Trinidad rum
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Planteray Oftd (Old Fashioned Traditional Dark) (Planteray Blend)
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Planteray Oftd (Old Fashioned Traditional Dark) (Planteray Blend)
In stock
Planteray OFTD, short for Old Fashioned Traditional Dark, is Planteray's take on the classic overproof rum style. It brings together rum from Guyana, Jamaica and Barbados and is bottled at a powerful 69% ABV, giving it the strength and density needed to stand firm in cocktails as well as in the glass.
The story behind it is very much a tasting-room story. Alexandre Gabriel and his team worked with seven deeply committed rum enthusiasts during a long development process, creating more than 1000 trial samples before choosing the final base for what they saw as the right rum cocktail foundation. OFTD may officially mean Old Fashioned Traditional Dark, but the more colourful origin of the abbreviation is part of its reputation.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, this is (…)Planteray Pineapple Rum (Planteray Blend)
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Planteray Pineapple Rum (Planteray Blend)
In stock
Planteray Pineapple Rum is built around pineapple, but the rum base remains an important part of the story. It is made from molasses and brings together different components, including unaged Barbados rum, Trinidad rum aged for 2 to 3 years, and Jamaican rum with a touch of older Jamaican rum.
Its distinctive character comes from the pineapple peel infusion. The peels are infused with Plantation 3 Stars, after which the fruit infusion and distillate are blended together. That gives the rum a clearly tropical direction, with fresh pineapple woven into the spirit rather than simply sitting on top of it.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, we see this as a rum with a very direct and recognisable personality: fruit-forward, rounded and easy to understand, yet still carried (…)Angostura "1824" 12y Tube Incl.
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Angostura "1824" 12y Tube Incl.
In stock
Angostura 1824 12y is a Trinidad rum with maturation at the heart of its identity. The 12-year age statement gives it a clear position: this is a rum presented through time and development, bottled at 40% alcohol.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, we see this as a fitting choice for customers who are looking specifically at Trinidad rum and appreciate a clear age statement on the label. Angostura 1824 12y does not need a long list of claims to explain itself; its origin, age and strength already define the main story.
No specific tasting notes have been provided for Angostura 1824 12y. The confirmed information tells us that it is a 12-year-old rum from Trinidad, bottled at 40% alcohol. To stay accurate, we do not add aromas, texture or finish details that are not (…)Angostura "1919" Incl. Box
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Angostura "1919" Incl. Box
Only 3 left in stock!
Angostura 1919 is a Trinidad rum with a straightforward sense of identity. The product does not need a long list of details to make its point: the name, the origin and the 40% strength already frame it as a clear and recognisable rum.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, this is the kind of bottle we would place in front of someone specifically looking to explore rum from Trinidad. It keeps the presentation focused and uncomplicated, with Angostura 1919 standing first and foremost as a Trinidad rum at an accessible bottling strength.
No specific tasting notes are included in the supplied information for Angostura 1919. For that reason, we should not describe particular aromas, flavours or finish details that are not provided.
What can be stated with (…)Angostura Dark 7y
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Angostura Dark 7y
In stock
Angostura Dark 7y is a dark rum from Trinidad with a 7-year age statement. Its identity is straightforward: Caribbean origin, a dark rum style and a bottling strength of 40% vol.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, we see this as the kind of rum that does not need a long technical explanation to make sense. The name already carries the main story: Angostura, Trinidad, dark rum and seven years of maturation.
It is a natural option for anyone looking beyond young or light rum styles and moving towards a more mature dark rum, whether to explore neat or to use in a well-considered mixed drink.
No specific tasting notes have been provided for Angostura Dark 7y. Based on the available information, it can be identified as a 7-year-old dark rum from Trinidad, (…)Angostura Gold 5y
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Angostura Gold 5y
Not available for shipping
Angostura Gold 5y is a rum from Trinidad with a clear 5-year age statement. That gives the bottle a useful sense of place: a defined origin, a stated maturation period and a style presented without unnecessary complication.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, it sits naturally among rums for customers who want to explore Trinidad through a straightforward, age-stated release. Bottled at 40%, it stays within a classic strength, while the Gold name frames the expression in a familiar rum style.
Only the last bottles of Angostura Gold 5y remain. That does not change the rum itself, but it does make this Trinidad bottling worth noting if you have been looking for it specifically.
No detailed tasting notes are provided for Angostura Gold 5y. The available (…)Angostura Number One 3rd
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Angostura Number One 3rd
In stock
Angostura Number One 3rd is a 22-year-old rum from Trinidad, made from molasses and distilled in a multicolumn style. From the information available, this is very much a mature rum, yet not one presented as a sweet-driven style.
