Dominican Republic rum
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Barcelo Gran Anejo 1l
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Barcelo Gran Anejo 1l
In stock
Barcelo Gran Anejo 1l is a rum from the Dominican Republic, bottled at 37.5% ABV. The name places it firmly within Barcelo's Gran Anejo range, with the emphasis here on origin, brand identity and a generous bottle size rather than on detailed production claims.
The one-litre format makes it a practical choice for those who like to keep a larger bottle of rum at home. In the rum selection at Drankenshop Broekmans, it sits as a straightforward Dominican Barcelo release with a clear, recognisable presentation.
As no further tasting notes or production details have been supplied, the description is kept deliberately factual: Dominican rum from Barcelo, presented in a 1 litre bottle and bottled at 37.5% alcohol.
No specific tasting notes have been (…)Barcelo Imperial+2 Glasses
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Barcelo Imperial+2 Glasses
In stock
Barcelo Imperial + 2 Glasses is a Dominican rum presented as a complete gift pack, with the bottle accompanied by two glasses. It has the feel of a rum made to be opened and shared, rather than simply placed on a shelf.
The rum is produced in a traditional column style and matured in bourbon barrels. Its profile is led by spice, with lighter notes of wood, fruit, sweetness and a small floral touch shaping the overall impression. At 38% alcohol, it remains composed and easy to serve.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, this Barcelo gift pack fits well for customers looking for a rum with a polished presentation and a clear sense of origin. The Dominican character, bourbon barrel influence and included glasses make it a thoughtful choice when the experience around the (…)Barcelo Imperial Rare Blends Porto Cask Incl. Box
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Barcelo Imperial Rare Blends Porto Cask Incl. Box
In stock
Barcelo Imperial Rare Blends Porto Cask is a Dominican rum with its point of difference clearly centred on the finish. The Porto Cask name, supported by the Port Finish indication, gives this release a more specific direction within the Barcelo range than a standard rum bottling.
It is distilled in a traditional column style and bottled at 40%, giving the rum a clear framework for its fruit-led profile. Wood, spice, sweetness and a light floral touch sit more in the background, adding detail without taking over.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, we see this Barcelo as a good choice for drinkers who are curious about a rum with a fruitier emphasis and a cask finish that adds a distinctive angle. It remains composed and recognisably Dominican in style, with the Porto (…)Vizcaya Rum Cristal Light
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Vizcaya Rum Cristal Light
Only 2 left in stock!
Vizcaya Rum Cristal Light is a rum from the Dominican Republic, with the name pointing towards a clear, lighter style within the Vizcaya range. At Drankenshop Broekmans, we see it as a bottle for drinkers specifically looking for that lighter Cristal expression, while still carrying a full 40% alcohol strength.
It is also listed as one of the last bottles in our selection. That gives this Vizcaya a slightly more time-sensitive character in the assortment: understated in style, but worth noting if this particular Cristal Light release is the one you are after.
No specific tasting notes have been provided for Vizcaya Rum Cristal Light. For that reason, we do not add aromas, texture or finish descriptions that are not supported by the available product data.
Barcelo Imperial Mizunara Incl. Box
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Barcelo Imperial Mizunara Incl. Box
In stock
Barcelo Imperial Mizunara is a Dominican Republic rum built around one particularly eye-catching detail: Mizunara Oak. Rather than presenting itself through an age statement, this release places the emphasis on cask influence and on the identity that this wood choice gives to the rum.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, it sits naturally among bottles chosen for drinkers who enjoy exploring how rum can change through different cask approaches. The Barceló name, the Imperial designation, the sugar cane juice category and the Mizunara oak reference all point to a rum with a clearly defined idea behind it.
Bottled at 43%, it has a slightly firmer strength than many standard rum releases. The supplied information does not include detailed tasting notes, so the most (…)Austrian Empire Navy Rum Reserve 1863 Tube Incl.
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Austrian Empire Navy Rum Reserve 1863 Tube Incl.
Only 2 left in stock!
