Rum
Please note: stock and availability in our store may vary! More info
Abuelo 12y Two Oaks Incl. Box
26
Abuelo 12y Two Oaks Incl. Box
In stock
Abuelo 12y Two Oaks is a molasses-based rum from Panama, matured for 12 years and shaped by a clear oak influence. The name already gives a useful clue: this is a rum where wood is part of the identity, not just a background note.
Made through multicolumn distillation and aged in American Oak, it sits at Drankenshop Broekmans among the more mature rums for drinkers who appreciate structure, spice and fruit rather than a heavily sweet style. At 40% alcohol, it presents that aged character in a measured, approachable way.
The emphasis falls on wood, with spice and fruit also clearly present, while sweetness and floral notes remain more restrained. More information about the brand can be found at https://www.ronabuelo.com/
Abuelo 12y Two Oaks (…)Admiral Rodney Formidable
7360° view available
Admiral Rodney Formidable
On request only
Admiral Rodney Formidable is a molasses rum from St. Lucia that puts its emphasis on style rather than an age statement. This multivintage release brings together different vintages, distilled in a Coffey Still and matured in American oak. The result is a rum shaped by cask influence, spice and fruit rather than by sweetness alone.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, we see this as a bottle for customers who enjoy rum with a little more structure and definition. There is a gentle sweet note in the background, but the main impression is built around wood, spice and fruity depth. At 40% alcohol, it remains approachable while still offering enough character to spend time with.
The flavour profile centres on wood, spice and fruit, with sweetness playing a gentler (…)Amrut Two Indies Dark
44
Amrut Two Indies Dark
In stock
Amrut Two Indies Dark is an Indian molasses rum bottled at 42.8%. The name points clearly towards a dark rum style, while its Indian origin gives it a different angle from many of the more familiar rum-producing regions.
Its pot still distillation and American Oak cask reference suggest a rum built around a more pronounced core, although the supplied flavour profile does not place wood at the centre. Spice is the main thread here, supported by gentle fruit, light sweetness and a subtle floral touch.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, this sits well among darker molasses rums for customers looking for something spiced and characterful, without an age statement or unnecessary embellishment.
The flavour profile is led by spice. Light fruity and sweet (…)Amrut Two Indies White
35
Amrut Two Indies White
In stock
Amrut Two Indies White is an Indian molasses-based rum, pot still distilled and bottled at 42.8%. Among white rums, it stands out through its aromatic shape rather than through oak influence, with floral notes and spice taking a clear role in its profile.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, we see this as a white rum for customers looking for a little more character without moving into a heavy, wood-led style. The Indian origin, pot still distillation and slightly higher strength give it a direct presence while keeping the focus on its clean, expressive side.
There is a modest touch of sweetness and fruit in support, but the main impression remains floral and spiced. That makes Amrut Two Indies White a distinctive choice within white rum, especially for anyone curious (…)Appleton Estate Reserve Blend
15360° view available
Appleton Estate Reserve Blend
Not available for shipping
Appleton Estate Reserve Blend is a Jamaican molasses rum built around a clearly fruity and spiced style. The word Blend matters here: rather than focusing on one single dimension, it brings together different sides of Jamaican rum in a composed, approachable way.
Its character is shaped by a combination of pot still and column distillation, giving it a meeting point between depth and smooth drinkability. American oak adds a gentle wood influence, while the fruit and spice remain the main thread. At 40% ABV, it has enough presence to enjoy neat, yet it also makes sense in a well-made mixed drink.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, we see this as a dependable introduction to a Jamaican rum style with flavour and personality, without becoming overly heavy. Additional (…)Australia 2007 17y Elixir Trail (Elixir Distillers - Whisky Trail)
LAST PIECES139
Australia 2007 17y Elixir Trail (Elixir Distillers - Whisky Trail)
On request only
Australia 2007 17y Elixir Trail is an artisanal rum from Queensland, bottled by Elixir Distillers as part of the Whisky Trail series. Its personality starts with the production approach: double distilled through column and pot still, then matured for seventeen years in American oak.
That age gives the rum a mature, developed feel, but the character described here is not only about oak. The available flavour profile points to a broad spread of impressions, with fruit, sweetness, gentle spice, wood and a light vegetal note all present in measured ways. It supports the description of a rich and complex rum without turning it into something one-dimensional.
With 450 bottles produced and the last bottles now indicated, this release has the feel of a small, (…)Bally Art Deco N°1
150360° view available
Bally Art Deco N°1
Only 2 left in stock!
