Rum
Please note: stock and availability in our store may vary! More info
Rhum Rhum Pmg (Velier Rhum Rhum)
LAST PIECES61
Rhum Rhum Pmg (Velier Rhum Rhum)
Only 2 left in stock!
Rhum Rhum PMG is a Guadeloupe rum made from sugar cane juice, giving it a different starting point from molasses-based rum. Its identity sits closer to the cane itself, with a style that feels driven by freshness of origin rather than by sweetness or oak.
The Velier bottling and pot still distillation place it firmly in a more specialist corner of the rum shelf. At 41% ABV, it remains approachable in strength, while the profile still has enough definition to make the Guadeloupe sugar cane juice style clear.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, this Rhum Rhum PMG stands out through that precise combination of origin, raw material and bottler. With only the last bottles remaining, it is the kind of rum to discover while it is still within reach.
Rhum Rhum (…)Beenleigh 2015 8y Mag 1,5l (Velier)
LAST PIECES150360° view available
Beenleigh 2015 8y Mag 1,5l (Velier)
Very last one in stock!
Beenleigh 2015 8y Mag 1.5l is an Australian molasses rum with a strong sense of place. It comes from Beenleigh, a distillery founded in 1884 in Queensland, and is made from molasses sourced from Australia's last privately owned mill. That background gives the bottle a story before the glass is even poured.
The rum is distilled using both columns and pot stills, then aged for 8 years in bourbon barrels. At 60% and bottled at cask strength, it keeps a firm, direct character rather than smoothing away its natural intensity. The 1.5 litre magnum format adds to its distinctive presence, especially as these are the last bottles.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, this Velier bottling sits in the selection for drinkers who appreciate rum with origin, power and detail: (…)Caroni 2000 18y "+ 7y" Whisky Live 2025 50cl (Velier)
COLLECTOR360° view available
Caroni 2000 18y "+ 7y" Whisky Live 2025 50cl (Velier)
Very last one in stock!
Caroni 2000 18y "+ 7y" Whisky Live 2025 50cl (Velier) is a(n) rum from Trinidad by the brand Caroni. It falls within the rum group under the category Mélasse. Caroni 2000 18y "+ 7y" Whisky Live 2025 50cl (Velier) is regarded by us as a Collector's Item, which makes many a collector's heart beat that little bit faster. It is one of the many references you can currently buy online at Drankenshop Broekmans.
This rum is matured in Bourbon Barrel barrels. It is a version of 50 cl and has an alcohol content of 50,6%.
Caroni 2000 18y "+ 7y" Whisky Live 2025 50cl (Velier) is bottled by Velier.
This rum is a single cask bottling. What is a single cask? A single cask (single barrel) means that the rum in the (…)Caroni 21y (Velier)
COLLECTOR150
Caroni 21y (Velier)
In stock
Caroni 21y is a Trinidad molasses rum with a very clear identity: distilled in February 1996, matured for 21 years and bottled at cask strength. At 57.18% ABV, it keeps close to the strength and presence of the cask rather than presenting itself as a softened style.
The use of pot still and column distillation adds another layer to its story. Maturation in a bourbon barrel brings a restrained wood influence, while the main point of interest remains its age, Trinidad origin and full-strength bottling.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, this is the kind of bottle we would take a moment to explain properly. Its collector's item status and the fact that these are the last bottles underline the scarcity of this 21-year-old Caroni release.
Further information (…)Caroni 23y 1994 Guyana (Velier)
COLLECTOR250360° view available
Caroni 23y 1994 Guyana (Velier)
In stock
Caroni 23y 1994 Guyana is the kind of rum that asks for attention before it is even poured. A 1994 distillation, 23 years of age and bottling at 57.18% cask strength place it firmly in a more serious, concentrated style of molasses rum.
