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Discover the world of

rum with Drinkology

Welcome to Drinkology, your premium supplier of fine spirits. Our passion for rum takes us around the globe to present a carefully curated selection of the best rums. Immerse yourself in the fascinating world of rum and find your perfect drop - from classic Caribbean rums to rare rarities from around the world.

A look at the history of rum

The history of rum is as rich and fascinating as the spirit itself. First mentioned in documents in the 17th century, rum has its roots in the Caribbean and South America, where sugar cane plantations and the resulting molasses provided the perfect basis for rum production. It is even said that the first rum-like drinks came with the sailors from South Asia. There it was called arrack, a drink made from pure palm juice or sugar cane. But it is impossible to say for sure.

At the time, Caribbean rum was more commonly known as rum bullion, a product made from boiled sugar cane. Rum quickly became popular not only with plantation workers, but also with pirates and sailors, which led to its spread and popularity in Europe.

Over the years, different regions developed their own unique methods of rum production, resulting in a remarkable variety of rum styles. Today, rum is appreciated worldwide and produced in many countries, with each style offering its own characteristic flavors and production methods.

At Drinkology, we honor the rich history and diversity of rum by offering a wide range of rums from around the world. Discover the fascinating world of rum with us and find your favorite.

The right rum for every taste

Rum is not just a drink, but a journey of discovery. With over 700 different types of rum, Drinkology offers an incomparable variety.

Types of rum: a world of flavors

Rum is a fascinatingly versatile spirit that comes in numerous styles and flavor profiles. Here at Drinkology, we make sure that every rum lover can find the rum that suits their taste. Let's take a closer look at the different types of rum:

White rum

White rum, also known as silver or light rum, is characterized by its clear color and mild taste. It is matured for a short time and often stored in stainless steel barrels to preserve its color. White rum is the perfect choice for cocktails such as mojitos and daiquiris, as it enhances the flavors of the other ingredients without dominating.

Golden rum

Golden rum, sometimes referred to as rum ambre, gets its characteristic color and richer flavor from aging in wooden barrels. These rums offer greater complexity and are versatile, both neat and in cocktails. Their aromas range from caramel and vanilla to spices and woody notes.

Dark rum

Dark rum is known for its deep color and intense taste. The long maturation in burnt barrels gives it notes of molasses, chocolate, spices and sometimes smoke. These rums are excellent for use in rich cocktails, for cooking and baking or for pure enjoyment.

Outdated rum

Over-aged rums, often referred to as XO or Extra Aged, are the jewels of the rum world. They spend many years, sometimes even decades, in barrels, allowing them to develop exceptional depth and complexity. These high-quality rums are best enjoyed neat or on the rocks to fully appreciate their subtle nuances.

Rhum Agricole

Rhum Agricole differs from other rums in that it is made from fresh sugar cane juice instead of molasses (dark brown sugar syrup). This gives it a fresher and often more complex aroma. Rhum Agricole is particularly popular in French Caribbean regions such as Martinique and Guadeloupe and offers a unique spectrum of flavor profiles, from grassy and floral to fruity and spicy.

Spiced rum

Spiced rum is becoming increasingly popular and is characterized by the addition of spices and sometimes caramel during the maturing process. These rums are rich in flavor and offer a wonderful balance of sweetness and spice, ideal for cocktails or to enjoy neat. Unfortunately, these rum blends can no longer be called rum. They are now better known as rum-based spirits.

Cachaça

Although not technically a rum, cachaça is often discussed in similar contexts. Produced in Brazil, cachaça is made from fresh sugar cane juice and is the base for the famous Caipirinha cocktail. Cachaça offers a spectrum of flavors that can range from light and fresh to rich and woody.

Rum from Around the World

From the Caribbean to the Old World, rum is produced with great dedication in many countries. At Drinkology, you can discover rums from traditional rum regions like Barbados, Cuba, and Jamaica, as well as hidden gems from Mauritius, Portugal, India, and even Germany. Each region brings its own style and tradition to rum production.

Caribbean: The Heart of the Rum World

The Caribbean is considered the cradle of rum, with a history dating back to the 17th century. Barbados, often referred to as the birthplace of rum, offers rums with rich complexity and a balanced flavor profile. Cuba is known for its light and aromatic rums, perfect for cocktails like the Mojito. Jamaica, on the other hand, produces bold and characterful rums with a high ester content, which are particularly popular among rum connoisseurs.

Mauritius: Exotic Flavors

Mauritius, an island in the Indian Ocean, has developed into an exciting new center of rum production. Here you will find rums flavored with exotic fruits and spices, giving them a unique and seductive aroma. Mauritian rum reflects the rich culture and diverse culinary traditions of the island.

Portugal: Madeira – Rum from the EU

When thinking of rum, products from the EU might not come to mind, but on the island of Madeira, which belongs to Portugal, some of the finest rum originates. The climatic conditions in Madeira are ideal for growing sugarcane, and thus Portugal has its own rum producers within the European Union.