Bally Art Deco N°1 is a special edition from J. Bally in Martinique, made as an agricole rum and distilled in a traditional column. Its identity is built around craft: the distillation, the blending, and the idea of presenting rum with a more artistic sense of refinement. The Art Deco name suits that position well, suggesting a cuvée shaped with attention to style as much as flavour.
Martinique is central to the story here. The rum carries the freshness of sugar cane, a touch of tropical fruit and a light vegetal note, all supported by maturation in American oak. That oak influence brings wood, gentle spice and a rounded sweetness, giving the agricole base more depth without taking away its origin-driven character.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, this is (…)Bally Art Deco N°2 Incl. Box
150360° view available
Bally Art Deco N°2 Incl. Box
In stock
Bally Art Deco N°2 is a Martinique agricole rum with a clear sense of inspiration behind it. Its name looks back to the Art Deco movement, which was flourishing in France around the same period that Jacques Bally founded his namesake brand in the 1930s. In that sense, this cuvée is not just a decorative reference; it connects the bottle to the origins of J. Bally and to an era shaped by design, craft and architecture.
This is the second batch of the cuvée, and, like the previous version, it is built from three different vintages. For this release, the blend brings together 1999, 2006 and 2007. There is no age statement on the label, yet the choice of vintages gives the rum a composed, layered feel. American oak maturation and traditional column (…)Barcelo Imperial Onyx Incl. Box
43360° view available
Barcelo Imperial Onyx Incl. Box
In stock
Barceló Imperial Onyx is a Dominican rum with a clear emphasis on oak and spice. Its American oak cask influence fits the style well: this is not a rum built mainly around sweetness, but one where wood character and spiced tones play the leading role.
There is no age statement here, so the focus shifts to style, origin and composition rather than a number on the label. Multicolumn distillation is part of the production profile, while the Dominican Republic gives the rum its place of origin. At Drankenshop Broekmans, we see this as a good example of a rum for drinkers looking for a more structured Dominican expression.
Light fruity, floral and sweet notes sit in the background, adding some lift without taking attention away from the oak-driven and (…)Cartavio Reserva 8y
16360° view available
Cartavio Reserva 8y
Only 2 left in stock!
Cartavio Reserva 8y is a Peruvian molasses rum built around maturation, fruit and oak rather than sheer intensity. Made by multicolumn distillation and aged through a solera system, it presents a polished style in which the influence of American Oak is clearly part of the story.
The character leans toward noticeable wood and fruit, with a lighter thread of spice and sweetness in support. At 40% alcohol, it stays measured and approachable, allowing the maturation style to come through without becoming heavy.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, we see Cartavio Reserva 8y as a good introduction to Peruvian solera rum: a rum where American oak, molasses-based depth and a rounded profile come together in a calm, well-defined way.
The flavour profile is led by (…)Cash Cane Saloon Cask
28360° view available
Cash Cane Saloon Cask
In stock
Cash Cane Saloon Cask is a molasses-based rum with a firmer style: bottled at 55% and matured in American Oak. The name sets a clear mood. This is a rum with presence, built around a clearly fruity profile, while oak, spice and sweetness play more of a supporting role.
Its origin and distilling style are both described as mixed, so the focus here is less on a single place or one fixed production route and more on the final character in the glass. With no age statement, the emphasis stays on strength, composition and flavour rather than a declared maturation age.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, we see this as a rum for customers looking for something with extra strength and a fruit-led profile rather than an overtly wood-heavy style. The last-bottles indication also (…)Cockspur Fine Rum
23360° view available
Cockspur Fine Rum
Not available for shipping
Cockspur Fine Rum is a Barbados molasses rum, distilled in a multicolumn style and bottled at 40%. It presents itself in a straightforward, approachable way, with spice as the clearest part of its personality rather than heavy oak influence.
A 2-year maturation in American oak adds a gentle wood note, while the overall profile keeps a lighter touch of fruit, sweetness and floral nuance around that spiced core. It is the kind of rum that feels practical and familiar, with enough Barbados identity to make it more than just a neutral mixing bottle.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, Cockspur Fine Rum sits comfortably among rums for customers looking for a well-known, versatile Barbados style with a warm spiced accent and an uncomplicated character.
Dictador Libreto Ao 1996
189360° view available
Dictador Libreto Ao 1996
In stock
Dictador Libreto Ao 1996 is a Colombian rum with a strong sense of time behind it. Distilled in 1996 and aged for 26 years, it belongs to Dictador's Libreto special editions, releases presented as rare pieces that reflect the brand's focus on craftsmanship and heritage.
