Rum from Cadenhead's
Please note: stock and availability in our store may vary! More info
Caroni 1998 20y For The Nectar (Cadenhead)
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Caroni 1998 20y For The Nectar (Cadenhead)
On request only
Caroni 1998 20y For The Nectar is a Trinidad rum with a very specific identity: distilled in 1998, aged for 20 years, carrying the Cadenhead's name and released for The Nectar.
At 62.8% ABV, this is a rum to approach with time and attention rather than casually. In the rum selection at Drankenshop Broekmans, it stands out because of its age, origin and limited availability.
The indication that these are the last bottles, together with its status as a collectors item, gives this release a different feel from a regular everyday rum. It is a bottle for someone looking for a mature Trinidad rum with scarcity and provenance at the centre of the story.
No detailed tasting notes are supplied for this release. What is clear is that this 20-year-old rum (…)Clarendon 2010 12y (Cadenhead)
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Clarendon 2010 12y (Cadenhead)
On request only
Clarendon 2010 12y is a Jamaican rum from Cadenhead's with a very direct appeal: distilled in 2010, matured for 12 years and bottled at 55%. It is a rum where the main interest lies in its clear origin, age and strength rather than in any unnecessary decoration.
Within the rum selection at Drankenshop Broekmans, this bottle stands out as a more focused release. The remaining stock is limited to the last bottles, which suits the feeling of a rum drawn from a particular moment rather than a broad permanent expression.
Its profile points first towards spice, supported by lighter notes of fruit, wood, floral detail and a vegetal edge. That gives the impression of a Jamaican rum with structure and drive, more about character and firmness than overt sweetness.
Clarendon 2010 12y (Cadenhead) (Damaged: Label dirty, damaged or missing)
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Clarendon 2010 12y (Cadenhead) (Damaged: Label dirty, damaged or missing)
Only 2 left in stock!
Clarendon 2010 12y is a Jamaican rum from Cadenhead's with a very direct appeal: distilled in 2010, matured for 12 years and bottled at 55%. It is a rum where the main interest lies in its clear origin, age and strength rather than in any unnecessary decoration.
Within the rum selection at Drankenshop Broekmans, this bottle stands out as a more focused release. The remaining stock is limited to the last bottles, which suits the feeling of a rum drawn from a particular moment rather than a broad permanent expression.
Its profile points first towards spice, supported by lighter notes of fruit, wood, floral detail and a vegetal edge. That gives the impression of a Jamaican rum with structure and drive, more about character and firmness than overt sweetness.
Your benefit: € 14,73 / 15%
Clarendon 2012 12y (Cadenhead)
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Clarendon 2012 12y (Cadenhead)
On request only
Clarendon 2012 12y comes from Cadenhead's Dated Distillations, a rum series built around clarity of origin, vintage and age. This Jamaican release is tied to Clarendon Estate, matured for twelve years and bottled at 55%, giving it a firm and expressive presence in the glass.
Cadenhead's treats these rums with a strong focus on authenticity: no chill filtration, no added colouring, and a label that puts the essential details in plain sight. The Bourbon Barrel maturation frames the spirit without taking attention away from the distillery character.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, releases like this have a natural place among rums for drinkers who enjoy specificity: a named estate, a dated distillation and a limited bottling rather than a broad blended profile. With (…)Diamond 2012 12y (Cadenhead)
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Diamond 2012 12y (Cadenhead)
On request only
Diamond 2012 12y is a Guyanese rum bottled by Cadenhead's with the clear, transparent spirit of the Dated Distillations range. Rather than leaning on vague storytelling, it gives you the essentials straight away: distilled in 2012, matured for 12 years and presented with a strong focus on provenance.
Cadenhead's treats these rums with the same respect for authenticity as its whisky bottlings. The approach avoids chill filtration and added colouring, keeping the rum close to its natural cask character. The Bourbon Barrel maturation gives structure, while the profile remains strongly fruit-led, supported by sweetness, gentle spice and a light woody touch.
At 55%, this is a rum with real intensity in the glass. Within the selection at Drankenshop Broekmans, it (…)Dictador 1993 26y (Cadenhead's Single Cask)
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Dictador 1993 26y (Cadenhead's Single Cask)
On request only
Dictador 1993 26y is a rum built around maturity, cask individuality and scarcity. Distilled in 1993 and bottled in 2019, it spent 26 years maturing before Cadenhead released it as part of its Single Cask series.
This bottling comes from one bourbon barrel and was filled at cask strength, carrying a powerful 65.3% ABV. Rather than presenting a blended house style, it focuses on the voice of one particular cask. The production detail of pot still and column distillation adds another layer of interest to the release.
