Cuba rum & Spirit Drink
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Arecha Anejo Reserva
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Arecha Anejo Reserva
Not available for shipping
Arecha Añejo Reserva is a Cuban rum with a straightforward and recognisable identity. The name keeps the focus where it belongs: on Arecha, on Cuba, and on the Añejo Reserva style indicated on the bottle.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, we see this as the kind of rum customers look at when they specifically want a Cuban bottle with a familiar 38% alcohol strength. The Añejo Reserva wording gives it a more considered feel than a basic rum, while the overall presentation remains clear and approachable.
With only the last bottles remaining, this Arecha has become a little more finite within the selection. Not in a dramatic way, but enough to make it worth noting for anyone who likes to keep Cuban rum on the shelf.
No specific (…)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 (…)Bonpland Sancti Spiritus 19y 50cl
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Bonpland Sancti Spiritus 19y 50cl
Only 3 left in stock!
Bonpland Sancti Spiritus 19y is a Cuban molasses rum built around age, origin and small-scale bottling rather than broad commercial uniformity. Distilled in 1999 and bottled in 2018, it carries nineteen years of maturation in a 50 cl bottle.
The appeal here lies in its defined release character. This is a single cask rum with a Wine Finish, bottled at 45%, with a total outturn of 441 bottles. At Drankenshop Broekmans, bottles like this are often the ones that invite a closer look: not because they need loud claims, but because the details already tell a focused story.
Traditional column distillation gives it its Cuban foundation, while the maturation and finishing add structure around a clearly fruit-led profile. Wood, spice and sweetness are present in a (…)Bristol Cuban Sherry Finish 2003
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Bristol Cuban Sherry Finish 2003
In stock
Bristol Cuban Sherry Finish 2003 is a rum with a very clear identity from the outset: Cuban origin, a Bristol selection and a sherry finish. The 2003 reference gives the bottle a more defined place than a standard rum without a year indication.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, releases like this are valued for their focus. Rather than presenting a broad, generic style, this bottle points to a specific origin and finishing approach, making it interesting for drinkers who enjoy exploring the details behind a rum.
The sherry finish is the key feature here, adding an extra maturation reference to the Cuban base. With only the last bottles remaining, it is also a release that is becoming less readily available in the assortment.
No separate tasting notes (…)Caney Oro Ligero 5y
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Caney Oro Ligero 5y
Not available for shipping
Caney Oro Ligero 5y is a Cuban rum with a clear five-year age statement. That gives the bottle an immediate point of reference: a rum with some time behind it, presented in a straightforward and unpretentious way.
In the rum selection at Drankenshop Broekmans, this bottle stands out through its Cuban origin, its 5-year indication and its accessible 38% strength. It is the kind of name that tends to attract attention from customers looking for a recognisable Cuban rum rather than something overly complicated.
Stock is limited, so Caney Oro Ligero 5y is becoming one of those bottles to consider sooner rather than later if this is the specific style you are looking for.
No separate tasting notes have been supplied for Caney Oro Ligero 5y. For that (…)Eminente Ambar Claro
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Eminente Ambar Claro
In stock
Eminente Ambar Claro is a Cuban rum from the Eminente brand, bottled at 40% ABV. The available product details are deliberately limited, so the clearest part of its identity is its origin: Cuba, presented here through a named Eminente release.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, we would place this bottle for customers looking specifically for a Cuban rum rather than a rum defined by a long list of production claims or tasting promises. Eminente Ambar Claro keeps its message simple: brand, origin and a classic rum strength.
No specific tasting notes have been provided for Eminente Ambar Claro. Based on the available information, it can only be described as a Cuban rum from Eminente, bottled at 40% ABV.Eminente Gran Reserva 10y
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Eminente Gran Reserva 10y
In stock
Eminente Gran Reserva 10y is a Cuban molasses rum with ten years of maturation behind it. The Gran Reserva name feels well placed here: the emphasis is on aged rum character, oak influence and a composed style rather than simple sweetness.
It is made in a traditional column distilling style and matured in American oak. That matters for the way the rum presents itself: wood, fruit and floral notes form the main impression, while spice and sweetness stay in a more supporting role.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, this sits comfortably among rums for drinkers looking for a Cuban expression with maturity and structure. Bottled at 43.2%, it carries a little extra weight without moving away from its refined, oak-led profile.