The Oloroso Sherry cask maturation gives wood and spice an important place in its character. The appeal lies in the way its age, Trinidad origin and cask type come together: a rum with structure and maturity, shaped by time in wood rather than by overt sweetness.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, this sits well among the more serious aged rums in the selection. With only the last bottles remaining, Angostura Number One 3rd also has the feel of a release that will not stay easy to find for long.
The flavour profile is led by (…)Angostura Spiced Tamboo
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Angostura Spiced Tamboo
Temporarily sold out
Angostura Spiced Tamboo is a rum from Trinidad with a clear place in the spiced rum category. It is molasses-based, so it remains rooted in a familiar rum style, while the name points the attention towards spice rather than an age statement.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, we would introduce this bottle as a straightforward example of style-led rum: Trinidad origin, Angostura on the label, 40% ABV and no stated age. The interest here is not in a declared maturation period, but in the way Spiced Tamboo presents itself as a spiced expression.
No specific tasting notes have been provided for Angostura Spiced Tamboo. The confirmed details are its spiced rum style, Trinidad origin, molasses base and 40% ABV. For that reason, the tasting description is kept deliberately (…)Bonpland Caroni 21y 50cl
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Bonpland Caroni 21y 50cl
Only 2 left in stock!
Bonpland Caroni 21y 50cl is a Trinidad rum with a very defined identity. It is a molasses-based rum, aged for 21 years and drawn from a single cask, so the focus is not on a broad house style but on one particular cask and its own development over time.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, bottles like this are appreciated because they bring a more specific story to the rum shelf. The traditional column style, the long maturation and the wine finish all point towards a rum with structure rather than easy sweetness, with wood, spice and vegetal tones taking a more prominent role.
Bottled at 50%, it has the strength to carry that profile with confidence. The single cask nature and the indication that these are the last bottles add to the sense of a limited release: a rum (…)Bristol Caribbean Collection
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Bristol Caribbean Collection
Not available for shipping
Bristol Caribbean Collection is a rum from Trinidad, bottled at a classic 40% ABV. The name immediately places it in a Caribbean context, while the country of origin gives it a clear point of reference for anyone who likes to explore rum through provenance.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, we would present this as a straightforward Bristol release where the appeal lies in the combination of brand, origin and collection. With only the last bottles remaining, it also has a more limited presence in our current selection.
For someone looking for a Trinidad rum with a clear identity and no unnecessary embellishment, this is a concise and focused bottle within the Bristol Caribbean Collection.
No specific tasting notes have been provided for this rum. The (…)Bristol Caroni 1997 2019
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Bristol Caroni 1997 2019
On request only
Bristol Caroni 1997 2019 is a Trinidad rum with a name that immediately gives it a more specialist feel. Bristol, Caroni and the years 1997 and 2019 frame this bottle as a clearly defined release rather than a general everyday rum.
At 56.4% ABV, it has a notably firm strength and deserves a measured approach in the glass. This is the kind of rum to take your time with, especially if you enjoy bottles that carry a strong sense of identity through their name, origin and presentation.
Within the rum selection at Drankenshop Broekmans, it stands out even more because only the last bottles remain. That limited availability adds to the sense that this is a bottle for considered discovery rather than casual replacement.
No detailed tasting notes have (…)Caroni 1996 23y Tasting Gang (For Velier)
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Caroni 1996 23y Tasting Gang (For Velier)
In stock
Caroni 1996 23y Tasting Gang is a Trinidad rum with a serious, full-strength identity. Distilled in 1996, aged for 23 years and bottled at 63.5% cask strength, it is made for slow, considered tasting rather than casual sipping.
The molasses base, traditional column distillation and Bourbon Barrel maturation give this release a firm structure. At Drankenshop Broekmans, bottles like this are the kind we place in front of rum drinkers who want something with presence, concentration and a clear sense of origin.
With 5083 bottles released, a collectors item indication and the last bottles now in circulation, this Caroni also carries a real sense of scarcity. Its appeal lies in the combination of age, strength and a clearly defined 1996 distillation.
Caroni 1996 25y Employees United (Caroni Employees)
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Caroni 1996 25y Employees United (Caroni Employees)
In stock
Caroni 1996 25y Employees United is a Trinidad molasses rum with a very direct sense of purpose. Distilled in 1996, aged for 25 years and bottled at cask strength at 66.6%, it is presented in a powerful, uncompromising form rather than softened into an easy-going style.
