Rum & Spirit Drink
Please note: stock and availability in our store may vary! More info
Drankenshopper Kaartspel
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Drankenshopper Kaartspel
In stock
Drankenshopper is not a bottle, but a card game built around the atmosphere of a drinks auction. Players bid, negotiate, trade and bluff in the hope of taking home the most impressive collections, while opponents may be quietly working on plans of their own.
One of its strengths is the way the game can be scaled to the group. In the simplest version, you play only with the bottle and money cards, turning it into an easy-going buying and trading game with minimal rules. For a fuller game, the role and chance cards add extra tension and strategy, especially with 4 to 5 players.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, this sits nicely alongside the drinks themselves: a game for adults who enjoy both tabletop play and the world of spirits. The 40 playing cards combine clear (…)Hampden 1753 Incl. Box
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Hampden 1753 Incl. Box
In stock
Hampden 1753 is a clear introduction to the distinctive world of Jamaican rum from Hampden Estate. Made from molasses, it is a pure Jamaican single rum shaped by long fermentation with wild yeasts and distillation in copper pot stills. That process gives the rum its classic ester profile and its unmistakably expressive personality.
It spends 3 years maturing tropically in ex-bourbon barrels and is bottled at 46%. That strength gives the rum enough structure to carry its aromatic style, while keeping it approachable as a first step into Hampden's flavour universe.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, this is the kind of bottle we like to introduce when someone wants to understand what makes Hampden Estate so recognisable: vivid tropical fruit, spice, a floral lift and a (…)Planteray Grande Reserve (Planteray Blend)
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Planteray Grande Reserve (Planteray Blend)
In stock
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 (…)Canerock Spiced Rum
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Canerock Spiced Rum
Only 2 left in stock!
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 (…)Planteray 3 Stars 1l (Planteray Blend)
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Planteray 3 Stars 1l (Planteray Blend)
In stock
Planteray 3 Stars is a white molasses rum built as a blend from three Caribbean regions. The name points directly to that idea: several origins brought together in a rum that stays bright, tropical and refined rather than heavy or wood-driven.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, we see this as a white rum with more aromatic character than a very neutral style. The use of pot still and column distillation gives it a fruit-led base with a gentle spicy accent, while the overall impression remains clear and polished.
At 41.2% ABV, Planteray 3 Stars has enough presence to carry its notes of tropical fruit, mango, coconut, vanilla and sugarcane. Its charm lies in that exotic, lively profile without unnecessary weight.
The aroma brings tropical fruit, vanilla (…)Renegade Dunfermline Column 50
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Renegade Dunfermline Column 50
In stock
Renegade Dunfermline Column 50 is a Grenadian rum made from sugar cane juice rather than molasses. That matters, because it places the focus less on sweetness or wood influence and more on the spirit itself.
The name points to Dunfermline and to traditional column distillation, bottled at 50% ABV. At Drankenshop Broekmans, this is the kind of rum we would introduce to someone curious about sugar cane juice rum with a clearer, less oak-led profile.
With 4,368 bottles produced and the last bottles now available, this release also has a more finite feel than a permanent house expression. It has found its audience among drinkers looking for rum with a specific origin and a distinct production identity.
More information about Renegade can be found (…)Renegade Dunfermline Pot
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Renegade Dunfermline Pot
In stock
Renegade Dunfermline Pot is a Grenadian rum built around sugar cane juice and pot still distillation. Bottled at 50%, it has a confident presence, with the focus placed on style and origin rather than an age statement.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, this is the kind of rum that stands out because it feels clearly defined. Only 3796 bottles were released, and with the last bottles now in circulation, it is not a rum that will remain endlessly available.
Its profile points away from heavy wood influence and towards a more aromatic expression. Floral and fruity notes take the lead, with a lighter touch of spice and a vegetal undertone. For drinkers exploring rum through raw material and distillation, this Renegade offers a focused Grenada perspective.
La Belle Cabresse 1l
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La Belle Cabresse 1l
Only 2 left in stock!
La Belle Cabresse 1l is a rum from Guyana with a noticeably firm presence, shown clearly by its 50% alcohol strength. The one-litre bottle gives it a generous, practical feel as well, making it a straightforward choice for those who like their rum with more weight.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, La Belle Cabresse sits comfortably among rums chosen for character rather than decoration. It is a popular name for customers looking for a Guyanese rum with a stronger profile and a clear, uncomplicated identity.
As no detailed tasting notes are supplied, the most honest way to present it is through what is known: Guyana as its origin, La Belle Cabresse as the brand, a litre format, and a robust 50% strength.
No specific aroma or flavour notes are provided (…)Vizcaya Rum Cristal Light
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Vizcaya Rum Cristal Light
Only 2 left in stock!
