Rum
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Monymusk Mbk 1998 23y #27854 (Rest & Be Thankful)
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Monymusk Mbk 1998 23y #27854 (Rest & Be Thankful)
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Monymusk Mbk 1998 23y #27854 is a Jamaican rum built around the identity of one individual cask. Bottled by Rest & Be Thankful, it was drawn from a single bourbon barrel after 23 years of maturation and presented at cask strength, keeping the rum close to its original form.
There is a clear sense of precision here. This is molasses-based pot still rum from Jamaica, distilled in 1998 and bottled in July 2022 from cask #27854. Rather than presenting a blended house style, it captures one specific cask at one specific point in time.
Only 205 bottles were released, and with the last bottles now remaining, it holds a distinctive place in the Drankenshop Broekmans selection for drinkers who enjoy limited single cask rum. At 57.1%, it is a powerful bottling, (…)Monymusk Mpg #7537 1999 23y (Rest & Be Thankful)
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Monymusk Mpg #7537 1999 23y (Rest & Be Thankful)
In stock
Monymusk MPG #7537 1999 23y is a Jamaican molasses rum bottled by Rest & Be Thankful after 23 years of maturation. Distilled in pot still style, it carries the kind of focused identity that makes single cask rum so interesting to explore.
This release comes from bourbon barrel #7537 and was bottled in July 2022 at its natural cask strength of 55.8%. With only 143 bottles filled, it is a very limited expression rather than a broadly composed house style.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, bottles like this are selected for customers who enjoy the detail behind independent rum bottlings: origin, cask, age and strength all playing a clear role. The fact that only the last bottles remain adds to the sense that this is a narrow snapshot of Jamaican rum from one (…)Monymusk Ahj #26761 1998 23y59,4 (Rest & Be Thankful)
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Monymusk Ahj #26761 1998 23y59,4 (Rest & Be Thankful)
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Monymusk AHJ #26761 1998 23 Year Old 59.4 is a Jamaican molasses rum with a very precise identity: one cask, one vintage, one limited release. Distilled in 1998 and bottled in July 2022 by Rest & Be Thankful, it spent 23 years maturing before being released at cask strength.
Drawn from bourbon barrel #26761, this pot still rum was bottled as a single cask with only 181 bottles produced. That places it firmly away from standard rum releases and into the more individual side of Jamaican rum. At Drankenshop Broekmans, this is the kind of bottle we like to highlight when someone is looking for a rum with a clear origin and a more focused story.
At 59.4%, it keeps a close connection to the cask. The age, the natural strength and the small outturn all point in (…)Hampden Jmh 2000 22y Tb (Thompson Brothers)
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Hampden Jmh 2000 22y Tb (Thompson Brothers)
On request only
Hampden JMH 2000 22y TB is a Jamaican rum with a very focused identity: one cask, long maturation and a small outturn of just 178 bottles. Distilled in September 2000 and bottled in October 2022, it captures 22 years of development in a tightly limited release.
At 54.3% and bottled at cask strength, it keeps close to the character of the individual barrel. The refill barrel gives structure without making the story solely about wood. Instead, the profile is built around clear oak influence, spice and a more vegetal side, with lighter fruit and floral touches in support.
For Drankenshop Broekmans, this is the kind of rum that speaks to customers looking for a specific single cask snapshot rather than a standard blended expression. With only the last bottles (…)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 (…)Hampden 2002 Hjf 50cl (Old Brothers)
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Hampden 2002 Hjf 50cl (Old Brothers)
In stock
Hampden 2002 Hjf by Old Brothers is a Jamaican molasses rum with a distinctly focused cask-driven identity. Distilled in 2002 on a pot still and bottled in September 2021, it spent 18 years maturing before release, giving it a more serious sense of development than a younger, simpler rum.
Its main appeal lies in the way it has been bottled. This is a single cask rum from one bourbon barrel, released at cask strength at 53.6%. Only 428 bottles were produced, and with the final bottles now involved, it has a naturally limited character. At Drankenshop Broekmans, we see this as the kind of rum that speaks to customers who enjoy a very specific snapshot of Jamaican rum maturation.
