Mix rum & Spirit Drink
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Black Tot Rum
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Black Tot Rum
In stock
Black Tot Rum is a molasses-based rum with a clear sense of presence. Bottled at 46.2%, it carries a little more weight than many standard rums, while its identity is not built around an age statement. The use of pot still and column distillation points to a layered style, with spice and fruit taking the lead and a gentle bourbon cask wood influence sitting behind them.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, Black Tot is the kind of rum we would reach for when someone wants flavour and structure without moving into an overly sweet style. It has enough character to be enjoyed neat, while remaining approachable in the glass.
Additional information about the brand can be found at https://blacktot.com/
The flavour profile is led by clear fruitiness and a (…)Planteray Black Cask 2026 (Planteray Blend)
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Planteray Black Cask 2026 (Planteray Blend)
In stock
Planteray Black Cask 2026 is built from molasses rums from Barbados and the Fiji Islands. Rather than highlighting a single origin, it brings these two sources together in a blend with ripe fruit, gentle spice and a rounded, approachable style.
The rum is distilled using both column and pot stills. Part of the spirit matures in oak casks before the different components are blended, followed by a Cognac Finish. It is then reduced to 40% alc./vol. and lightly filtered before bottling, keeping the character smooth without making it feel anonymous.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, this Planteray stands out as a rum with an easy charm and enough detail to make it interesting in the glass. Expect a style where tropical fruit, vanilla, caramel and mild spice sit alongside (…)Planteray Sealander (Planteray Blend)
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Planteray Sealander (Planteray Blend)
In stock
Planteray Sealander is built around the idea of bringing different island rum traditions into one carefully composed blend. It combines aged and unaged molasses rums from three islands, with both pot still and column still distillates contributing to its shape and texture.
Alexandre Gabriel adds a touch of cane sugar syrup before the blend is brought down to 40% ABV with osmosis water. It is then filtered and bottled with care, keeping the focus on the rum's aromatic clarity and gentle sweetness. The Cognac finish adds an extra layer of polish without taking the blend away from its island-led character.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, Planteray Sealander has the kind of approachable yet detailed profile that makes it easy to introduce in conversation: inviting from (…)Planteray Sealander + 2 Glazen (Planteray Blend)
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Planteray Sealander + 2 Glazen (Planteray Blend)
In stock
Planteray Sealander + 2 Glasses is built around the craft of blending. Rather than coming from one single origin, it brings together aged and unaged molasses rums from three islands. According to the product information, Alexandre Gabriel adds a small touch of cane sugar syrup before reducing the blend to 40% with osmosis water.
The use of both pot still and column still rum gives the blend its range, while the Cognac Finish adds a rounded edge. Its character leans toward fruit and spice, with a gentle sweetness that keeps the rum approachable without making it feel simple.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, we see this giftpack as a very natural choice when someone wants a rum with an easy-going serving style and a proper blending story behind it. With the two (…)Planteray Navy Rum
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Planteray Navy Rum
In stock
Planteray Navy Rum is built around the idea of a strong, old-style navy proof rum, bottled at 55.7%. Rather than focusing on a single island, it brings together rums from Barbados, Trinidad, Guyana and Jamaica, distilled in both column and pot stills. That blend of origins and distillation styles is central to its personality.
The rum first matures in a tropical climate in ex-bourbon casks, then continues its refinement in Charente in used oak casks and large open vats. That finishing stage connects naturally with its Cognac Finish identity, adding depth while keeping the rum's powerful core intact.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, we see this as a rum with real presence: fruity, spiced and full-bodied, yet still composed enough to feel deliberate rather than simply (…)Maman Brigitte Asta (Asta Morris)
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Maman Brigitte Asta (Asta Morris)
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In stockMaman Brigitte Asta is a molasses-based rum made with distillates from both pot still and column still production. That combination gives the rum an engaging foundation: one side can bring more weight and depth, while the other supports a cleaner, more direct style. Its origin is listed as mixed, so this is not presented as a rum tied to one single country of production.
Bourbon Barrel ageing adds a touch of wood, though the profile suggests that wood is not the main story here. The emphasis sits more clearly on spice and fruit, with a modest sweetness and a light floral accent in the background.
