Rum & Spirit Drink
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Hampden 1753 Incl. Box
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Hampden 1753 Incl. Box
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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
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Hampden 8 Years Incl. Box
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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 (…)Centenario 25y Gran Reserva Incl. Box
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Centenario 25y Gran Reserva Incl. Box
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Centenario 25y Gran Reserva is a Costa Rican rum shaped by blending and long maturation. It brings together rums aged from 6 to 25 years in a system of continuous ageing, giving the glass a sense of maturity while still keeping a lively fruit-driven side.
The rum is aged in American white oak casks that previously held Scotch whisky. That detail matters here, because the profile is not simply sweet and round; it carries dry wood, spice and a fresh fruit note that give it more definition. At Drankenshop Broekmans, this is the kind of bottle we would point out to someone looking for a mature rum with a composed, drier finish.
It is a well-appreciated Centenario release, especially for drinkers who enjoy aged rum with fruit, spice and wood in a calm, polished (…)Lazy Dodo
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Lazy Dodo
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Lazy Dodo by New Grove is a Mauritian rum made from molasses, with a character that leans clearly towards fruit. Distilled in a traditional column style, it presents a clean and approachable side of Mauritius rum without feeling anonymous.
Maturation in bourbon barrels adds a gentle wood note and a touch of spice, while the fruity side remains the main impression. At 40% alcohol, Lazy Dodo stays easy to enjoy, more about aromatic smoothness and charm than weight or force.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, this is the kind of rum that fits well for customers looking for a friendly introduction to New Grove and to rum from Mauritius. It has enough character to be interesting, while keeping a relaxed and welcoming style.
Additional information about the (…)Planteray Barbados 5y (Planteray Blend)
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Planteray Barbados 5y (Planteray Blend)
In stock
Planteray Barbados 5y shows the approachable yet expressive side of Barbadian rum. It brings together pot still and column still rum from Stade's West Indies Rum Distillery in Barbados, a distillery founded in 1893 by George Stade.
The ageing story is central here. The rum first matures for three years in Barbados, close to the beach. The casks then travel by sea to France, where the journey itself forms part of what Planteray describes as dynamic maturation. A second ageing period in ex-Ferrand casks brings the total maturation to five years, adding roundness and structure.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, this Barbados 5y is the kind of rum we like to introduce when someone is looking for fruit, softness and a touch of spice in a style that remains clear and easy (…)Planteray Barbados XO (Planteray Blend) Incl. Box
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Planteray Barbados XO (Planteray Blend) Incl. Box
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In stockPlanteray Barbados XO is a Barbados rum with a celebratory origin. It was first created as a tribute to master blender Alexandre Gabriel, marking his twentieth year in that role. The idea behind the blend is clear: carefully selected aged rums from Barbados, brought together in a polished XO style with depth, softness and aromatic richness.
The rums all come from the West Indies Rum Distillery in Barbados. They are made from molasses, fermented for 3 to 5 days, and distilled using a combination of pot still and column still. Maturation takes place in several cask types, including white oak, bourbon casks and Ferrand cognac casks, with different levels of toasting. The rums in the blend range from 12 to 20 years old and combine tropical and continental ageing.
Planteray Barbados XO + 2 Glasses (Planteray Blend)
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Planteray Barbados XO + 2 Glasses (Planteray Blend)
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Planteray Barbados XO + 2 Glazen is a gift pack built around one of Planteray's most celebrated Barbados rums. The XO was first created as a tribute to master blender Alexandre Gabriel, marking his twentieth anniversary in that role, and it shows a clear affection for historical technique and creative blending.
All the rums used for this blend were distilled at the West Indies Rum Distillery in Barbados. They are made from molasses, fermented for 3 to 5 days, and distilled through a combination of pot still and column still. Maturation adds another layer, with white oak, bourbon casks and Ferrand cognac casks involved, each with different levels of toasting.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, this is the kind of rum we like to present when someone wants a Barbados XO (…)Planteray Grande Reserve (Planteray Blend)
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Planteray Grande Reserve (Planteray Blend)
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Planteray Grande Reserve is a molasses-based rum from Barbados, created as a tribute to the island's rum culture. Its roots are at Stade's West Indies Rum Distillery on Brighton Beach, founded in 1893, where tradition is kept alive through the Distiller's Vault archives and a collection of vintage stills.
Part of the blend is made in Old Gregg's, a copper still handcrafted in 1850. Together with pot still and column distillation, that gives the rum a clear sense of heritage without making it feel overly formal or difficult to approach.
