Rum
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Barbados Fs 2011 13y 44 (Nobilis Rum) Incl. Box
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Barbados Fs 2011 13y 44 (Nobilis Rum) Incl. Box
In stock
Barbados FS 2011 13y 44 from Nobilis Rum is built around a clear set of markers: Barbados origin, 2011 distillation and 13 years of maturation. Rather than presenting itself through a long backstory, it lets those essentials define its place.
At 60.5% alcohol, this is a firmly presented rum. The strength gives the bottling a serious, concentrated feel, while the available product information does not provide specific aroma or flavour notes. That makes it a bottle best approached with attention rather than assumptions.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, this Nobilis Rum sits well among selections for drinkers who appreciate aged Barbados rum and focused independent-style releases. With the last bottles now indicated, it is also a rum that is gradually becoming harder (…)Diamond 1997 26y Swr (Nobilis Rum) Incl. Box
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Diamond 1997 26y Swr (Nobilis Rum) Incl. Box
In stock
Diamond 1997 26y SWR is a Guyanese rum with a very focused identity: one cask, one vintage and 26 years of maturation. Distilled in 1997 and bottled in 2023, it is the kind of release where the interest lies in a specific cask selection rather than in a broad house style.
The small scale matters here. This is a single cask rum bottled at cask strength, with only 224 bottles produced. That gives the bottle a clearly limited nature, and the fact that these are the last bottles makes its availability even more restrained.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, this Diamond sits comfortably among the more characterful rums for drinkers who enjoy mature, small-batch bottlings with a clear point of origin. Bottled at 51.3% alcohol, it keeps the direct presence associated with (…)Diamond 2002 21y Column Still Ehp For Drankenshop Broekmans (Nobilis Rum) Incl. Box
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Diamond 2002 21y Column Still Ehp For Drankenshop Broekmans (Nobilis Rum) Incl. Box
In stock
Diamond 2002 21y Column Still EHP is a Guyanese rum with a very focused identity: distilled in 2002, bottled in 2023, matured for 21 years and drawn from a single cask. Rather than presenting a broad house style, it captures one specific cask at a particular point in its life.
This bottling sits naturally within the Drankenshop Broekmans selection because it speaks to drinkers who appreciate precise, small-scale releases. The Column Still EHP reference gives the rum its own place within the Diamond name, while the single cask and cask strength presentation keep the emphasis on individuality rather than standardisation.
Only 175 bottles were filled, and the remaining stock is down to the last bottles. At 52.4%, it has retained its cask strength, making this a (…)Diamond 2005 19y Sv (Nobilis Rum) Incl. Box
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Diamond 2005 19y Sv (Nobilis Rum) Incl. Box
In stock
Diamond 2005 19y Sv is a Guyanese rum with a distinctly limited feel. A 2005 vintage, 19 years of age and a total outturn of just 151 bottles make it a far more focused release than a standard shelf rum.
Its strength of 61.2% gives the bottling a serious presence. This is the kind of rum to approach slowly, with time in the glass, especially for drinkers who appreciate powerful, small-release bottlings rather than widely available expressions.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, a rum like this stands out because it brings together origin, age and scarcity in a very direct way. The indication that only the last bottles remain adds to the sense that this is a release with a limited window of availability.
No detailed tasting notes are provided for Diamond (…)Diamond 2014 8y Dhe Nr42 (Nobilis Rum) Incl. Box
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Diamond 2014 8y Dhe Nr42 (Nobilis Rum) Incl. Box
Very last one in stock!
Diamond 2014 8y DHE Nr42 is a Guyanese rum with a very precise identity: distilled in 2014, aged for 8 years and bottled at 54.3% ABV. That strength immediately sets the tone. This is not presented as a light, casual rum, but as a bottling with a firmer presence.
The product name already carries much of the story. Diamond, Guyana, 2014, 8 years and the Nr42 reference place it in a more specific corner than a standard everyday rum. At Drankenshop Broekmans, a bottle like this is the kind of rum we would point out to someone who values clear origin, age and strength in the glass.
With only the last bottles remaining, availability is also part of the picture. Not as a dramatic claim, simply as a useful detail: this Diamond 2014 8y DHE Nr42 is no longer broadly (…)Diamond Versailles Still "Rev" 2006 16y For Tasttoe (Nobilis Rum) Incl. Box
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Diamond Versailles Still "Rev" 2006 16y For Tasttoe (Nobilis Rum) Incl. Box
In stock
Diamond Versailles Still "Rev" 2006 16y For TasTToe is a Guyanese rum with a very clearly defined identity. It was distilled in 2006, bottled in 2023 and released after 16 years of maturation by Nobilis Rum as a single cask bottling.
