Rum: Ties to Its Caribbean Heritage and Regards as a Noble Spirit

Rum has been around since the 14th century and the days of Christopher Columbus and Marco Polo. Historical evidence traces rums development back to either ancient China or India, thousands of years ago. The Malay people fermented sugarcane juice and called this unique drink at the time, Brum. Also known simply as sweet wine, sugar water or drink of the gods, it wasn't till the 17th century, with the invention of distillation techniques erected on sugarcane plantations in the Caribbean, that rum received its popular namesake. Previous to this, however, is the fact that this sugar cane product was being produced in South America by Europeans long before sugar cane became the cash crop of the Caribbean. Through the years, rum has received widespread notoriety, not only, as a popular and versatile liquor that can be added to soda, juice or used in a plethora of frozen concoctions, but enjoyed neat or on the rocks as a fine and noble sipping spirit as well.

Believe it or not, New England use to be a major contributor and distiller of rum made form molasses shipped from the Caribbean. Known as Medford Rum Distillery back in the 18th century, this powerhouse in the production of rum was a key focal point til the beginning of the 20th century. Slowly, the Medford distilleries disappeared, however, this didn't affect rum production globally. The English and Scots have been aging Caribbean rum in the United Kingdom all along and continue to do so till this day. Not only is rum being aged in the United Kingdom, it is being produced and aged in countries all around the world, even in areas that you would not associate with a tropical climate. Germany, India, Hawaii, Australia, France, The Netherlands, Central and South America, Austria, Africa, Canada and even some states in North America such as Colorado, Tennessee, Oregon, Massachussetts and New Orleans.

Rum is made from sugar cane and its derivatives, cane juice and molasses. The spiritual and commercial epicenter of rum production is, and will continue to be, in the Caribbean due to its favorable climate for the cultivation of sugar cane. For the most part cane is grown throughout the year, though the dry season doesn't heed favorably to cane growth. There are different kinds of sugar cane. Climate variations, high latitudes and elevations all contribute to different strains of cane. From pot stills to continuous stills used in the production of rum, these stills have been erected by hand. Slaves, not only, were responsible for the cultivation of sugar cane but also, provided an essential part in the creation and maintenance of these rum mills as well. Now, cane production is painstakingly provided by locals, by hand with machete's to cut and collect the cane stalks. Many of the mills and stills have been updated, though some of the wood stills, distillation and fermentation techniques have not changed for many years.

When it comes to rum, again, it is the sugarcane that is responsible for this spirit. This is where the comparison stops, however. Cane juice, or molasses based rums have a very different flavor and uniqueness from one another. The type of still, type of barrels used for aging rum, how long the rum is allowed to sit in the barrels, the size of the barrels, climate and altitude and blending techniques all have a profound impact on the flavor your taste buds receive and aroma your nose succumbs to. It is truly amazing how one rum can differ from another, not only from one Caribbean Island to the next, or even one rum distiller from another on the same island. This variance can even be evident from one cask or bottle to the next. For the most part, however, rums produced at a distillery will have a common and very similar taste from one bottle to the next of the same brand and age.

When deciding on the perfect bottle of rum it is important to heed these variables listed above. It is also worthy to note that rums from say Guatemala, Venezuela, Puerto Rico or Nicaragua will differ greatly in not only flavor but sweetness and complexity as well. You can purchase a bottle of your standard, run of the mill rum, inexpensive rum like Ron Rico, or Castillo for under $10.00 a bottle. The intricacies, flavor appeal, alcohol burn and the overall drinking sensation will provide limited value, however. These types of rum, whether gold, dark(caramel color added) or white are OK for mixing with soda, or juices as the flavor is often obscured and hidden in the mixer. However, when it comes to sipping on a nice glass of rum providing enjoyment, enhanced flavor, finesse and pleasing aroma as the distiller and master blender intended you to, this type of rum will cost you $20.00 upwards to $150.00 for a 750ml bottle. Diplomatico Reserva Exclusiva from Venezuela, El Dorado 15 year old from Guyana, Vizcaya VXOP Cask #21 from The Dominican Republic, Zafra from Panama or Mount Gay from Barbados represent just a sampling of some of the finer rums available for not only the rum connoisseur but those intrigued with the concept of pampering themselves or celebrating life.

Rum has become increasingly more popular over the past few years. It is rivaling vodka and whiskey in sales. Many of the modest rums available, have been compared to some of the finer and demanding cognac's on the market. Rum has truly turned into a noble spirit not only for royalty but to anyone looking for one of life's more exquisite things in moderation, of course.

So, sit back, relax, make a toast to life with a rum infused drink, or sip it neat and let the rum bring you to a tropical destination with the tradewinds at your back, tranquil turquoise water in front of you, palm trees overhead and the warmth of the sun's rays reinforcing the prominent and prevalent Caribbean climate.

Cheers and aire...