Its maturation in a bourbon barrel gives the rum a clear framework, while the traditional column distillation underlines its structured nature. The supplied flavour profile points mainly towards wood, spice and a pronounced vegetal side, with fruit playing a smaller supporting role.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, a bottle like this stands out because the details tell a focused story: 754 bottles, collector status and now down to the last bottles. It is a release where age, strength and scarcity are (…)Caroni 1996 25y Mahesh (Caroni Employees)
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Caroni 1996 25y Mahesh (Caroni Employees)
Only 3 left in stock!
Caroni 1996 25y Mahesh is a Trinidad molasses rum with a very deliberate sense of weight and rarity. Distilled in 1996, aged for 25 years and bottled at cask strength at 64.6%, it comes from Traditional Column distillation and matured in a bourbon barrel.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, this is the kind of rum we would place in front of someone looking for a limited, serious bottle rather than a soft, sweetness-led style. With 689 bottles released, collector status and the indication that these are among the last bottles, its scarcity is part of the story.
The profile points toward wood, spice and fruit as the main pillars, with lighter floral and vegetal touches in the background. The high strength and long maturation give it a firm, mature presence, making it a (…)Caroni 1996 25y Ricky (Caroni Employees)
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Caroni 1996 25y Ricky (Caroni Employees)
In stock
Caroni 1996 25y Ricky is a Trinidad rum with a very clear sense of presence. Distilled in 1996, aged for 25 years and bottled at a cask strength of 66.2%, it is the kind of rum that speaks in a firm, uncompromising voice.
The bourbon barrel maturation and traditional column distillation give this release its structure, while the production of just 630 bottles adds a real sense of rarity. With only the last bottles remaining, it holds a distinctive place in the rum selection at Drankenshop Broekmans, especially for those looking for a notable Caroni bottling rather than a standard everyday pour.
Its profile is led by pronounced spice, with fruit and vegetal notes also playing an important role. Oak is present, but more as support than as the main theme. (…)Caroni 1997 24y (Elizabeth Yard Single Cask)
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Caroni 1997 24y (Elizabeth Yard Single Cask)
In stock
Elizabeth Yard Caroni 1997 24y is a Trinidad molasses rum where the appeal lies in precision and scarcity. Distilled in 1997 and bottled in 2022 after 24 years in a bourbon barrel, it comes from a single cask rather than a wider blend. That makes it a very specific snapshot of one barrel's long maturation.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, this is the kind of rum we place in front of customers who are looking for something limited, mature and clearly defined. Only 188 bottles were released, and with the last bottles now indicated, its collectible nature is very much part of the story. Bottled at cask strength, 50.7%, it keeps a firm connection to the cask it came from.
Its profile is built around wood, spice and a pronounced vegetal side, with fruit and floral notes (…)Caroni 1997 28y (Berry Bros Odyssey Range)
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Caroni 1997 28y (Berry Bros Odyssey Range)
Only 2 left in stock!
Caroni 1997 28y from Berry Brothers is a molasses rum from Trinidad with a very focused sense of origin. Bottled from a single bourbon barrel at cask strength, it forms part of the Berry Bros Odyssey Range and presents one individual cask rather than a broader blended composition.
Only 130 bottles were produced, and with the last bottles now remaining, its scarcity is an important part of the story. At Drankenshop Broekmans, this is the kind of rum we value for its clear identity: a single cask, a defined vintage and a long maturation brought to the bottle without reducing its strength.
Distilled in 1997 in a traditional column style and bottled at 58.3%, it is a rum to take time with. The interest lies in following the character of that one cask and the way (…)Caroni 1998 (The Nectar - Daily Dram)
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Caroni 1998 (The Nectar - Daily Dram)
In stock
Caroni 1998 from Daily Dram is a tightly focused Trinidad rum with a very specific identity. Distilled in 1998 from molasses and selected by The Nectar, it comes from a single bourbon barrel and was bottled at cask strength, reaching 55.5% alcohol.
The appeal lies in its narrow, carefully defined release. One cask, only 192 bottles, and now down to the last bottles: this is the kind of rum that feels like a particular snapshot rather than a broad house style. At Drankenshop Broekmans, bottlings like this stand out because they allow rum drinkers to explore one individual cask on its own terms.
Its profile points towards a firmer, drier style, with wood, spice, floral notes and vegetal accents taking the lead. Fruit plays a smaller role, while sweetness is not (…)Caroni 1998 20y For The Nectar (Cadenhead)
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Caroni 1998 20y For The Nectar (Cadenhead)
On request only
Caroni 1998 20y For The Nectar is a Trinidad rum with a very specific identity: distilled in 1998, aged for 20 years, carrying the Cadenhead's name and released for The Nectar.