What makes this bottle stand out is the narrow focus of the release. It comes from one cask, bottled at 57.4% cask strength, with only 228 bottles produced. Rather than aiming for broad consistency, it captures one particular cask at one particular point in time.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, this is the kind of rum we like to present to drinkers who pay attention to provenance and bottling choices. The For TasTToe release adds another layer of specificity, making it feel more like a selected cask than a standard range (…)Enmore "Mec" 1992 34y Bottled For German Rum Fest 2026 15th Anniversary Release (Nobilis Rum) Incl. Box
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Enmore "Mec" 1992 34y Bottled For German Rum Fest 2026 15th Anniversary Release (Nobilis Rum) Incl. Box
In stock
Enmore MEC 1992 is the kind of rum that immediately sets a slower pace. This is a 34-year-old Demerara rum from Guyana, distilled at Enmore in 1992 on the Versailles single wooden pot still and bottled as Nobilis #57 for the 15th Anniversary Release of German Rum Fest 2026.
It was fully continentally aged in Europe in an ex-bourbon cask, then bottled from that single cask at cask strength, 56.6%. Only 230 bottles were drawn. At Drankenshop Broekmans, a release like this stands out because it brings together long maturation, a very specific still character and the distinctive MEC mark in one tightly limited bottling.
Its style is described as deep and powerful, with dark molasses, dried fruit, leather, tobacco and roasted wood at the centre. The lightly (…)Enmore 1994 29y Rev (Nobilis Rum)
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Enmore 1994 29y Rev (Nobilis Rum)
On request only
Enmore 1994 29y Rev is a Guyanese rum built around maturity, origin and strength. A 1994 vintage with 29 years of age immediately places the emphasis on time, rather than on a broad commercial style.
At 57.9% alcohol, this is clearly a rum with presence. As no detailed tasting notes are provided, it would be wrong to invent aromas or flavours; the available information already says enough to position it as a serious, long-aged rum for measured, attentive tasting.
In the selection at Drankenshop Broekmans, this Enmore stands out through its age, Guyanese provenance and limited remaining availability. It is the kind of bottle that speaks most clearly to rum drinkers who value a defined origin and the depth that comes from extended maturation.
No (…)Hampden Lrok 2013 13y (Nobilis Rum) Incl. Box
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Hampden Lrok 2013 13y (Nobilis Rum) Incl. Box
In stock
Hampden LROK 2013 13y is a Jamaican rum with a very clear sense of place and style. Bottled by Nobilis Rum as Nobilis #56 Jamaica HD 2013, it comes from Hampden Distillery and carries the LROK mark. Pot still distillation and a high ester profile set the direction: expressive tropical fruit, strength and concentration rather than a polished, softened style.
All maturation took place continentally, but this particular cask stands out because of its low fill level and high angel's share. That detail matters, as it made the rum even more concentrated than a typical LROK. Bottled from a single cask at natural cask strength, 65.0%, it keeps that full intensity intact.
Only 104 bottles were released, and with the last bottles now in view, this rum has a special (…)Inner Circle 2007 15y (Nobilis Rum)
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Inner Circle 2007 15y (Nobilis Rum)
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Inner Circle 2007 15y is an Australian rum with a very focused identity: one cask, one distillation year and a small outturn. Distilled in 2007 and aged for 15 years, it was bottled at cask strength at 67.2% ABV.
The appeal here lies in the narrowness of the release. Only 262 bottles came from this single cask, so this is not a broad, repeatable style but a specific bottling tied to one individual maturation.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, releases like this sit in the selection for customers who enjoy limited rums with a clear origin and a strong sense of individuality. With the last bottles now available, this Inner Circle has become even more limited in a very tangible way.
No official tasting notes have been provided for this Inner Circle 2007 (…)Jamaica Clarendon 2004 Mmw (Nobilis Rum) Incl. Box
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Jamaica Clarendon 2004 Mmw (Nobilis Rum) Incl. Box
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Jamaica Clarendon 2004 MMW from Nobilis Rum is a rum with a very defined identity: one cask, one vintage and a full-strength presentation. Distilled in 2004 and bottled in 2023, it spent 19 years maturing before being released at 67.2% alcohol.