In the rum selection at Drankenshop Broekmans, Maman Brigitte Asta is the kind of bottle we would introduce to someone looking for a molasses rum with a little (…)Bar Ran Funky Juice
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Bar Ran Funky Juice
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Bar Ran Funky Juice is a rum from 1423 Rum World Class with a name that immediately sets the tone. Its origin is listed as Mix, so the focus is less on a single country of production and more on the style and personality of the bottling.
At 48% alcohol, it carries more presence than many standard-strength rums. That extra weight suits the Funky Juice name well: direct, informal and clearly not trying to present itself as a quiet, traditional label.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, bottles like this are appreciated for bringing a more individual note to the rum selection. With only the last bottles remaining, it is also a release that is gradually becoming harder to come by.
No specific tasting notes are provided for Bar Ran Funky Juice. What can be (…)Black Tot Historic Solera
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Black Tot Historic Solera
In stock
Black Tot Historic Solera is built around depth of blending and maturation. It brings together Caribbean rum from Barbados, Guyana and Jamaica, combining pot still and column still styles. That gives it a broader voice than a simple single-style rum, with different layers working together in the glass.
The traditional solera process and maturation in old sherry casks give this release its darker, more developed side. Ripe fruit, cocoa and sweet spice sit at the centre, supported by a strength of 46.2% that keeps the rum expressive without feeling forced.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, this is the kind of rum we would point out to someone looking beyond soft, easy sipping styles and wanting something fuller, fruitier and more spice-driven.
The aroma (…)Black Tot Last Consignment Mini
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Black Tot Last Consignment Mini
Last one in stock!
Black Tot Last Consignment Mini is a molasses-based rum bottled at 54.3%, so it keeps a firm, full-strength presence rather than being softened into an easy-drinking style. The mini format makes it a compact way to explore this Black Tot release while still retaining its serious character.
Its appeal lies in the way it brings together several elements: a multivintage composition and rum distilled through both pot still and column still methods. That points to a bottle shaped by blending and contrast rather than by a single vintage or one production style. At Drankenshop Broekmans, this is the kind of small-format rum we like for customers who want to taste with attention and compare character rather than simply choose by category.
The flavour direction sits (…)Black Tot Master Blender's Reserve
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Black Tot Master Blender's Reserve
On request only
Black Tot Master Blender's Reserve is built around blending rather than a single age statement. As a multivintage molasses rum, made from both pot still and column still distillates, it brings together different styles and years into one cask strength release.
At 54.5%, this is presented with real presence. The supplied flavour profile points toward wood, spice and fruit as the main pillars, with only lighter floral and vegetal touches and no pronounced sweetness. That gives the rum a more structured, assertive direction than a soft, sugar-led style.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, we see this as one of those rums where the interest lies in the composition: the way different distillation styles and vintages are brought together under the Black Tot name. With only (…)Black Tot Master Blenders Reserve 2023
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Black Tot Master Blenders Reserve 2023
In stock
Black Tot Master Blenders Reserve 2023 looks back to a lost blending tradition: the perpetual rum blend of the British Navy, maintained from the early 1800s until Black Tot Day in 1970. Black Tot revived that idea in 2020 with the first Master Blender's Reserve, and the 2023 edition was created to sit closer to the original Navy rum style.
For this release, Master Blender Oliver Chilton added his own touch with rum from Grenada, distilled in 1993. That element was selected to bring depth and to underline the rich orange notes in the blend. Bottled at 54.5% cask strength, it combines pot still and column rum, giving a firm, spicy and wood-influenced profile with a measured fruit presence.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, this is the kind of rum we like to present as (…)Black Tot Master Pack 5x3cl
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Black Tot Master Pack 5x3cl
Last one in stock!
Black Tot Master Pack 5x3cl is a compact tasting set for exploring Black Tot in measured pours. With five 3cl bottles presented as a gift pack, it has the feel of a proper discovery box rather than a standard full-size bottle purchase.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, we see this kind of pack as a thoughtful choice for rum drinkers who enjoy comparing styles side by side. The rum is molasses-based, bottled at a robust 54.5%, and brings together pot still and column distillation. That gives the pack a more layered production background than a simple single-style rum.
