Spirit Drink
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Drankenshopper Kaartspel
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Drankenshopper Kaartspel
In stock
Drankenshopper is not a bottle, but a card game built around the atmosphere of a drinks auction. Players bid, negotiate, trade and bluff in the hope of taking home the most impressive collections, while opponents may be quietly working on plans of their own.
One of its strengths is the way the game can be scaled to the group. In the simplest version, you play only with the bottle and money cards, turning it into an easy-going buying and trading game with minimal rules. For a fuller game, the role and chance cards add extra tension and strategy, especially with 4 to 5 players.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, this sits nicely alongside the drinks themselves: a game for adults who enjoy both tabletop play and the world of spirits. The 40 playing cards combine clear (…)Bush Rum Passion & Guava
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Bush Rum Passion & Guava
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Bush Rum Passion & Guava is a British rum with a clearly tropical direction. Passion fruit and guava are at the heart of its identity, giving it an aromatic, exotic style from the very first impression.
What gives it more interest than simple sweetness is the contrast in the flavour profile: guava brings a soft fruity sweetness, passion fruit adds a sharper lift, and a spiced base gives the rum a little warmth underneath. At Drankenshop Broekmans, we see this as a rum for people looking for something bright, fruit-driven and refreshing in character.
At 37.5% alcohol, Bush Rum Passion & Guava remains firmly within the rum category, while its personality is shaped by tropical fruit and a fresh finish. More information about the brand can be found at (…)Kraken Spiced Rum 1l
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Kraken Spiced Rum 1l
In stock
Kraken Spiced Rum 1l is built around a clear spiced rum identity, with sweetness and fruit playing a strong supporting role. At Drankenshop Broekmans, we would place it among the rums that are easy to understand in the best sense: bold in direction, aromatic in style and focused on flavour rather than technical complexity.
Bottled at 40% ABV and presented in a generous one-litre bottle, it has a confident, accessible format. The listed multicolumn distilling style points to a clean rum base, while the spiced character gives the drink its main personality. According to the flavour profile, wood is not the focus here; the emphasis sits more clearly on spice, fruit and sweetness.
A light floral note adds a small extra layer, but the heart of Kraken Spiced Rum (…)Kraken Spiced Rum
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Kraken Spiced Rum
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Kraken Spiced Rum is a spiced rum from Trinidad with a clear emphasis on spice, fruit and sweetness. It does not present itself through age or oak-driven depth, but through a bold, flavoured style that is immediately recognisable.
The multicolumn distillation provides the rum base, while the character is shaped mainly by spice, fruitiness and a rounded sweet note. A light floral accent adds a little lift, with no real wood or vegetal direction defining the profile. At Drankenshop Broekmans, this is the kind of rum we would point out to someone looking for a spiced rum with a pronounced flavour profile rather than a subtle sipping style.
At 40% ABV, it has enough strength to carry its spiced character while remaining approachable in style. More information (…)Belvedere Dirty Brew (Vodka & Coffee)
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Belvedere Dirty Brew (Vodka & Coffee)
Only 3 left in stock!
Belvedere Dirty Brew is a Polish spirit drink whose name makes its intention clear: vodka and coffee. At 30% alcohol, it sits outside the classic vodka style and moves into a flavoured spirit direction, with coffee as the defining idea.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, this is the kind of Belvedere that stands out for showing a different side of the brand. Rather than presenting vodka in a neutral form, Dirty Brew focuses on a straightforward pairing: vodka and coffee, brought together in a contemporary spirit drink.
No detailed tasting notes are provided in the available product data, but the style is clearly identified as Vodka & Coffee. The tasting direction is therefore coffee-led, built around a vodka base and bottled at 30% alcohol.-
Webshop Giftcard/Cadeau
Webshop Giftcard/Cadeau
In stock
A party is coming up soon and you don't want to arrive empty-handed, but the present should of course also look a bit festive. Recognizable? That's what makes this accessory gift box the perfect choice!
