Rum
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Diplomatico Seleccion De Familia Tube Incl.
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Diplomatico Seleccion De Familia Tube Incl.
Only 3 left in stock!
Diplomatico Seleccion De Familia is a Venezuelan molasses rum built around selection and oak cask ageing rather than an age statement. The name sets the direction: this is a Diplomatico release where the emphasis lies on composition and house style, not on reducing the story to a number on the label.
Traditional column distillation forms the production backbone, while oak casks provide the maturation setting. Bottled at 43%, it carries a little more presence than many standard-strength rums, giving it a more deliberate feel within the Diplomatico range.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, we see this as a fitting choice for customers looking for a Venezuelan molasses rum with a recognisable brand signature and a slightly more structured presentation, without relying on (…)Diplomatico Reserva Excl
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Diplomatico Reserva Excl
In stock
Diplomatico Reserva Excl is a Venezuelan rum made from molasses, with the available details pointing to traditional column distillation and maturation in oak casks. Rather than being built around an age statement, this bottle is best understood through its production style, origin and cask influence.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, we would introduce it as a Diplomatico rum with a clear set of reference points: Venezuela, molasses, traditional column distillation, oak cask maturation and a bottling strength of 40%. Those elements give the bottle its context without turning it into a technical list.
It is a rum for customers who are specifically drawn to the Diplomatico name and want to place this Reserva Excl within that broader world of Venezuelan molasses-based (…)Diplomatico Reserva Excl (Damaged: Label dirty, damaged or missing)
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Diplomatico Reserva Excl (Damaged: Label dirty, damaged or missing)
Last one in stock!
Diplomatico Reserva Excl is a Venezuelan rum made from molasses, with the available details pointing to traditional column distillation and maturation in oak casks. Rather than being built around an age statement, this bottle is best understood through its production style, origin and cask influence.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, we would introduce it as a Diplomatico rum with a clear set of reference points: Venezuela, molasses, traditional column distillation, oak cask maturation and a bottling strength of 40%. Those elements give the bottle its context without turning it into a technical list.
It is a rum for customers who are specifically drawn to the Diplomatico name and want to place this Reserva Excl within that broader world of Venezuelan molasses-based (…)Your benefit: € 5,38 / 15%
Dbm Rhum Tres Vieux Vo
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Dbm Rhum Tres Vieux Vo
In stock
DBM Rhum Très Vieux VO is produced by Distillerie Bonne Mère in Guadeloupe, a distillery founded in 1863 and described as one of the island's oldest still in operation. That background gives this rum a strong sense of origin, rooted in Guadeloupe tradition.
Made from sugar cane juice and distilled in a traditional column, it spends at least three years in oak casks. The oak influence is refined rather than dominant, bringing gentle structure to a style built around tropical fruit, soft spice and a subtle touch of wood.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, we see this as a fine introduction to Guadeloupe rum for drinkers who enjoy elegance over heaviness. With its 43% alcohol strength, it has enough presence to carry the flavour while keeping a smooth, (…)A1710 Cheval Bondieu Tube Incl.
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A1710 Cheval Bondieu Tube Incl.
In stock
A1710 Cheval Bondieu is a Martinique rum made from sugar cane juice, and it holds a special place in the story of A1710. This cuvée was the distillery's first aged rum, blended from spirit matured for 18 to 36 months in French and American oak casks.
Its appeal lies in the way it keeps the energy of a relatively young rum while gaining spice, roundness and structure from the cask. The use of pot still and column distillation gives it a layered feel: expressive and powerful, yet not reduced to oak alone.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, Cheval Bondieu is the kind of bottle we like to point out to customers exploring aged sugar cane juice rum. At 51.5%, it has real presence in the glass, with enough aromatic detail to keep the strength in balance.
A1710 La Delivrande
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A1710 La Delivrande
In stock
A1710 La Delivrande is an aged rum from Martinique, made from pure sugar cane juice and matured for more than six years on the estate. That combination gives it a clear identity: the cane juice base brings its own freshness and vegetal lift, while oak ageing adds depth, wood influence and a spiced edge.
Distillation in both pot still and column gives this rum a profile that feels expressive yet composed. At 48.8% ABV it has real presence, though the appeal is not simply its strength. The character moves through dark fruit, smoked wood, blond tobacco and roasted notes, with a long and intense close.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, this is the kind of Martinique rum we like to introduce when someone is looking for a more mature, layered interpretation of sugar cane (…)A1710 Nuée Ardente Tube Incl.