A Cognac finish adds an extra maturation accent to a style built around ripe fruit and gentle sweetness. At Drankenshop Broekmans, we see Planteray Grande Reserve as a Barbados rum with broad appeal, but also with enough (…)Planteray Guatemala Belize (Planteray Blend) Incl. Box
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Planteray Guatemala Belize (Planteray Blend) Incl. Box
In stock
Planteray Guatemala Belize brings together rums from Guatemala and Belize in a fresh Central American blend. Made in a multicolumn style, it shows a fruit-led side of rum with the polished Planteray approach that sits very naturally in the Drankenshop Broekmans selection.
The maturation gives this rum much of its shape. It begins in ex-bourbon casks before travelling to south-west France for Planteray's characteristic double ageing in ex-Ferrand casks. That cognac finish adds a gentle layer of depth and wood influence, while keeping the fruity core clearly in view.
What stands out is the combination of plum, dried fruit and a subtle touch of oak, supported by honeyed, vanilla and caramel notes. It is not presented as a heavy style, but as a refined, lightly (…)Planteray Isle Of Fiji (Planteray Blend)
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Planteray Isle Of Fiji (Planteray Blend)
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Planteray Isle of Fiji gives the Signature Blends range a less familiar rum origin, presented in the raffia-wrapped bottle that marks the series. Instead of leaning only on the classic rum countries, this bottling turns to Fiji, with its tropical setting, volcanic soils and notably pure water forming part of the rum's identity.
It is made from local sugar cane, hand-cut and processed into molasses in Lautoka. Pot still and column distillation are used, followed by local maturation in warm tropical conditions. The rum is then brought to France for a second maturation in ex-cognac casks from Maison Ferrand, a hallmark detail within the Planteray approach.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, we like this release because it brings together tropical fruit, spice and a (…)Planteray Pxxo (Planteray Blend) Incl. Box
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Planteray Pxxo (Planteray Blend) Incl. Box
In stock
Planteray PXXO is a Barbados rum with a maturation story that gives it much of its personality. It first ages in the tropical climate of Barbados in bourbon casks, then continues its development in France in Ferrand casks, before receiving a final finish in Pedro Ximenez casks. That three-stage approach brings depth and a polished, composed feel.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, this is the kind of rum we would place among bottles made for unhurried sipping. It is a molasses-based rum at 40%, produced in a traditional column style, with fruit, spice and wood all playing a clear role in its character.
Planteray describes PXXO as a tribute to traditional craftsmanship, and the style follows that idea closely: smooth, refined and generous without becoming heavy. The (…)Centenario 20y Fundacion Tube Incl.
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Centenario 20y Fundacion Tube Incl.
In stock
Centenario 20y Fundacion is a Costa Rican rum with a direct link to the history of the brand. It was created in 2005 to mark Centenario's 20th anniversary, so the name is more than a number on the label; it reflects the occasion for which this rum was composed.
The blend brings together rums aged from 6 to 20 years, matured continuously through a solera system. That gives it a polished, rounded style, with the influence of American white oak adding structure without pushing the fruit into the background.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, this is the kind of rum we like to introduce to customers looking for something soft, elegant and quietly layered. Fresh fruit, subtle vanilla, citrus and a light woody touch make it expressive without becoming heavy.
Black Tot Rum
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Black Tot Rum
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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 (…)Canerock Spiced Rum
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Canerock Spiced Rum
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Canerock Spiced Rum is built on a blend of 100% aged rum from Barbados, sourced from the West Indies Rum Distillery. That mature rum base is enriched with carefully selected natural spices, giving it an inviting style with clear notes of vanilla, coconut and ginger. It immediately brings a warm Barbadian atmosphere into the glass.
Traditional column distillation and the influence of sherry and bourbon casks give Canerock its rounded, spiced and fruity personality. It has enough flavour to enjoy neat, yet it also works naturally over ice when you want something smooth, aromatic and relaxed.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, this is the kind of spiced rum we point out to customers looking for generous flavour without a sharp edge. The turtle emblem on the bottle refers (…)Dictador 12y
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Dictador 12y
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Dictador 12y is a Colombian rum with a clear connection to the world of sherry. Matured through the solera system and given a sherry finish, it is described in the supplied information as recalling a soft, saline manzanilla. That detail says a lot about its personality: rich and elegant, yet not driven by excessive sweetness.
The rum brings together pot still and column still distillates, with the Cuban master blender's touch keeping the style polished and expressive. At Drankenshop Broekmans, this is the kind of rum we value for its ability to show depth without becoming heavy, and for the way the sherry influence adds a fresh, slightly savoury dimension.
