Rum
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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 (…)Hampden 8 Years Incl. Box
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Hampden 8 Years Incl. Box
In stock
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
In stock
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
In stock
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 (…)New Grove 10y
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New Grove 10y
In stock
New Grove 10y is a molasses rum from Mauritius, made in a traditional column style and matured for at least ten years. It presents a mature side of Mauritian rum, with enough age to bring depth while keeping a sense of finesse.
The maturation in new French casks and cognac casks gives this cuvée much of its identity. There is structure from the wood, a measured spicy side and a clear fruity core. Bottling at 42% helps keep the rum refined rather than heavy.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, we see this as a rum for customers who want to explore Mauritius through a well-aged, elegant style. It has presence, but it remains rounded and composed, with the cask influence supporting rather than overwhelming the fruit.
The aroma brings together citrus (…)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
In stock
Black Tot Rum is a molasses-based rum with a clear sense of presence. Bottled at 46.2%, it carries a little more weight than many standard rums, while its identity is not built around an age statement. The use of pot still and column distillation points to a layered style, with spice and fruit taking the lead and a gentle bourbon cask wood influence sitting behind them.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, Black Tot is the kind of rum we would reach for when someone wants flavour and structure without moving into an overly sweet style. It has enough character to be enjoyed neat, while remaining approachable in the glass.
Additional information about the brand can be found at https://blacktot.com/
The flavour profile is led by clear fruitiness and a (…)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 (…)Centenario 12y Gran Legado
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Centenario 12y Gran Legado
In stock
Centenario 12y Gran Legado is a Costa Rican rum shaped by maturation, blending and a gently fruit-led style. Made from sugar cane juice and distilled using multicolumn distillation, it also draws on the solera system to form its final composition.
A key part of its identity is maturation in American white oak casks that previously held Scotch whisky. That detail gives the rum a distinct place within Centenario's range, while staying close to the brand's traditional ageing approach.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, we see this as a 12-year-old rum for those who enjoy a soft, lightly sweet profile with red fruit, vanilla and a measured touch of wood. It has enough character to be interesting, while remaining smooth and easy to spend time with.
The aroma (…)Centenario 9y Conmemorativo
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Centenario 9y Conmemorativo
In stock
Centenario 9y Conmemorativo is a Costa Rican molasses rum with maturation at the centre of its identity. It is presented as a tribute to the ageing place of Ron Centenario rum in Costa Rica, giving this bottle a clear sense of origin rather than just an age statement.
The rum is aged through a traditional process in American white oak, with bourbon barrel maturation specified in the product data. That wood influence supports the sweeter side of the rum, bringing caramel and vanilla together with gentle spice and a touch of citrus brightness. At Drankenshop Broekmans, we see this as a Centenario for those moments when you want roundness and flavour without heaviness.
At 9 years old and 40% alcohol, it remains approachable, with the oak, spice, citrus and (…)Dictador 12y
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Dictador 12y
In stock
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
In stock
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 (…)Hampden Fire Overproof
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Hampden Fire Overproof
| 2 reviews
In stockHampden Fire Overproof is a Jamaican rum with a very clear sense of direction. At 63% ABV and bottled in an overproof style, it is built around power, presence and the direct character of pot still distillation.
Made from molasses and carrying no age statement, it keeps the focus firmly on the distillate rather than on a maturation story. The profile points towards a vivid mix of fruit and spice, with lighter floral and vegetal touches in the background, while wood and sweetness do not define the style.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, this is the kind of rum we place in front of customers who are specifically looking for Jamaican intensity at higher strength. Hampden Fire Overproof feels energetic and assertive, with enough aromatic lift to make it more than just a (…)New Grove Beau Plan Incl. Box
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New Grove Beau Plan Incl. Box
In stock
New Grove Beau Plan is a Mauritian rum made from molasses and distilled in a traditional column still. Its style is led by fruit, with lighter layers of wood, spice, sweetness and a gentle floral touch shaping the background.