Only 282 bottles were produced, and with the last bottles now available, this Dictador 1993 26y has a notably limited character within the Drankenshop Broekmans selection. It is a rum for drinkers who appreciate mature independent bottlings where (…)Epris 2011 12y (Cadenhead)
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Epris 2011 12y (Cadenhead)
Only 3 left in stock!
Epris 2011 12y is a Brazilian rum from Cadenhead's, distilled in 2011 and matured for twelve years. It sits in the sugar cane juice and molasses category, produced in a traditional column style and bottled at 51.4%, giving it a clear sense of presence.
The appeal of this release lies in the way its age, origin and bourbon barrel maturation come together without turning it into a wood-led rum. The profile points instead towards a strongly floral and spiced style, with a noticeable sweetness and only a lighter fruity side.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, this is the kind of rum we like to show to customers who are curious about more specific Cadenhead's releases and about Brazilian rum in particular. With the last bottles now remaining, it feels like a good moment to (…)Foursquare 2010 14y (Cadenhead)
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Foursquare 2010 14y (Cadenhead)
On request only
Foursquare 2010 14y comes from Cadenhead's Dated Distillations range, a series built around clear provenance and transparent labelling. In this case the essentials are right there: Foursquare from Barbados, distilled in 2010, aged for 14 years and bottled at 55%.
The appeal lies in the way Cadenhead's treats rum with the same directness it brings to whisky. These releases are bottled without chill filtration and without added colouring, keeping the spirit's natural depth intact. The bourbon barrel maturation frames the rum without taking over, while the profile leans into spice, sweetness, fruit and a noticeable floral lift.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, this is the kind of rum we would point out to someone looking beyond anonymous blends and into bottles with a (…)Foursquare 2010 15y (Cadenhead's Single Cask)
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Foursquare 2010 15y (Cadenhead's Single Cask)
In stock
Foursquare 2010 15y from Cadenhead's is a Barbados rum from the Single Cask range, drawn from one bourbon barrel. That gives the bottle a very defined identity: not a broad house style, but the voice of one individual cask.
Made from molasses and distilled using pot still and column still, it is described as an elegant Barbados rum with structure and fresh spicy notes. At 55% ABV it has real presence, yet the supplied profile points more toward clarity, fruit and spice than sheer weight.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, this is the kind of rum we place in the hands of customers who enjoy limited, clearly traceable bottlings. With the last bottles indicated, it also carries that sense of a finite Cadenhead release: distilled in 2010, matured for 15 years and bottled (…)Guyana 1990 26y (Cadenhead)
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Guyana 1990 26y (Cadenhead)
On request only
Guyana 1990 26y from Cadenhead's is the kind of rum where the details point to a very clear story: molasses-based Guyanese rum, distilled in 1990 and bottled in October 2017 after 26 years of maturation. That length of time gives the bottle a serious, mature presence before the glass is even poured.
It comes from a single cask, matured in a bourbon cask and bottled at cask strength at 57.2%. Together with pot still distillation, that places the emphasis on concentration and individuality rather than on a polished, standardised house style.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, we see this as a rum for drinkers who enjoy the personality of one specific cask. The fact that only the last bottles remain adds to its limited nature, but the real interest lies in the style (…)Guyana Diamond 2011 10y (Cadenhead's Small Batch)
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Guyana Diamond 2011 10y (Cadenhead's Small Batch)
On request only
Guyana Diamond 2011 10y is a molasses rum with a clear sense of place and style. Distilled at Diamond in Guyana using a pot still and matured in a Bourbon Barrel, it sits in a more characterful corner of rum rather than a sweetness-driven one.
Cadenhead's bottled this release as part of its Small Batch range, the kind of selection that fits naturally into the Drankenshop Broekmans assortment for drinkers looking beyond standard house styles. At 55% ABV, it has a firm presentation, giving the fruity and spicy elements enough weight to stand out.
With the last bottles now in stock, this Guyana Diamond 2011 10y has the feel of a rum worth paying attention to while it is still around. It is not a loud, overworked release, but a focused Cadenhead bottling for (…)Jamaica 13y (Cadenhead - Original Collection)
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Jamaica 13y (Cadenhead - Original Collection)
On request only
Cadenhead's Jamaica 13y is a molasses-based rum that places the focus on Jamaican origin, pot still distillation and the personality of a single cask. Matured for 13 years and bottled in August 2021 as part of Cadenhead's Original Collection, it has the kind of clearly defined identity that independent bottlings are often chosen for.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, this release stands out because it comes from one Bourbon Barrel rather than a broader vatting. Bottled at 46%, it gives a more specific view of the cask and spirit, without turning the description into a purely technical exercise.
