Rum & Spirit Drink
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A1710 Nuée Ardente Tube Incl.
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A1710 Nuée Ardente Tube Incl.
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A1710 Nuée Ardente is a Martinique rum blend with a notably layered composition. It brings together 11 outstanding rums, each aged between 6 and 22 years in oak casks. Rather than relying on a single note, it is built around maturation, blending and aromatic depth.
After this long ageing, the blend is further matured in French oak casks that previously held Cognac brandy. That finishing stage adds a more polished, mature dimension, giving room to wood, spice and fruit while keeping the rum expressive. The use of pot still and column distillation helps shape a broad profile, combining structure with clarity.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, Nuée Ardente stands out as a rum for drinkers who enjoy seeing how careful blending and cask ageing can shape a (…)Amrut White (Habitation Velier)
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Amrut White (Habitation Velier)
On request only
Amrut White is an Indian white rum with a story that immediately stands out. It marks the first time Habitation Velier has bottled a white rum from the Amrut distillery, giving this limited edition a very specific place within the world of sugar cane juice rum.
Its identity starts close to the distillery itself. The pure sugar cane juice comes from a field next to Amrut, giving the rum a genuine field-to-bottle character. The connection with Amrut's better-known whisky production is also part of the appeal: the yeasts used for fermentation and the pot stills used for distillation are the same as those used for the distillery's renowned whiskies.
Bottled at cask strength at 62.8%, this is a white rum with real intensity and a very direct expression of its raw (…)Appleton 1993 29y Hearts Collection Incl. Box
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Appleton 1993 29y Hearts Collection Incl. Box
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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
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Appleton 1994 26y Hearts Collection
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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
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Appleton 1995 25y Hearts Collection
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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
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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 (…)Barbados 2013 10y Foursquare (The Nectar - Daily Dram)
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Barbados 2013 10y Foursquare (The Nectar - Daily Dram)
On request only
Barbados 2013 10y Foursquare from Daily Dram is a molasses rum distilled at Foursquare in Barbados and bottled by The Nectar after 10 years of maturation. Its pot still and column distillation give it a layered foundation, while the bourbon barrel influence supports the rum without taking attention away from its tropical and spicy side.
This is a single cask release bottled at cask strength. Only 250 bottles were filled, and with the last bottles now in circulation, it feels very much like a precise snapshot from one individual barrel rather than a standard batch. At Drankenshop Broekmans, these are the kinds of rums that stand out: direct, concentrated and clearly shaped by their origin and cask.
At 64.9% ABV, it carries real strength, yet the tasting notes (…)Beenleigh 2007 13y Barc (Blackadder Rum)
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Beenleigh 2007 13y Barc (Blackadder Rum)
On request only
Beenleigh 2007 13y Barc is an Australian rum with a very direct point of interest: it is a single cask Blackadder bottling, drawn from one hogshead and released at its natural cask strength of 65.1%.
The dates matter here. Distilled in 2007 and bottled in 2020, this rum spent 13 years maturing before being selected for the Blackadder Rum range. Rather than presenting a broad house style, it gives a focused look at one individual cask.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, bottles like this are appreciated for their clarity of origin and their independent bottler character. With only the last bottles remaining, this release has the feel of a rum that is becoming increasingly hard to revisit.
Bottled at 65.1% cask strength, this rum is presented in an (…)Beenleigh 2015 8y Mag 1,5l (Velier)
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Beenleigh 2015 8y Mag 1,5l (Velier)
Very last one in stock!
Beenleigh 2015 8y Mag 1.5l is an Australian molasses rum with a strong sense of place. It comes from Beenleigh, a distillery founded in 1884 in Queensland, and is made from molasses sourced from Australia's last privately owned mill. That background gives the bottle a story before the glass is even poured.
