We’ve all at one point asked, “why is the rum gone?” but where exactly did it even come from? The Caribbean is home to several distilleries which craft rum year-round, prolonging traditions that date back to the 1600’s! In fact, most of the world’s modern-day rum production now comes from the Caribbean (as well as Latin America). Before you grab your New Year’s cocktail of choice, we’re breaking down some of the history and facts behind one of the world’s most popular liquors—rum.
According to Britannica, the origins of rum trace back to Barbados, where sugarcane byproducts, most notably molasses, were fermented and distilled to create a clear liquid that would become the dark liquor we all know and love today. Heavier and darker rums have the strongest molasses flavor while light rums, which are popular in the British Virgin Islands, are milder and today used in many mixed cocktails. The Bahamas’ relationship with rum grew exponentially during the Prohibition in the United States—because of its distance to Florida, rum makers were profiting big on sending liquor to the states, where it would be distributed to speakeasies around the country!
Despite such risky business, exporting rum to the states did boost the economy across the Caribbean. Once the Prohibition was lifted in 1933, colonial Americans were able to enjoy rum much like we do today. Unfortunately, the rum was gone after awhile—in 2009, the Bahamas became of one of the only countries in the region who did not have their own distillery. Luckily, the halt in production only lasted a few years. Today, visitors to the islands enjoy visiting John Watling’s rum distillery, as well as taking rum tours around Nassau, which has now put more focus on the local rum scene and its history.
Many Bahamian foods and desserts are also infused with rum, making the flavor a staple for locals and tourists alike (Bahamian Rum Cakes are our favorite!). Plus, the cocktails are delicious, especially while you’re lounging on the deck of your luxury charter. Ask your Mast Charters crew for their top recommendations for a sip of something special (drink responsibly!).
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