Rather than a broad house-style release, this is a single cask bottling with only 253 bottles drawn. That gives it a narrow, specific focus: a Jamaican rum from Clarendon captured at cask strength, without being reduced to a more conventional drinking strength.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, bottlings like this are valued for the way they show a particular cask rather than a general rum category. With the last bottles now available, this is a notably limited release for those who appreciate aged Jamaican rum in a powerful, (…)Jamaica Hampden 2014 10y For The German Rum Fest 2024 (Nobilis Rum) Incl. Box
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Jamaica Hampden 2014 10y For The German Rum Fest 2024 (Nobilis Rum) Incl. Box
In stock
Jamaica Hampden 2014 10y by Nobilis Rum is built around a very clear idea: one cask, ten years of maturation and bottling at full cask strength. The reference to For The German Rum Fest 2024 gives this release a specific setting, linking it to a dedicated rum event rather than a regular large-scale bottling.
Distilled in 2014 and bottled in 2024, it has been released at 68.5% ABV, without being reduced to a lower drinking strength. That makes the cask strength aspect central to the identity of the rum.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, this is the kind of rum we place in front of customers who appreciate small-batch, single cask releases with a clear origin and a limited footprint. Only 216 bottles were filled, and with the last bottles now available, this is a (…)Jamaica Hampden C<>h Labelled As Hd 2018 6y (Nobilis Rum) Incl. Box
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Jamaica Hampden C<>h Labelled As Hd 2018 6y (Nobilis Rum) Incl. Box
In stock
This Jamaican Hampden rum is very much about closeness to the cask. The C<>H Labelled As HD name, the 67.6% strength and the cask strength bottling all point to a rum presented in a direct, concentrated form rather than softened into a broader house style.
Distilled in 2018 and bottled in 2025 at 6 years old, it captures the development of one individual cask. That single cask origin matters here: this is not a vatting designed to smooth out variation, but a small release shaped by one specific parcel of rum. With only 187 bottles filled and the last bottles now available, it has a natural place at Drankenshop Broekmans among limited rum bottlings for drinkers who enjoy precise, small-scale selections.
What makes it compelling is the clarity of the (…)Jamaica Hd 2013 9y (Nobilis Rum)
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Jamaica Hd 2013 9y (Nobilis Rum)
In stock
Jamaica Hd 2013 9y from Nobilis Rum is a Jamaican rum with a notably forceful presentation. Its 9 years of age and 64.4% alcohol strength immediately place it in a more concentrated, uncompromising style than many standard rum bottlings.
The name keeps the story focused: Jamaica, the HD designation, the year 2013 and 9 years of maturation. Rather than surrounding the rum with unnecessary detail, it points directly to the origin and the specific identity of this Nobilis Rum release.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, this is the kind of bottle we would highlight for customers looking for a rum with real presence. With only the last bottles remaining, it is also a release that carries a certain immediacy for anyone drawn to this stronger, more focused style.
Long Pond 2006 16y (Nobilis Rum)
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Long Pond 2006 16y (Nobilis Rum)
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Long Pond 2006 16y is a Jamaican rum built around precision rather than volume. It comes from a single cask, was distilled in 2006 and matured for 16 years before being bottled in a release of just 240 bottles. That gives it the feel of a specific cask selection rather than a regular house style.
The cask strength bottling is central to its identity. At 68.9%, this rum is presented with its full natural force, without being reduced into a softer, more polished drinking style. It is the kind of bottle that speaks to drinkers who enjoy rum close to the cask, with age, origin and strength left clearly in view.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, we see this Long Pond as a particularly focused choice within the Jamaican rum selection. The combination of single cask origin, (…)Long Pond Itp (Ive Trelawny Pot) 2007 17y (Nobilis Rum) Incl. Box
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Long Pond Itp (Ive Trelawny Pot) 2007 17y (Nobilis Rum) Incl. Box
In stock
Long Pond ITP 2007 17Y is a Jamaican rum with a very direct sense of purpose: distilled in 2007, aged for 17 years and bottled at a striking 69.5% ABV. Those facts alone place it firmly in the realm of serious, high-strength aged rum rather than easy-going everyday sipping.
The name points to Long Pond and to ITP, written here as Ive Trelawny Pot, giving this release a clear Jamaican identity. At Drankenshop Broekmans, a bottle like this is best understood as a rum for drinkers who are drawn to age, provenance and bottling strength as meaningful parts of the experience.