Eminente Gran Reserva 10y shows (…)Eminente Reserva 7y
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Eminente Reserva 7y
In stock
Eminente Reserva 7y is a Cuban molasses rum with a strong sense of origin. The brand places it in the heart of Cuba, on the island known to its inhabitants as the isla del cocodrilo, a name inspired by its unusual crocodile-like shape. It carries a Cuban imagination, yet looks beyond the familiar colours of Havana toward a wilder interior setting.
The Reserva follows the path of the great cane spirits once produced in Cuba in the 19th century, a tradition the brand wants to bring back into focus. It is traditionally column distilled, tropically matured and aged in American oak, with 7 years of maturation giving it more depth while retaining the lighter Cuban style. The Cuban Protected Designation of Origin adds further weight to its identity.
At Drankenshop (…)Havana Club 15y
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Havana Club 15y
Last one in stock!
Havana Club 15y is a Cuban rum where the age statement immediately sets the tone. Fifteen years gives this bottle a more considered place among aged rums, presented at a classic 40% ABV.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, we would introduce it as a rum for someone who is specifically looking for a clear Cuban identity with an established name and a meaningful age statement. There is no need to dress it up with details that are not provided: Havana Club, Cuba and 15 years are the central points here.
As no additional production background or tasting notes are supplied, the description is kept deliberately focused. The interest of Havana Club 15y lies in its straightforward identity as an aged Cuban rum.
No specific tasting notes are provided for Havana (…)Havana Club 3y Anejo
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Havana Club 3y Anejo
In stock
Havana Club 3y Anejo is a Cuban rum with a straightforward identity: Cuba as its origin, Havana Club as the name on the bottle, and a 3-year añejo indication at its centre. Bottled at 37.5% ABV, it sits in a familiar and approachable rum category.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, this is the kind of rum that fits naturally into the selection for customers looking for a recognised Cuban name without needing an elaborate backstory. The available details are concise, but they say what matters most: Havana Club 3y Anejo, a rum from Cuba with a clear and recognisable style reference.
No specific tasting notes have been provided for Havana Club 3y Anejo. Based on the available data, it can only be described with certainty as a Cuban rum bottled at 37.5% ABV and (…)Havana Club 3y Anejo 1l
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Havana Club 3y Anejo 1l
In stock
Havana Club 3y Anejo 1l is a Cuban molasses rum with a light, straightforward style. It carries the identity of Cuba in a clean and approachable way, without moving into a heavy oak-driven direction.
The rum is aged for three years with American oak influence, yet the wood remains very much in the background. Its character is built more around gentle sweetness, a touch of fruit, a small floral note and mild spice than around pronounced cask weight.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, this is the kind of bottle that earns its place through recognition, consistency and its generous one-litre format. The multicolumn distillation supports that clear, easy-going profile: a rum with a defined character, but without unnecessary heaviness.
The flavour profile is (…)Havana Club 7y
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Havana Club 7y
In stock
Havana Club 7y is a Cuban rum built around a straightforward identity: Havana Club, Cuba, seven years of age and 40% alcohol. With so little extra explanation needed, the bottle speaks in a clear and recognisable way.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, we see this as the kind of rum that gives customers an easy point of orientation within Cuban rum. The seven-year age statement is the detail that defines its place on the shelf and separates it from rums without a stated age.
For anyone looking specifically for a Cuban rum from the Havana Club name, this 7y edition keeps the focus on origin, age and style without unnecessary complication.
No specific tasting notes are included in the supplied data. The confirmed tasting context is therefore limited to (…)Havana Club Cuban Dark Part Aged In Smoky Islay Whisky Casks
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Havana Club Cuban Dark Part Aged In Smoky Islay Whisky Casks
In stock
Havana Club Cuban Dark Part Aged In Smoky Islay Whisky Casks is a Cuban dark rum with a distinctive twist: part of its ageing takes place in smoky Islay whisky casks. That detail gives the rum a different angle, connecting Cuban rum with a cask style more often associated with smoky Scotch whisky.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, we see this as a bottle for drinkers who enjoy exploring where categories meet. It remains a Cuban dark rum at heart, yet the Islay cask reference gives it a characterful point of difference.
