Rum

Discover our comprehensive rum selection with varieties from all over the world. Buying guide

Brown Rum  Gold Rum  White Rum  Spiced Rum  Cuba Rum

Buying guide: Rum

Rum is a versatile and multi-faceted classic spirit that is distilled from sugar cane or its by-products such as molasses. The origins of rum date back to the 17th century, with the Caribbean being considered the cradle of this noble spirit. The production process involves fermenting the sugar cane juice or molasses, distillation and subsequent maturation in wooden barrels, usually made of oak. Depending on the maturation period and production methods, the characteristic flavor profiles develop, which can range from light and fruity to rich and spicy.

Rum is often divided into different categories, including white rum, golden rum, dark rum and spiced rum. White rum is often light and clear, ideal for cocktails such as mojitos and daiquiris. Golden and dark rum have a more intense color and more complex aromas, which are the result of longer maturation in barrels. Spiced rum is flavored with various spices such as cinnamon, vanilla and cloves and offers a special depth of flavor.

Our recommendations of the best rums

The beginner: Havana Club Anejo 7 years 

Havana Club Anejo 7 Years is the perfect introduction for rum novices who want to discover the versatility and depth of this spirit. This Cuban rum is known for its fine balance of sweet and spicy flavors. With notes of cocoa, vanilla, sugar cane and caramelized tropical fruits, it offers a rich taste experience that is rounded off with soft oak notes and brown spices. Havana Club Anejo 7 Years is a proud representative of Cuban rum production and impresses with an intense yet round finish.

The sustainable one: Flor de Cana ECO 15 years 

Flor de Caña ECO 15 years is an excellent choice for environmentally conscious connoisseurs. This premium rum brand from Nicaragua focuses on sustainable production and Fairtrade certification. Flor de Caña ECO 15 years impresses with notes of plums, tropical fruits and caramelized toffee. The rum is sugar-free, gluten-free and at 40% vol. is a fine example of high-quality, sustainably produced spirits. The maturation in charred bourbon oak barrels gives it a soft and balanced finish.

The balanced one: Zacapa 23 Solera Gran Reserva 

Ron Zacapa 23 Solera Gran Reserva is an exquisite rum from Guatemala that matures at an altitude of 2,300 meters in the mountains. This special ageing process, combined with storage in Spanish sherry casks, gives it incomparable aromas of chocolate and coffee. The rum offers a perfectly balanced combination of sweetness, spices and fruit and delights with notes of sweet honey, butterscotch, spicy oak and dried fruit. Zacapa 23 is a wonderful pleasure for connoisseurs and lovers of complex spirits.

The Caribbean rarity: A.H. Riise Non Plus Ultra Very Rare 

The A.H. Riise Non Plus Ultra Very Rare is an exclusive rarity from the Caribbean. This strictly limited rum from the former "Danish Virgin Islands" impresses with its luxurious aromas of molasses, oak, tobacco, vanilla and orange. Fresh tobacco notes, fruity oranges, sweet molasses and caramel unfold on the nose. On the palate, the rum presents itself with wonderful aromas of vanilla and sherry. An exceptional pleasure that will delight even the most discerning rum connoisseur.

The aromatic one: Espero Coconut & Rum 

Ron Espero Coconut & Rum is a rum-based coconut liqueur produced in the Dominican Republic. This fine liqueur combines molasses rum with extracts of ripe coconuts, giving it an incomparable Caribbean flair. The aromas of exotic coconut, vanilla, caramel and the spice of a good premium Dominican rum make it a special treat. If you are looking for a liqueur with an intense coconut flavor, Espero Coconut & Rum is the perfect choice.

The most popular rum brands

The world of rum is rich with renowned brands, each offering their unique styles and flavor profiles. Some of the best known and most popular brands are:

• Havana Club: A synonym for Cuban rum, known for its rich and complex aromas.
• Bacardi: One of the world's largest rum brands, offering a wide range of rums from white to dark.
• Captain Morgan: Famous for its spiced rum, which is given an unmistakable taste by the addition of spices.
• Zacapa: High-quality Guatemalan rum that offers an extraordinary variety of flavors thanks to its solera maturation process.
• Flor de Caña: A Nicaraguan brand known for its sustainable production and exquisite rums.