The bourbon cask reference adds context to the maturation side, while the lack of an age statement keeps the focus on the Black Tot selection itself. It is a useful format for tasting, gifting, or (…)Black Tot Tastingkit 2021 5x3cl
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Black Tot Tastingkit 2021 5x3cl
In stock
Black Tot Tastingkit 2021 5x3cl is built as a small rum journey rather than a single-bottle experience. The five 3cl bottles make it a natural choice for a seated tasting, a thoughtful gift, or a way to explore Black Tot in measured pours.
The rum is molasses-based and brings together pot still and column still distillation. That gives the kit its main point of interest: it is made for comparison, for noticing how different rum components can sit beside one another in the glass. The Bourbon Cask reference adds a maturation element to the story, while the release carries no age statement.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, we see this kind of tasting set as a fine option for customers who enjoy discovering rum with a bit more attention. At 47.86% ABV it has enough (…)Bonpland Blanc VSOP 20cl
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Bonpland Blanc VSOP 20cl
In stock
Bonpland Blanc VSOP 20cl is a molasses-based rum with a distinctive Chardonnay Finish. That finishing choice gives this Bonpland its own angle: the interest here lies not in a stated age, but in the way the maturation touch shapes the final style.
It brings together pot still and column distillation, placing it outside a simple one-dimensional rum category. The 20cl bottle also makes it a neat discovery size, especially for anyone exploring Bonpland through a smaller format.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, we see this as a characterful little rum bottle within the range: Bonpland Blanc VSOP, finished in Chardonnay casks and now down to the last bottles.
The flavour profile is led by fruit, supported by light floral touches, gentle spice, a modest (…)Bonpland Clair
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Bonpland Clair
In stock
Bonpland Clair is a molasses-based rum with a clean, direct sense of character. The name already points in the right direction: this is not a rum built around age statements or pronounced wood influence, but around a clearer expression where spice takes the lead.
What makes it particularly interesting is the use of both pot still and column distillation. That combination gives the rum a different feel from a style based on just one approach, bringing together structure and precision without letting oak dominate the experience. At Drankenshop Broekmans, we see Bonpland Clair as a good fit for customers looking for a molasses rum with a spiced profile and a straightforward presentation.
At 42% alcohol, it has a little extra presence while remaining approachable (…)Bonpland Rouge VSOP 20cl
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Bonpland Rouge VSOP 20cl
In stock
Bonpland Rouge VSOP 20cl is a molasses-based rum bottled at 40%, with its character shaped by a Pinot Noir cask finish. That finishing choice gives this VSOP a different angle from a more straightforward rum maturation.
The rum brings together pot still and column distillation, giving it a production background that is broader than one single distilling style. At Drankenshop Broekmans, we see this small bottle as a good way to explore Bonpland Rouge, especially for drinkers interested in rum with a wine-cask finish.
The 20cl format keeps the discovery accessible without committing to a full bottle. With only the last bottles remaining, it is a particularly relevant choice for anyone who still wants to taste this specific Bonpland Rouge VSOP release.
Bonpland Rouge VSOP 50cl
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Bonpland Rouge VSOP 50cl
Only 2 left in stock!
Bonpland Rouge VSOP 50cl is a molasses-based rum bottled at 40%, shaped by more than one distillation style. The use of pot still and column distillation suggests a rum built from different components, bringing together weight and a cleaner, more measured structure.
Its wine finish is the detail that sets the tone. There is no age statement given, but the finishing choice gives this Bonpland a clear identity within the bottle. At Drankenshop Broekmans, we see it as a rum for customers looking beyond the most familiar sweet styles: spice sits at the centre, with lighter touches of fruit, sweetness, wood and floral character around it.
The 50 cl size makes it a pleasant bottle for exploration rather than a large commitment. With only the last bottles remaining, (…)Bonpland Sombre
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Bonpland Sombre
In stock
Bonpland Sombre is a molasses-based rum with a darker presentation and a clearly fruity centre. It does not come across as a heavily oak-led rum; instead, the interest lies in its approachable depth, gentle sweetness and subtle aromatic lift.