Made from sugar cane syrup and distilled in a traditional column still, the rum matured in American oak. The wood influence frames the spirit rather than overwhelming it, giving room to a style where spice, gentle sweetness and fruit character sit together in a polished way.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, we see this as a bottle for those who appreciate rum with age, origin and scarcity clearly woven into the story. With the last bottles available, Dictador Libreto Ao 1996 feels less like a (…)Dictador Libreto Ao 2002 Incl. Box
153360° view available
Dictador Libreto Ao 2002 Incl. Box
In stock
Dictador Libreto Ao 2002 is a Colombian rum built around maturity, craftsmanship and rarity. Distilled in 2002 and aged for 20 years, it belongs to a special Libreto release that Dictador describes as a collector's piece, created in honour of the brand's heritage.
Made from sugar cane syrup, distilled in a traditional column and matured in American oak, it brings together a classic production approach with a composed aromatic style. The profile points towards ripe fruit, floral nuance, gentle sweetness, light spice and a measured touch of wood.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, this is the kind of Dictador we like to present to rum drinkers who enjoy a dated release with a clear sense of origin and patience. With the last bottles now in view, it has that extra (…)Dictador Parrafo Borbon 1999 23y
153360° view available
Dictador Parrafo Borbon 1999 23y
In stock
Dictador Parrafo Borbon 1999 23y is a Colombian rum built around a clearly defined vintage and a long period of ageing. Distilled in 1999 and bottled at 23 years old, it has the quiet authority of a release where time is an essential part of the story.
The American Oak cask reference and 43% strength point to a measured style, with the emphasis on maturity rather than sheer power. Only 310 bottles were produced, and with the last bottles now indicated, this Dictador release has a distinct place at Drankenshop Broekmans for customers who enjoy limited rum bottlings with a precise date and age behind them.
Additional information about Dictador can be found at https://www.dictador.com/
The available flavour indication points mainly towards wood (…)Dictador Parrafo Borbon 2001 21y
149360° view available
Dictador Parrafo Borbon 2001 21y
In stock
Dictador Parrafo Borbon 2001 21y is a Colombian rum with a clear sense of time behind it. Distilled in 2001 and aged for 21 years, it presents itself as a mature release rather than an everyday bottling.
Its small outturn is one of the most important parts of the story. Only 295 bottles were released, and with the last bottles now indicated, this Dictador has a distinctly limited place within the selection at Drankenshop Broekmans. It is the kind of rum where the vintage, the age and the number of bottles all matter.
Matured in American Oak and bottled at 44%, it carries a serious profile without needing exaggeration. The available flavour profile points towards a clearly fruity and sweet style, making this an interesting bottle for anyone looking for an aged (…)Dictador Parrafo Borbon 2004 18y
127360° view available
Dictador Parrafo Borbon 2004 18y
In stock
Dictador Parrafo Borbon 2004 18y is a Colombian rum shaped around a clearly defined vintage. Distilled in 2004 and aged for 18 years, it feels more specific than a general house-style release: this is a dated bottling with its own place in the Dictador range.
The maturation in American Oak and the 46% alcohol strength give it presence, while the available profile points away from an overtly wood-led style. Fruit is the main direction here, supported by a lighter spicy accent.
With only 293 bottles produced and the final bottles now indicated, this Dictador has a natural place at Drankenshop Broekmans for customers looking for a limited Colombian rum with age, vintage character and a clearly defined release story.
Additional information about (…)Dictador Sinfonia Bourbon 2002
154
Dictador Sinfonia Bourbon 2002
In stock
Dictador Sinfonia Bourbon 2002 is a Colombian rum with a more special place in the Dictador range. The Libreto and Sinfonia rums are described as collectible special editions, created around craftsmanship, maturation and the heritage of the brand.
Distilled in 2002 in a traditional column style, it was matured in American oak. That gives this release a clear sense of mature wood influence, while keeping the focus on refinement rather than sheer weight. At 44% alcohol, it has enough presence to feel serious without becoming overpowering.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, this is the kind of Dictador bottling we would point out to someone looking beyond the everyday rum selection. Its Colombian origin, 2002 distillation date and Sinfonia identity make it a more (…)Dictador Sinfonia Bourbon 2004 Incl. Box
146360° view available
Dictador Sinfonia Bourbon 2004 Incl. Box
In stock
Dictador Sinfonia Bourbon 2004 sits within Dictador's Sinfonia releases, special editions described by the brand as rare pieces shaped by careful distillation and maturation. This Colombian rum is made from sugar cane syrup, traditionally column distilled, and comes from the 2004 distillation year.