The differences between the types of rum

Rum can be divided into various categories that differ in terms of their production processes and flavor profiles:

• White rum: Clear and light rum, often unaged or only briefly aged, ideal for cocktails.
• Golden rum: Light amber-colored rum that has undergone medium maturation and is somewhat more complex than white rum.
• Dark rum: Deep amber to mahogany-colored rum that has matured for a long time and offers intense, complex aromas.
• Spiced rum: Rum that has been spiced with spices such as cinnamon, vanilla and cloves to achieve a particularly spicy taste.
• Overproof rum: Very high-proof rum, which often has an alcohol content of over 50% and is mostly used for mixed drinks.
• Agricole rum: Made from fresh sugar cane juice, mainly produced in French-speaking countries such as Martinique. It often has a grassy and fresh flavor profile.

Rum from different countries

Rum is produced worldwide, with each country having its own traditional production methods and flavors. Some of the most important rum-producing countries are:

• Cuba: Known for light, well-balanced rum, often with a hint of vanilla and caramel.
• Jamaica: Produces mostly heavy, aromatic rum with intense fruity and spicy notes.
• Puerto Rico: Home of Bacardi and known for light to medium-bodied rum.
• Guatemala: Famous for the solera maturation process, which produces complex and multi-layered rums, such as Zacapa.
• Barbados: One of the oldest rum producers in the world, known for its rich, full-bodied rums.
• Nicaragua: Produces high-quality, sustainable rums such as Flor de Caña, which are known for their soft and fruity notes.
• France: Martinique in particular produces Agricole Rum, which is made from fresh sugar cane juice and has a fresh, grassy aroma.

Frequently asked questions (FAQ)

How do you drink rum?

Rum can be drunk neat, on ice or as part of a cocktail. For high-quality, aged rum, it is recommended to enjoy it neat or with an ice cube to fully experience the complex aromas. White rum is ideal for classic cocktails such as mojitos, daiquiris and pina coladas.

How should rum be stored?

Rum should be stored in a cool, dark place, away from direct sunlight and extreme temperatures. A constant temperature is ideal to preserve the quality of the rum.

What is the shelf life of rum?

Unopened rum has a practically unlimited shelf life. Once opened, rum remains drinkable for many years if it is stored properly. However, the aromas can change slightly over time.

What types of rum are there?

There are different types of rum, including white rum, golden rum, dark rum, spiced rum, overproof rum and agricole rum. Each type has its own characteristics and uses.

What is the difference between white rum and brown rum?

White rum is usually unaged and has a light taste, while brown rum has matured longer in barrels and therefore has more intense and complex aromas.

What does "spiced rum" mean?

Spiced rum is flavored with various spices such as cinnamon, vanilla, cloves and sometimes fruit. These spices give the rum a special, spicy taste.

What is the difference between agricole rum and industrial rum?

Agricole rum is made from fresh sugar cane juice, mainly in French-speaking regions. Industrial rum, on the other hand, is made from molasses, a by-product of sugar production.

How does ageing affect the taste of rum?

Maturation in wooden barrels gives the rum deeper and more complex aromas, influenced by the type of wood, the previous cask product and the duration of maturation.

What does "overproof" mean for rum?

"Overproof" refers to rums with a very high alcohol content, often over 50%. These rums are mostly used for mixing cocktails.

What is the difference between rum and rhum?

"Rhum" is the French spelling for rum and is often used to refer to agricole rum, which is made from fresh sugar cane juice.

Which cocktails are typically made with rum?

Classic rum cocktails include the Mojito, Daiquiri, Pina Colada, Mai Tai and Cuba Libre. Each cocktail uses the unique flavors of rum to create a refreshing and tasty drink.

What role does the barrel play in the maturation of rum?

The barrel in which the rum is matured has a major influence on the final taste. Oak barrels give the rum vanilla and caramel notes, while sherry or bourbon barrels can contribute additional complex aromas.

Which countries are known for producing rum?

The best-known rum-producing countries include Cuba, Jamaica, Puerto Rico, Guatemala, Barbados, Nicaragua and Martinique. Each country has its own unique production methods and flavor profiles.