The rum is distilled using both columns and pot stills, then aged for 8 years in bourbon barrels. At 60% and bottled at cask strength, it keeps a firm, direct character rather than smoothing away its natural intensity. The 1.5 litre magnum format adds to its distinctive presence, especially as these are the last bottles.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, this Velier bottling sits in the selection for drinkers who appreciate rum with origin, power and detail: (…)Bielle 2002 20y (Asta Morris) Incl. Box
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Bielle 2002 20y (Asta Morris) Incl. Box
In stock
Bielle 2002 20y is a Guadeloupe rum built around a very clear idea: a defined vintage, long ageing and a remarkably small release. Rather than feeling like a regular range bottling, it carries the identity of a specific parcel of rum, distilled in 2002 and held for 20 years before bottling.
Its maturation in a Bourbon Barrel adds an important part of the story, while the 49.4% strength gives the bottle a serious presence. With only 57 bottles released, this is a rum where scarcity is not a marketing phrase but part of the factual identity of the product.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, we see this Bielle as the kind of bottle that naturally draws attention from customers looking for older, limited rum from Guadeloupe. The fact that only the last bottles remain (…)Caroni 1996 23y Tasting Gang (For Velier)
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Caroni 1996 23y Tasting Gang (For Velier)
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Caroni 1996 23y Tasting Gang is a Trinidad rum with a serious, full-strength identity. Distilled in 1996, aged for 23 years and bottled at 63.5% cask strength, it is made for slow, considered tasting rather than casual sipping.
The molasses base, traditional column distillation and Bourbon Barrel maturation give this release a firm structure. At Drankenshop Broekmans, bottles like this are the kind we place in front of rum drinkers who want something with presence, concentration and a clear sense of origin.
With 5083 bottles released, a collectors item indication and the last bottles now in circulation, this Caroni also carries a real sense of scarcity. Its appeal lies in the combination of age, strength and a clearly defined 1996 distillation.
Caroni 1996 25y Employees United (Caroni Employees)
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Caroni 1996 25y Employees United (Caroni Employees)
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Caroni 1996 25y Employees United is a Trinidad molasses rum with a very direct sense of purpose. Distilled in 1996, aged for 25 years and bottled at cask strength at 66.6%, it is presented in a powerful, uncompromising form rather than softened into an easy-going style.
Its maturation in a bourbon barrel gives the rum a clear framework, while the traditional column distillation underlines its structured nature. The supplied flavour profile points mainly towards wood, spice and a pronounced vegetal side, with fruit playing a smaller supporting role.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, a bottle like this stands out because the details tell a focused story: 754 bottles, collector status and now down to the last bottles. It is a release where age, strength and scarcity are (…)Caroni 1996 25y Mahesh (Caroni Employees)
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Caroni 1996 25y Mahesh (Caroni Employees)
Only 3 left in stock!
Caroni 1996 25y Mahesh is a Trinidad molasses rum with a very deliberate sense of weight and rarity. Distilled in 1996, aged for 25 years and bottled at cask strength at 64.6%, it comes from Traditional Column distillation and matured in a bourbon barrel.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, this is the kind of rum we would place in front of someone looking for a limited, serious bottle rather than a soft, sweetness-led style. With 689 bottles released, collector status and the indication that these are among the last bottles, its scarcity is part of the story.
The profile points toward wood, spice and fruit as the main pillars, with lighter floral and vegetal touches in the background. The high strength and long maturation give it a firm, mature presence, making it a (…)Caroni 1996 25y Ricky (Caroni Employees)
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Caroni 1996 25y Ricky (Caroni Employees)
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Caroni 1996 25y Ricky is a Trinidad rum with a very clear sense of presence. Distilled in 1996, aged for 25 years and bottled at a cask strength of 66.2%, it is the kind of rum that speaks in a firm, uncompromising voice.
The bourbon barrel maturation and traditional column distillation give this release its structure, while the production of just 630 bottles adds a real sense of rarity. With only the last bottles remaining, it holds a distinctive place in the rum selection at Drankenshop Broekmans, especially for those looking for a notable Caroni bottling rather than a standard everyday pour.