American oak gives it a gentle woody frame, but the charm of this bottle lies mainly in its rounded, aromatic style. The tasting notes move through vanilla, caramel, honey, ripe banana, cinnamon and coconut, creating a warm and polished impression rather than a heavy one.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, we see this as a Dictador for drinkers who appreciate limited releases with a soft, fruit-led character and a sense of occasion. With only the last bottles remaining, (…)Diplomatico Distillery Collection N°1 Batch Kettle Tube Incl.
89360° view available
Diplomatico Distillery Collection N°1 Batch Kettle Tube Incl.
Only 2 left in stock!
Diplomatico Distillery Collection N°1 Batch Kettle is a Venezuelan molasses rum with a very clear point of focus. At Drankenshop Broekmans, it stands out as a Diplomatico release where the name itself directs attention to the Batch Kettle expression within the Distillery Collection.
Bottled at 47%, it carries more weight on paper than a lighter, easy-going rum, while still leaving the actual sensory details to the glass rather than to unsupported description. The available information points to a rum with a defined identity rather than a broad, generic presentation.
The American Oak cask reference and the distillation date of 1 March 2012 give this bottle useful context. Origin, cask indication and collection name all help frame it as a more specific (…)Diplomatico Distillery Collection N°2 Barbet Incl. Box
7
Diplomatico Distillery Collection N°2 Barbet Incl. Box
In stock
Diplomatico Distillery Collection N°2 Barbet presents a more production-focused side of Venezuelan rum. Made from molasses and distilled in a traditional column still, it puts the distillation style at the centre of the story rather than relying only on the broader Diplomatico name.
The stated distillation date, March 2012, gives this release a clear point of origin. Maturation in American Oak adds another defining element, although the available product data does not include specific official tasting notes.
At 47% alcohol, Diplomatico Distillery Collection N°2 Barbet has a firmer bottling strength than many everyday rums. At Drankenshop Broekmans, we see this as the kind of rum that invites attention to its building blocks: Venezuela, molasses, (…)Diplomatico Vintage 2013 Incl. Box
166
Diplomatico Vintage 2013 Incl. Box
In stock
Diplomatico Vintage 2013 is built around the idea of a rum that is only released in limited quantities in outstanding years. This Venezuelan edition brings together the depth, elegance and layered character associated with Diplomatico, shaped by ten years of maturation.
For the 2013 vintage, Diplomatico brought three different types of its own distillates together before ageing, a first for this release. The rum then matured in ex-bourbon and whiskey casks made from American oak. That gives the bottle a clear sense of craft: a molasses rum tied to a specific vintage, with the wood influence supporting rather than overwhelming its rounded style.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, this is the kind of rum we like to introduce to customers who enjoy discovering a familiar (…)Eminente Gran Reserva 10y
83360° view available
Eminente Gran Reserva 10y
In stock
Eminente Gran Reserva 10y is a Cuban molasses rum with ten years of maturation behind it. The Gran Reserva name feels well placed here: the emphasis is on aged rum character, oak influence and a composed style rather than simple sweetness.
It is made in a traditional column distilling style and matured in American oak. That matters for the way the rum presents itself: wood, fruit and floral notes form the main impression, while spice and sweetness stay in a more supporting role.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, this sits comfortably among rums for drinkers looking for a Cuban expression with maturity and structure. Bottled at 43.2%, it carries a little extra weight without moving away from its refined, oak-led profile.
Eminente Gran Reserva 10y shows (…)Eminente Reserva 7y
56360° view available
Eminente Reserva 7y
In stock
Eminente Reserva 7y is a Cuban molasses rum with a strong sense of origin. The brand places it in the heart of Cuba, on the island known to its inhabitants as the isla del cocodrilo, a name inspired by its unusual crocodile-like shape. It carries a Cuban imagination, yet looks beyond the familiar colours of Havana toward a wilder interior setting.
The Reserva follows the path of the great cane spirits once produced in Cuba in the 19th century, a tradition the brand wants to bring back into focus. It is traditionally column distilled, tropically matured and aged in American oak, with 7 years of maturation giving it more depth while retaining the lighter Cuban style. The Cuban Protected Designation of Origin adds further weight to its identity.
At Drankenshop (…)
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.
