled in 2016, it carries the maturity of long ageing while still allowing the cane-based character to come through. The profile brings together fruit, wood and floral tones, with lighter touches of spice, sweetness and vegetal freshness in support.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, this is the kind of rum we like to present to customers who are curious about how a single cask can show a very specific side of a distillery. Saint James Single Cask 1998 is mature and detailed, but it remains firmly rooted in (…)Saint James Single Cask 2001
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Saint James Single Cask 2001
On request only
Saint James Single Cask 2001 is a Martinique sugar cane juice rum with a very specific identity: it was drawn from a single cask. Distilled in 2001 and bottled in 2016, it represents one particular cask from the Saint James distillery rather than a broader blended expression.
Maturation in oak barrels that previously held bourbon brings notes associated with vanilla, caramel and toasted wood. What makes the rum appealing is the way that cask influence sits alongside fruit, floral tones and spice, rather than simply dominating the spirit.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, this is the kind of rum we like to present to customers who want to explore the more individual side of aged agricole-style rum. It has the structure of oak, the brightness of fruit and a measured (…)Saint James Single Cask 2003 Incl. Box
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Saint James Single Cask 2003 Incl. Box
Only 3 left in stock!
Saint James Single Cask 2003 is a Martinique rum made from sugar cane juice, distilled in a traditional column and drawn from a single bourbon barrel. That single cask origin is central to its appeal: this is one individual maturation, bottled as its own expression rather than folded into a broader blend.
Distilled in 2003 and bottled in 2022, it carries 18 years of age at 42.3% alcohol. The producer's description places it as the closing release in the series, balancing Saint James tradition with a more modern style of expression.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, this is the kind of rum we would point out to someone interested in the dialogue between cane juice, cask ageing and individual barrel selection. Wood and spice form the clearest part of its profile, (…)Saint James XO
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Saint James XO
In stock
Saint James XO is a rum from Martinique built around sugar cane juice, giving it a profile that is not centred on overt sweetness. The emphasis sits more on fruit and spice, with a light vegetal accent that keeps a clear link to its cane-based origin.
Traditional column distillation and bourbon cask influence give this Saint James a defined structure without pushing it into a heavily woody style. At Drankenshop Broekmans, it is the kind of bottle we like to introduce when someone wants to explore Martinique rum through a recognisable XO from Saint James.
Bottled at 43%, it has enough presence to carry its spiced and fruity side, while the bourbon cask element adds a measured touch of wood. Additional information can be found at (…)
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.