Webshop Giftcard/Cadeau is a accessory. It is one of the many references you can currently buy online at Drankenshop Broekmans.
giftcard
credit voucher
gift card
gift
value voucher
gift voucher
voucher
coupon
digital giftcard
buy gift card
gift code
online gift card
birthday gift card
birthday
store credit
shop credit
Bush Rum Mango
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Bush Rum Mango
In stock
Bush Rum Mango is all about bright tropical sweetness, with mango sitting right at the centre of the experience. It is a spiced rum with a playful, fruit-forward style, built around ripe fruit, sweetness and a warm spicy edge.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, we would place this among the more expressive fruity spiced rums. It comes from Great Britain, is made in a multicolumn style and is bottled at 37.5% alcohol. The oak cask element shows itself in the vanilla accent that rounds out the sweeter side of the rum.
Rather than a dry or restrained rum, this is a vivid and aromatic bottle for drinkers who enjoy sweet tropical notes with a spiced foundation. Additional information about the brand can be found at https://www.bushrum.co.uk/
On the nose, (…)Bush Rum Original
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Bush Rum Original
In stock
Bush Rum Original is a British spiced rum with a clear focus on warm spice, tropical fruit and a touch of vanilla. It does not lean on an age statement for its identity; its appeal comes from an aromatic, flavour-led style that is easy to recognise in the glass.
In the rum selection at Drankenshop Broekmans, it sits well among spiced rums with a generous and expressive profile. The multicolumn distilling style and oak cask reference give some production context, while the drinking experience is centred on spice, fruit and a soft vanilla sweetness.
Bottled at 37.5%, Bush Rum Original keeps the emphasis on flavour rather than weight. It is a straightforward but characterful spiced rum, made interesting by the way its warm seasoning and tropical notes carry (…)Bush Rum Tropical Citrus
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Bush Rum Tropical Citrus
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Bush Rum Tropical Citrus is very clear in its intention: this is rum with a bright, citrus-led personality. Orange, lime and a hint of grapefruit shape the impression, giving it a fresh tropical feel rather than a dark or heavy style.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, this is the kind of bottle we would point out to someone looking for rum with energy and freshness. Its 37.5% strength keeps the profile approachable, while the subtle sweetness and light spice add a little depth behind the citrus character.
Additional information about the brand can be found at https://www.bushrum.co.uk/
The aroma opens with lively tropical citrus notes, led by orange and lime, with a small touch of grapefruit adding extra brightness.
On the palate, the (…)Captain Morgan Sliced Apple
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Captain Morgan Sliced Apple
Last one in stock!
Captain Morgan Sliced Apple takes the familiar Captain Morgan name in a fruit-led direction, with apple clearly at the heart of the idea. Within the rum category, this is not positioned as a heavy or traditional bottling, but as a lighter 25% ABV expression with a clear flavour theme.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, we would place this bottle in the conversation when someone is looking for a rum with an immediate, recognisable taste direction. The name does much of the explaining here: Sliced Apple is about bringing an apple-focused twist to Captain Morgan.
It suits a more relaxed way of enjoying rum, where the appeal lies in the brand's familiar style and the straightforward fruit character suggested by the bottle.
The available information points (…)Dada Chapel Aged Brhum
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Dada Chapel Aged Brhum
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Dada Chapel Aged Brhum is a Belgian rum, and that origin immediately gives it a different angle. Rather than coming from one of the more familiar rum regions, this bottle places Belgium at the centre of the story, with an alcoholic strength of 42%.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, we see this as a rum for drinkers who enjoy stepping outside the usual frame of reference. The name Aged Brhum points to an aged style, although the available information does not specify maturation details or a flavour direction. That keeps the introduction straightforward: a Belgian rum from Dada Chapel, worth approaching with an open glass and a bit of curiosity.
More information about the brand can be found at https://www.dadachapel.be/
No detailed tasting notes have (…)Dada Chapel Brhum
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Dada Chapel Brhum
Only 3 left in stock!
Dada Chapel Brhum is a Belgian rum from Dada Chapel. That Belgian origin already gives it a distinct place in a category often associated with more traditional rum-producing regions, and it puts the focus on the identity of the Dada Chapel brand itself.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, this is the kind of bottle that naturally draws attention from customers looking beyond the most familiar rum choices. Bottled at 40% alcohol, it is clearly positioned as a rum, while the supplied information does not provide further details on its flavour style or production background.
Additional information about the brand can be found at https://www.dadachapel.be/
No specific tasting notes are provided for Dada Chapel Brhum in the supplied data. For that reason, we (…)Dada Chapel Brhum Barrel Selection 68°
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Dada Chapel Brhum Barrel Selection 68°
In stock
Dada Chapel Brhum Barrel Selection 68° is a Belgian take on rum, made from sugar beet rather than presented as a conventional rum style. That Belgian starting point gives the bottle its own identity before the maturation even comes into play.
