Rum

Rum is the soul of the Caribbean – a spirit with a rich history, craftsmanship, and endless flavour diversity. It is made from sugarcane, molasses, or cane juice and aged in oak barrels under the warm tropical sun. The result is a spirit that combines sweetness, spice, and exotic character in every sip.

From the Caribbean to the world

Every rum tells its own story. From bold, ester-rich Jamaican rums to smooth Barbadian and elegant Guatemalan styles. The most famous rum-producing countries include Jamaica, Barbados, the Dominican Republic, Cuba, Nicaragua, and Guatemala. We definitely recommend trying the unique rums from Indonesia, the Philippines, and India.

The three main rum styles

The style and origin of a rum can often be recognised from its name:

Spanish “Ron” – smooth, balanced, and elegant, with notes of vanilla, caramel, and honey. Found mainly in Cuba, Panama, Venezuela, and the Dominican Republic.
English “Rum” – full-bodied and spicy, with hints of molasses, tropical fruit, and smoke. Characteristic of Jamaica, Barbados, and Trinidad.
French “Rhum agricole” – made from fresh sugarcane juice, with a dry, grassy, and mineral flavour profile. Most famous from Martinique and Guadeloupe.

If you want to explore authentic Caribbean flavours, discover our selection of Caribbean rums. Each bottle capturing the spirit of the islands and artisanal distilling tradition.

Aging, colour and taste

Rum is clear after distillation. Dark colour comes from aging in oak casks, often ex-bourbon, sherry, or wine barrels, which influence its flavour, complexity, and smoothness.

White rum ages briefly and offers a light, refreshing taste – perfect for cocktails.
Dark rum brings notes of caramel, wood, cocoa, and dried fruits – perfect for slow sipping.
Spiced rum is infused with natural spices like vanilla, cinnamon, or clove.
Flavoured rum adds fruity and exotic notes, from coconut and mango to citrus.

Also worth mentioning is cachaça, a traditional Brazilian spirit distilled from fresh sugarcane juice. Similar to rum but typically unaged.

How to choose the right rum

It all depends on taste. Beginners might prefer sweeter rums aged in sherry or wine casks, such as Dos Maderas or Diplomático. For those who enjoy a even more softer profile, try Rum Spirit with lower alcohol and higher sweetness.

More experienced drinkers may enjoy classic dark rums like Matusalem or Doorly’s. True connoisseurs should explore dry, complex expressions such as Foursquare or Hampden, or rare limited editions like Single Cask releases.