“The History of Rum: The Oldest of Spirits.
For as long as people had a taste for fermented drinks, they’ve also enjoyed the spirit known as rum. This boozy beverage has been around for hundreds of years now, and its history is as rich and varied as it is tasty. The origin and exact age of rum is difficult to pinpoint, with only the evidence of our taste buds and records to support its production. Historically, rum is known to have been produced by the Carib Indians in the Lesser Antilles, where papaya wine was made from various fruits.
Rum production is thought to have spread from the Caribbean Islands to Europe, and then to the American Colonies, where Rum quickly became a favorite local beverage. The earliest record of rum production in the colonies dates back to 1664, in what is now Manhattan. It is thought the popularity of rum among the early settlers was due to the abundance of molasses, a by-product of the sugar industry, which was readily available for use in its distillation.
By the beginning of the 18th century, rum had become a major industry in the United States. A large majority of the rum produced in the colonies was distilled from molasses, which was imported by merchants from the Caribbean islands. This rum was known as ‘New England Rum’ and it rapidly grew in popularity in America, becoming the ‘native spirit of the colonies’.
Throughout the colonial period and into the American Revolution, the production of rum had become closely associated with politics and the economy. Rum was more than just a beverage; it was a form of currency in some regions, used to purchase produce, livestock, and other goods. With the passing of the Sugar Act in 1764, rum production (and consumption) dropped off as restrictions surrounding the importation of molasses increased.
It wasn’t until the Industrial Revolution of the 19th century that rum production saw a resurgence. With the invention of the continuous still still, rum production was revolutionized and large commercial-scale rum distilleries began popping up, producing an endless supply of rum for acquisition.
Today, rum is widely available in many flavors, distillations, and grades. It is widely enjoyed around the world in an assortment of cocktails, from the classic Rum and Coke to the more modern interpretations like the famous mojito.
So if you’re looking for a drink with a bit of history, reach for the bottle of rum and raise a glass to centuries of carousing and good times.”