The flavour profile is led by fruit, with clear support from wood and spice. Light (…)Port Mourant 2003 18y (Elizabeth Yard With Finishes)
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Port Mourant 2003 18y (Elizabeth Yard With Finishes)
In stock
Port Mourant 2003 18y from Elizabeth Yard is a molasses-based rum from Guyana, distilled in 2003 and bottled in 2022 after 18 years of maturation. Its appeal lies in the focused nature of the release: one individual cask, bottled at cask strength, with the personality of that cask left clearly in view.
The Bourbon Barrel produced only 219 bottles, and the remaining stock is now down to the last bottles. At Drankenshop Broekmans, bottlings like this are valued for the way they show a specific slice of rum maturation rather than a broader house style or blended composition.
Distilled in a pot still and bottled at 53.2%, it has a naturally firm presence. The flavour profile points towards pronounced wood, spice and fruit, with lighter floral and vegetal accents (…)Malecon 1982 Esplendida Incl. Box
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Malecon 1982 Esplendida Incl. Box
Last one in stock!
Malecon 1982 Esplendida is a Cuban molasses rum distilled in 1982 using a traditional column style. That vintage reference gives the bottle a clear sense of place and time, making it more than a standard rum selection: the year, the origin and the maturation all help define its identity.
The bourbon cask maturation supports a profile built around wood influence, spice and fruit. It is not presented as a heavily sweet rum; the emphasis sits more on the interplay between cask character and distillate.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, this is the kind of rum we place in front of customers who appreciate context in the glass. Cuba, molasses, traditional column distillation and the 1982 vintage come together in a composed 40% bottling with a mature sense of style.
Black Tot Master Blenders Reserve 2023
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Black Tot Master Blenders Reserve 2023
In stock
Black Tot Master Blenders Reserve 2023 looks back to a lost blending tradition: the perpetual rum blend of the British Navy, maintained from the early 1800s until Black Tot Day in 1970. Black Tot revived that idea in 2020 with the first Master Blender's Reserve, and the 2023 edition was created to sit closer to the original Navy rum style.
For this release, Master Blender Oliver Chilton added his own touch with rum from Grenada, distilled in 1993. That element was selected to bring depth and to underline the rich orange notes in the blend. Bottled at 54.5% cask strength, it combines pot still and column rum, giving a firm, spicy and wood-influenced profile with a measured fruit presence.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, this is the kind of rum we like to present as (…)Jamaica Hampden 20y (Cadenhead - Original Collection)
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Jamaica Hampden 20y (Cadenhead - Original Collection)
On request only
Jamaica Hampden 20y is a molasses-based Jamaican rum bottled by Cadenhead's as part of the Original Collection. The appeal lies in its direct, focused presentation: twenty years old, drawn from a single cask and bottled at cask strength at 50.9%.
Made in a pot still style and matured in a bourbon barrel, it is less about broad blending and more about one individual cask captured at a specific moment. The May 2021 bottling date gives this release a clear place in time within Cadenhead's independent bottlings.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, this is the kind of rum we value for its clarity of origin and bottling approach. With only the last bottles remaining, it also carries the natural scarcity of a limited single cask release.
No detailed tasting (…)Long Pond 2010 12y Stce (Velier Jamaican Stills)
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Long Pond 2010 12y Stce (Velier Jamaican Stills)
In stock
Long Pond 2010 12y STCE is a Jamaican molasses rum, pot still distilled and bottled by Velier as part of the Velier Jamaican Stills series. It is a rum with a very clear identity: Jamaica, Long Pond, a 2010 distillation, 12 years of age and a bottling style that keeps the spirit close to the cask.
Maturation took place in a bourbon barrel, and the rum was bottled at cask strength at 57% ABV. That strength is an important part of the experience here, giving the wood, spice and fruit-driven side of the rum plenty of presence without presenting it as a softened or overly sweet style.