Bottled at 40% alcohol, its strength stays within a familiar range for rum. The real interest lies in the meeting of dark Cuban rum and smoky whisky cask influence, making it a curious and conversation-worthy choice.
The available (…)Havana Club Cuban Spiced
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Havana Club Cuban Spiced
In stock
Havana Club Cuban Spiced is a Cuban rum built around a spiced style. The name already tells you the direction: this is not presented as a neutral rum, but as a bottle with a warmer, seasoned character within the spiced rum category.
At 35% alcohol, it sits below the strength of many traditional rum bottlings, giving it a lighter positioning in the range. At Drankenshop Broekmans, we see it as a clear choice for customers looking specifically for Cuban rum with a spiced twist, rather than a heavier or more powerful expression.
Its appeal lies in that straightforward identity: Havana Club, Cuba and spiced rum brought together in one recognisable bottle.
No specific tasting notes are provided for Havana Club Cuban Spiced. Based on the available (…)Havana Club Edicion Profesionel A
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Havana Club Edicion Profesionel A
On request only
Havana Club Edicion Profesionel A is a Cuban molasses rum, made in a multicolumn style and bottled at 40%. With an age statement of 3 years and maturation in White Oak, it keeps a youthful, direct rum character while adding a gentle touch of wood.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, this is the kind of bottle we present for its clarity rather than its weight. The profile is built around subtle impressions: light sweetness, a hint of fruit, mild spice, a floral edge and a restrained oak note, all kept in a modest register.
This Edicion Profesionel A is now down to the last bottles in our range. For anyone exploring Cuban rum with a clean and approachable structure, it offers a straightforward view of the Havana Club style without pushing into a heavy or overly (…)Havana Club Edicion Profesionel C
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Havana Club Edicion Profesionel C
On request only
Havana Club Edicion Profesionel C is a Cuban molasses rum bottled at a firm 50% ABV. That strength gives it a more assertive place than many softer, lighter rums; it is a rum with presence, without relying on heaviness.
Its multicolumn distillation style and white oak maturation point towards a clean, defined rum with a measured touch of wood. The flavour profile is led by fruit, with lighter floral, spicy, woody and sweet accents adding shape around it.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, this is the kind of Cuban rum we like to show to customers looking for a little more intensity while staying within a recognisable rum style. Its popularity makes sense: it has enough strength to stand out, yet the profile remains clear and approachable.
Fruit sits at (…)Havana Club Edicion Profesionel D
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Havana Club Edicion Profesionel D
In stock
Havana Club Edicion Profesionel D is a Cuban rum with a clearly defined profile rather than a wood-driven presentation. It is multicolumn distilled and bottled at 40%, with the available flavour profile pointing most strongly toward floral and spiced elements.
There is no age statement here, so the focus is not on a declared period of maturation. What stands out instead is the way the rum is framed: little emphasis on wood, more attention to aromatic lift and spice, with lighter fruit and sweetness in support.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, this sits as a distinctive Cuban rum within the selection, partly because of the Edicion Profesionel D name and partly because only the last bottles remain. It is a bottle for customers looking for a specific Havana Club (…)Havana Club Seleccion De Maestros
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Havana Club Seleccion De Maestros
In stock
Havana Club Seleccion De Maestros is a Cuban molasses rum bottled at 45%. In the rum range at Drankenshop Broekmans, it stands out for a profile where oak and spice take the lead, while fruit and sweetness stay more in the background.
American oak plays an important role in the way this rum presents itself. The emphasis is not simply on softness or sweetness; there is a clearer sense of structure, with wood and spice giving the rum its main direction.
The multicolumn distillation points to a precise style rather than a heavy one. It is a Havana Club expression we would place in front of someone looking for a Cuban rum with more firmness and presence, while still staying within a clean and approachable frame.
