Jamaica rum & Spirit Drink
Please note: stock and availability in our store may vary! More info
Hampden 1753 Incl. Box
74360° view available
Hampden 1753 Incl. Box
In stock
Hampden 1753 is a clear introduction to the distinctive world of Jamaican rum from Hampden Estate. Made from molasses, it is a pure Jamaican single rum shaped by long fermentation with wild yeasts and distillation in copper pot stills. That process gives the rum its classic ester profile and its unmistakably expressive personality.
It spends 3 years maturing tropically in ex-bourbon barrels and is bottled at 46%. That strength gives the rum enough structure to carry its aromatic style, while keeping it approachable as a first step into Hampden's flavour universe.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, this is the kind of bottle we like to introduce when someone wants to understand what makes Hampden Estate so recognisable: vivid tropical fruit, spice, a floral lift and a (…)Hampden 8 Years Incl. Box
97360° view available
Hampden 8 Years Incl. Box
In stock
Hampden 8 Years is a Jamaican rum from Hampden Estate, made from molasses and distilled in pot stills. It has a clearly defined personality: fruit and spice are the main threads, with a style that feels more expressive than softly sweet.
Eight years of ageing in bourbon barrels adds a measured wood influence, supporting the rum rather than taking it over. At 46% alcohol, it has enough strength to carry its character with confidence.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, Hampden 8 Years is the kind of rum we like to introduce to customers looking for a Jamaican bottle with real presence. The combination of pot still distillation, Jamaican origin and stated age gives it a direct, characterful appeal.
The flavour profile is led by fruit and spice, with the (…)Hampden Fire Overproof
67360° view available
Hampden Fire Overproof
| 2 reviews
In stockHampden Fire Overproof is a Jamaican rum with a very clear sense of direction. At 63% ABV and bottled in an overproof style, it is built around power, presence and the direct character of pot still distillation.
Made from molasses and carrying no age statement, it keeps the focus firmly on the distillate rather than on a maturation story. The profile points towards a vivid mix of fruit and spice, with lighter floral and vegetal touches in the background, while wood and sweetness do not define the style.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, this is the kind of rum we place in front of customers who are specifically looking for Jamaican intensity at higher strength. Hampden Fire Overproof feels energetic and assertive, with enough aromatic lift to make it more than just a (…)Hampden Fresh White
NEW38
Hampden Fresh White
In stock
Hampden Fresh White is a very direct take on Jamaican white rum, shaped by the heritage of Hampden Estate in Trelawny. The name has a real meaning here: at Hampden, Fresh historically referred to the raw distillate coming straight from the still.
Rather than presenting white rum as something neutral, this bottling keeps the Hampden personality clearly in view. It is a blend of different Hampden marks, produced through natural fermentations with wild yeasts and distilled at Hampden Estate, then bottled at 42%.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, we see it as a white rum with enough character to reinterpret classic cocktails, while still leaving room for more creative mixing. It brings a recognisably Jamaican voice to the glass without losing its practical cocktail (…)Planteray 3 Stars 1l (Planteray Blend)
36
Planteray 3 Stars 1l (Planteray Blend)
In stock
Planteray 3 Stars is a white molasses rum built as a blend from three Caribbean regions. The name points directly to that idea: several origins brought together in a rum that stays bright, tropical and refined rather than heavy or wood-driven.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, we see this as a white rum with more aromatic character than a very neutral style. The use of pot still and column distillation gives it a fruit-led base with a gentle spicy accent, while the overall impression remains clear and polished.
At 41.2% ABV, Planteray 3 Stars has enough presence to carry its notes of tropical fruit, mango, coconut, vanilla and sugarcane. Its charm lies in that exotic, lively profile without unnecessary weight.
The aroma brings tropical fruit, vanilla (…)Planteray Xaymaca Special (Planteray Blend)
33
Planteray Xaymaca Special (Planteray Blend)
In stock
Planteray Xaymaca Special is built around one of Jamaica's most recognisable rum personalities: bold, lively and marked by that unmistakable sense of rum funk. In Planteray's Signature Blends range, different rum origins are presented with a clear sense of place, in the familiar raffia-wrapped bottles.
For Xaymaca, the Jamaican character comes from rums linked to Clarendon and Long Pond, with a notably long fermentation of one to three weeks. The product information also refers to the use of dunder pits, where remnants from previous distillations are kept and added back into new distillates. That detail helps explain the powerful and immediately recognisable flavour associated with this style.
