Spiced rum
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Duo Rum Spiced With Caramelised Pineapple
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Duo Rum Spiced With Caramelised Pineapple
In stock
Duo Rum Spiced With Caramelised Pineapple by Brewdog brings together Caribbean rum and Scottish rum. Rather than presenting that as a dry production detail, the product frames it as a meeting of tropical rum character and Scotland's distilling know-how.
The flavour direction is openly fruity and spiced. Pineapple leads the way, joined by mango and papaya, while ginger and cola add warmth and lift. It is a spiced rum with a clearly tropical personality, built around sweetness, fruit and spice.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, we see this as a contemporary spiced rum for relaxed serving moments, especially over ice or mixed with cola and a squeeze of fresh lime as suggested in the product information. That serving style ties in neatly with its fruity, zesty and spicy (…)Lazy Dodo Pineapple & Vanilla
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Lazy Dodo Pineapple & Vanilla
In stock
Lazy Dodo Pineapple & Vanilla is built on Mauritian rum and given a clear island character through Victoria pineapple and vanilla. It is a soft, fruity and sweet style of rum, with roasted pineapple taking the lead rather than heavy spice or oak.
The vanilla adds roundness and a gentle roasted note, making the rum feel smooth and approachable while keeping the tropical fruit character very easy to recognise.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, we see Lazy Dodo Pineapple & Vanilla as a flavourful choice for customers who enjoy rum with a pronounced fruit signature and a mellow, sweet finish.
The aroma is delicate, with roasted pineapple and vanilla coming through clearly. On the palate, the same pairing remains central: smooth roasted vanilla (…)Bacardi Spiced 1,5l
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Bacardi Spiced 1,5l
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Bacardi Spiced 1.5l is a spiced rum from Puerto Rico, bottled at 35%. The larger bottle size says a lot about its role: this is a rum made for occasions where the bottle is likely to be shared, while still keeping a clear spiced identity.
Its character is built around sweetness and spice, with a lighter fruity note sitting in support. The multicolumn distilling style points to a clean, modern rum base that lets the spiced profile take the lead.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, we see this as a familiar name in spiced rum presented in a practical generous format. A straightforward choice when you want Bacardi Spiced in a bottle made to go a little further.
The flavour profile is clearly sweet and spiced, with fruit playing a lighter supporting role. (…)Bacardi Razz
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Bacardi Razz
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Bacardi Razz is a rum expression from Bacardi, produced in the Bahamas and bottled at 27% alcohol. It sits clearly within the familiar Bacardi range, while the name marks it out as a different take from the more classic rum styles.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, we see this as the kind of rum bottle customers look for when they want a recognisable Bacardi variant with a more moderate strength than many traditional rum expressions. It is less about technical detail and more about that specific Bacardi Razz identity.
No specific tasting notes are included in the supplied product data for Bacardi Razz. For that reason, no aromas, flavours or finish are described here beyond the information explicitly provided.Bacardi Spiced
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Bacardi Spiced
In stock
Bacardi Spiced is a spiced rum from Puerto Rico, built around a clear interplay of spice and sweeter notes. It starts from Bacardi rum made using multicolumn distillation, yet the personality here comes from the spiced style rather than from age statement or pronounced wood influence.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, we see Bacardi Spiced as a straightforward, flavour-led rum with an easy-to-recognise character. Its 35% strength keeps it relatively gentle in the glass, while the profile still gives enough room to spice, sweetness and a light fruity touch.
This is a rum with a direct point of view: not a wood-driven expression, but a modern spiced rum where the emphasis is on warmth, sweetness and approachable flavour.
Bacardi Spiced centres on spice (…)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, (…)Black Tears Spiced
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Black Tears Spiced
Temporarily sold out
Black Tears Spiced is a Cuban spiced rum with sweetness at the centre of its character. Rather than presenting itself as a heavily spice-driven rum, it leans into a generous sweet profile, supported by noticeable wood influence and a lighter fruity accent.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, we would place this among the Cuban rums for people looking for a rounded, approachable style with enough wood presence to give it structure. The multicolumn distilling style and 40% strength keep the presentation clear and contemporary, with the focus firmly on smooth sweetness and gentle depth.