The profile is led by fruit and spice, while wood, floral notes and a light vegetal side remain in a supporting role. With the last bottles now available, this is a Jamaican (…)Jamaica 2005 17y (Cadenhead)
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Jamaica 2005 17y (Cadenhead)
On request only
Cadenhead's Jamaica 2005 17y tells its story through origin and time: a Jamaican rum distilled in 2005 and aged for 17 years. It does not need an elaborate presentation; the vintage, the age and the Jamaican origin already give it a clear identity.
The character leans towards spice rather than sweetness. Fruit, floral touches, wood and a subtle vegetal side sit in the background, while the spiced element gives the rum its main direction. At 46% alcohol, it has enough strength to carry that profile with clarity.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, this is the kind of rum that stands out for people looking beyond the obvious, especially when Jamaican origin and mature ageing matter. With the last bottles now in circulation, it has become a little less easy to come (…)Jamaica 2011 15y (Cadenhead's Single Cask)
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Jamaica 2011 15y (Cadenhead's Single Cask)
In stock
Cadenhead's Jamaica 2011 15y is an expressive Jamaican rum from the Single Cask range, distilled in 2011 and bottled after 15 years of maturation. It is a molasses rum made in a pot still style, with the typically aromatic island character highlighted in the product information.
The rum matured in a bourbon barrel, yet the real point of interest is the combination of Jamaican personality, age and single cask individuality. This is not a broad blended profile, but a specific cask selection with its own direction. At 50.4% ABV, it has a firm presence without making strength the whole story.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, this is the kind of bottle we would place in front of someone looking for Jamaican rum with a pronounced aromatic signature. With only the last (…)Jamaica Hampden 20y (Cadenhead - Original Collection)
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Jamaica Hampden 20y (Cadenhead - Original Collection)
On request only
Jamaica Hampden 20y is a molasses-based Jamaican rum bottled by Cadenhead's as part of the Original Collection. The appeal lies in its direct, focused presentation: twenty years old, drawn from a single cask and bottled at cask strength at 50.9%.
Made in a pot still style and matured in a bourbon barrel, it is less about broad blending and more about one individual cask captured at a specific moment. The May 2021 bottling date gives this release a clear place in time within Cadenhead's independent bottlings.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, this is the kind of rum we value for its clarity of origin and bottling approach. With only the last bottles remaining, it also carries the natural scarcity of a limited single cask release.
No detailed tasting (…)Jamaica Monymusk 17y (Cadenhead - Original Collection)
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Jamaica Monymusk 17y (Cadenhead - Original Collection)
On request only
Jamaica Monymusk 17y from Cadenhead's is the kind of rum where the appeal lies in its focus. It is a Jamaican molasses rum, pot still distilled, and released as part of Cadenhead's Original Collection. Rather than presenting a broad house style, it points to a specific origin, a specific cask and a very defined bottling choice.
Seventeen years of maturation in a Bourbon Barrel gives this release its framework. The single cask nature makes it even more particular: this is one individual barrel captured at one moment in time. Bottled at 52.6% and at cask strength, it keeps close to the intensity and individuality of the cask from which it came.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, this Jamaica Monymusk sits comfortably among rums chosen for drinkers who appreciate (…)Panama 2006 17y (Cadenhead)
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Panama 2006 17y (Cadenhead)
On request only
Panama 2006 17y from Cadenhead's is a molasses-based rum with a clear sense of origin and age. Distilled in 2006 and bottled at 17 years old, it brings mature character without the supplied profile suggesting a heavily wood-driven style.
The Bourbon Barrel maturation gives the rum its ageing framework, yet the main emphasis sits with fruitiness and sweetness. Light floral and spicy touches add detail, while oak influence stays very much in the background according to the flavour profile.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, we would place this with drinkers looking for a Panamanian rum with age, but with a softer fruit-and-sweetness-led personality rather than a strongly woody one. With only the last bottles remaining, it is also a release that is gradually becoming (…)Panama 2006 19y (Cadenhead's Single Cask)
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Panama 2006 19y (Cadenhead's Single Cask)
In stock
Panama 2006 19y from Cadenhead's is a Panamanian molasses rum with a very clearly defined identity. It belongs to the Cadenhead's Single Cask range, so the rum comes from one individual cask rather than from a broader blend, giving a focused view of this particular maturation.