Austrian Empire Navy Rum Reserve 1863 is a rum from the Dominican Republic, bottled at 40% ABV. The name places it firmly within the Austrian Empire Navy Rum identity, with a clear maritime reference and a reserve-style presentation.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, this is the kind of bottle that stands out through its straightforward identity: Dominican rum, classic drinking strength and a name that immediately gives it a sense of direction. As no further production details or tasting notes are supplied, the description stays close to the confirmed information.
No specific tasting notes have been provided for Austrian Empire Navy Rum Reserve 1863. For that reason, no aroma, palate development or finish is described beyond the information available.
Austrian Empire Solera 21y
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Austrian Empire Solera 21y
On request only
Austrian Empire Solera 21y is a rum from the Dominican Republic with the emphasis placed firmly on maturity, carried by the 21-year Solera statement in its name. It is the kind of bottle that draws attention from customers looking for an aged rum with a clear and uncomplicated identity.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, it sits comfortably among rums chosen for drinkers who appreciate a more mature presentation, a 40% strength and a recognisable origin. Its popularity is easy to understand: the name communicates the style directly, while the Dominican Republic gives the bottle a defined sense of place.
With only the last bottles remaining, Austrian Empire Solera 21y also has a more fleeting presence in the selection. That makes it a rum worth noticing while it is (…)Barcelo 11y (Elizabeth Yard With Finishes)
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Barcelo 11y (Elizabeth Yard With Finishes)
In stock
Barcelo 11y is a Dominican rum with a distinctly small-batch feel. Elizabeth Yard bottled it after 11 years of maturation at 51.15%, keeping it at cask strength rather than softening it down to a more standard drinking strength.
Its appeal lies in the fact that it comes from a single Bourbon Barrel, with only 92 bottles drawn from that cask. That gives this release a very specific identity: less a broad house expression, more a close look at one individual barrel. At Drankenshop Broekmans, we value these kinds of bottlings because they show a more focused side of rum, shaped by one cask and one moment in maturation.
Traditionally column distilled, the rum leans most clearly toward fruit, supported by gentle wood, spice and sweetness. The 11 years of age, the (…)Barcelo Blanco Anejado
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Barcelo Blanco Anejado
In stock
Barcelo Blanco Anejado is a white rum from the Dominican Republic with a light, understated style. The name brings together two elements: the clear appearance of a blanco rum and the oak-cask connection suggested by añejado, without carrying an age statement.
Its profile is built around gentle details rather than weight. Light floral, fruity, sweet and spicy notes shape the character, while wood is not a pronounced feature. That keeps the rum on the fresher, more approachable side, with a little more background than a purely neutral white rum.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, this Barcelo sits well among rums for customers looking for a Dominican white rum with a subtle aromatic profile and a restrained cask influence.
The flavour profile is (…)Barcelo Blanco Anejado 1l
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Barcelo Blanco Anejado 1l
In stock
Barcelo Blanco Anejado 1l is a rum from the Dominican Republic with a name that already tells you quite a lot about its intended style. Blanco Anejado points towards a white rum with an aged angle, while the available product data does not specify further details about maturation or production.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, this Barcelo sits comfortably among straightforward Dominican rums: 37.5% alcohol, a generous one-litre bottle, and a clear white añejo identity. It is presented without unnecessary embellishment, focusing instead on a simple and recognisable rum style.
No detailed tasting notes are provided for Barcelo Blanco Anejado 1l. From the available information, it can be described only as a white añejo rum from the Dominican Republic, (…)Barcelo Dark Gran Anejo
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Barcelo Dark Gran Anejo
In stock
Barcelo Dark Gran Anejo is a rum from the Dominican Republic with a darker, fruit-forward and sweet-leaning style. Although the name points to Gran Anejo, no specific age statement is given; the interest here lies more in its origin, multicolumn distillation and maturation in bourbon barrels.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, this is the kind of bottle we would introduce to someone looking for Dominican rum with a clear fruity and sweeter side, while keeping oak and spice in a supporting role. The bourbon barrel influence is present, but it does not take over the whole character.