The flavour profile is led by sweetness, with wood forming a clear supporting layer. A gentle fruity note adds some nuance, while the overall impression stays rounded rather than strongly (…)Bumbu Rum Original
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Bumbu Rum Original
In stock
Bumbu Rum Original is a spiced rum from Barbados with a broad, approachable style. Its character is built around clear fruity sweetness, with gentle spice and a light floral accent adding lift rather than weight.
Made in a traditional column distilling style and associated with bourbon cask maturation, it is presented without an age statement. The emphasis is therefore less on age and more on its rounded, aromatic spiced rum profile.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, Bumbu Original sits comfortably among rums for customers who enjoy a sweeter, fruit-forward spiced style without a pronounced woody edge.
Additional information about the brand can be found at https://bumbu.com/
The flavour impression of Bumbu Rum Original is led by clear (…)Captain Morgan Spice 1,5l
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Captain Morgan Spice 1,5l
In stock
Captain Morgan Spice 1.5l brings the familiar idea of spiced rum in a larger, more generous bottle. Its profile is built around clear spice and a sweeter side, with a light fruity touch in support, making the style easy to recognise from the first pour.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, we see this as a practical bottle for anyone who wants a spiced rum in a larger format rather than a standard size. The 35% alcohol strength and multicolumn distilling style point to a smooth, straightforward expression where the spiced character takes the lead.
There is no age statement to frame the story here, and the emphasis is not on heavy wood influence. The focus is simply Captain Morgan Spice in a 1.5 litre format: generous, approachable and clearly centred on spice and (…)Centenario Cafe
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Centenario Cafe
In stock
Centenario Café is best understood as a Costa Rican coffee liqueur built on a Centenario rum base. It brings together the softness of rum with natural coffee aromas, giving it a smooth, gourmand style rather than the profile of a traditional sipping rum.
Coffee is clearly at the heart of the experience, while the rum adds roundness and an easy-going warmth. At 26.5% alcohol, it is approachable enough to enjoy neat or over ice, yet expressive enough to bring real character to cocktails.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, we see Centenario Café as a natural choice for moments where rum, coffee and dessert-like flavours meet. It works after dinner, with ice, or as a rum-based twist in an Espresso Martini.
The aroma is immediately led by (…)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 (…)Deadhead Dark Choco
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Deadhead Dark Choco
Temporarily sold out
Deadhead Dark Choco is a Mexican spiced rum with a name that sets the tone straight away: dark, sweet and built around the idea of chocolate. At Drankenshop Broekmans, it sits among the more flavour-led rums, where the appeal comes from a clear taste direction rather than an age statement or pronounced cask story.
There is no age statement here, and the rum is made in a multicolumn style. The supplied profile points strongly toward sweetness, with spice and fruit playing a clear supporting role. At 35% alcohol, the emphasis remains on an expressive spiced rum character rather than heavy wood influence.
Additional information about the brand can be found at https://www.deadheadrum.com/
Deadhead Dark Choco moves firmly in a sweet direction, with (…)Duo Rum Spiced
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Duo Rum Spiced
In stock
Brewdog Duo Rum Spiced carries the idea of United in Spirit in a very direct way: it brings Scottish distilling craft together with a share of authentic Caribbean rum. The Scottish side refers to a country shaped by six centuries of distilling history, while the Caribbean element is made by traditional methods from rich molasses under the tropical sun.