It was distilled using pot still and column still methods, then matured in a bourbon barrel. The supplied profile points towards a rum where wood, spice and vegetal tones carry much of the expression, with fruit and floral notes playing a lighter role. It is not presented as a soft, sweet style, but as a mature rum with structure and force.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, this Caroni is treated as a noteworthy bottle because several meaningful elements come together: age, vintage, cask strength and the fact that only the last (…)Caroni Paradise 1994 #3 (Velier) Incl. Box
COLLECTOR5.000
Caroni Paradise 1994 #3 (Velier) Incl. Box
Very last one in stock!
Caroni Paradise 1994 #3 is a Trinidad rum built around precision and scarcity: one cask, one vintage, one very small release. Distilled in 1994 and bottled in 2023, it spent 29 years maturing in a bourbon barrel before being bottled at 52.8%.
Only 215 bottles were drawn from this single cask, giving the rum a very specific identity. Rather than presenting a broad house style, it captures the character of one individual barrel after long maturation. Its collector's item status follows naturally from that limited scale and clearly defined origin.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, this Velier bottling sits among the rums we would point out to customers interested in mature, rare molasses rum with a strong cask-driven personality. Wood and spice form the main structure, (…)Caroni Paradise 1994 #7 (Velier) Incl. Box
LAST PIECES350360° view available
Caroni Paradise 1994 #7 (Velier) Incl. Box
Only 3 left in stock!
Caroni Paradise 1994 #7 is a rum whose appeal lies in origin, patience and scale. This is a molasses rum from Trinidad, distilled in 1994 in a traditional column style and bottled in 2024. That long stretch of time gives the bottle a sense of depth before one even comes to the details of the cask.
Velier bottled this release from a single bourbon barrel at cask strength, 58% alcohol. With only 142 bottles produced, it is a very narrow release rather than a general bottling. At Drankenshop Broekmans, we see this kind of rum as the sort of bottle that speaks to people who enjoy the individuality of one specific cask.
The key elements are tightly focused: Caroni, Trinidad, 1994, single cask and natural strength. Its profile points towards a firm style, with (…)Caroni Paradise 1994 #8 (Velier) Incl. Box
LAST PIECES350360° view available
Caroni Paradise 1994 #8 (Velier) Incl. Box
Only 3 left in stock!
Caroni Paradise 1994 #8 is built around the character of one individual cask. Bottled by Velier, this Trinidad molasses rum was distilled in 1994 and bottled in 2024 from a single bourbon barrel. Only 195 bottles were filled, and with the last bottles now available, the sense of scarcity is part of its story.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, a release like this stands apart from broader rum bottlings. It is traditional column distilled, bottled at cask strength and presented at 58% alcohol, so the emphasis is clearly on intensity and direct cask character rather than softness or easy sweetness.
The profile points towards wood, spice and vegetal depth as the main pillars, with fruit, sweetness and floral notes playing a quieter supporting role. That makes this Caroni (…)Caroni Paradise 1996 #1 (Velier) Incl. Box
COLLECTOR
Caroni Paradise 1996 #1 (Velier) Incl. Box
Very last one in stock!
Caroni Paradise 1996 #1 by Velier is a Trinidad molasses rum with a very focused identity. Distilled in 1996 in a traditional column style and bottled in 2023, it carries the weight of a long maturation without being softened down before release.
The rum comes from a single bourbon barrel and was bottled at cask strength, 62.7%. Only 213 bottles were filled, and with the last bottles now in circulation, its collectible nature is part of the story rather than an afterthought.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, this is the kind of rum we place in front of someone looking for intensity, scarcity and a clear cask-driven personality. The Velier name, the Trinidad origin and the single cask format all point in the same direction: a powerful, limited rum for serious (…)Caroni Paradise 1996 #4 (Velier) Incl. Box
COLLECTOR5.000
Caroni Paradise 1996 #4 (Velier) Incl. Box
Very last one in stock!
Caroni Paradise 1996 #4 is a Trinidad rum where the main story is time, strength and scarcity. Bottled by Velier, it was distilled from molasses in 1996 and bottled in 2023 after 27 years of ageing. Rather than coming from a broad batch, it was drawn from a single bourbon barrel, giving this release a very specific cask identity.