The rum first matures locally in warm tropical conditions before (…)Blackwell
50360° view available
Blackwell
In stock
Blackwell is a Jamaican molasses rum bottled at 40%. In the rum selection at Drankenshop Broekmans, it stands out as a straightforward Jamaican expression built around a fruit-led and sweeter profile, with wood and spice playing a quieter supporting role.
Maturation in bourbon barrels gives the rum its frame, while the absence of an age statement keeps the focus on the blend itself rather than on a number on the label. It is a rum to approach for its immediate character: Jamaica in origin, rounded in style, and not overly dominated by oak.
With only the last bottles remaining, this is one to consider while it is still part of our range. Additional information about the brand can be found at https://www.blackwellrum.com/
Blackwell's flavour (…)Tiki Lovers Dark
14360° view available
Tiki Lovers Dark
In stock
Tiki Lovers Dark is a dark Jamaican rum bottled at a bold 57% ABV. That strength gives it an immediate sense of purpose: this is not a quiet background rum, but a more forceful style with a clear presence.
The Tiki Lovers name sets a lively, tropical mood, while the Jamaican origin adds a clear point of identity. At Drankenshop Broekmans, we see this as a rum for customers looking specifically for a darker Jamaican bottling with more weight and impact than a standard-strength release.
There is no age statement attached to this rum. Its story is built around style, origin and strength: dark in character, Jamaican by provenance and bottled at a level that asks to be approached with attention.
No detailed aromatic tasting notes are supplied for (…)Appleton Signature Blend
25360° view available
Appleton Signature Blend
Only 3 left in stock!
Appleton Signature Blend is a Jamaican rum from Appleton, bottled at 40%. Its name is the key detail here: this is a rum presented through the idea of a house signature in blended form, rather than through an age statement or a specific cask story.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, we see this as a straightforward reference point for customers looking toward Jamaican rum and the Appleton name. It brings together origin, brand identity and the accessible positioning suggested by the Signature Blend name.
Additional information about the brand can be found at https://www.appletonestate.com/
No detailed tasting notes have been provided for Appleton Signature Blend. To avoid adding aromas or flavour descriptions that are not supported by the source (…)Appleton 8y Reserve
16360° view available
Appleton 8y Reserve
In stock
Appleton 8y Reserve is a Jamaican rum with a clear age statement: eight years. That detail gives the bottle immediate context and sets it apart from younger, more straightforward rums.
Bottled at 43%, it has a little extra presence in the glass while staying firmly rooted in the Appleton name and its Jamaican origin. At Drankenshop Broekmans, we see this as the kind of rum that speaks to customers who appreciate clarity: a known brand, a defined age and a Reserve style without unnecessary complication.
Additional information about the brand can be found at https://www.appletonestate.com/
No specific tasting notes are provided for Appleton 8y Reserve, so we will not assign aromas, flavours or finish characteristics that are not present in the (…)Appleton Estate Rare Blend 12y
48360° view available
Appleton Estate Rare Blend 12y
Last one in stock!
Appleton Estate Rare Blend 12y is a Jamaican rum with a clear point of reference: its 12-year age statement. Rather than presenting itself as a vague blend, it gives the drinker a defined sense of maturity and place, with the Rare Blend name positioning it as a more considered expression within Appleton.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, this is the kind of rum we would introduce to someone looking specifically toward Jamaica and wanting a bottle with a little more structure in its presentation. Bottled at 43%, it sits just above the standard 40% strength often seen in rum, giving it a touch more presence on the label as well as at the table.
Additional information about the brand can be found at https://www.appletonestate.com/.
No specific tasting (…)Appleton 15y Incl. Box
69360° view available
Appleton 15y Incl. Box
In stock
Appleton 15y is a Jamaican molasses rum, aged for 15 years and bottled at 43%. At Drankenshop Broekmans, we see it as a rum for customers who want a mature Jamaican expression with depth from ageing, rather than a bottle that relies only on intensity.
The use of pot still and column distillation gives it a layered identity, while bourbon barrel maturation brings a clear woody influence alongside spice and fruit. There is also a gentler side, with light sweetness and a subtle floral touch supporting the broader profile.
What stands out here is the meeting point between Jamaican origin, long maturation and bourbon cask influence. It is a rum to pour calmly and revisit slowly, especially if you enjoy a style where wood, spice and fruit all have a meaningful (…)Appleton 17y Legend
COLLECTOR360° view available
Appleton 17y Legend
In stock
Appleton 17y Legend is a Jamaican molasses rum with a sense of occasion around it. Its 17 years of age and collector's item status give it a different presence from an everyday rum, while the name Legend makes clear that this is positioned as a special Appleton release.