Rather than leaning on oak, this spiced rum is all about softness, fruit and warming spice. Pineapple, allspice and a subtle touch of lime give it an exotic lift, with a smooth, velvety feel that keeps the style approachable.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, this is the kind of spiced rum we like to introduce as a meeting point between two traditions: Scottish know-how and Caribbean rum character, bottled at 40% (…)Lazy Dodo Grapefruit & Litchi
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Lazy Dodo Grapefruit & Litchi
In stock
Lazy Dodo Grapefruit & Litchi takes Mauritian rum in a bright, fruit-led direction. It is made with premium rum from Mauritius, carefully blended with grapefruit, local lychee and pepper. Rather than leaning on heavy spice or oak, its character is built around fresh fruit, gentle sweetness and a small touch of warming spice.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, we see this as a spiced rum with a sunny, aromatic personality. Grapefruit brings freshness and lift, lychee adds a delicate sweetness, and pepper gives the flavour just enough warmth to keep it lively.
At 35% alcohol, Lazy Dodo Grapefruit & Litchi remains smooth and approachable while keeping a clear Mauritian rum base. It is a good bottle to explore when you want rum with a pronounced fruit accent and a (…)Lazy Dodo Passionfruit & Mango
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Lazy Dodo Passionfruit & Mango
In stock
Lazy Dodo Passionfruit & Mango takes Mauritian rum in a distinctly tropical direction. It is made from premium rum from Mauritius, carefully blended with mango and passion fruit, so the fruit character sits right at the heart of the drink.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, we see this as a spiced rum for anyone looking for something generous, exotic and fruit-driven. Mango brings ripe tropical sweetness, passion fruit adds a fragrant lift, and the sweet spice notes give it a rounded, gourmand edge.
At 35% ABV, Lazy Dodo Passionfruit & Mango remains approachable in style, with a long, pleasant finish that keeps the fruit character lingering.
The aroma is immediately tropical, with intense mango and passion fruit at the front. On the palate, the (…)New Grove Spiced
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New Grove Spiced
Not available for shipping
New Grove Spiced is a spiced rum from Mauritius, made in a traditional column distillation style. Rather than being built around an age statement, it focuses on an immediately recognisable flavour direction: spice, fruit and sweetness all clearly present.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, we see this as a Mauritian rum for those who enjoy a straightforward spiced style with a generous flavour profile. The spicy side is evident, while the fruity and sweet dimensions keep the rum approachable and easy to understand.
With only the last bottles remaining, this is gradually leaving our selection. That makes it especially worth noting for anyone who specifically wants to discover New Grove Spiced or return to it while it is still available.
Additional (…)Omr Project 1 Carribean Spirit
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Omr Project 1 Carribean Spirit
In stock
Omr Project 1 Carribean Spirit from Old Man Rum Project is a German spiced rum with a clear tropical-minded attitude. The name says quite a lot: this is not presented as a traditional age-stated rum, but as a bottle built around flavour, warmth and easy-going character.
Its base brings together pot still and column distillation, with bourbon cask mentioned as part of the maturation story. In terms of style, the emphasis sits more on fruity and sweeter impressions, while the spice remains present without dominating the whole experience.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, we see this as a spiced rum for customers looking for something soft, flavour-led and approachable at 40% alcohol. As these are the last bottles, Project 1 also has a slightly more fleeting feel than a (…)Omr Project 2 Spiced Orange
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Omr Project 2 Spiced Orange
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OMR Project 2 Spiced Orange is a German spiced rum from Old Man Rum Project, built around a clearly fruit-led and sweet profile with orange at the centre of the idea. Rather than leaning on an age statement or heavy wood influence, it presents itself through its spiced orange identity.
The rum combines pot still and column distillation, with bourbon cask mentioned in its maturation background. The supplied profile points more towards fruitiness and sweetness than wood, with spice playing a supporting role rather than taking over.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, we see this as a bottle for customers looking for a spiced rum with a distinct orange direction and a softer, sweeter character. With only the last bottles remaining, it is also a release that will not stay (…)Omr Project 3 Dark Express
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Omr Project 3 Dark Express
In stock
Omr Project 3 Dark Express is a German spiced rum from Old Man Rum Project, bottled at 40%. The name already suggests a more individual approach: this is not built around an age statement, but around a defined style and flavour direction.
