Rum
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Black Tot Rum
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Black Tot Rum
In stock
Black Tot Rum is a molasses-based rum with a clear sense of presence. Bottled at 46.2%, it carries a little more weight than many standard rums, while its identity is not built around an age statement. The use of pot still and column distillation points to a layered style, with spice and fruit taking the lead and a gentle bourbon cask wood influence sitting behind them.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, Black Tot is the kind of rum we would reach for when someone wants flavour and structure without moving into an overly sweet style. It has enough character to be enjoyed neat, while remaining approachable in the glass.
Additional information about the brand can be found at https://blacktot.com/
The flavour profile is led by clear fruitiness and a (…)Takamaka Extra Noir
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Takamaka Extra Noir
In stock
Takamaka Extra Noir is a molasses-based rum from the Seychelles, bottled at 43%. What makes it interesting is the combination of pot still and column distillation, giving the rum a style that sits between structure and approachability rather than leaning on one single dominant feature.
Bourbon cask influence adds a matured, woody dimension, while the overall profile remains relatively layered: gentle sweetness, a touch of fruit, mild spice, a light floral note and restrained wood. At Drankenshop Broekmans, we see this as a good introduction to rum from a less everyday origin, especially for drinkers who appreciate a clear rum character without an overly heavy profile.
The flavour profile is measured rather than heavy, bringing together light sweetness, a (…)Depaz Plantation
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Depaz Plantation
In stock
Depaz Plantation is a Martinique rum made from sugar cane juice, placing it in a style where the raw material itself plays a central role. Rather than leaning on obvious sweetness, it points toward a more restrained and nuanced expression of rum.
It is traditionally column distilled and bottled at 45%, giving it enough presence while keeping the profile composed. The bourbon cask element adds a gentle wood dimension, though no age statement is given for this release.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, we see Depaz Plantation as a rum for drinkers who want to explore Martinique and sugar cane juice rum in a subtler register. Its character is shaped by light floral, fruity, spicy and woody accents, without one element dominating the whole.
Depaz (…)Bally 12y Pyramide
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Bally 12y Pyramide
Only 2 left in stock!
Bally 12y Pyramide is the kind of rum that catches the eye before it ever reaches the glass. The pyramid-shaped bottle makes it stand out, but at Drankenshop Broekmans we value it just as much for what is inside: a 12-year-old rhum agricole from Martinique, made from pure sugar cane juice and bottled at 45%.
Its maturation in bourbon casks gives it a dark, mature presence. The colour is described as dark mahogany, and that says a great deal about the style: wood, spice and deeper flavours take the lead, with enough balance to keep the rum composed.
The appeal here lies in the meeting of sugar cane juice character and long cask ageing. The agricole origin brings its own identity, while twelve years in oak add depth, spice and a more developed, contemplative (…)Depaz VSOP Incl. Box
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Depaz VSOP Incl. Box
In stock
Depaz VSOP shows a distinctly Martinique approach to rum: made from sugar cane juice, distilled in a traditional column and matured in bourbon casks. Rather than leaning on obvious sweetness, it draws its personality from spice, a gentle touch of wood and the fresh, cane-driven side of the spirit.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, this is the kind of rum we would place in front of someone looking for more structure and definition in the glass. The 45% strength gives it a confident presence without making the style feel heavy.
The VSOP name places this Depaz in a more matured expression, while the bourbon cask influence remains supportive rather than dominant. Its appeal lies in that combination of Martinique origin, spice, light vegetal notes and a drier overall (…)Saint James VSOP
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Saint James VSOP
In stock
Saint James VSOP brings together several elements that give it a clear identity: Martinique origin, a sugar cane juice rum style, traditional column distillation and maturation in bourbon casks. Rather than leaning on sweetness, it presents itself through structure and cask influence.
The bourbon cask element is the most prominent part of its profile, with wood clearly present and lighter touches of fruit, spice and floral notes around it. At 43% ABV, it has enough strength to carry that character without feeling positioned as an overpowered rum.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, we see Saint James VSOP as a good choice for customers looking for a Martinique rum with a drier, wood-led personality. It is not a rum built around overt sweetness; its interest lies in the (…)Riviere Du Mat Agricole 6y Incl. Box
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Riviere Du Mat Agricole 6y Incl. Box
Only 2 left in stock!