The rum brings together pot still and column distillation, giving it a broader foundation rather than tying it to one narrow style. Maturation in bourbon barrels supports the more mature side of the profile, with wood and spice standing out as the key elements.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, we would introduce this as a bottle for someone looking for a more serious Jamaican Appleton: aged, bottled at 49%, and shaped around a firm wood-and-spice character with lighter fruit, sweetness and subtle (…)Appleton 1993 29y Hearts Collection Incl. Box
250360° view available
Appleton 1993 29y Hearts Collection Incl. Box
In stock
Appleton 1993 29y Hearts Collection is a Jamaican molasses rum built around maturity, strength and clarity of expression. Distilled in 1993 and aged for 29 years, it is bottled at cask strength with an alcoholic strength of 63%, giving the rum a direct and uncompromised presence.
Its character is shaped by a combination of pot still and column distillation, followed by maturation in a bourbon barrel. The available profile points towards fruit and spice as the main accents, with oak playing a supporting role rather than taking over the whole experience.
Within the rum selection at Drankenshop Broekmans, this Appleton stands out because it brings together long ageing, cask strength and a limited outturn of 3600 bottles. With the last bottles now indicated, it (…)Appleton 1994 26y Hearts Collection
COLLECTOR585360° view available
Appleton 1994 26y Hearts Collection
In stock
Appleton 1994 26y Hearts Collection is a Jamaican molasses rum built around a very specific set of details: distilled in 1994, aged for 26 years and produced in pot still style. Those facts give the bottle a clear sense of identity, with the emphasis firmly on maturity, origin and concentration.
The bourbon barrel maturation and cask strength bottling at 60% place it among the more powerful and serious Appleton releases. With 3000 bottles produced, marked as a collectors item and now down to the last bottles, this is a release with a distinctly limited presence rather than a regular shelf expression.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, bottles like this are selected for customers who appreciate rum with a defined vintage, long ageing and an undiluted presentation that (…)Appleton 1995 25y Hearts Collection
COLLECTOR500360° view available
Appleton 1995 25y Hearts Collection
In stock
Appleton 1995 25y Hearts Collection is a Jamaican molasses rum with a firmly defined identity. Distilled in 1995, matured for 25 years and bottled at cask strength, it presents pot still rum in a concentrated, uncompromising form.
The bourbon barrel maturation supports the rum with clear wood, spice and fruit, while sweetness stays very much in the background. At 63% alcohol, the bottling keeps close to the strength and presence of the cask rather than softening the experience.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, this release stands out through its age, strength and limited nature. With 3000 bottles produced and the last bottles now available, it is a particularly noteworthy Appleton for those looking at Jamaican rum as a serious collector's item.
Appleton 2002 20y Hearts Collection Incl. Box
150360° view available
Appleton 2002 20y Hearts Collection Incl. Box
In stock
Appleton 2002 20y Hearts Collection is a Jamaican rum with real presence: distilled in 2002, aged for twenty years and bottled at cask strength at 63%. It feels like a release built around intensity, maturity and a direct expression of the spirit.
Made from molasses and distilled using pot still and column still production, it brings together Jamaican depth with the influence of bourbon barrel ageing. The flavour profile points clearly toward wood, spice and fruit, with lighter floral and vegetal touches in the background. Sweetness is not the centre of the story here; structure and mature rum character are.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, this is the kind of bottle we would place in front of someone looking for a serious Jamaican rum with a vintage statement, a (…)Appleton 21y Nassau Incl. Box
76360° view available
Appleton 21y Nassau Incl. Box
In stock
Appleton 21y Nassau is a Jamaican rum where the age statement immediately gives the bottle its weight. A 21-year-old rum is not the kind of bottle you simply overlook; it invites a more considered moment and a little extra attention in the glass.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, this Appleton sits naturally among rums for customers looking specifically for Jamaican origin, a recognised brand name and a clear age statement. With an alcoholic strength of 43%, it stays within a classic presentation, while the available product data does not provide further production or flavour details to expand on.
Additional information about the brand can be found at https://www.appletonestate.com/
No specific tasting notes have been provided for Appleton 21y Nassau. (…)Appleton Estate Reserve Blend
15360° view available
Appleton Estate Reserve Blend
Not available for shipping
Appleton Estate Reserve Blend is a Jamaican molasses rum built around a clearly fruity and spiced style. The word Blend matters here: rather than focusing on one single dimension, it brings together different sides of Jamaican rum in a composed, approachable way.