Bottled at 37.5%, Barcelo Dark Gran Anejo stays approachable in style, with sugar cane juice, Dominican origin and bourbon cask influence giving the rum its particular direction.
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 Imperial 40y Blend
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Barcelo Imperial 40y Blend
Only 3 left in stock!
Barcelo Imperial 40y Blend is a Dominican Republic rum built around maturity, blending and cask influence. The name immediately points to a more developed style, where time and composition matter as much as the raw character of the spirit.
Its solera system gives the rum a layered identity, while bourbon barrel maturation supports the clear presence of wood, spice and fruit in the profile. Traditional column distillation keeps the style composed, with sweetness playing a supporting role rather than taking over.
Within the rum selection at Drankenshop Broekmans, this Barcelo is best understood as a mature Dominican expression with structure and depth. At 43% alcohol, it has a little more presence than many standard rums, while remaining focused on a polished, (…)Barcelo Imperial Incl. Box
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Barcelo Imperial Incl. Box
In stock
Barcelo Imperial is a rum from the Dominican Republic with a composed, carefully shaped style. The supplied details point to a sugar cane juice rum, distilled in a multicolumn style and matured in oak cask, yet its flavour profile is not led by heavy wood influence.
Its character is built more around restraint than intensity. Light floral, spiced, fruity and sweet notes sit alongside one another, giving the rum a subtle aromatic spread rather than one dominant flavour direction. That makes the profile feel measured and approachable without relying on exaggerated richness.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, Barcelo Imperial fits well for customers looking to explore Dominican rum through a clear, elegant expression. With an alcoholic strength of 38%, it remains firmly (…)Barcelo Imperial Onyx Incl. Box
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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 (…)Barcelo Maple Leaf Finish Incl. Box
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Barcelo Maple Leaf Finish Incl. Box
In stock
Barcelo Maple Leaf Finish is a Dominican rum from Barcelo's Rare Blends collection, built around careful wood selection and a warm, sweet-leaning style. It begins with selected sugar cane grown on the producer's own fields, before maturation in oak casks with different toast levels.
The defining step is its rest in real maple wood. That maple cask finish gives the rum a distinctive aromatic layer, adding a comforting sweetness while keeping the tropical and gently spiced side of the spirit in view. At Drankenshop Broekmans, we see this as a rum for those who enjoy a rounded, fruit-driven profile with a soft wood influence and a slightly different kind of finish.
Distilled in a multicolumn style and bottled at 40%, it keeps an easy flow without feeling flat. (…)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 (…)Brugal Anejo 5y
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Brugal Anejo 5y
Temporarily sold out
Expected: 30/10/2026Brugal Anejo 5y is a rum from the Dominican Republic, produced under the Brugal name. The product name keeps the focus clear: an Anejo rum with a stated age of 5 years, bottled at 38% alcohol.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, this is the kind of rum we would bring into the conversation for someone looking for a straightforward bottle with a clear origin and age statement. It does not need a complicated story to be understood: Brugal, Dominican Republic, Anejo 5y.
No specific tasting notes have been provided for Brugal Anejo 5y. The available information identifies it as a rum from the Dominican Republic, bottled at 38% alcohol, with a 5-year age indication in the product name.Brugal Maestro Reserva Incl. Box
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Brugal Maestro Reserva Incl. Box
In stock
Brugal Maestro Reserva is a rum from the Dominican Republic, produced under the Brugal name. Even with limited product details, the bottle is clearly positioned around its origin and brand identity rather than as a generic rum.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, it sits well among rums for customers specifically looking for a Dominican expression. The 41.2% ABV gives it a slightly higher strength than the standard 40% many drinkers know, while the available information does not provide further details on production or flavour style.
No specific tasting notes are provided for Brugal Maestro Reserva in the supplied information. For that reason, the tasting description remains deliberately restrained: this is a Brugal rum from the Dominican Republic, bottled at 41.2% ABV.Brugal Visionaria Edition 2 Incl. Box
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Brugal Visionaria Edition 2 Incl. Box
Only 2 left in stock!
