A Guide To Rum: History and Production

Few beverages hold as much intrigue and lore as rum. 

From its rich history dating back centuries to its affiliation with pirates and tropical island life, rum transcends time and place and has become a cultural phenomenon. 

As cultivators of our very own non-alcoholic rum, the Clean R, we’re fascinated by the humble beginnings of rum in the Caribbean to its current day standing as one of the most popular party drinks.

Whether you're a rum enthusiast or simply curious about how this magical spirit tastes so much like a beach holiday, we’re diving into the history of rum in this guide.

So grab a glass (of non-alcoholic, of course), raise a toast, and let's dive into the rich history and intricate production of rum.

The Origins of Rum

Rum's origins can be traced back to the Caribbean during the 17th century, where the sugarcane plantations flourished due to the warm climate and rich soil. As sugar production increased, so did the byproduct of molasses, which became the primary ingredient for rum production. 

Sugar cane rum 

Once people found out that sugarcane juice creates a potent alcoholic beverage when fermented, everyone wanted in.

Sailors and plantation workers who had access to sugar cane started creating their own variations of rum which were often crude and unrefined, but it laid the foundation for the rum we know today.

Rum and the slave trade

Even if you know very little about rum, you probably know that it’s affiliated with sailors, pirates and the ocean.

Unfortunately, many people don’t know that rum also has an affiliation with the slave trade. Since many of the plantations that grew sugar cane were run with the help of Enslaved Africans, their labour played a crucial role in the production of rum. 

The drink became a staple in the lives of both the workers and the colonial powers, often used as currency in trade and as a means to barter. This dark chapter in history significantly influenced rum's evolution, as it became associated with both the wealth generated from sugar and the suffering endured by countless individuals.

Rum and the navy

By the 18th century, rum had travelled across Europe and the Americas and was thriving within naval culture, often being issued to sailors as part of their rations. The British Navy famously adopted rum as a daily part of their sailors’ diets, leading to the creation of the “grog” – a mixture of rum, water, and lime juice. 

Types of rum and their origins

At its core, rum can be categorised into two primary types: light and dark rum. 

Light rum, often referred to as white rum, is typically unaged or aged for a short period, resulting in a clean, crisp flavour. In contrast, dark rum is aged for longer periods in charred oak barrels, developing deeper flavours of caramel, spices, and molasses. 

Often you’ll see different types of rums classified by flavours, ranging from tropical fruits like coconut and pineapple to spices such as cinnamon and vanilla. Taste profiles can also vary based on how the rum is produced.

For example, the agricole rum from Martinique is made directly from fresh sugarcane juice rather than molasses, resulting in a grassy, fruity profile that sets it apart from other styles. Other regions, such as Jamaica, are known for their funky, pot-distilled rums, which often have a more robust and earthy taste. Each type of rum tells the story of its origins and production methods, making the exploration of these varieties an exciting journey for any spirit enthusiast.

The Production Process of Rum

The production process of rum is an intricate dance of science, tradition, and artistry. 

Each location has its own process, but they will always begin with raw materials or sugarcane or molasses. Sugarcane is harvested and pressed to extract the juice, which is then fermented and molasses, a byproduct of sugar refining, is diluted with water and fermented to kickstart the process. Yeast is added to convert the sugars into alcohol, creating a wash that is rich in flavour. 

Once fermentation is complete, the next step is distillation which concentrates the flavours and increases the alcohol content. Some distillers will choose pot stills or column stills, each lending its character to the final spirit. Pot stills typically produce a richer, more flavorful rum due to their slower distillation process, while column stills create a cleaner, lighter spirit. 

Once distilled the rum will then be aged in barrels to develop its flavours. The type of wood, previous contents of the barrel, and climate conditions all play a role in the ageing process. For example, rum aged in bourbon barrels may acquire notes of vanilla and caramel, while those aged in sherry casks can take on dried fruit and nutty flavours. The blending process that follows ageing is equally important, as master blenders combine different rums to achieve a balanced and harmonious final product, ensuring consistency across batches.

Famous Rum Distilleries and Their History

There are some distilleries that are particularly etched onto the face of rum’s history and have really contributed to its worldwide growth.

An iconic distillery known to be one of the first ever is Mount Gay, established in Barbados in 1703. Mount Gay has become synonymous with quality rum and many tourists flock to the island to tour the distillery and experience Barbados rum first hand. 

Another notable name is Appleton Estate, located in Jamaica. Founded in 1749, this distillery has gained recognition for its rich, aromatic rums that follow a unique ageing process.

Then there’s Rhum Clément in Martinique, which stands out for its dedication to producing agricole rum, a style made from freshly pressed sugarcane juice. Established in 1887, Rhum Clément has played a pivotal role in promoting the distinctiveness of Martinican rum on the global stage. 

Rum in Popular Culture

The history of rum wouldn’t be complete without touching on its role in popular culture. Rum has really transcended the role of just a beverage to become a symbol of adventure, freedom, and rebellion. 

The spirit has often been featured in literature, film, and music, embodying the romanticised notions of pirate lore and tropical escapades. From Robert Louis Stevenson's "Treasure Island," where rum is a staple among pirates, to Johnny Depp’s portrayal of Captain Jack Sparrow in the "Pirates of the Caribbean", rum has become synonymous with a life of adventure on the high seas.

Music, too, has embraced the allure of rum, with countless songs celebrating the drink's carefree spirit. The genre of calypso, originating from the Caribbean, often features rum as a central theme.

Non-Alcoholic Rum

In recent years non-alcoholic rum has become more popular, with a few options cropping up for non-drinkers. Dark rum non-alcoholic substitutes are particularly popular, as they hold great flavour and taste just like the real thing.

Our very own Clean R is a market leader in this space, delivering delicious notes of Caramel, Apricot, Vanilla, Star Anise, Ginger, Orange, Pimento and Cinnamon for a smooth, warming finish. Perfect for an alcohol-free mojito that lets you delight in the night, and still welcome the next day.

Want to indulge in a non-alcoholic Caribbean style rum? Why not shop our Clean R now.