Rivière Du Mat Agricole 6y is a sugar cane juice rum from Île de Réunion, distilled in a traditional column style. That cane juice origin gives it a clear identity within rum: more directly linked to the raw material than a molasses-based style.
Six years in bourbon casks bring wood and spice clearly into the picture, while sweetness is not the main theme here. The profile is more about cask structure, spice and a light vegetal edge, with gentle fruity and floral touches in the background.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, we see this Rivière Du Mat as a fine choice for discovering aged agricole-style rum from Réunion, especially when the appeal lies in cane character supported by measured barrel influence.
The flavour (…)Saint James Blanc Fleur De Canne
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Saint James Blanc Fleur De Canne
In stock
Saint James Blanc Fleur De Canne is a white rum from Martinique, made from sugar cane juice and bottled at a confident 50% ABV. It is not presented as a soft, understated rum; its interest lies in its direct cane-juice style and the firm presence that comes with that strength.
Traditional column distillation gives this bottle a clear sense of purpose: a bright, unaged rum style with structure and energy. At Drankenshop Broekmans, we see it as a good choice for customers looking beyond standard white rum and wanting something with a more defined origin and profile.
Additional information about the brand can be found at https://www.rhum-saintjames.com/
No detailed aroma or flavour notes are provided in the source data, but the style is clear: a (…)7 Sins Rum Greed 50cl
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7 Sins Rum Greed 50cl
In stock
7 Sins Rum Greed is a Belgian rum with a style that immediately feels a little different. It is made from molasses and sugar cane juice, and distilled using both pot still and column distillation. That combination gives it a broader identity than a rum built around one single production approach.
The Bourbon Cask reference gives the rum a familiar maturation setting, though the supplied flavour profile does not place wood at the centre. Fruit and spice are the main accents here, supported by a lighter sweetness. At Drankenshop Broekmans, this 50 cl bottle sits nicely among rums chosen for drinkers who enjoy discovering a less obvious Belgian take on the category.
With the last bottles now indicated, 7 Sins Rum Greed has become a little more limited in (…)Amrut Two Indies Rum
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Amrut Two Indies Rum
In stock
Amrut Two Indies Rum is an Indian molasses-based rum bottled at 42.8%. One of the most interesting points here is the combination of pot still and column distillation, bringing together two different approaches within the same rum.
It is matured in bourbon cask, giving it a wood-aged frame without making wood the dominant feature in the profile provided. The emphasis sits more on fruitiness and sweetness, with spice, wood and a light floral touch playing a supporting role.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, we see this as a rum for customers who want to explore an Indian style with a clear identity, where origin, distillation and maturation matter more than an age statement.
The profile points to a rum where fruitiness and sweetness are clearly present. (…)Bacardi Gran Reserva Diez 10y
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Bacardi Gran Reserva Diez 10y
In stock
Bacardi Gran Reserva Diez 10y is a molasses-based rum from Puerto Rico, with ten years of ageing at the heart of its identity. In this Gran Reserva, Bacardi brings the focus to maturation and cask influence, while keeping the overall profile measured rather than dominated by one particular flavour direction.
Multicolumn distillation and bourbon cask ageing define the framework of the rum. The supplied flavour profile points to light touches of wood, spice, fruit, floral character and sweetness, all present without one element taking over.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, we would present this bottle as an aged Puerto Rican rum with a clear Gran Reserva positioning: mature, cask-shaped and even in its expression. It is most interesting for the way its subtle accents (…)Bally 7 Years Pyramide Incl. Box
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Bally 7 Years Pyramide Incl. Box
In stock
Bally 7 Years Pyramide is a Martinique rum from J. Bally, made in the sugar cane juice style. Its appeal is not built around sweetness, but around structure: wood, spice, fruit and a lightly vegetal edge all have a role to play.
Maturation in bourbon casks gives it a clear oak presence, while traditional column distillation and a strength of 45% keep the rum firm and expressive. The result is a more character-driven style, with enough weight to carry its spiced and fruity side.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, this is the kind of bottle we place among rums for people who enjoy a drier, more defined Martinique profile. It has maturity, cask influence and a distinctive sugar cane juice origin without relying on overt sweetness.
The flavour profile is (…)Bally Millesime 2002
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Bally Millesime 2002
Temporarily sold out
Expected: 30/10/2026Bally Millesime 2002 is a Martinique rum with a clear vintage identity. Distilled in 2002 from sugar cane juice, it carries the sense of a specific year rather than a broadly blended style.