Fruit and spice are the main flavour directions, supported by gentle wood, light floral notes and a (…)Dictador Colombiana
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Dictador Colombiana
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Dictador Colombiana is an aged Colombian rum with a warm, aromatic style built around coffee, chocolate, vanilla, panela and caramel. It has the kind of flavour signature that immediately places it in Dictador's world: generous, rounded and distinctly Colombian in inspiration.
Created under the supervision of Dictador master distiller Hernan Parra, it draws on three generations of Parra family know-how. At Drankenshop Broekmans, this is the sort of rum we like to introduce to customers looking for a smooth, flavourful pour with familiar but well-defined aromatic markers.
Bottled at 38%, Dictador Colombiana is well suited to drinking neat, while its coffee, chocolate and caramel notes also give it enough depth for more refined cocktails. Its popularity is easy (…)Planteray Cut & Dry (Planteray Blend)
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Planteray Cut & Dry (Planteray Blend)
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Planteray Cut & Dry brings Barbados rum and coconut together in a very clear, characterful way. This limited edition is made from molasses-based rum and built around ripe coconuts, which are harvested, cracked open and left outside to dry naturally before being infused into the rum.
Its most distinctive detail is the ratio: one coconut per litre of rum. The dried coconut pieces are infused in a blend of unaged Barbados column still rum and unaged Gregg pot still rum, before being blended with Barbados rum aged up to 3 years. A dosage of 30 g/L, together with cane sugar caramel, adds a gentle sweetness to the final blend.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, Cut & Dry stands out as a rum with an unmistakably tropical voice, while still keeping Barbados rum at its (…)Planteray Oftd (Old Fashioned Traditional Dark) (Planteray Blend)
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Planteray Oftd (Old Fashioned Traditional Dark) (Planteray Blend)
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Planteray OFTD, short for Old Fashioned Traditional Dark, is Planteray's take on the classic overproof rum style. It brings together rum from Guyana, Jamaica and Barbados and is bottled at a powerful 69% ABV, giving it the strength and density needed to stand firm in cocktails as well as in the glass.
The story behind it is very much a tasting-room story. Alexandre Gabriel and his team worked with seven deeply committed rum enthusiasts during a long development process, creating more than 1000 trial samples before choosing the final base for what they saw as the right rum cocktail foundation. OFTD may officially mean Old Fashioned Traditional Dark, but the more colourful origin of the abbreviation is part of its reputation.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, this is (…)Planteray Pineapple Rum (Planteray Blend)
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Planteray Pineapple Rum (Planteray Blend)
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Planteray Pineapple Rum is built around pineapple, but the rum base remains an important part of the story. It is made from molasses and brings together different components, including unaged Barbados rum, Trinidad rum aged for 2 to 3 years, and Jamaican rum with a touch of older Jamaican rum.
Its distinctive character comes from the pineapple peel infusion. The peels are infused with Plantation 3 Stars, after which the fruit infusion and distillate are blended together. That gives the rum a clearly tropical direction, with fresh pineapple woven into the spirit rather than simply sitting on top of it.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, we see this as a rum with a very direct and recognisable personality: fruit-forward, rounded and easy to understand, yet still carried (…)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 Xaymaca Special (Planteray Blend)
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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 (…)Centenario 30y Edicion Limitada Incl. Box
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Centenario 30y Edicion Limitada Incl. Box
In stock
Centenario 30y Edición Limitada is a Costa Rican rum built around the idea of time and continuity. It was created in 2011 to mark the 30th anniversary of Ron Centenario's limited editions, bringing together rums aged from 8 to 30 years.
Its maturation follows the solera system, with continuous and natural ageing in American white oak casks. That matters here, because the character is shaped less by a single age statement and more by the way different maturities are brought together in the final blend.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, this is the kind of rum we like to introduce to customers looking for a mature, polished sipping style. Fruit, spice and gentle wood all have their place, giving the rum depth without making it feel heavy.
The (…)Flor De Cana 18y Cent Gold Incl. Box
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Flor De Cana 18y Cent Gold Incl. Box
Temporarily sold out
Expected: 01/11/2026Flor De Cana 18y Cent Gold is a Nicaraguan molasses rum made for slow sipping. Eighteen years of maturation give it a calm, mature depth rather than a loud or heavy style. At Drankenshop Broekmans, this is a rum we would point out when someone is looking for a refined tasting rum with warmth, gentle sweetness and a clear spicy edge.
It matures in white American oak barrels that previously held bourbon. That cask influence is reflected in the pronounced vanilla note and in the soft, velvety finish described for this rum. Flor de Cana also states that nothing extra is added, keeping the character clean and unforced.
The origin matters here as well. This rum is sustainably produced at the foot of an active volcano in Nicaragua, giving the bottle a sense of place (…)
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.