At 62.8% ABV, this is a rum to approach with time and attention rather than casually. In the rum selection at Drankenshop Broekmans, it stands out because of its age, origin and limited availability.
The indication that these are the last bottles, together with its status as a collectors item, gives this release a different feel from a regular everyday rum. It is a bottle for someone looking for a mature Trinidad rum with scarcity and provenance at the centre of the story.
No detailed tasting notes are supplied for this release. What is clear is that this 20-year-old rum (…)Caroni 1998 23y (The Nectar - Daily Dram)
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Caroni 1998 23y (The Nectar - Daily Dram)
In stock
Caroni 1998 23y from Daily Dram is a Trinidad rum with a very clear identity: a single cask release, matured for a long period and bottled at cask strength. Distilled in 1998 and bottled in April 2022, this molasses rum spent 23 years in a bourbon barrel.
Its limited nature is central to the appeal. The Nectar released it under the Daily Dram label as a single cask bottling, with only 241 bottles drawn from that barrel. Together with the last bottles indication, it feels less like a standard rum release and more like a precise snapshot of one individual cask.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, we see this as a rum for drinkers who appreciate a direct, undiluted style. Traditional column distillation, bourbon barrel maturation and bottling at 59% come together in a (…)Caroni 1998 25y Rum Sponge (Caroni Employees)
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Caroni 1998 25y Rum Sponge (Caroni Employees)
In stock
Caroni 1998 25y Rum Sponge is built around a very focused idea: one cask, one vintage and 25 years of maturation. Distilled in 1998 and bottled in 2023, this Trinidad rum was released in a run of just 243 bottles.
At 61.3% and bottled at cask strength, it stays close to the individual cask rather than presenting a softened or standardised version of the spirit. That is the appeal here: a long-aged rum captured from a single cask, with its own particular place in time.
For Drankenshop Broekmans, this is the kind of bottle that adds depth to a specialist rum selection: limited, distinctive and clearly aimed at drinkers who value scarcity and provenance. The fact that these are the last bottles, and that the release is marked as a collector's item, only (…)Caroni 2000 18y "+ 7y" Whisky Live 2025 50cl (Velier)
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Caroni 2000 18y "+ 7y" Whisky Live 2025 50cl (Velier)
Very last one in stock!
Caroni 2000 18y "+ 7y" Whisky Live 2025 50cl (Velier) is a(n) rum from Trinidad by the brand Caroni. It falls within the rum group under the category Mélasse. Caroni 2000 18y "+ 7y" Whisky Live 2025 50cl (Velier) is regarded by us as a Collector's Item, which makes many a collector's heart beat that little bit faster. It is one of the many references you can currently buy online at Drankenshop Broekmans.
This rum is matured in Bourbon Barrel barrels. It is a version of 50 cl and has an alcohol content of 50,6%.
Caroni 2000 18y "+ 7y" Whisky Live 2025 50cl (Velier) is bottled by Velier.
This rum is a single cask bottling. What is a single cask? A single cask (single barrel) means that the rum in the (…)Caroni 21y (Velier)
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Caroni 21y (Velier)
In stock
Caroni 21y is a Trinidad molasses rum with a very clear identity: distilled in February 1996, matured for 21 years and bottled at cask strength. At 57.18% ABV, it keeps close to the strength and presence of the cask rather than presenting itself as a softened style.
The use of pot still and column distillation adds another layer to its story. Maturation in a bourbon barrel brings a restrained wood influence, while the main point of interest remains its age, Trinidad origin and full-strength bottling.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, this is the kind of bottle we would take a moment to explain properly. Its collector's item status and the fact that these are the last bottles underline the scarcity of this 21-year-old Caroni release.
Further information (…)Caroni 23y 1994 Guyana (Velier)
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Caroni 23y 1994 Guyana (Velier)
In stock
Caroni 23y 1994 Guyana is the kind of rum that asks for attention before it is even poured. A 1994 distillation, 23 years of age and bottling at 57.18% cask strength place it firmly in a more serious, concentrated style of molasses rum.
It was distilled using pot still and column still methods, then matured in a bourbon barrel. The supplied profile points towards a rum where wood, spice and vegetal tones carry much of the expression, with fruit and floral notes playing a lighter role. It is not presented as a soft, sweet style, but as a mature rum with structure and force.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, this Caroni is treated as a noteworthy bottle because several meaningful elements come together: age, vintage, cask strength and the fact that only the last (…)
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.