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A1710 Nuée Ardente Tube Incl.
In stock
A1710 Nuée Ardente is a Martinique rum blend with a notably layered composition. It brings together 11 outstanding rums, each aged between 6 and 22 years in oak casks. Rather than relying on a single note, it is built around maturation, blending and aromatic depth.
After this long ageing, the blend is further matured in French oak casks that previously held Cognac brandy. That finishing stage adds a more polished, mature dimension, giving room to wood, spice and fruit while keeping the rum expressive. The use of pot still and column distillation helps shape a broad profile, combining structure with clarity.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, Nuée Ardente stands out as a rum for drinkers who enjoy seeing how careful blending and cask ageing can shape a (…)Barcelo Blanco Anejado
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Barcelo Blanco Anejado
In stock
Barcelo Blanco Anejado is a white rum from the Dominican Republic with a light, understated style. The name brings together two elements: the clear appearance of a blanco rum and the oak-cask connection suggested by añejado, without carrying an age statement.
Its profile is built around gentle details rather than weight. Light floral, fruity, sweet and spicy notes shape the character, while wood is not a pronounced feature. That keeps the rum on the fresher, more approachable side, with a little more background than a purely neutral white rum.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, this Barcelo sits well among rums for customers looking for a Dominican white rum with a subtle aromatic profile and a restrained cask influence.
The flavour profile is (…)Barcelo Imperial Incl. Box
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Barcelo Imperial Incl. Box
In stock
Barcelo Imperial is a rum from the Dominican Republic with a composed, carefully shaped style. The supplied details point to a sugar cane juice rum, distilled in a multicolumn style and matured in oak cask, yet its flavour profile is not led by heavy wood influence.
Its character is built more around restraint than intensity. Light floral, spiced, fruity and sweet notes sit alongside one another, giving the rum a subtle aromatic spread rather than one dominant flavour direction. That makes the profile feel measured and approachable without relying on exaggerated richness.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, Barcelo Imperial fits well for customers looking to explore Dominican rum through a clear, elegant expression. With an alcoholic strength of 38%, it remains firmly (…)Beach House Gold Spiced
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Beach House Gold Spiced
In stock
Beach House Gold Spiced is a spiced rum from Mauritius, shaped around a clear combination of spice, fruitiness and sweetness. The name says a lot about its mood: a golden spiced rum with a bright, approachable character rather than a rum driven by heavy oak.
It is made from traditionally column-distilled rum and aged in oak casks, without an age statement. At 40%, it stays firmly within the classic strength for this style, while the flavour direction places the emphasis on warm spice, ripe fruit impressions and a gentle sweet edge.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, we see Beach House Gold Spiced as a rum for people looking for a Mauritian spiced expression with an easy, expressive personality. It does not need a complicated story to make its point: it is golden, (…)Dbm Rhum Cuvee Speciale VSOP
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Dbm Rhum Cuvee Speciale VSOP
In stock
DBM Rhum Cuvée Spéciale VSOP from Distillerie Bonne Mère shows a mature, carefully composed side of rum from Guadeloupe. It is a blend of aged traditional rum matured in oak casks, so the wood influence is an important part of its personality rather than a small detail in the background.
The appeal lies in the way ripe fruit, honey and vanilla are carried by polished oak tones. Traditional column distillation gives the rum its structure, while gentle spice and a light vegetal accent add just enough contrast to keep the tasting experience lively.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, we see this cuvée as a thoughtful sipping rum with warmth, roundness and elegance. At 43% alcohol, it has enough presence for a proper tasting moment while keeping (…)Dbm Rhum Vieux Gr XO
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Dbm Rhum Vieux Gr XO
In stock
Dbm Rhum Vieux Gr XO from Distillerie Bonne Mère presents a mature, carefully composed side of rum from Guadeloupe. It is built as a premium blend of rums aged tropically for between 6 and 15 years, so the emphasis is less on a single age statement and more on how the different mature components come together.
Made from sugar cane juice, distilled in a traditional column and aged in oak casks, it carries a style shaped by wood, spice, floral tones and a subtle vegetal edge. The supplied tasting profile points away from overt sweetness and towards a more mature register, with toasted accents adding further depth.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, we see this XO as a rum for customers who enjoy the layered side of aged rum without losing finesse. At 43% alcohol, (…)Deadhead 6y Mini
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Deadhead 6y Mini
In stock
Deadhead 6y Mini is a Mexican spiced rum in a smaller format, built around a lively mix of spice, fruit and sweetness. It does not lean on heavy oak character; the appeal is more in its warm, aromatic style and the way the sweeter side is supported by a clear spiced profile.