Its traditional column distillation and bourbon cask influence point towards a profile where wood, spice and fruit are central. The lighter floral and vegetal accents sit in the background, adding detail without taking the rum away from its more structured side.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, this is the kind of bottle we place in front of someone who enjoys rum with origin and method clearly visible in the glass. Martinique, sugar cane juice, vintage distillation and bourbon cask maturation all contribute to the calm, distinctive personality of Bally Millesime 2002.
Bally Vo Pyramide Incl. Box
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Bally Vo Pyramide Incl. Box
In stock
Bally Vo Pyramide from J. Bally is a Martinique rum rooted in sugar cane juice. That immediately places it in a drier, more cane-driven direction, away from a style built around sweetness and closer to vegetal freshness and subtle detail.
It is traditionally column distilled and matured in bourbon casks. The cask influence is not presented as heavy or dominant here; it sits alongside light touches of wood, spice, fruit, floral notes and vegetal character. At 45% alcohol, it has enough structure to carry those elements without turning the focus purely towards strength.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, we see this as a thoughtful choice for anyone looking to explore Martinique rum through a bottle where origin, cane juice and restrained cask influence matter more than (…)Barbados & Jamaica (Flensburg Rum Project)
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Barbados & Jamaica (Flensburg Rum Project)
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Barbados & Jamaica from Flensburg Rum Project is a molasses rum with a name that immediately sets the scene. It brings the idea of Barbados and Jamaica together under a German rum project, with a style that feels approachable while still having enough character to keep the glass interesting.
The use of pot still and column distillation gives the rum a broader foundation, while bourbon cask maturation adds a gentle wood influence rather than a dominant cask signature. At 40% ABV, the focus remains on fruit, supported by light spice, soft sweetness and a subtle floral touch.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, we see this as a rum for those moments when you want something clear in style, easy to understand, yet not flat or anonymous. With the last bottles now in (…)Barcelo Gran Anejo
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Barcelo Gran Anejo
In stock
Barcelo Gran Anejo is a rum from the Dominican Republic with a clearly fruit-led character and a measured period of maturation. Five years in bourbon casks give it some wood and spice, while keeping the fruit at the centre of the profile.
Its character is built around that fruitiness, with lighter touches of sweetness, floral nuance, oak and spice adding support rather than weight. The multicolumn distilling style is part of the product's identity, sitting alongside the cask ageing rather than dominating the story.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, Barcelo Gran Anejo is the kind of Dominican rum we would place in front of someone looking for aged rum with a rounded profile, but not one driven mainly by heavy wood influence.
The flavour profile of (…)Barcelo Organic Incl. Box
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Barcelo Organic Incl. Box
In stock
Barcelo Organic is a rum from the Dominican Republic with a gentle, sweet-leaning personality. It is described as being based on sugar cane juice, with multicolumn distillation giving it a clean and approachable structure.
Bourbon cask influence adds a light touch of wood, supported by soft spice, fruit and a subtle floral note. There is no age statement on the bottle, so the focus stays on the overall style: a Dominican rum with a rounded, easy-going sweetness and a measured cask presence.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, this sits well among rums for drinkers looking for a smooth Barcelo expression where sweetness leads, but where the wood and spice keep the profile from feeling one-dimensional.
The main impression is clearly sweet, framed by (…)Belize 2005 (1423 Single Barrel Selection) Incl. Box
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Belize 2005 (1423 Single Barrel Selection) Incl. Box
In stock
Belize 2005 from 1423 Rum World Class is a molasses rum with a very focused identity. It was distilled in 2005 at Travellers Distillery in Belize and bottled in 2023 as an 18-year-old single cask, coming from a family-run distillery known here for a heavier, spiced style from column distillation.
Part of its character comes from the way it matured: first in the tropics, then further aged in Denmark, before being bottled at cask strength at 58%. The bourbon cask adds structure, but the rum is not presented as a wood-driven bottling; spice and fruit remain the main lines of the story.
Only 275 bottles were filled, and with the last bottles now in focus, this release has a distinct place in the rum selection at Drankenshop Broekmans. It is a concentrated (…)Belize 2006 Traveller 12y (1423 Single Barrel Selection)
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Belize 2006 Traveller 12y (1423 Single Barrel Selection)
In stock
Belize 2006 Traveller 12y is the kind of rum that speaks through one individual cask rather than a house style. Made from molasses in Belize and distilled in 2006 using a traditional column still, it was bottled in March 2018 after 12 years in a Bourbon Cask.