No additional producer background or official tasting description has been supplied, so we keep the story precise. What matters here is already quite distinctive: Long Pond, Jamaica, vintage (…)Montebello Brut De Colonne (Nobilis Rum)
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Montebello Brut De Colonne (Nobilis Rum)
Only 2 left in stock!
Montebello Brut De Colonne is a rum from Guadeloupe released under the Nobilis Rum name, and its defining feature is impossible to miss: 82.8% alcohol. That places it firmly among very high-strength rums, where power and concentration take the lead over easy softness.
The Brut De Colonne name gives the bottle a direct, uncompromising feel. It is the kind of rum that calls for a measured pour and a careful approach rather than casual sipping. At Drankenshop Broekmans, we see this as a bottle for drinkers who deliberately look for Guadeloupe rum with serious strength and a clear sense of presence.
As no detailed product background or tasting notes are supplied, the story is best kept focused: origin, intensity and an unusually high bottling strength define this (…)Trinidad 2016 10y Bottled In Collaboration With Rums Of Anarchy Belgium (Nobilis Rum) Incl. Box
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Trinidad 2016 10y Bottled In Collaboration With Rums Of Anarchy Belgium (Nobilis Rum) Incl. Box
Very last one in stock!
Trinidad 2016 10y is the kind of rum where the bottling itself tells an important part of the story. Nobilis Rum selected this single cask as release #55, bottled in collaboration with Rums of Anarchy Belgium, from rum distilled in 2016 at Trinidad Distillers Limited and bottled in 2026 after 10 years of maturation.
Its ageing path gives the rum a particularly expressive foundation: 8 years in the tropical climate of Trinidad, followed by 2 years of continental maturation in Europe. Drawn from a heavy column still and bottled at full cask strength of 68.2%, it was released without chill filtration, colouring or added sugar. The result stays close to the cask and to the raw strength of the spirit.
Only 279 bottles were filled from this cask, making it a (…)Uitvlugt 1989 33y Port Mourant (Nobilis Rum)
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Uitvlugt 1989 33y Port Mourant (Nobilis Rum)
Only 3 left in stock!
Uitvlugt 1989 33y Port Mourant is a Guyanese rum where the story is shaped by age, origin and scarcity. Distilled in 1989 and matured for 33 years, it belongs to that small group of rums where time is one of the most important parts of the identity.
This is a single cask release, bottled at cask strength at 49.1%. Rather than a broad, blended style, it represents one individual cask and one very specific bottling. With only 222 bottles produced, the scale of the release is deliberately limited.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, this is the kind of bottle we would introduce to rum drinkers looking for an older Guyanese expression with a clear vintage and the Port Mourant name on the label. The fact that these are the last bottles only adds to the sense that this is a (…)Uitvlugt 1992 32y Pot Still Pm (Nobilis Rum)
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Uitvlugt 1992 32y Pot Still Pm (Nobilis Rum)
Very last one in stock!
Uitvlugt 1992 32y Pot Still PM is a Guyanese rum with a very precise sense of place and time. Distilled in 1992 and bottled in 2025, it carries a 32-year age statement, giving this release a far more specific identity than a regular rum bottling.
Its rarity is central to the appeal. This is a single cask rum, bottled at cask strength at 56.4%, with only 50 bottles produced. Together with its collector's item indication and the fact that these are the last bottles, it reads as a tightly limited snapshot of one individual cask.
In the rum selection at Drankenshop Broekmans, bottles like this stand apart because of their age, Guyanese origin and extremely small outturn. It is the kind of release that draws attention through its facts alone, without needing a (…)Uitvlugt French Savalle Still Icbu 1998 25y (Nobilis Rum)
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Uitvlugt French Savalle Still Icbu 1998 25y (Nobilis Rum)
In stock
Uitvlugt French Savalle Still ICBU 1998 25y is a Guyanese rum built around origin, age and the individuality of a single cask. Distilled in 1998 and bottled in 2023, it brings together 25 years of maturation with the Uitvlugt name and the French Savalle Still reference.
Its appeal lies in its very specific presentation. This is a single cask rum, bottled at cask strength at 58.9%, with just 174 bottles drawn from that cask. Rather than a broad house style, it represents one particular parcel of rum at one particular point in time.
For Drankenshop Broekmans, this is the kind of bottle that speaks to customers who enjoy rum in a more direct and limited form. The last-bottles indication adds to that sense of scarcity: once this small release is gone, that (…)
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.
