“Raise a Glass to the ‘Spirit of the Caribbean’: The History and Influence of Rum.”.
From its tipsy home in the Caribbean, Rum has traveled the whole world over, helping to make each and every great drink you’ve ever had – from a caipirinha to an old-fashioned. But beyond its delicious versatility in cocktails, Rum’s fascinating history provides a deeper understanding of this beloved spirit.
Though exact details aren’t known, most experts agree that the origins of Rum spread out of the Caribbean Islands and began brewing on the sugarcane-filled islands of the British, Danish, and French colonies in the 1600s. As demand for sugar and distilled products grew throughout the Caribbean, so did the production of Rum. After some time, Rum became known as the “spirit of the Caribbean” and was traded through embargoes, kept in barrels as currency, and used by the displaced in their homelands.
The term “Rum” was used in the 1600s to refer to a wide range of distillates, basically anything made from distilling molasses. As the industry looked for ways to differentiate products, several regional styles of Rum began to develop. These differences can still be tasted today. Light rums from Puerto Rico, for example, offer a fresh and light-bodied style, while dark rums from Jamaica bring depth and creamy smokiness to the finished spirit.
Today, Rum is celebrated for its versatility. Long before vodka’s rise to fame, Rum was the star of many classic cocktails like the daiquiri, mojito and even the piña colada. Though Rum is strongly associated with the Caribbean today, its influence has spread to other regions of the world. Pacific Rums, such as those distilled in Tahiti, the Philippines, and Hawaii, are made using a different method than that of the Caribbean and produce delicious but minorly different rums when compared to their Caribbean cousins.
When you sit down to relax with a glass of Rum, always remember it reflects the history, culture, and deliciousness of the Caribbean Isles. Whether you are sipping a light and fruity Piña Colada or a toasty and rich Daiquiri, one taste of Rum and you’ll feel like you’ve been transported to a warm, wonderful and delicious paradise. Raise a glass to both the spirit and the culture of the Caribbean: we’ve all been blessed by the remarkable Rum.