Only 4,900 bottles were released, and this is now down to the last bottles. In the rum selection at Drankenshop Broekmans, this Long Pond stands out as a focused, limited Jamaican (…)Fiji Spd 2009 12y Tasttoe (The Whisky Jury - For Tasttoe)
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Fiji Spd 2009 12y Tasttoe (The Whisky Jury - For Tasttoe)
In stock
Fiji Spd 2009 12 Years by The Whisky Jury is a tightly focused rum release rather than a broad, ongoing expression. Distilled in September 2009 and bottled in May 2022, it captures twelve years of maturation from one individual cask.
Drawn from a refill barrel and bottled at cask strength, it comes in at 58.4% ABV. Only 190 bottles were filled, and at Drankenshop Broekmans this now belongs to the final bottles available, giving the release a naturally limited feel without needing to dress it up.
The For TasTToe bottling detail gives this edition an extra point of identity within The Whisky Jury's range. It is a bottle for drinkers who enjoy exploring rum through small releases, single casks and precise snapshots rather than standardised house styles.
Karukera Black Alligator Small Batch 1l
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Karukera Black Alligator Small Batch 1l
On request only
Karukera Black Alligator Small Batch is a Guadeloupe rum with a clear focus on cask influence. Made from sugar cane juice and distilled in a traditional column style, it is finished in toasted barrels, bringing wood and spice firmly into the picture.
The Black Alligator name fits that darker, toasted direction. This is not a rum built around overt sweetness; its personality is drier, more structured, with the barrel adding depth while the cane-juice origin still shows through in lighter floral, fruity and vegetal touches.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, we see this as a distinctive choice for drinkers looking for Guadeloupe rum with extra strength and toasted wood character. Bottled at 45% in a Small Batch format, it has drawn steady interest and is now down to its (…)Hampden 8 Marks 8*20cl
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Hampden 8 Marks 8*20cl
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Hampden 8 Marks 8*20cl is best seen as a discovery set rather than a single-bottle rum. It brings together eight different marks from Hampden Estate in Jamaica, each in a 20 cl format, giving the drinker a way to explore several sides of the same estate in one giftpack.
The foundation is firmly set: molasses rum, pot still distillation and bottling at 60%. That strength underlines its cask strength presentation and gives the set a direct, uncompromising feel. There is no age statement driving the story here; the focus is on comparison, intensity and the differences between the marks.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, this Hampden set sits comfortably among rums chosen for people who like to taste with attention, share a structured tasting, or give a rum gift with (…)Beenleigh 2007 13y Barc (Blackadder Rum)
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Beenleigh 2007 13y Barc (Blackadder Rum)
On request only
Beenleigh 2007 13y Barc is an Australian rum with a very direct point of interest: it is a single cask Blackadder bottling, drawn from one hogshead and released at its natural cask strength of 65.1%.
The dates matter here. Distilled in 2007 and bottled in 2020, this rum spent 13 years maturing before being selected for the Blackadder Rum range. Rather than presenting a broad house style, it gives a focused look at one individual cask.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, bottles like this are appreciated for their clarity of origin and their independent bottler character. With only the last bottles remaining, this release has the feel of a rum that is becoming increasingly hard to revisit.
Bottled at 65.1% cask strength, this rum is presented in an (…)Hampden Lrok 2010
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Hampden Lrok 2010
On request only
Hampden Lrok 2010 is a Jamaican molasses rum with a clear sense of origin and style. Distilled in 2010, aged for 11 years and made using pot still distillation, it presents itself as a rum with a defined identity rather than a broadly polished, anonymous bottling.
Its bourbon barrel maturation gives the rum a firm woody backbone, while fruit and spice remain clearly present. Sweetness is not the central theme here; the profile feels more driven by structure, cask influence and drier flavour elements, with a lighter floral and vegetal edge in the background.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, bottlings like this are appreciated because they show rum as a serious spirit with provenance, age and maturation all playing a visible role. With only the last bottles remaining, (…)Foursquare 2005 16y Tb (Thompson Brothers)
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Foursquare 2005 16y Tb (Thompson Brothers)
On request only
Foursquare 2005 16y Tb is a molasses-based Barbados rum bottled by Thompson Brothers. Its appeal lies in the way the details come together: distilled in 2005, bottled in 2021, matured for 16 years and released as a single cask at cask strength.