India: A Rising Star

India may be a surprising addition to the list of rum producers for many, but the country has a long tradition of making sugarcane spirits. Indian rum is often rich and intense, with a distinct flavor profile influenced by the local quality of sugarcane and traditional distillation methods.

Germany: Tradition Meets Innovation

While Germany might not be known as a traditional rum nation, it does have an interesting history in rum refinement. The northern German region is particularly known for its rum blends, often used in the making of grog and other warm beverages. Today, German distilleries experiment with local ingredients and innovative production methods to create unique rums that blend tradition and modernity.

Production: From Molasses to Fine Spirit

Learn more about the fascinating process of rum production, from the cultivation of sugarcane to barrel aging. The quality of rum is significantly determined by fermentation, distillation, and aging.

Cultivation and Harvesting of Sugarcane

The journey of rum begins in the fields where sugarcane is grown. The quality and flavor of rum are heavily influenced by the quality of the sugarcane. There are also different sugarcane varieties depending on the geographical location and climatic conditions. After the harvest, the sugarcane is pressed to extract the sweet juice, which is either fermented directly or concentrated into molasses.

Fermentation: The Beginning of Alchemy

Fermentation is the process where sugar is converted into alcohol and carbon dioxide by yeast. This step is crucial for developing the characteristic flavor profile of rum. The duration and conditions of fermentation vary depending on the desired final product. Some producers add special yeast strains to enhance specific flavors.

Distillation: The Art of Purification

After fermentation, the resulting mash is distilled. Distillation separates the alcohol from water, yeast, and other impurities. There are two main methods of distillation: pot still distillation, which produces a fuller-bodied, more aromatic rum, and column still distillation, which yields a lighter, purer, and higher-proof spirit. Each method uniquely contributes to the distinctiveness of the rum.

Aging: Time and Wood Working Together

The freshly distilled rum is stored in barrels to mature. This phase imparts color to the rum and significantly contributes to its flavor profile. The type of wood, the pre-treatment of the barrels, and the climate of the storage location all influence the aging process. In tropical climates, rum ages faster than in temperate zones, leading to a more intense interaction between the rum and the barrel.

Blending: The Creation of Harmony

After aging, the rum often undergoes a blending process, where different rums are combined to create a final product with a balanced and rounded flavor profile. Blending is a highly esteemed art form that requires expertise and a delicate touch to achieve the desired flavors and consistency of the rum.

Bottling: The Final Touch

The finished rum is filtered and bottled. At Drinkology, we ensure that the high quality of our rum is maintained even in this final step. Every bottle of rum you purchase from us is the result of a meticulous and passionate production process.

Top seller

Two Drifters Pure White Rum 0,7L 40%
Two Drifters Pure White Rum 0,7L 40%

€36.50*
Doorlys 8 Jahre Fine Old Rum 0,7L 40%
Doorlys 8 Jahre Fine Old Rum 0,7L 40%

Content: 0.7 Liter (€47.86* / 1 Liter)

€33.50*
Warehouse No.1 TECC-nical Ecstacy White Overproof Rum 0,7L 63%
Warehouse No.1 TECC-nical Ecstacy White Overproof Rum 0,7L 63%

Content: 0.7 Liter (€73.57* / 1 Liter)

€51.50*
Warehouse No.1 NYE/WK White Overproof Rum 0,7L 63%
Warehouse No.1 NYE/WK White Overproof Rum 0,7L 63%

Content: 0.7 Liter (€73.57* / 1 Liter)

€51.50*
Killowen Irish Whiskey Rum & Raisin 0,7L 55%
Killowen Irish Whiskey Rum & Raisin 0,7L 55%

Content: 0.7 Liter (€71.36* / 1 Liter)

€49.95*
Bristol Reserve Rum of Nicaragua 2004/2022 0,7L 47%
Bristol Reserve Rum of Nicaragua 2004/2022 0,7L 47%

Content: 0.7 Liter (€168.50* / 1 Liter)

€117.95*
Tiki Lovers Banana 0,7L 42%
Tiki Lovers Banana 0,7L 42%

Content: 0.7 Liter (€26.43* / 1 Liter)

€18.50*
Tiki Lovers Coffee 0,7L 43%
Tiki Lovers Coffee 0,7L 43%

Content: 0.7 Liter (€26.43* / 1 Liter)

€18.50*
The Secret Treasures Central America Rum 10 Jahre 0,05L 40%
The Secret Treasures Central America Rum 10 Jahre 0,05L 40%

Content: 0.05 Liter (€95.00* / 1 Liter)

€4.75*
The Secret Treasures South America Rum 15 Jahre 0,05L 42%
The Secret Treasures South America Rum 15 Jahre 0,05L 42%

Content: 0.05 Liter (€116.00* / 1 Liter)

€5.80*
Botran Cobre Spiced 0,7L 45%
Botran Cobre Spiced 0,7L 45%

Content: 0.7 Liter (€79.93* / 1 Liter)

