Borgoe
The Borgoe brand was launched in 1982 to celebrate the centenary of the Mariënburg sugar plantation, founded in 1882 —a date proudly displayed on the bottles. Through this range, the ambition is clear: to embody and transmit the history of Surinamese rum, from the former Dutch Guiana, whose sugar tradition is deeply rooted in the local heritage.
Owned by Suriname Alcoholic Beverages NV (SAB), established in 1966 , the brand is produced at the distillery located on the Mariënburg estate. The company produces several spirits and molasses rums marketed under various labels, including Borgoe, as well as other brands primarily intended for the domestic market.
Borgoe rums are primarily designed for Surinamese consumers and are not widely exported. As a result, they remain relatively unknown in Europe, except perhaps in the Netherlands, due to the historical ties between the two countries.
The collection aims to be broad and accessible, catering to a variety of enthusiasts. It includes amber rums (Gold) as well as a range of aged rums, available in several ages—from 5 to 15 years. The 8, 12, and 15-year-old versions are part of the "Reserve Collection," a premium line launched in 2016 to mark SAB's 50th anniversary. The entire production is based on blended molasses rums, positioned in the mid-range segment for the older expressions.
While the fermentation process remains relatively secretive regarding its duration and specific characteristics, the distillation also raises some questions. The use of a Kettle Copper Pot still is mentioned, but it's unclear whether this involves pot still distillation, continuous column distillation, or a combination of both methods. A degree of mystery therefore still surrounds the technical aspects of producing these rums.
Through Borgoe, a whole facet of Suriname's sugar and rum heritage is finally expressed: a locally rooted production, faithful to its history and still relatively unknown beyond its borders. Read less