Vizcaya Rum Cristal Light is a rum from the Dominican Republic, with the name pointing towards a clear, lighter style within the Vizcaya range. At Drankenshop Broekmans, we see it as a bottle for drinkers specifically looking for that lighter Cristal expression, while still carrying a full 40% alcohol strength.
It is also listed as one of the last bottles in our selection. That gives this Vizcaya a slightly more time-sensitive character in the assortment: understated in style, but worth noting if this particular Cristal Light release is the one you are after.
No specific tasting notes have been provided for Vizcaya Rum Cristal Light. For that reason, we do not add aromas, texture or finish descriptions that are not supported by the available product data.
Clement 1l
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Clement 1l
In stock
Clément 1l is a French rum with a clear point of difference: a generous one-litre bottle and a firm 50% alcohol strength. It is not presented as a quiet, understated rum, but as a bottle with real presence.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, Clément is the kind of name that draws attention among rum drinkers, especially in this larger format. With only the last bottles remaining, it is also a release that will not stay in the selection indefinitely.
No detailed tasting notes are provided for this Clément. The key point is its 50% strength, giving the bottle a more assertive profile. It is best approached with a little attention, particularly if you enjoy rum at a higher alcohol level.7 Sins Rum Greed 50cl
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7 Sins Rum Greed 50cl
In stock
7 Sins Rum Greed is a Belgian rum with a style that immediately feels a little different. It is made from molasses and sugar cane juice, and distilled using both pot still and column distillation. That combination gives it a broader identity than a rum built around one single production approach.
The Bourbon Cask reference gives the rum a familiar maturation setting, though the supplied flavour profile does not place wood at the centre. Fruit and spice are the main accents here, supported by a lighter sweetness. At Drankenshop Broekmans, this 50 cl bottle sits nicely among rums chosen for drinkers who enjoy discovering a less obvious Belgian take on the category.
With the last bottles now indicated, 7 Sins Rum Greed has become a little more limited in (…)Admiral Rodney Formidable
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Admiral Rodney Formidable
On request only
Admiral Rodney Formidable is a molasses rum from St. Lucia that puts its emphasis on style rather than an age statement. This multivintage release brings together different vintages, distilled in a Coffey Still and matured in American oak. The result is a rum shaped by cask influence, spice and fruit rather than by sweetness alone.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, we see this as a bottle for customers who enjoy rum with a little more structure and definition. There is a gentle sweet note in the background, but the main impression is built around wood, spice and fruity depth. At 40% alcohol, it remains approachable while still offering enough character to spend time with.
The flavour profile centres on wood, spice and fruit, with sweetness playing a gentler (…)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 (…)Angostura Gold 5y
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Angostura Gold 5y
Not available for shipping
Angostura Gold 5y is a rum from Trinidad with a clear 5-year age statement. That gives the bottle a useful sense of place: a defined origin, a stated maturation period and a style presented without unnecessary complication.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, it sits naturally among rums for customers who want to explore Trinidad through a straightforward, age-stated release. Bottled at 40%, it stays within a classic strength, while the Gold name frames the expression in a familiar rum style.
Only the last bottles of Angostura Gold 5y remain. That does not change the rum itself, but it does make this Trinidad bottling worth noting if you have been looking for it specifically.
No detailed tasting notes are provided for Angostura Gold 5y. The available (…)Arecha Anejo Reserva
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Arecha Anejo Reserva
Not available for shipping
Arecha Añejo Reserva is a Cuban rum with a straightforward and recognisable identity. The name keeps the focus where it belongs: on Arecha, on Cuba, and on the Añejo Reserva style indicated on the bottle.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, we see this as the kind of rum customers look at when they specifically want a Cuban bottle with a familiar 38% alcohol strength. The Añejo Reserva wording gives it a more considered feel than a basic rum, while the overall presentation remains clear and approachable.
With only the last bottles remaining, this Arecha has become a little more finite within the selection. Not in a dramatic way, but enough to make it worth noting for anyone who likes to keep Cuban rum on the shelf.
No specific (…)Austrian Empire Solera 21y
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Austrian Empire Solera 21y
On request only
Austrian Empire Solera 21y is a rum from the Dominican Republic with the emphasis placed firmly on maturity, carried by the 21-year Solera statement in its name. It is the kind of bottle that draws attention from customers looking for an aged rum with a clear and uncomplicated identity.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, it sits comfortably among rums chosen for drinkers who appreciate a more mature presentation, a 40% strength and a recognisable origin. Its popularity is easy to understand: the name communicates the style directly, while the Dominican Republic gives the bottle a defined sense of place.