€55.95*
Cartavio Rum Selecto 5 Jahre 0,7L 40%
Cartavio Rum Selecto 5 Jahre 0,7L 40%

Content: 0.7 Liter (€18.50* / 1 Liter)

€12.95*
El Dorado Versailles 2005/2021 Madeira Sweet Casks Finish Rum 0,7L 55,9%
El Dorado Versailles 2005/2021 Madeira Sweet Casks Finish Rum 0,7L 55,9%

Content: 0.7 Liter (€259.29* / 1 Liter)

€181.50*
El Dorado Uitvlugt 2006/2021 Madeira Dry Casks Finish Rum 0,7L 56,1%
El Dorado Uitvlugt 2006/2021 Madeira Dry Casks Finish Rum 0,7L 56,1%

Content: 0.7 Liter (€259.29* / 1 Liter)

€181.50*
El Dorado Rum Enmore Single Still 2009 0,7L 40%
El Dorado Rum Enmore Single Still 2009 0,7L 40%

Content: 0.7 Liter (€136.43* / 1 Liter)

€95.50*

The Influence of Aging

Aging in oak barrels is crucial for the development of the aroma and character of rum. Depending on the duration and type of barrels used, complex flavor profiles emerge, ranging from sweet and fruity to deep and spicy. This phase of the rum production process is a fascinating alchemy where time, wood, and climate work together to refine the rum and add depth.

Barrel Selection

The type of oak wood plays a significant role in aging. Many rum producers use barrels previously used for bourbon, sherry, or even wine. These barrels impart additional flavors and complexity to the rum. American white oak is known for its vanilla and caramel notes, while European oak tends to contribute richer tannins and darker fruit aromas.

Climate Influence

The climate in which the rum ages has a tremendous impact on the aging process. In tropical climates, common in many rum-producing regions, the higher temperature and humidity accelerate the interaction between the rum and the barrel. This leads to faster aging and more intense flavor development compared to cooler climates.

Interaction with the Barrel

During aging, the rum diffuses into and out of the wood, resulting in natural filtration and oxidation. This interaction contributes to the rum's coloration and imparts distinctive wood notes. Additionally, the "Angel's Share," the natural portion of rum lost through evaporation, can lead to further concentrated flavors.

The Role of Time

The aging time varies significantly—from a few years to several decades. During aging, rum undergoes a series of changes, losing its initial harshness and developing greater flavor depth. Long-aged rums are characterized by exceptional smoothness and complex aromas, making them a true delight. Ultimately, the master blender decides when the final product is good enough.

Aging Time Designation Flavor Profile Ideal For
1-3 years Young Light, fresh, with notes of grass and green fruits Cocktails and mixed drinks
4-6 years Mature Balanced, with notes of vanilla, caramel, and tropical fruits Both neat and in upscale cocktails
7-10 years Very Mature Complex, with rich notes of dried fruits, spices, and wood Neat or in high-end cocktails
10-15 years Old Deep and intense, with nuances of leather, tobacco, and dark chocolate Neat, to appreciate the depth of the rum
Over 15 years Very Old Exceptionally smooth and complex, with multi-layered flavors that only long aging can achieve Collectors and connoisseurs, neat for meditative enjoyment

Finishing Techniques

Some rums undergo an additional finishing process in special barrels to achieve further flavor dimensions. This finishing can take place in port, cognac, Madeira, or other specialized casks, adding extra layers of complexity and uniqueness to the rum.

Your Introduction to the World of Rum

At Drinkology, you'll find not only an exceptional selection of rum but also the knowledge and expertise to deepen your passion for this versatile spirit. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced rum enthusiast, we offer everything you need to start your journey through the world of rum.

Comprehensive Advice and Information

We understand that the world of rum can be as rich as it is complex. That's why we place great importance on providing you with comprehensive information and advice. From the history of rum to the various production methods and different flavor profiles, our goal is to expand your knowledge and spark your curiosity.

Individually Tailored Recommendations

Every rum lover has their own preferences. Whether you prefer the sweet and mild varieties or the strong and spicy ones, we have rum from various regions around the world to meet your individual needs. Based on your taste preferences and interests, we help you find the rums that suit you perfectly.

Expert Knowledge about Rum

Access to knowledge is the key to deepening your passion for rum. Our website offers a wealth of articles, reviews, and guides to help you enhance your understanding and appreciation of rum.

Start your journey through the fascinating world of rum with Drinkology. Discover new flavors, expand your knowledge, and find your place in the global rum community. We look forward to accompanying you on every step of this discovery journey.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Rum

What is rum?
How do white and dark rum differ?
Can I drink rum neat?
What do XO or VSOP mean in rum?
What is the difference between rum and Rhum Agricole?
How should I store rum?
Can I use rum for cooking or baking?
What is spiced rum?
How can I discover new types of rum?
Can the aging process of rum continue after bottling?
What is the difference between "Solera" and traditional aging?
How does the origin affect the taste of rum?
What does "Cask Strength" mean in rum?