Brugal Visionaria Edition 2 is a rum from the Dominican Republic with a name that immediately gives it a more defined place in the glass. The Edition 2 reference presents it as a specific release within the Brugal range rather than a generic rum bottling.
At 45% alcohol, it carries a slightly firmer bottling strength than many standard rums. At Drankenshop Broekmans, we would point this out to customers looking for a Dominican rum with a clear edition identity and a little more presence in its presentation.
No specific tasting notes have been provided for Brugal Visionaria Edition 2. For that reason, we do not add invented aromas or flavour descriptions. What is confirmed is that this is a rum from the Dominican Republic, bottled at 45% alcohol.Canero Essential 12y Sauternes Finish
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Canero Essential 12y Sauternes Finish
Temporarily sold out
Expected: 01/11/2026Canero Essential 12y Sauternes Finish is a Dominican rum built around maturation and finishing rather than simple origin alone. The 12-year age statement gives it a more developed place within the rum category, while the Sauternes Finish adds a clearly defined extra element to its identity.
What makes this bottle stand out is the way it brings together a rum from the Dominican Republic with a named finishing style. The emphasis is on time, ageing and that final Sauternes influence, making it a more considered choice than a straightforward everyday rum.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, this is the kind of rum we would place in front of someone looking for a matured expression with a specific finish. Bottled at 41%, it keeps a measured strength, with the focus resting (…)Cubaney Plata Natural 3y
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Cubaney Plata Natural 3y
Very last one in stock!
Cubaney Plata Natural 3y is a Dominican rum from Cubaney, bottled at 38% alcohol. Its name tells the essential part of the story: a three-year-old Plata expression with a clear, straightforward identity rather than a product built around heavy technical detail.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, this bottle sits naturally among rums for customers who are specifically looking for Cubaney in a lighter Plata style. Its popularity makes the fact that only the last bottles remain worth noting, without turning it into more than the data supports.
The appeal here is direct: Cubaney, Dominican Republic, three years of age and an approachable strength, brought together in a rum with a clean and recognisable positioning.
No specific tasting notes have been (…)Domenican Republic Afd (Alcoholes Finos Dominicanos) 2010 11y Ww (Campbeltown Whisky Company)
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Domenican Republic Afd (Alcoholes Finos Dominicanos) 2010 11y Ww (Campbeltown Whisky Company)
In stock
Domenican Republic AFD 2010 11y from Watt Whisky is a molasses-based rum from the Dominican Republic, distilled at Alcoholes Finos Dominicanos in a traditional column style. Rather than presenting a broad house blend, this release focuses on one individual cask and the character it developed over time.
Distilled in 2010 and bottled in 2022, it spent 11 years in a bourbon barrel before being bottled at natural cask strength, 57.1% ABV. Only 264 bottles came from the cask, giving this rum a deliberately small-scale feel.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, we see this as the kind of rum that rewards curiosity: a limited single cask bottling with a clear origin, a firm strength and very little distance between cask and glass. With the final bottles now available, it has (…)Dominican Republic 2006 16y (1423 Single Barrel Selection)
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Dominican Republic 2006 16y (1423 Single Barrel Selection)
Very last one in stock!
Dominican Republic 2006 16y from 1423 Rum World Class is a molasses-based rum from the Dominican Republic, distilled in 2006 and bottled in August 2022. It is a rum with a clear sense of place and time: 16 years old, drawn from a single cask and bottled at natural cask strength.
The spirit was made in a Traditional Column style and matured in a Bourbon Barrel. That cask influence is an important part of its identity, supported by lighter sweet, fruity, spiced and floral accents rather than a broad or heavily blended style.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, this is the kind of bottle we like to present as a focused rum selection: one cask, 59% alcohol, only 282 bottles produced. With the last bottles now available, it has the character of a limited release that (…)
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.