With only the last bottles remaining, Austrian Empire Solera 21y also has a more fleeting presence in the selection. That makes it a rum worth noticing while it is (…)Bacardi Carta Blanca Heritage
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Bacardi Carta Blanca Heritage
On request only
Bacardi Carta Blanca Heritage is a rum where the name carries the main message: Bacardi, Carta Blanca and Heritage brought together in one bottling. The rum comes from Mexico and is bottled at 44.5% alcohol.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, we would introduce this bottle as a specific Bacardi release rather than dressing it up with details that are not provided. For customers looking for Bacardi Carta Blanca Heritage in particular, the interest lies in its clear brand identity, its Mexican origin and its stated strength of 44.5%.
No official tasting notes are included in the available product information for Bacardi Carta Blanca Heritage. For that reason, we do not add unconfirmed aromas, flavours, texture or finish. The confirmed details are that this is a Bacardi (…)Bacardi Gold / Oro
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Bacardi Gold / Oro
In stock
Bacardi Gold / Oro is a Puerto Rican rum carrying one of the most familiar names in the rum category. The Gold / Oro wording places it clearly in the golden rum style, without positioning it as a high-strength or highly technical special release.
At 37.5% ABV, it presents itself as a straightforward Bacardi rum: recognisable, easy to place, and clear in its identity. At Drankenshop Broekmans, we would introduce it as a dependable option for someone specifically looking for a Puerto Rican Bacardi with a Gold / Oro profile rather than an experimental bottling.
No specific tasting notes have been provided for Bacardi Gold / Oro. Based on the available information, it can only be described as a Puerto Rican rum bottled at 37.5% ABV.Bar Ran Funky Juice
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Bar Ran Funky Juice
Not available for shipping
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 (…)Barbancourt 3* 4y
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Barbancourt 3* 4y
Not available for shipping
Barbancourt 3* 4y is a Haitian rum with a clear and straightforward identity: Barbancourt as the house name, Haiti as its origin, four years of ageing and a bottling strength of 40%. The 3* 4y designation keeps the focus on the specific expression rather than on elaborate presentation.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, this is the kind of rum we place in the assortment for customers who are looking for a recognisable Barbancourt release with a defined age statement. It does not need a long explanation to make sense; its appeal lies in the combination of brand, origin and maturity.
This reference is also marked as popular, and the remaining stock is listed as last bottles. That gives it a little extra relevance for anyone specifically looking for this Barbancourt 3* (…)Barcelo Blanco Anejado
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Barcelo Blanco Anejado
In stock
Barcelo Blanco Anejado is a white rum from the Dominican Republic with a light, understated style. The name brings together two elements: the clear appearance of a blanco rum and the oak-cask connection suggested by añejado, without carrying an age statement.
Its profile is built around gentle details rather than weight. Light floral, fruity, sweet and spicy notes shape the character, while wood is not a pronounced feature. That keeps the rum on the fresher, more approachable side, with a little more background than a purely neutral white rum.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, this Barcelo sits well among rums for customers looking for a Dominican white rum with a subtle aromatic profile and a restrained cask influence.
The flavour profile is (…)Belize 2011 Drankenshop Broekmans (1423 Single Barrel Selection)
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Belize 2011 Drankenshop Broekmans (1423 Single Barrel Selection)
In stock
Belize 2011 from 1423 Rum World Class is a molasses-based rum distilled in Belize and bottled in April 2021. Rather than a broad blend, this is a single cask release from one Bourbon Barrel, with only 90 bottles produced. That immediately gives it a focused identity: one cask, one limited selection, one particular expression of maturation.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, bottlings like this have a special appeal because they show rum in a very defined form. Distilled in 2011 in a traditional column style and bottled at 46%, it brings together Belizean origin, molasses distillate and bourbon cask influence without turning the story into something overly complicated.
The fact that these are the last bottles adds to the sense of rarity, but the main interest remains (…)Belize 2014 9y Travell (The Nectar - Daily Dram)
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Belize 2014 9y Travell (The Nectar - Daily Dram)
On request only
Belize 2014 9y Travell from Daily Dram is a molasses-based rum distilled at Travellers in Belize. Distilled in 2014 and bottled in 2023 after 9 years of maturation, it sits in a flavour territory where fruit, spice and oak all have a clear voice.
The rum was distilled in a traditional column style and matured in Virgin Oak, giving the bottling a firm, cask-driven personality. The Nectar bottled it under the Daily Dram label at full cask strength, 65.3%, keeping it close to its original form rather than smoothing everything out.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, this is the kind of rum that stands out because of its limited nature: a single cask release of only 164 bottles, now down to the last bottles. For drinkers exploring Belize rum with a powerful and distinctive (…)
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.
