Rum

A delightful indulgence – purchase rum online at Heinemann

Rum – the key ingredient for an ice-cool daiquiri at a beach bar, a warming grog on a cold winter's day or a tangy mai tai in a sophisticated cocktail bar. This brandy made from sugar cane fascinates with its exotic origin, offering an exciting variety of flavorful creations. Rum is one of the most popular spirits worldwide, and for good reason. Rum has its roots in the Caribbean, however true aficionados from around the world appreciate rum from Cuba, South America and even from Asia. You will find an international assortment of rums in the Heinemann shop, from brand names such as Havana Club with its top selling 7 year old rum as well as world famous Bacardi to interesting producers like Plantation.

What is rum? The beverage of choice among seafarers and conquistadors:

Rum would not have existed without seafaring. Christopher Columbus started it all when he brought sugar cane from India to the Caribbean. By the mid-17th century, slaves, who were later taken to the colonies to cultivate and process sugar cane, produced an alcoholic beverage made of molasses and the leftovers from sugar cane processing - the predecessor of what we know today as rum. Once distillation technology had spread, this mix was eventually distilled into today's rum.

The strong spirit quickly became a favorite among sailors because it could be stored for long periods of time and also had a reviving and disinfecting quality. Rum was filled in wooden barrels for transport, and sailors quickly discovered that storing it in this manner improved the taste of the rum. Today, many nations have their own rum cultures, each with their own characteristic traits. Many of these fine rums can be purchased online from the Heinemann shop – discover just how large the variety of rum is!

How is rum produced?

The most important rum producers are the Caribbean, Cuba, Central and South America. However, Asia and Africa also use cultivated sugar cane to produce rum. Traditional production only uses fresh sugar cane:

• Mashing: Chopped sugar cane, sugar cane juice and water are mashed and fermented in a controlled process. Industrial producers often add molasses to the mash to accelerate the fermenting process. 
• Distilling: The completely fermented sugar wine is distilled to a 65-75% white rum.
• Filling and storing: The clear distillate is usually diluted with water to its drinking strength and is then poured into bottles as white rum. If the white rum is stored in used oak barrels for a longer period of time, a brown rum is created, which is usually especially aromatic and slightly sweet. 

Rum is sold both undiluted as original rum or diluted with water as real rum (approx. 40% vol.) or overproof rum (more than 57.15% vol.). A blended rum is cut from several rum productions.

Smooth, aromatic flavor – purchase rum online at Heinemann

Real rum from traditional brands such as Havana Club or the premium rum Ron Zacapa Centenario XO is a pure drinking pleasure for anyone who wants to experience the full complexity of rum. Generally, dark rum is suitable for drinking on its own – preferably with no ice as it can inhibit the fine aroma of the spirit. White rum, like Bacardi, is perfect for classic rum cocktails such as a piña colada. Flor de Caña from Nicaragua also offers a sustainably produced rum. Order these and other rums online at Heinemann.