The rum is 6 years old, made using a multicolumn distilling style and bottled at 40%. Oak cask maturation forms part of its background, while the flavour direction remains focused on spice, fruit and rounded sweetness, with only a light floral accent.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, this Deadhead Mini fits well as a way to get acquainted with the brand, especially for anyone looking for a Mexican spiced rum with a compact bottle size and a clearly defined style.
Additional (…)Dictador 100 Claro
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Dictador 100 Claro
Only 2 left in stock!
Dictador 100 Claro shows a more restrained side of Dictador's Colombian rum style. It sits within the world of molasses and sugar cane juice rum, distilled using a multicolumn style, giving it a clean and composed profile rather than a heavy, old-fashioned feel.
Oak cask ageing is part of the information supplied for this rum, yet the flavour profile does not point towards a wood-led character. The emphasis is lighter: gentle floral notes, a touch of spice, some fruitiness and a soft sweetness, all kept in a relatively subtle register.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, we see this as a bottle for customers who want to explore Dictador from a lighter and less oak-driven angle. With only the last bottles remaining, it has become a more limited presence in our rum (…)Dictador 100 Orange
LAST PIECES16
Dictador 100 Orange
Not available for shipping
Dictador 100 Orange is a Colombian rum with a clear fruity and sweet direction, very much in line with its name. It is made from molasses and sugar cane juice and distilled in a multicolumn style, giving it a clean, straightforward structure rather than a heavy wood-driven profile.
Oak cask maturation plays a supporting role here, allowing the sweeter fruit character to stay at the centre, with gentle spice and a light floral accent around it. At Drankenshop Broekmans, we see this as one of those rums that stands out through its fruit-led personality, especially now that only the last bottles remain.
More information about Dictador can be found at https://www.dictador.com/
The flavour profile is led by clear fruitiness and sweetness. Spice is (…)Diplomatico Reserva + 2 Glasses
LAST PIECES47
Diplomatico Reserva + 2 Glasses
On request only
Diplomatico Reserva + 2 Glasses presents Venezuelan molasses rum in a gift pack with two glasses. That gives the bottle a more complete feel: something made to be opened, poured and shared straight away.
The rum is produced using a traditional column distillation style and matured in oak casks. At 40% alcohol, it stays within a familiar rum strength, while the product information does not place an age statement at the centre of the story.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, this edition stands out mainly through the combination of the Diplomatico name, its Venezuelan origin and the included glasses. As these are last bottles, it is particularly relevant for customers looking for this specific gift-pack version.
No specific tasting notes have been (…)Diplomatico Reserva + Glass + Coaster
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Diplomatico Reserva + Glass + Coaster
In stock
Diplomatico Reserva + Glas + Coaster presents Venezuelan rum in a giftpack that feels ready to share. Made from molasses and bottled at 40%, it comes with a glass and coaster, giving the bottle a more complete serving presentation straight away.
The supplied details point to traditional column distillation and maturation in oak cask. With no age statement, the focus here is less on a number and more on the Diplomatico name, the Venezuelan origin and the neatly finished gift format.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, this pack fits well for customers looking for a rum gift with a recognisable brand, clear provenance and a presentation that adds something beyond the bottle itself.
No specific tasting notes were provided for this Diplomatico Reserva, so we (…)Diplomatico Reserva Double Magnum 3l
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Diplomatico Reserva Double Magnum 3l
Last one in stock!
Diplomatico Reserva Double Magnum 3l is a bottle with presence before it is even opened. The three-litre format gives this Venezuelan rum a generous, celebratory feel, making it the kind of bottle that naturally belongs in moments of sharing.
The rum is made from molasses, bottled at 40%, and the available details point to traditional column distillation with oak cask influence. No age statement is declared, so the focus here is less on a number and more on the identity of the Reserva name in a striking large-format presentation.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, we see this as a Diplomatico bottle where presentation matters as much as familiarity. It has the visual impact for a bar, a festive table or a generous gift, while staying rooted in the Venezuelan rum (…)Merser Signature Rum
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Merser Signature Rum
In stock
Merser Signature Rum is a molasses-based rum with a fresh, fruit-led personality. Rather than leaning into a heavy oak-driven style, it brings forward red fruit, gentle sweetness and a light floral touch, giving it an approachable but still characterful feel.