Only 215 bottles were produced, and it was bottled at cask strength at 68.1% ABV. That makes it a rum with real presence, aimed at drinkers who appreciate the individuality of a single cask and the directness of a high-strength bottling. At Drankenshop Broekmans, releases like this stand out because they bring together provenance, age and limited availability in a very tangible way.
The supplied flavour profile points towards a (…)Caroni Paradise 1998 #2 (Velier) Incl. Box
COLLECTOR
Caroni Paradise 1998 #2 (Velier) Incl. Box
Very last one in stock!
Caroni Paradise 1998 #2 is a Trinidad molasses rum bottled by Velier, distilled in 1998 and bottled in 2023. It comes from a single bourbon barrel and was released at cask strength, 56.3%, with only 230 bottles drawn from that one cask.
The interest here lies in the concentration of the release. This is not a broad, blended expression, but a very specific barrel selection with a clear sense of scarcity. As a collector's item and with the last bottles indicated, it occupies a special place among the more limited rums in the Drankenshop Broekmans selection.
Its profile is built around wood, spice and fruit, supported by lighter floral and vegetal notes. The data does not point toward a sweet style, so the emphasis is more on structure, cask influence and the (…)Caroni Paradise 2000 #5 (Velier) Incl. Box
COLLECTOR
Caroni Paradise 2000 #5 (Velier) Incl. Box
In stock
Caroni Paradise 2000 #5 is a Trinidad rum built around a very clear idea: one individual cask, long maturation and an uncompromising bottling strength. Distilled in 2000 and bottled in 2023, this 23-year-old Velier release comes from a Bourbon Barrel and was bottled at 67.5%.
The appeal lies in its specificity. As a single cask rum, it is not shaped by blending different barrels into a broader house style; it captures the identity of one cask at one point in time. With only 243 bottles produced, that identity is necessarily limited.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, bottles like this are treated as more than just another aged rum. The cask strength presentation, the small outturn, the collector's item indication and the fact that these are the last bottles all point (…)Emb Blend 14y Coffret 2x70cl (Velier And Scheer)
LAST PIECES350
Emb Blend 14y Coffret 2x70cl (Velier And Scheer)
On request only
Emb Blend 14y Coffret 2x70cl is a Jamaican molasses rum bottled by Velier as part of the Velier and Scheer bottling. Its identity is built around a few strong elements: Jamaica, pot still distillation, 14 years of ageing and a cask strength bottling at 67.25%. That gives it a firmly defined place among powerful, mature rums.
The bourbon cask maturation brings a clear woody dimension, supported by lighter notes of spice, fruit, sweetness, vegetal character and a subtle floral touch. Rather than a soft, easy-going style, this is a rum where strength and maturation are central to the experience.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, this coffret stands out because of its 2 x 70 cl presentation and the fact that only the last bottles remain. It is the kind of release that (…)Emb Blend 14y Continental (Velier And Scheer)
58360° view available
Emb Blend 14y Continental (Velier And Scheer)
In stock
Emb Blend 14y Continental is a Jamaican rum from Velier, bottled as Velier and Scheer. Made from molasses and distilled in a pot still, it spent 14 years in a bourbon cask. Taken together, those details point to a rum with substance: mature, firm in style and shaped by a combination of distillate character and cask ageing.
It is bottled at cask strength, with an alcohol level of 64.8%. That strength gives the rum a serious presence and makes it a bottle to approach with time and attention. At Drankenshop Broekmans, Velier releases such as this are valued for the way they show rum in a more direct, less softened form.
The Continental reference in the name gives this edition its own place within the bottling. With 14 years of age, bourbon cask maturation and (…)Emb Blend 14y Tropical 69,7 (Velier And Scheer)
LAST PIECES67
Emb Blend 14y Tropical 69,7 (Velier And Scheer)
On request only
Emb Blend 14y Tropical 69.7 is a Jamaican molasses rum with a very direct sense of power. Bottled by Velier as Velier and Scheer, it brings together pot still distillation, 14 years of age and a full cask strength of 69.7%. Nothing in the data suggests a softened or easy-going style; this is a rum built around intensity and concentration.