Its character is shaped by a combination of pot still and column distillation, giving it a meeting point between depth and smooth drinkability. American oak adds a gentle wood influence, while the fruit and spice remain the main thread. At 40% ABV, it has enough presence to enjoy neat, yet it also makes sense in a well-made mixed drink.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, we see this as a dependable introduction to a Jamaican rum style with flavour and personality, without becoming overly heavy. Additional (…)Assemlage #1 2008 13y (Clarendon 2007, Long Pond 2005, Ny 2005, Wp 2008) (Rest & Be Thankful)
125360° view available
Assemlage #1 2008 13y (Clarendon 2007, Long Pond 2005, Ny 2005, Wp 2008) (Rest & Be Thankful)
In stock
Assemlage #1 2008 13y by Rest & Be Thankful is a Jamaican molasses rum, and the name already gives a clear sense of its composition: Clarendon 2007, Long Pond 2005, NY 2005 and WP 2008. Rather than presenting a broad, anonymous blend, it brings several Jamaican components and vintages together in one bottling.
The rum combines pot still and column distillation, giving the blend more range within its Jamaican identity. Maturation in bourbon barrel and bottling at 46% place it in a serious but approachable strength range, while the 13-year age statement gives it the standing of a mature Jamaican rum.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, this is the kind of bottle we like to point out to customers who enjoy rum with a more transparent construction. The remaining (…)Belroy's Rum
4
Belroy's Rum
In stock
Belroy's Rum is a Jamaican molasses rum shaped by origin, distillation and cask influence rather than by an age statement. It brings together pot still and column distillation, giving the rum a layered yet straightforward foundation.
Maturation in bourbon barrel adds a gentle touch of wood, while the fruit-driven side remains the clearest part of its profile. Light spice, soft sweetness and a subtle floral note sit around that fruit without taking over. It reads as a Jamaican rum with a clear identity, presented in a measured, approachable way.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, this bottle has its place among rums that tell their story through honest building blocks: Jamaica, molasses, bourbon barrel and a blend of distillation styles. With the last bottles now (…)Blackwell 007 Bond
52360° view available
Blackwell 007 Bond
In stock
Blackwell 007 Bond is a Jamaican molasses rum bottled at 40%. The name naturally stands out, yet the bottle is more than its label: it points to a rum style where fruit, spice and wood all have a clear role.
The Bourbon Barrel reference brings a woody frame to the rum, while the mixed distilling style gives the impression of a profile built from several elements rather than one single dominant note. There is some sweetness, but it sits behind the fruit, spice and cask influence rather than taking over.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, this is one of those bottles that draws attention quickly, especially now that only the last bottles remain. A distinctive Jamaican rum for anyone looking for something with a recognisable name and a straightforward, flavour-led (…)Bonpland Rum Forte Overproof
23360° view available
Bonpland Rum Forte Overproof
In stock
Bonpland Rum Forte Overproof is a Jamaican molasses rum built around strength and presence. At 55% ABV and bottled at cask strength, it carries the overproof idea with confidence: a rum that keeps its intensity rather than softening everything down.
The combination of pot still and column distillation gives this bottling an interesting foundation, bringing together different approaches within one Jamaican rum. A wine finish adds an extra maturation element, while the available profile suggests that wood is not the dominant feature here. With no age statement, the focus stays firmly on style, structure and impact.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, this is the kind of rum we place in front of customers looking for something with more drive than a standard-strength (…)Bonpland Worthy Park 11y 50cl
LAST PIECES38360° view available
Bonpland Worthy Park 11y 50cl
On request only
Bonpland Worthy Park 11y is a Jamaican molasses rum with a more focused, small-batch feel than a broad house style. Distilled in a pot still and bottled from a single cask, it speaks to drinkers who like their rum with a clear origin and a defined maturation story.
The rum was distilled in 2007 and bottled in 2018, with a Wine Finish adding an extra layer to the cask influence. Only 315 bottles were produced, and with the last bottles now remaining, this release has the feel of a specific cask selection rather than a regular ongoing expression.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, bottlings like this are valued because they make the details meaningful: Jamaica, Worthy Park, pot still distillation, single cask selection and a limited outturn all point in the same (…)
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:
-
is made from sugar cane products
-
is fermented and distilled
-
has a maximum alcohol content of 96% at distillation
-
contains at least 37.5% alcohol at bottling
-
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.