Its profile is led by pronounced spice, with fruit and vegetal notes also playing an important role. Oak is present, but more as support than as the main theme. (…)Caroni 1998 25y Rum Sponge (Caroni Employees)
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Caroni 1998 25y Rum Sponge (Caroni Employees)
In stock
Caroni 1998 25y Rum Sponge is built around a very focused idea: one cask, one vintage and 25 years of maturation. Distilled in 1998 and bottled in 2023, this Trinidad rum was released in a run of just 243 bottles.
At 61.3% and bottled at cask strength, it stays close to the individual cask rather than presenting a softened or standardised version of the spirit. That is the appeal here: a long-aged rum captured from a single cask, with its own particular place in time.
For Drankenshop Broekmans, this is the kind of bottle that adds depth to a specialist rum selection: limited, distinctive and clearly aimed at drinkers who value scarcity and provenance. The fact that these are the last bottles, and that the release is marked as a collector's item, only (…)Caroni Paradise 1994 #3 (Velier) Incl. Box
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Caroni Paradise 1994 #3 (Velier) Incl. Box
Very last one in stock!
Caroni Paradise 1994 #3 is a Trinidad rum built around precision and scarcity: one cask, one vintage, one very small release. Distilled in 1994 and bottled in 2023, it spent 29 years maturing in a bourbon barrel before being bottled at 52.8%.
Only 215 bottles were drawn from this single cask, giving the rum a very specific identity. Rather than presenting a broad house style, it captures the character of one individual barrel after long maturation. Its collector's item status follows naturally from that limited scale and clearly defined origin.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, this Velier bottling sits among the rums we would point out to customers interested in mature, rare molasses rum with a strong cask-driven personality. Wood and spice form the main structure, (…)Caroni Paradise 1996 #1 (Velier) Incl. Box
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Caroni Paradise 1996 #1 (Velier) Incl. Box
Very last one in stock!
Caroni Paradise 1996 #1 by Velier is a Trinidad molasses rum with a very focused identity. Distilled in 1996 in a traditional column style and bottled in 2023, it carries the weight of a long maturation without being softened down before release.
The rum comes from a single bourbon barrel and was bottled at cask strength, 62.7%. Only 213 bottles were filled, and with the last bottles now in circulation, its collectible nature is part of the story rather than an afterthought.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, this is the kind of rum we place in front of someone looking for intensity, scarcity and a clear cask-driven personality. The Velier name, the Trinidad origin and the single cask format all point in the same direction: a powerful, limited rum for serious (…)Caroni Paradise 1996 #4 (Velier) Incl. Box
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Caroni Paradise 1996 #4 (Velier) Incl. Box
Very last one in stock!
Caroni Paradise 1996 #4 is a Trinidad rum where the main story is time, strength and scarcity. Bottled by Velier, it was distilled from molasses in 1996 and bottled in 2023 after 27 years of ageing. Rather than coming from a broad batch, it was drawn from a single bourbon barrel, giving this release a very specific cask identity.
Only 215 bottles were produced, and it was bottled at cask strength at 68.1% ABV. That makes it a rum with real presence, aimed at drinkers who appreciate the individuality of a single cask and the directness of a high-strength bottling. At Drankenshop Broekmans, releases like this stand out because they bring together provenance, age and limited availability in a very tangible way.
The supplied flavour profile points towards a (…)Caroni Paradise 1998 #2 (Velier) Incl. Box
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Caroni Paradise 1998 #2 (Velier) Incl. Box
Very last one in stock!
Caroni Paradise 1998 #2 is a Trinidad molasses rum bottled by Velier, distilled in 1998 and bottled in 2023. It comes from a single bourbon barrel and was released at cask strength, 56.3%, with only 230 bottles drawn from that one cask.
The interest here lies in the concentration of the release. This is not a broad, blended expression, but a very specific barrel selection with a clear sense of scarcity. As a collector's item and with the last bottles indicated, it occupies a special place among the more limited rums in the Drankenshop Broekmans selection.