The bourbon cask influence places wood and spice at the centre of the profile. Fruit, sweetness and a light vegetal touch are present in a more restrained way, giving support rather than defining the whole experience. That makes the bottle especially interesting for drinkers who enjoy robust Jamaican rum without the strength being reduced before bottling.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, we see this as the kind of Velier release (…)Foursquare 2005 Velier 1,5l (Velier Elliott Erwitt)
COLLECTOR250360° view available
Foursquare 2005 Velier 1,5l (Velier Elliott Erwitt)
Very last one in stock!
Foursquare 2005 Velier 1.5l is a Barbados molasses rum with immediate presence, partly because of its magnum format and partly because of the names behind it. Bottled by Velier as part of the Elliott Erwitt series, it was distilled in 2005, aged for 16 years, and made using both pot still and column distillation.
Maturation in bourbon barrel and bottling at cask strength give this release a firm, uncompromising profile. At 61% alcohol, it is a powerful rum, with wood influence and fruit standing clearly at the centre, supported by lighter spicy and floral touches.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, this bottle stands out through the combination of Foursquare, Velier, the 1.5-litre format and a limited outturn of 600 bottles. With the last bottles now indicated and the (…)Foursquare White Hab (Habitation Velier)
COLLECTOR
Foursquare White Hab (Habitation Velier)
On request only
Foursquare White Hab is a white molasses rum from Barbados, bottled by Velier as part of the Habitation Velier range. Its appeal lies in the spirit itself: pot still and column distillation, presented without a woody profile taking the lead.
At 62% ABV, this is a firmly built white rum rather than a soft, neutral style. The profile is led by floral notes, with lighter touches of fruit, spice and sweetness around it. That absence of wood influence keeps the focus clear and direct.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, we see this as a bottle for rum drinkers who enjoy distinctive white rum with provenance, strength and bottler identity. With only the last bottles remaining and the product marked as a collector's item, it carries an extra sense of scarcity without needing (…)Guyana 2004 Full Proof (Velier) Incl. Box
LAST PIECES350360° view available
Guyana 2004 Full Proof (Velier) Incl. Box
Very last one in stock!
Velier Guyana 2004 Full Proof is firmly rooted in the Demerara rum tradition: a molasses-based Guyanese rum with depth, structure and a distinctly full-bodied presence. It is a blend of three different rums, the youngest of which was distilled in 2004.
Its character is shaped by the combination of pot still and column distillation, followed by full tropical maturation. Bottling at 50 % keeps the rum expressive and substantial, while the bourbon barrels form part of the maturation background rather than taking over the story.
Only 2,718 bottles were released, so this is a small batch with a naturally limited availability. At Drankenshop Broekmans, we see it as a rum for drinkers who want to explore the deeper, more concentrated side of Guyana through a Velier (…)Hampden 2010 13y Lrok (Velier)
LAST PIECES350
Hampden 2010 13y Lrok (Velier)
On request only
Hampden 2010 13y LROK is a Jamaican molasses rum with a very clear sense of origin. Distilled in 2010 at Hampden Estate in the parish of Trelawny, it spent 13 years maturing in the tropics. The supplied information describes it as the oldest tropically aged version from this distillery, giving it a distinctive position in the Drankenshop Broekmans selection.
The LROK mark is linked here to an ester level of 200 to 400 gr/hlPA. More than a technical detail, that helps explain the aromatic depth of the rum. This is not a soft, sweet style; its profile is shaped by wood, spice and vegetal notes, with fruit and floral touches adding extra definition.
Bottled at cask strength at 60%, it keeps its intensity intact. The combination of tropical maturation, 13 years (…)Hampden 2016 <>h (Habitation Velier)
COLLECTOR199360° view available
Hampden 2016 <>h (Habitation Velier)
Very last one in stock!
Hampden 2016 <>H Hab is a Jamaican molasses rum bottled by Velier as part of the Habitation Velier range. Distilled in 2016, aged for 5 years and made in a pot still style, it sits firmly in the world of expressive Jamaican rum rather than softer, easygoing spirits.