The use of both pot still and column distillation gives the rum a useful balance of structure and smoothness. Maturation in bourbon barrel supports the style, while the absence of an age statement keeps the focus on the character of the rum itself rather than on a number on the label.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, this is the kind of rum we place with customers looking for a fruit-forward molasses rum with light spice and an easy, darker-toned profile. With only the last bottles remaining, Bonpland Sombre is not a bottle (…)Canaoak
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Canaoak
In stock
Canaoak is a molasses-based rum made with a combination of pot still and column distillation. That mix is the key point here: it brings together two different approaches to rum without relying on an age statement to define the bottle.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, we see Canaoak as a rum with an approachable style, yet enough nuance to make it worth taking a little time with. The flavour profile suggests gentle fruit, spice, wood, floral and sweet elements, with no single side taking over completely.
Bottled at 40% alcohol, Canaoak stays firmly within a classic rum expression, suited to drinkers looking for balance rather than heaviness. Additional information about the brand can be found at https://www.canaoak.com/
The flavour profile is measured (…)Cash Cane Extra Old
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Cash Cane Extra Old
In stock
Cash Cane Extra Old is a molasses-based rum with one particularly defining detail: a Sherry Finish. Although the name carries the words Extra Old, there is no age statement here, so the focus is less on a number and more on the style of the rum itself.
The mixed origin and mixed distilling style give it a broad foundation, while the sherry finish points the character towards fruit and spice. At 40% alcohol, it keeps a composed strength, allowing the profile to remain approachable without stripping away its personality.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, we see Cash Cane Extra Old as a rum for drinkers looking for a molasses rum with a little more depth than a very straightforward bottle, yet without moving into an overly heavy style. With only the last bottles (…)Cash Cane Saloon Cask
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Cash Cane Saloon Cask
In stock
Cash Cane Saloon Cask is a molasses-based rum with a firmer style: bottled at 55% and matured in American Oak. The name sets a clear mood. This is a rum with presence, built around a clearly fruity profile, while oak, spice and sweetness play more of a supporting role.
Its origin and distilling style are both described as mixed, so the focus here is less on a single place or one fixed production route and more on the final character in the glass. With no age statement, the emphasis stays on strength, composition and flavour rather than a declared maturation age.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, we see this as a rum for customers looking for something with extra strength and a fruit-led profile rather than an overtly wood-heavy style. The last-bottles indication also (…)Elizabeth Yard Sherry Cask
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Elizabeth Yard Sherry Cask
In stock
Elizabeth Yard Sherry Cask is a blended rum with a deliberately layered make-up. It brings together high ester pot still rum from Ghana, aromatic sugarcane juice from Vietnam and single estate molasses from the Philippines. Rather than focusing on a single origin or one narrow style, it builds its character from contrast: tropical fruit, depth and a warm, energetic edge.
Sherry cask maturation adds a darker, richer tone to that foundation. The rum moves towards spice, ripe fruit and a creamy sense of weight, while staying away from a simple sweet profile. At Drankenshop Broekmans, we see this as the kind of bottle that is worth taking time with, because the blend itself is part of the pleasure.
Bottled at 42.5%, it has enough strength to carry its aromatic (…)Merser Double Barrel Rum
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Merser Double Barrel Rum
In stock
Merser Double Barrel Rum is a molasses-based rum with a character built around interplay rather than heaviness. The use of both pot still and column distillation gives it a broader foundation, combining structure with a more approachable flow.
The Bourbon Barrel reference brings the cask into the story, although the supplied profile places fruit at the centre. Floral, woody, spiced and lightly sweet elements sit more in support. At Drankenshop Broekmans, we see this Merser as a rum for customers who enjoy some fruit-driven character, but also want the drink to have shape from the barrel and distillation style.
Bottled at 43.1%, it carries a little extra presence without being presented as an extreme or heavily aged rum. Its appeal lies in the measured (…)Merser Reserve Rum
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Merser Reserve Rum
In stock
Merser Reserve Rum is a blend built around carefully selected rums, mainly from the Dominican Republic. Rather than relying on an age statement, it presents itself through its style: smooth, rounded and shaped by maturation in oak casks.
The appeal lies in the way the fruit and wood sit together. The blend includes rum from pot still and column distillation, giving it a broader feel while keeping the mouthfeel soft and approachable.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, we see Merser Reserve Rum as the kind of bottle that works well neat or over ice. Its gentle sweetness, oak influence and light spice make it a calm, enjoyable rum without pushing into an overly heavy style.
The aroma is warm, with vanilla toffee and dried fruit, lifted by subtle spice and (…)
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.
