Its origins can be traced back to the 17th century at the sugar cane plantations in the Caribbean, where slaves discovered the fermentation of molasses (a sugar by-product), obtaining the predecessor to what we call rum nowadays. The first records of the term “Rum” were found in the West Indies around 1650, and it was in New England where it began to be produced at a larger scale. Today, rum is made in many locations around the world, and it comes in various styles, from light, fresher ones to darker, richer and aged ones. Mount Gay is considered one of the oldest brands of rum in the world, dating back to 1703.
Typical style: Lighter rums are normally used as mixers in cocktails, while darker rums offer a much more deep and rich flavour profile, perfect for sipping with notes of caramel, chocolate, spices, and ripe fruits.
Did you know? Rum can also be made from freshly squeezed sugarcane juice, referred to as Rhum Agrigole, distilled originally in the French Caribbean islands, producing a unique style full of herbal, earthy, grassy, and tropical fruit notes.