The maturation in bourbon and Cognac casks gives the rum extra structure without turning it into a heavily wood-driven expression. At Drankenshop Broekmans, we see this as a rum for customers who appreciate a clear, approachable style with enough detail to explore at a relaxed pace.
Bottled at 40%, New Grove Beau Plan remains clean and easy to follow. Its appeal lies in the combination of Mauritian origin, molasses-based production and maturation in two complementary cask types.
Fruit is the main impression here, supported (…)Takamaka Extra Noir
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Takamaka Extra Noir
In stock
Takamaka Extra Noir is a molasses-based rum from the Seychelles, bottled at 43%. What makes it interesting is the combination of pot still and column distillation, giving the rum a style that sits between structure and approachability rather than leaning on one single dominant feature.
Bourbon cask influence adds a matured, woody dimension, while the overall profile remains relatively layered: gentle sweetness, a touch of fruit, mild spice, a light floral note and restrained wood. At Drankenshop Broekmans, we see this as a good introduction to rum from a less everyday origin, especially for drinkers who appreciate a clear rum character without an overly heavy profile.
The flavour profile is measured rather than heavy, bringing together light sweetness, a (…)Duo Rum Spiced With Caramelised Pineapple
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Duo Rum Spiced With Caramelised Pineapple
In stock
Duo Rum Spiced With Caramelised Pineapple by Brewdog brings together Caribbean rum and Scottish rum. Rather than presenting that as a dry production detail, the product frames it as a meeting of tropical rum character and Scotland's distilling know-how.
The flavour direction is openly fruity and spiced. Pineapple leads the way, joined by mango and papaya, while ginger and cola add warmth and lift. It is a spiced rum with a clearly tropical personality, built around sweetness, fruit and spice.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, we see this as a contemporary spiced rum for relaxed serving moments, especially over ice or mixed with cola and a squeeze of fresh lime as suggested in the product information. That serving style ties in neatly with its fruity, zesty and spicy (…)Foursquare Veritas
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Foursquare Veritas
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Foursquare Veritas is a Barbados rum made from molasses, with its character shaped by a combination of pot still and column distillation. Rather than leaning on an age statement, it presents itself through style, structure and a clear sense of rum identity.
At 47% ABV, Veritas has enough strength to carry its spiced and fruity side with confidence. The sweeter notes remain more restrained, while light floral and vegetal accents add extra definition. At Drankenshop Broekmans, we see this as a rum for drinkers who appreciate clarity and presence over heavy wood influence.
It is a bottle that speaks directly: Barbados origin, Foursquare name, and a profile built around expression rather than decoration.
The flavour impression centres on clear (…)Lazy Dodo Pineapple & Vanilla
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Lazy Dodo Pineapple & Vanilla
In stock
Lazy Dodo Pineapple & Vanilla is built on Mauritian rum and given a clear island character through Victoria pineapple and vanilla. It is a soft, fruity and sweet style of rum, with roasted pineapple taking the lead rather than heavy spice or oak.
The vanilla adds roundness and a gentle roasted note, making the rum feel smooth and approachable while keeping the tropical fruit character very easy to recognise.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, we see Lazy Dodo Pineapple & Vanilla as a flavourful choice for customers who enjoy rum with a pronounced fruit signature and a mellow, sweet finish.
The aroma is delicate, with roasted pineapple and vanilla coming through clearly. On the palate, the same pairing remains central: smooth roasted vanilla (…)Planteray Navy Rum
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Planteray Navy Rum
In stock
Planteray Navy Rum is built around the idea of a strong, old-style navy proof rum, bottled at 55.7%. Rather than focusing on a single island, it brings together rums from Barbados, Trinidad, Guyana and Jamaica, distilled in both column and pot stills. That blend of origins and distillation styles is central to its personality.