The appeal here lies in its precision and scarcity. This is a single cask release from 1423 Rum World Class, bottled at cask strength at 64.7%, with only 269 bottles produced. As these are the last bottles, the release feels especially finite: a direct snapshot of one cask and one maturation path.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, bottlings like this are valued for the way they let rum drinkers explore a more concentrated style. Wood and spice form the main structure, supported by lighter touches of fruit, (…)Belize 2007 11y For The Nectar (Transcontinental Rum Line)
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Belize 2007 11y For The Nectar (Transcontinental Rum Line)
On request only
Belize 2007 11y For The Nectar from Transcontinental Rum Line is a focused single cask molasses rum from Belize. Distilled in 2007 and bottled in 2018 after 11 years of maturation, it captures one specific cask rather than the broader style of a large blended batch.
Its maturation in a bourbon cask gives the wood influence a clear place in the profile, alongside a pronounced fruity side. Bottling at cask strength, 48.2%, keeps the presentation direct, while the traditional column distillation underlines its structured style. Spice and sweetness are present, but they sit more in support of the main fruit and wood-driven character.
With only 317 bottles released and the last bottles now indicated, this rum has a naturally limited feel within the Drankenshop (…)Berry's Fijian Rum 11y (Berry Bros - Berry's Own Selection)
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Berry's Fijian Rum 11y (Berry Bros - Berry's Own Selection)
On request only
Berry's Fijian Rum 11y is a molasses-based rum from Fiji, selected and bottled by Berry Bros as part of Berry's own selection. It brings together pot still and column distillation, giving this release a more defined identity than a simple house-style rum.
Matured for 11 years in a bourbon cask and bottled at 46%, it has enough strength to carry its character without making the alcohol the main subject. At Drankenshop Broekmans, this bottle stands out for its clearly spiced profile, with gentler notes of wood, fruit, sweetness and a light floral edge sitting around it.
It is a rum that has found an audience, and with only the last bottles remaining, it feels very much like a focused independent selection rather than a permanent range item.
The (…)Bielle 2009 10y Asta M (Asta Morris)
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Bielle 2009 10y Asta M (Asta Morris)
On request only
Bielle 2009 10y Asta M is a Guadeloupe rum with a very focused identity: distilled in 2009, bottled in 2019 and drawn from a single bourbon cask. With only 226 bottles produced, this is not a broad house-style release, but a small-scale bottling built around one particular cask and its ten years of maturation.
Made from molasses and distilled in a traditional column, it carries a clearly wood-led profile, with lighter touches of spice, fruit, sweetness and vegetal character around it. Bottled at 49.4% cask strength, it keeps a closer connection to the cask rather than presenting a softened, standardised version.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, this bottle sits in the kind of rum selection made for drinkers who enjoy individual cask releases with a defined origin (…)Black Tot Master Pack 5x3cl
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Black Tot Master Pack 5x3cl
Last one in stock!
Black Tot Master Pack 5x3cl is a compact tasting set for exploring Black Tot in measured pours. With five 3cl bottles presented as a gift pack, it has the feel of a proper discovery box rather than a standard full-size bottle purchase.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, we see this kind of pack as a thoughtful choice for rum drinkers who enjoy comparing styles side by side. The rum is molasses-based, bottled at a robust 54.5%, and brings together pot still and column distillation. That gives the pack a more layered production background than a simple single-style rum.
The bourbon cask reference adds context to the maturation side, while the lack of an age statement keeps the focus on the Black Tot selection itself. It is a useful format for tasting, gifting, or (…)Black Tot Tastingkit 2021 5x3cl
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Black Tot Tastingkit 2021 5x3cl
In stock
Black Tot Tastingkit 2021 5x3cl is built as a small rum journey rather than a single-bottle experience. The five 3cl bottles make it a natural choice for a seated tasting, a thoughtful gift, or a way to explore Black Tot in measured pours.
The rum is molasses-based and brings together pot still and column still distillation. That gives the kit its main point of interest: it is made for comparison, for noticing how different rum components can sit beside one another in the glass. The Bourbon Cask reference adds a maturation element to the story, while the release carries no age statement.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, we see this kind of tasting set as a fine option for customers who enjoy discovering rum with a bit more attention. At 47.86% ABV it has enough (…)
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.
