Any game, movie, or cartoon themed around pirates inevitably includes their consumption of rum. This is not surprising, as the drink originated on the island of Barbados, located in the Caribbean. The consumption of rum is what distinguished a true sea wolf, though the story is much more complex.
Dark Rum – the Oldest Variety of the Drink
In the 16th century, there were English plantations in the Caribbean that grew sugar cane. This was a time of slavery and disdain towards people of different skin colors, which locals greatly disliked. It was from molasses, i.e., sugar syrup, that dark rum began to be produced. It quickly spread and was even incorporated into the regular diet of English sailors. This habit was soon adopted by pirates, as the drink had several advantages:
- sweet taste;
- serves as a disinfectant and pain reliever;
- uplifting and warming effect.
Living constantly on a ship or on an island exposed to all winds is not as fun as it may seem. It is also difficult to build a quality structure that can provide good insulation if construction materials need to be brought from the mainland. Therefore, rum was considered a valuable resource, and in many cases, ships were plundered solely to replenish supplies. Cheap and strong, the drink could be stored under any conditions without losing its properties. It was popular until the second half of the 19th century as a drink for the poor. At the same time, it was a valuable commodity and was somewhat looked down upon by the elite classes, as its production was cheap and its taste did not compare to that of quality wines. However, in the mid-19th century, the Spanish government realized that such a popular drink was worth more and announced a huge reward for anyone who could transform dark rum into a lighter and better version. This was achieved by Don Facundo Bacardi, whose name is known to all connoisseurs of quality alcohol. In 1862, he founded the Bacardi brand, which still produces elite types of rum and is considered a leader in this direction.
What is Known About Dark Rum Now
After the invention of a lighter and purer version, dark rum was forgotten for some time, but now it can be found in any online store. For example, one can visit an important stuff market and pick a variant with an interesting rich taste. At the beginning of the 20th century, work began on purifying dark rum from excess impurities, as poor people continued to drink it, while elite white rum was unavailable to them due to high prices. New companies emerged, some of which still produce and supply rum worldwide. This valued resource garnered interest from entrepreneurs in Cuba, Jamaica, Spain, India, and Guatemala. Each variety has its own peculiarities, as the climate and conditions for growing sugar cane vary significantly. Companies also develop proprietary recipes that they keep secret.