It is made in a traditional column style and aged in oak casks, though the wood remains firmly in the background. At Drankenshop Broekmans, we see this Merser as a rum built around aromatic clarity: cherries, strawberries, vanilla and floral notes shape the experience more than dark or weighty flavours.
Bottled at 40.2%, it stays smooth and easy to enjoy, while the lightly spiced finish adds a little extra depth. A polished signature rum for drinkers who enjoy a softer, fruitier style with a neat sense (…)Mhoba Strand 101
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Mhoba Strand 101
In stock
Mhoba Strand 101 is a South African rum made from sugar cane juice, produced in a pot still style and bottled at 50.5%. It has a direct, expressive presence, with enough strength to let the raw material and production style come through clearly.
Oak cask influence gives the rum a firm backbone. The flavour profile points to a clearly woody side, supported by lighter touches of spice, fruit, sweetness, floral nuance and a vegetal edge. That makes Strand 101 feel layered without becoming overly polished.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, this Mhoba bottling stands out for customers looking beyond the more familiar rum styles and towards South African sugar cane juice rum with real character. With only the last bottles remaining, it also has a quietly scarce feel.
Mount Gay Master Select 1703 Incl. Box
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Mount Gay Master Select 1703 Incl. Box
Only 3 left in stock!
Mount Gay Master Select 1703 is a Barbados rum with a strong sense of origin and production style. The Mount Gay name is at the centre here, supported by a distillation approach that brings together pot still and column still rum. That detail gives the bottle a more considered identity than a standard everyday rum.
Maturation in oak cask and a strength of 43% ABV place it in a style to be approached with a little attention. At Drankenshop Broekmans, we see this as the kind of rum that speaks to customers who enjoy looking beyond the label and understanding how origin, distillation and cask ageing shape a spirit.
Additional information about the brand can be found at https://www.mountgayrum.com/
No specific tasting notes have been provided for (…)Plantation Original Dark Pouche 2,8l (Planteray Blend)
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Plantation Original Dark Pouche 2,8l (Planteray Blend)
In stock
Plantation Original Dark Pouche 2.8l is a dark molasses rum bottled by Planteray in a generous 2.8 litre pouch format. Rather than focusing on an age statement, it is built around a dark, flavourful style with warmth, spice and a clear aromatic depth.
Pot still and column distillation sit behind its character, giving the rum a mix of body and approachability. Oak cask ageing adds a light woody note, while the darker side of the rum brings forward caramel, vanilla, dark chocolate and ripe fruit.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, this is the kind of rum we see as practical but far from plain: a large-format dark rum with enough flavour to stand out, without becoming overly heavy.
The aroma brings together caramel, vanilla and a gentle woody note. On the (…)Ron Bodega 6y Cask Aged
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Ron Bodega 6y Cask Aged
In stock
Ron Bodega 6y Cask Aged is a molasses-based rum, distilled in a double pot still and matured for six years in carefully selected oak casks. The emphasis here is on craft and maturation: a rum with a full base from the still and a rounded cask-aged character from its time in wood.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, we see this as the kind of rum that works well for sipping, while still having enough structure for a more refined cocktail serve. The producer specifically mentions a Rum Old Fashioned, which makes sense given the combination of soft sweetness, fruit depth, gentle spice and elegant wood tones.
Bottled at 46%, it keeps a clear presence without losing its smooth, rounded feel. The style is warm and expressive, built around fruit, sweetness, subtle spice and (…)Ron La Progresiva De Vigia
LAST PIECES26
Ron La Progresiva De Vigia
On request only
Ron La Progresiva De Vigia is a Cuban molasses rum shaped around a smooth, rounded style. Multicolumn distillation, oak cask ageing and a solera system come together here in a rum that does not carry an age statement, yet still presents a clear and composed identity.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, this is the kind of Cuban rum we would point out to someone looking for a sweeter-leaning profile with gentle support from wood, spice, fruit and floral notes. It has a style that feels approachable without being completely light, helped by its 41% alcohol strength.
As these are the last bottles, Ron La Progresiva De Vigia is also worth noticing for anyone who has been meaning to explore this particular La Progresiva release while it is still available.
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.