The rum was aged in a Bourbon Barrel and made using pot still and column distillation. That gives this bottling a clear identity: one cask, one maturation path and a direct presentation at 57% ABV, without turning it into a routine house style.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, this sits among the more characterful rum selections: limited, cask-driven and rooted in Barbados. With only the last bottles remaining, it feels very much like a defined release rather than a rum that will simply stay on the shelf year after year.
Dictador 20y
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Dictador 20y
In stock
Dictador 20y is a Colombian rum carrying a twenty-year age statement and made using the solera system. That gives it a different perspective from a single-vintage release: the emphasis is on continuity, layered maturation and the house style Dictador wants to express in this 20-year-old bottling.
Its use of pot still and column distillation is part of what shapes the rum's identity. Rather than focusing on one narrow aspect, the profile brings together clear wood influence, spice and fruit, while sweetness remains more of a supporting element.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, this is the kind of mature Colombian rum we place in front of customers looking for depth without an overly sweet impression. The 40% strength keeps it approachable, while the age statement and (…)Trinidad 18y (Cadenhead - Original Collection)
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Trinidad 18y (Cadenhead - Original Collection)
On request only
Cadenhead's Trinidad 18y is a molasses rum from Trinidad, released as part of the Original Collection. Bottled in August 2021 at 46%, it brings together an 18-year age statement, independent bottling and a clear sense of origin.
The key point here is the single cask nature of the release. Drawn from a Bourbon Barrel, it represents one individual cask rather than a broad house blend. At Drankenshop Broekmans, bottles like this are valued because they give rum drinkers a more focused look at a particular maturation and style.
Its traditional column distillation and molasses base place it firmly within Trinidad rum, while the flavour profile points mainly towards fruit and wood, supported by lighter spice, floral and sweet tones. With only the last bottles (…)Papa Rouyo White Hab (Habitation Velier)
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Papa Rouyo White Hab (Habitation Velier)
In stock
Papa Rouyo White Hab is a white rum from Guadeloupe, made from sugar cane juice and bottled by Velier as part of the Habitation Velier range. Its appeal lies in that direct style: the focus is on the spirit itself rather than on oak influence.
Traditional column distillation and a bottling strength of 62% give it a firm, expressive presence. The profile points towards floral, spicy and vegetal dimensions, with fruit and gentle sweetness playing a more supporting role.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, we see this as the kind of white rum that speaks to drinkers who enjoy exploring rum in its more immediate, cane-driven form. With the last bottles now in view, this Papa Rouyo also carries an added sense of scarcity.
The overall impression is bold and (…)Port Mourant 2011 10y (Elizabeth Yard With Finishes)
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Port Mourant 2011 10y (Elizabeth Yard With Finishes)
In stock
Port Mourant 2011 10y by Elizabeth Yard is a molasses rum from Guyana with a very specific sense of place and scale. Distilled in 2011 and bottled in 2022, it is a 10-year-old single cask release rather than a broad, ongoing expression.
The details matter here because they all point in the same direction: pot still distillation, a wine finish and bottling at cask strength. At 53.53% ABV, the rum keeps close to the strength and personality of the individual cask, instead of being shaped into a softer standard bottling.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, Elizabeth Yard releases like this are selected for customers who enjoy small-batch rum with a clear cask identity. Only 100 bottles were drawn from this cask, and with the last bottles now in focus, it is very much a (…)Port Mourant 2011 10y (Elizabeth Yard With Finishes)
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Port Mourant 2011 10y (Elizabeth Yard With Finishes)
In stock
Port Mourant 2011 10y by Elizabeth Yard is a molasses-based rum from Guyana, distilled in a pot still and bottled after 10 years. Its appeal lies in its focused nature: one cask, bottled at cask strength, with the identity of that individual cask left clearly in view.
At 53.56% alcohol, this is a rum with real presence. It belongs to the Elizabeth Yard with finishes series, although the exact finish is not specified in the available details. What stands out immediately is the scale of the release: only 100 bottles were filled, and with the last bottles now indicated, it has become a notably limited find.
For Drankenshop Broekmans, releases like this are especially interesting because they show rum in a more specific, less standardised form. Rather than (…)
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.
