From wine import in Randers to a spirits house
Conquer Spirits, also known as AMKA, dates back to 1978. At that time, Anna-Marie Søndergaard founded a small wine import business in Randers. In 1980, her husband Karsten Søndergaard joined. The breakthrough came in 1987: the company was the first to bring Chilean wines to the Danish market.
A broader business grew out of the wine trade. The house added spirits to its program and developed its own brands. The company headquarters is still located on Østre Boulevard in Randers NØ.
Creating blends instead of distilling yourself
Conquer Spirits works as a brand and import house. The rums are not produced in Randers. The team selects distillates from several countries of origin, combines them into a blend, and has them bottled in the Netherlands. For Volbeat No. III, this means: spirits from the Dominican Republic, Guyana, Jamaica, Barbados, Guatemala, and Trinidad, with individual components aged up to 15 years.
Volbeat singer Michael Poulsen formulated the goal as follows: good quality does not have to be expensive; the blend and process are decisive. The brand understands No. III as a "uni-rum" for connoisseurs and occasional drinkers alike. Since a new EU regulation, the word "Rum" is no longer allowed on the label of No. III. The bottle now bears the designation Spirit Drink.
Volbeat bottlings as a flagship
The best-known project is the collaboration with the Danish rock band Volbeat. The limited editions Rum I (2016) and Rum II (2017) are sold out. Rum I was strong and full-bodied, Rum II lighter and sweeter. No. III lies in between and was intended for wide availability from the start.
The Volbeat No. III Super Premium Caribbean aged 15 Years has 43% vol. In the glass, it shows dried fruits, caramel, and wood. Depending on the tasting, coconut, toffee, and marzipan are added. The body is syrupy, the finish sweet with fig and wood notes. You can drink it neat. If you want more dilution, an ice cube or a few drops of water fit well.
In addition, there is the lighter Seal The Deal with 40% vol. It shows vanilla, orange, and caramel, with licorice in the finish. It is intended for both solo enjoyment and cocktails. There is also a limited bottling with 20 years of aging as a Single Estate.