Pot still and column distillation come together here, with bourbon cask influence in the background. The emphasis sits on a fruity, sweeter expression of spiced rum, with gentle spice rather than heavy wood. That keeps the character rounded and aromatic, without turning the cask into the main story.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, we place this bottle among spiced rums for customers who enjoy a smooth, flavour-led style with its own identity. As these are the last bottles, Project 3 Dark Express also has the feel of a release that (…)Omr Project 4 Vanilla Cane
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Omr Project 4 Vanilla Cane
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Omr Project 4 Vanilla Cane is a spiced rum from Old Man Rum Project, bottled at 40%. The name already tells you where the focus lies: vanilla and cane-inspired character, presented in a style that is not driven by heavy oak.
Its base brings together pot still and column still distillation, giving the rum a mix of presence and approachability. Bourbon cask maturation is part of the make-up, yet the available profile points more clearly towards fruity and sweeter tones than towards a pronounced woody edge.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, this is the kind of bottle we place with spiced rums that lean into a softer, fruit-sweet direction rather than a heavily seasoned style. With only the last bottles remaining, Project 4 also has that quiet sense of a release nearing (…)Omr Project 5 Leisure Harbour
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Omr Project 5 Leisure Harbour
In stock
Omr Project 5 Leisure Harbour is a rum from Old Man Rum Project, placed in the spiced rum category, yet the available profile points more towards a soft, fruity and sweet expression than a heavily spiced one. The name suggests an easy-going harbour mood, and that relaxed impression fits the way this bottling presents itself: approachable, rounded and not driven by pronounced wood influence.
Its base brings together pot still and column distillation, with bourbon cask maturation forming part of the background. Rather than turning that into a technical story, the most useful way to understand this rum is through its emphasis on fruitiness and sweetness, with only a light floral touch indicated in the profile.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, this bottle stands out (…)Ron El Rumbo Coconut Sd
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Ron El Rumbo Coconut Sd
In stock
Ron El Rumbo Coconut Sd is a Cuban rum with a clear tropical direction. The name tells you exactly where the focus lies: coconut, supported by a fruity and sweet style rather than by oak influence or mature wood-driven depth.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, we see this as one of those approachable aromatic rums with a very clear flavour identity. Its multicolumn distilling style and 36% strength point to a smooth, easy-going expression, while the absence of an age statement keeps the attention on the coconut-led character.
As a popular bottle with only the last stock remaining, Ron El Rumbo Coconut Sd is a pleasant choice for anyone looking for Cuban rum with a coconut accent, especially for relaxed serves and summery mixed drinks.
The flavour (…)Takamaka Koko Rum Liqueur
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Takamaka Koko Rum Liqueur
In stock
Takamaka Koko Rum Liqueur is a rum liqueur from the Seychelles, bottled at 25% alcohol. It sits on the softer, sweeter side of rum, with a clearly fruity profile rather than the weight and dryness of a classic straight rum.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, this is the kind of bottle we would place in the conversation when someone is looking for rum character in a gentler, more relaxed form. Its traditional column-distilled base gives the product its rum foundation, while the style leans into sweetness, fruit and a light touch of spice.
It is a bottle for moments where smoothness and approachability matter more than strength, while still keeping a recognisable rum identity.
The profile is led by sweetness and fruit, supported by a gentle hint of spice. (…)Takamaka Zannannan
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Takamaka Zannannan
In stock
Takamaka Zannannan shows rum from a bright, tropical angle. It starts with Takamaka white rum, then natural pineapple essences are added to capture the fresh and lively side of the fruit. Rather than focusing on oak or age, this spiced rum from the Seychelles is all about fruit, softness and island energy.
At 25% alcohol, Zannannan sits in a lighter style where ripe pineapple and gentle sweetness take the lead. The Seychelles connection is part of its identity: the product is built around the youthful, vivid spirit of the archipelago, with pineapple as its clear tropical signature.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, we like this kind of rum because it brings a different conversation to the shelf. It is not about weight or maturation; it is about a fresh, fruity (…)
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.