The rum first matures in a tropical climate in ex-bourbon casks, then continues its refinement in Charente in used oak casks and large open vats. That finishing stage connects naturally with its Cognac Finish identity, adding depth while keeping the rum's powerful core intact.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, we see this as a rum with real presence: fruity, spiced and full-bodied, yet still composed enough to feel deliberate rather than simply (…)A1710 Blanc La Perle
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A1710 Blanc La Perle
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A1710 Blanc La Perle is a white rum from Martinique made from pure sugar cane juice. Its story is built around immediacy and precision: five days of fermentation followed by distillation in a copper pot still, with no wood influence placed between the cane and the glass.
At 54.5%, La Perle has a firm presence, yet the character described here is not about heaviness. The profile points towards flowers, fruit and spice, with a light vegetal thread that keeps the rum closely connected to fresh cane juice.
In the rum selection at Drankenshop Broekmans, this is the kind of white rum we like to present when someone wants more than a neutral mixing spirit. La Perle gives the raw material a clear voice and shows how expressive a sugar cane juice rum can be when (…)Clairin Le Rocher 2022
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Clairin Le Rocher 2022
Only 2 left in stock!
Clairin Le Rocher 2022 is a Haitian rum with a very distinctive voice. It is made from sugar cane syrup that is brought to the boil, a method used here to preserve the characteristic aromas of the three cane varieties involved.
Its single pot still production and bottling in the Clairin style give it a fresh, vegetal and spicy profile, marked by smoky and roasted notes. Rather than leaning on oak influence, Le Rocher puts the distillate itself at the centre, with the raw aromatic side of the cane clearly in view.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, we see this as a rum for drinkers who enjoy expressive, unconventional spirits. At 50% alcohol, it has enough strength to carry its spice and smoke, while still keeping that lively freshness.
The aroma opens (…)English Harbour Madeira Finish Incl. Box
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English Harbour Madeira Finish Incl. Box
In stock
English Harbour Madeira Finish is an Antiguan rum built around maturation and finishing rather than simple sweetness. Made from molasses and distilled in a traditional column style, it first spends five years in ex-bourbon casks before a shorter finishing period of three to six months, the stage that gives this Madeira Finish its extra layer.
The appeal lies in the way the rum develops beyond its sweeter notes. The tasting profile points to dried fruit, caramel and honey, followed by spice and woody accents that carry into the finish. It feels rounded, but with enough depth to keep the glass interesting.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, we see English Harbour Madeira Finish as a fine choice for customers looking for an Antigua rum with a little more cask influence (…)Takamaka Zepis Kreol + 2 Glasses
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Takamaka Zepis Kreol + 2 Glasses
| 1 review
In stockTakamaka Zepis Kreol shows a distinctly aromatic side of rum from the Seychelles. It is built on molasses rum, made in a traditional column style, then macerated with locally grown herbs from the Seychelles. That maceration gives the rum its most recognisable identity: fragrant, spice-led and still carrying a clear fruity side.
After maceration, the rum spends 60 days in ex-bourbon casks. That short maturation adds a light touch of wood without pulling attention away from the spices. Bottled at 43%, it has enough strength to keep that aromatic character vivid in the glass.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, this giftpack stands out as a rum with a clear sense of place and flavour. The two included glasses make it easy to share, and with the last bottles now in stock, (…)A1710 La Perle Fine
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A1710 La Perle Fine
In stock
A1710 La Perle Fine is a Martinique rum made from fresh sugar cane juice and bottled at a substantial 67.5%. That strength is part of its identity: this is a concentrated rum, built around the intensity and clarity of the distillate rather than a soft, diluted style.
It is produced through double distillation of fresh cane juice, followed by a distinctive maturation process. The emphasis remains on cane, ripe white fruit, floral detail and spice, without the profile being driven by pronounced wood influence.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, La Perle Fine sits comfortably among rums with a more expressive personality: powerful in strength, aromatic in style, yet described with a soft and creamy palate.
The nose is expressive and full, with aromas of (…)
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.