This selection is drawn from Dada Chapel's Aged Brhum and was carefully chosen by the master distiller. A 2-year maturation in American virgin oak brings a clear wood influence, adding depth while keeping the spirit's Belgian character at the centre.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, this is the kind of bottle we would point out to someone curious about rum but open to a more distinctive Belgian interpretation.
On the palate, the wood notes are clearly present, supported by a full-bodied feel and a pleasant (…)Dada Chapel Brhum Small Batch (1) For The Nectar
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Dada Chapel Brhum Small Batch (1) For The Nectar
In stock
Dada Chapel Brhum Small Batch (1) For The Nectar is a Belgian rum where the limited nature of the release is part of its appeal. It is bottled as a single cask at 50% alcohol, giving it the feel of a clearly defined cask selection rather than a broad, ongoing release.
The Small Batch (1) For The Nectar wording gives this bottling its own specific identity. At Drankenshop Broekmans, releases like this stand out because they bring together origin, limited availability and bottling strength in a very direct way: the focus is on one individual cask and the character captured from it.
With only the last bottles remaining, this is best understood as a finite Belgian rum release. It is a bottle for those who enjoy discovering a particular one-off selection, built (…)Dada Chapel Brhum Small Batch (2) For The Nectar
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Dada Chapel Brhum Small Batch (2) For The Nectar
In stock
Dada Chapel Brhum Small Batch (2) For The Nectar is a Belgian rum release with a distinctly small-scale feel. The key details all point in the same direction: Small Batch, single cask and a bottling made for The Nectar. Rather than a broad standard expression, this is a focused selection from one individual cask.
At 60.2% alcohol, it is clearly a rum with presence. This is the kind of bottle to approach slowly and with attention, especially for drinkers who appreciate concentrated, high-strength releases. At Drankenshop Broekmans, we like this style of rum because it shows a more personal side of the category, where the identity of a single cask becomes central.
The note that these are the last bottles adds to the limited nature of the release. Once a single (…)Dada Chapel Esprit Dad'Achouffe
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Dada Chapel Esprit Dad'Achouffe
In stock
Dada Chapel Esprit Dad'Achouffe is a Belgian spirit drink with a name that immediately sets it apart. The Bourbon Cask reference gives the bottle an extra point of interest, without placing it neatly into one of the more familiar categories such as whisky, rum or genever.
At 40% alcohol, it sits firmly in the world of full-strength spirits, while its identity remains deliberately its own. At Drankenshop Broekmans, we like bottles like this because they invite a different kind of conversation: less about fitting a fixed style, more about discovering what the producer has chosen to present.
For customers exploring Belgian spirits beyond the obvious routes, this is a distinctive bottle built around local origin, unusual naming and a clear cask-led (…)Difford's Guide To Cocktails 17th Edition
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Difford's Guide To Cocktails 17th Edition
On request only
Difford's Guide To Cocktails 17th Edition is built like a serious cocktail reference, not a small recipe booklet. In hardback, with 624 pages, a 6 cm spine and a weight of 2.25 kg, it has the presence of a book meant to be used, browsed and returned to again and again.
Inside are 3300 cocktail recipes, written in millilitres and accompanied by colour photography. Many of the recipes also include broader historical background, so the book works just as well for understanding cocktails as it does for making them. This edition adds 350 new recipes and updates 350 recipes from earlier editions.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, a guide like this sits naturally alongside the bottles themselves: it helps connect spirits, ingredients, technique and cocktail history. Simon (…)Difford's Guide To Cocktails 18th Edition
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Difford's Guide To Cocktails 18th Edition
In stock
Difford's Guide To Cocktails 18th Edition is a substantial reference book for anyone who wants to explore cocktails with real depth. With 656 pages, a 6 cm spine and a weight of 2.3 kg, it immediately feels like a serious work rather than a casual pocket guide.
Inside, the book brings together more than 3000 cocktail recipes, measured in millilitres. Every recipe is accompanied by a colour photograph, and most cocktails also include historical background. That makes it useful not only for mixing drinks, but for understanding where those drinks come from and how they have developed.