It was distilled in a traditional column style and matured in a Bourbon Barrel. With 19 years of age and a strength of 55%, it has real presence, yet the supplied tasting profile points just as much toward dark fruit, sweetness and a measured spicy edge as it does toward power.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, we see this as a rum to introduce with a little attention: a single cask from Panama, now down to the last bottles, for drinkers who enjoy discovering the personality of one specific (…)Spanish 2007 17y (Cadenhead)
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Spanish 2007 17y (Cadenhead)
In stock
Spanish 2007 17y from Cadenhead's is a Spanish molasses rum, distilled in 2007 and matured for 17 years. Its appeal lies in that clear, focused identity: a mature rum from Spain, bottled at 46%, with enough age to give the release a more considered feel.
It was produced in a traditional column style and matured in a Bourbon Barrel. The flavour profile points towards sweetness and spice as the main accents, with fruit and floral notes adding lift. Wood is not presented as a dominant element here, so the maturation seems to frame the rum rather than define it completely.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, this is the kind of bottle we place in front of rum drinkers who enjoy exploring beyond the most familiar origins. With only the last bottles remaining, it has a (…)Travellers 2015 10y (Cadenhead's Single Cask)
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Travellers 2015 10y (Cadenhead's Single Cask)
Only 3 left in stock!
Travellers 2015 10y shows the appeal of a single cask rum in a very direct way. Bottled by Cadenhead's as part of the Single Cask range, it comes from one bourbon barrel, so the focus is on one particular cask rather than on a broad, blended house expression.
This is a molasses-based rum from Belize, distilled in a traditional column style and aged for ten years. At 55% it has real presence, yet the supplied notes point above all to a rich, full style with a clear dessert-like character. Vanilla, caramel, dates, nuts and warm bakery tones shape the impression.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, this kind of bottle is appreciated for its specificity: independent bottler, single cask origin, Belize provenance and only the last bottles remaining. It is a rum with enough (…)Trinidad 18y (Cadenhead - Original Collection)
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Trinidad 18y (Cadenhead - Original Collection)
On request only
Cadenhead's Trinidad 18y is a molasses rum from Trinidad, released as part of the Original Collection. Bottled in August 2021 at 46%, it brings together an 18-year age statement, independent bottling and a clear sense of origin.
The key point here is the single cask nature of the release. Drawn from a Bourbon Barrel, it represents one individual cask rather than a broad house blend. At Drankenshop Broekmans, bottles like this are valued because they give rum drinkers a more focused look at a particular maturation and style.
Its traditional column distillation and molasses base place it firmly within Trinidad rum, while the flavour profile points mainly towards fruit and wood, supported by lighter spice, floral and sweet tones. With only the last bottles (…)Trinidad 2007 19y (Cadenhead's Single Cask)
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Trinidad 2007 19y (Cadenhead's Single Cask)
In stock
Cadenhead's Trinidad 2007 19y is a molasses rum from Trinidad, distilled in 2007 and bottled in 2026 after 19 years of maturation. It sits in a rich, exotic register, with ripe fruit, sweetness and spice giving the rum a generous and expressive feel at 55% ABV.
Part of the Cadenhead's Single Cask range, this bottling comes from one bourbon barrel rather than a broader blend. That makes it a snapshot of a single cask's development: focused, individual and tied to one particular maturation path. At Drankenshop Broekmans, releases like this are appreciated for exactly that reason, as they show a more specific side of Trinidad rum.
Traditional column distillation, long ageing and single cask bottling give this rum a clear identity. With the last bottles now (…)Trinidad 2011 11y (Cadenhead)
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Trinidad 2011 11y (Cadenhead)
On request only
Cadenhead's Trinidad 2011 11y is a molasses rum with a clear sense of origin and timing: Trinidad, distilled in 2011, aged for 11 years and bottled at 46%. It has enough maturity to feel composed, while the details point to a rum that is more about character than sheer weight.
Traditional column distillation and maturation in American Oak give useful context here. The profile leans most clearly towards fruit and spice, with wood and sweetness playing a quieter supporting role. At Drankenshop Broekmans, we would place this in the hands of someone looking for a Trinidad rum with definition rather than an overtly oak-led style.
With only the last bottles remaining, this Cadenhead's release also has a certain moment-in-time quality. It represents a specific (…)Venezuela 13y (Cadenhead - Original Collection)
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Venezuela 13y (Cadenhead - Original Collection)
On request only
Venezuela 13y from Cadenhead's is a molasses rum with a clear and focused identity: thirteen years of age, Venezuelan origin, traditional column distillation and a bottling strength of 55% ABV.
As part of Cadenhead's Original Collection, it comes across as a rum where the essential details matter. Oak cask maturation sets the framework, while the supplied flavour indication points mainly towards a clearly present sweetness rather than a broad list of added tasting descriptors.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, this is the kind of bottle we would introduce to someone looking for an independently bottled rum with age, strength and provenance at the centre of the conversation. With only the last bottles remaining, it also has the feel of a release that should not be (…)
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.