Its profile is built around wood, spice and fruit, supported by lighter floral and vegetal notes. The data does not point toward a sweet style, so the emphasis is more on structure, cask influence and the (…)Don Papa 7y
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Don Papa 7y
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Don Papa 7y is a rum from the Philippines, a country of origin that immediately sets it apart from the more familiar rum regions. The name highlights a seven-year indication, placing this bottle clearly in the aged rum side of the Don Papa range.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, we see Don Papa 7y as a rum for customers who want to explore a Philippine expression while staying with a recognisable brand. Bottled at 40% alcohol, it sits at a familiar strength, while the supplied product details do not specify further information on aroma, cask influence or production method.
Additional information about the brand can be found at https://www.donpaparum.com/
No specific tasting notes are included in the supplied information for Don Papa 7y. For that (…)El Amparo
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El Amparo
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El Amparo is an Ecuadorian rum made from sugar cane juice, built around the Cubana Negra cane variety. The cane is grown and harvested according to traditional practices carried through three generations, giving this rum a strong sense of agricultural origin rather than a polished, anonymous style.
Fermentation begins naturally with indigenous yeasts in vats of 1000 to 3000 litres and lasts 5 to 7 days, depending on the sugar concentration of the must at harvest. Distillation takes place in a single run through a 500-litre copper pot still. The spirit leaves the still at around 60%, and this first batch of El Amparo was bottled at that still strength.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, we see this as a rum with real immediacy. It is not driven by sweetness or wood, (…)Enmore 1986 21y Special Reserve Silver Seal
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Enmore 1986 21y Special Reserve Silver Seal
Very last one in stock!
Enmore 1986 21y Special Reserve Silver Seal is a Guyanese rum with a clear sense of time and place. Distilled in 1986 and aged for 21 years, it carries the kind of detail that immediately attracts attention from drinkers who look for older, clearly defined rum releases.
At 55% alcohol, this is not presented as a casual everyday pour. It sits in a more focused category, where vintage, age and bottling identity matter. The Special Reserve Silver Seal name adds to that feeling of a rum made to be considered slowly rather than simply served and forgotten.
Within the selection at Drankenshop Broekmans, this bottle stands out because of its scarcity and collector relevance. With only the last bottles indicated, it is a particularly notable choice for those seeking (…)Foursquare 2005 16y Tb (Thompson Brothers)
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Foursquare 2005 16y Tb (Thompson Brothers)
On request only
Foursquare 2005 16y Tb is a molasses-based Barbados rum bottled by Thompson Brothers. Its appeal lies in the way the details come together: distilled in 2005, bottled in 2021, matured for 16 years and released as a single cask at cask strength.
The rum was aged in a Bourbon Barrel and made using pot still and column distillation. That gives this bottling a clear identity: one cask, one maturation path and a direct presentation at 57% ABV, without turning it into a routine house style.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, this sits among the more characterful rum selections: limited, cask-driven and rooted in Barbados. With only the last bottles remaining, it feels very much like a defined release rather than a rum that will simply stay on the shelf year after year.
Foursquare 2007 14y Tb (Thompson Brothers)
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Foursquare 2007 14y Tb (Thompson Brothers)
Very last one in stock!
Foursquare 2007 14y TB is a Barbados molasses rum released under the Thompson Brothers name. Its appeal lies in the way the details come together: distilled in December 2007, bottled in October 2022, aged for 14 years and drawn from a single cask.
Only 272 bottles were produced, so this is a tightly limited bottling rather than a regular release. The refill barrel points to a cask influence that stays in a supporting role, while the 57.1% strength gives the rum a firm, cask-strength presence.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, this sits well among rums chosen for drinkers who like a more focused view of Barbados rum through one individual cask. The flavour direction is not built around one dominant note; instead, it shows a light spread of fruit, sweetness, spice, (…)
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.