This eighteenth edition adds 450 new recipes and includes 365 updated or improved recipes from earlier editions. Simon Difford writes the guide and prepares the cocktails himself, (…)Havana Club Mango Lime
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Havana Club Mango Lime
In stock
Havana Club Mango Lime is a spirit drink with a very clear flavour direction from the start: mango and lime are at the centre. At 30% alcohol, it sits firmly in the world of flavoured spirits rather than classic neat-sipping categories.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, we see this kind of bottle as part of the range for straightforward, flavour-led serves. The mango brings the tropical fruit idea, while lime adds the fresh citrus angle that keeps the profile lively.
It is a bottle for occasions where a clear fruity accent is wanted in the glass, with an easy-going style built around recognisable flavours.
The flavour impression is built around mango and lime. Mango gives the drink its fruity, tropical direction, while lime adds a fresher citrus note. (…)Kraken Black Spiced Black Cherry & Madagascar Vanilla 1l
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Kraken Black Spiced Black Cherry & Madagascar Vanilla 1l
In stock
Kraken Black Spiced Black Cherry & Madagascar Vanilla is a flavoured rum built around Kraken's dark spiced style, with black cherry and Madagascar vanilla placed clearly at the centre. The name sets the tone straight away: this is a bold, flavour-led expression rather than a neutral rum.
At 40% alcohol, it keeps a firm rum presence while moving into a darker, more aromatic direction through the mix of black fruit, spice and vanilla. At Drankenshop Broekmans, bottles like this sit naturally alongside classic spiced rums, because they show how expressive and flavour-focused the rum category can be.
The 1 litre bottle also gives it a generous feel, especially for anyone looking for a distinctive Kraken variation to keep on hand.
The flavour (…)Kraken Black Spiced Roast Coffee Rum 1l
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Kraken Black Spiced Roast Coffee Rum 1l
In stock
Kraken Black Spiced Roast Coffee Rum 1l brings together two clear elements: Kraken's dark spiced rum identity and a roasted coffee direction that is right there in the name. This is a rum with a defined flavour idea rather than a neutral or understated style.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, we see this as a bottle for customers looking for spiced rum with a recognisable twist. The roast coffee angle gives it a more specific personality, especially for those who enjoy rum with spice and coffee-inspired depth.
At 40% alcohol, it sits at a familiar rum strength, while the one-litre bottle gives it a generous format for keeping this style close at hand.
No detailed tasting notes are supplied, so the flavour description stays close to what the product (…)Kraken Black Spiced Rum
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Kraken Black Spiced Rum
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Kraken Black Spiced Rum is very clear about its direction from the start: a black spiced rum bottled at 47% alcohol. It is presented as a rum with a pronounced spiced identity rather than a quiet, understated style.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, we would place it among the more assertive spiced rums in the selection. The Black Spiced wording is central to how this bottle should be understood: dark in presentation, spiced in style and supported by a higher strength that gives it extra presence.
No further origin or production details are provided in the product data, so the focus remains on the essentials: Kraken Black Spiced Rum is a strong spiced rum from Kraken, built around a bold style and a clear sense of intensity.
No detailed tasting notes (…)Kraken Spiced Rum Mini
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Kraken Spiced Rum Mini
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Kraken Spiced Rum Mini presents the Kraken style in a compact format: a 40% spiced rum made in a multicolumn style, with the emphasis placed on spice, fruit and sweetness.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, this miniature is best understood as a straightforward way to explore Kraken without committing to a full bottle. The focus is not on age statement or pronounced wood influence, but on the accessible, clearly spiced character of the rum itself.
Its small size makes it a practical tasting bottle, a small gift, or a neat addition to a rum miniature selection.
Additional information about the brand can be found at https://www.krakenrum.com/
The flavour profile is led by spice, fruit and sweetness. A lighter floral note sits in the (…)Planteray Tiki Mugs
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Planteray Tiki Mugs
In stock
Planteray Tiki Mugs are accessories rather than a drink, designed to bring the Planteray identity into the way a serve is presented. They add a visual element to the moment around the bottle and make the presentation feel more complete.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, accessories like these sit well alongside the drinks themselves, especially for customers who enjoy paying attention to the setting as much as to what is being poured. These mugs give Planteray a place on the table in a more playful and atmospheric way.
Not applicable: this product is an accessory and has no tasting notes.
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.