The flavour profile is led by wood (…)Havana Club Tributo Incl. Box
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Havana Club Tributo Incl. Box
In stock
Havana Club Tributo is a Cuban rum with a clear and uncluttered identity. The essentials are straightforward: rum from Cuba, bottled at 40%, carrying the Havana Club name.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, this is the kind of bottle we would present for its direct Cuban positioning rather than for a long list of technical claims. The name Tributo gives it a certain sense of occasion, while the available information keeps the focus firmly on origin and style.
No specific tasting notes are provided for Havana Club Tributo. The flavour description is therefore limited to the confirmed details: this is a Cuban rum bottled at 40% alcohol.Kawama 13y Extra Anejo
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Kawama 13y Extra Anejo
Only 2 left in stock!
Kawama 13y Extra Anejo is a Cuban molasses rum, blended from different rums aged 13 years. It sits firmly in a more mature Cuban style, where oak, spice and darker aromatic notes have had time to develop beyond the straightforward sweetness of younger rum.
Ageing in American Oak supports that warm, rounded depth. The traditional column distillation keeps the Cuban profile clean and composed, while the longer maturation brings forward caramel, vanilla, oak and ripe fruit tones.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, this is the kind of bottle we place with the more developed Cuban rums: approachable at 40%, yet with enough age to give it weight and depth. With the last bottles now available, it also has the quiet appeal of a release that is nearing the end of its time on (…)Kawama 19y Extra Anejo
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Kawama 19y Extra Anejo
In stock
Kawama 19y Extra Anejo is a Cuban molasses rum shaped by long maturation. It is a blend of several very old 19-year-old Cuban rums, bottled at 40%, with the calm, rounded depth one looks for in an aged Cuban style.
American oak plays a clear supporting role here, bringing a polished woody tone alongside darker, richer flavours. The character moves through caramel, honey, candied fruit, noble wood, dark chocolate, tobacco and roasted coffee, with tropical fruit and soft spice in the background.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, this is the kind of rum we would point out to someone who enjoys taking time with an older Cuban rum rather than using it casually. With only the last bottles remaining, the Kawama 19y Extra Anejo has a quiet sense of scarcity without needing (…)Kawama Carta Blanca
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Kawama Carta Blanca
In stock
Kawama Carta Blanca is a Cuban white rum made from molasses and blended from several Cuban rums. It is filtered to give it a pale, lightly golden-white appearance while keeping the fresh, clean nature associated with a Carta Blanca style.
The charm here lies in its lightness without becoming anonymous. Traditional column distillation and American oak form part of the production background, yet the glass is led by freshness, soft fruit and a gentle sweetness rather than obvious wood influence.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, this is the kind of Cuban rum we see as a straightforward but characterful choice for anyone looking for a soft, refreshing white rum. Bottled at 38%, it stays smooth and uncomplicated, with enough aromatic lift to remain interesting.
Kawama Elixir
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Kawama Elixir
In stock
Kawama Elixir shows a softer, fruit-led side of Cuban rum. It is made from a blend of different Cuban molasses rums, macerated with fruit and bottled at 32% ABV. The emphasis is not on raw strength, but on roundness, sweetness and an easy, generous style.
There is still a clear Cuban rum foundation here, supported by traditional column distillation and American oak influence, while the fruit maceration gives the Elixir its fuller, sweeter tone. At Drankenshop Broekmans, we would point this out to customers who enjoy caramel, chocolate and candied fruit in a mellow rum-based drink.
With only the last bottles remaining, Kawama Elixir is also becoming a less common sight in the selection.
The aroma brings forward caramel, vanilla, dark chocolate (…)Kawama Silver Dry
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Kawama Silver Dry
In stock
Kawama Silver Dry is a Cuban molasses rum, blended from rums drawn from different casks and bottled at 38% ABV. The name gives a clear indication of its direction: a dry silver rum with a fresh, lively profile rather than a heavy or strongly oak-led style.
Its traditional column distillation supports that clean impression. This is not a rum built around an age statement; it is more about clarity, gentle spice and a subtle touch of sweetness. At Drankenshop Broekmans, it has its place among Cuban rums for customers looking for something crisp, dry and straightforward in the best sense.
With the last bottles now in stock, Kawama Silver Dry is gradually leaving our shelves. That makes it a good moment to discover this fresh, dry take on Cuban rum while it is (…)
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.