Its bourbon barrel maturation adds a measured touch of wood, while the main impression is built around fruit and spice. Lighter floral and vegetal notes sit in the background, giving the rum extra definition without taking over. Bottled at cask strength at 62%, it keeps a direct, forceful presence.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, this is the kind of bottle that stands out for its combination of origin, bottler and scarcity. Velier's Habitation Velier series places strong emphasis on distillation (…)Hampden 2016 Hlcf 1,5l (Velier Elliott Erwitt)
COLLECTOR250360° view available
Hampden 2016 Hlcf 1,5l (Velier Elliott Erwitt)
Very last one in stock!
Hampden 2016 HLCF in the 1.5 litre format is a Jamaican molasses rum bottled by Velier as part of the Elliott Erwitt series. It brings together the kind of details that immediately set the tone: pot still distillation, a 2016 distillation date, bourbon barrel maturation and cask strength bottling at 60% ABV.
With an outturn of 600 bottles, this is far from a standard shelf rum. At Drankenshop Broekmans, it sits in the range as a powerful limited Velier release, made even more distinctive by the magnum format, its collector appeal and the fact that these are among the last bottles.
The available flavour profile points towards a rum where fruit, wood influence and spice carry the main structure, supported by lighter floral and vegetal touches. Rather than (…)Hampden 4y 2021 Dok Ms#3 (Velier)
360° view available
Hampden 4y 2021 Dok Ms#3 (Velier)
Last one in stock!
Hampden 4y 2021 DOK MS#3 is a Jamaican molasses rum built around intensity. The DOK mark is presented here as a full expression of Hampden's heavy pot still style: young, powerful and far from one-dimensional. At four years old, it still carries a vibrant edge, yet the supplied description points to a surprisingly balanced complexity beneath that force.
Distilled in 2021 and matured in a bourbon barrel, it is bottled at 60% alcohol. That strength gives the rum plenty of presence, but its personality is not only about impact. Spiced and vegetal tones shape the core, with fruit and gentle sweetness adding support around the edges.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, this is the kind of rum we place in front of customers who want to explore Jamaican rum in a more (…)Hampden 4y 2021 Dokms#3 1,5l (Velier)
350360° view available
Hampden 4y 2021 Dokms#3 1,5l (Velier)
Last one in stock!
Hampden 4y 2021 Dokms#3 is built around the DOK mark, a style described in the supplied information as an intense expression of Hampden's Jamaican heavy pot still character. It is a molasses rum with only four years of age, yet its identity is already clear: powerful, direct and full of presence.
The pot still distillation, bourbon barrel maturation and 60% strength all point in the same direction. This is not a soft-spoken rum; it is made to show the depth and force of the Hampden style while keeping a surprisingly composed complexity. At Drankenshop Broekmans, we see this as the kind of Jamaican rum that speaks to drinkers who enjoy a more expressive, high-energy profile.
With 600 bottles released and a 1.5 litre format, the presentation feels as (…)Hampden 7y 2018 Hgmlms #3 1,5l (Velier)
360° view available
Hampden 7y 2018 Hgmlms #3 1,5l (Velier)
Last one in stock!
Hampden 7y 2018 HGMLMS #3 1.5l is a Jamaican molasses rum where power is clearly present, but kept in check by a more refined side. The HGML mark is described here as combining fruit-led softness with controlled strength, and at 60% ABV it is very much a rum to take your time with rather than rush.
Distilled in 2018 on a pot still and matured in a Bourbon Barrel, it carries the kind of structure suggested by its spice, wood and vegetal accents, while the fruit keeps the profile from becoming purely forceful. With 600 bottles released and presented in a 1.5-litre format, this #3 has a distinctive place in the rum range at Drankenshop Broekmans.
The aroma opens full and honeyed, with resinous depth and spicy notes. With a little air, fresher herbal aromas begin (…)
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:
-
is made from sugar cane products
-
is fermented and distilled
-
has a maximum alcohol content of 96% at distillation
-
contains at least 37.5% alcohol at bottling
-
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.
