We want to further categorise the diverse spirit rum. Rum is now produced in large parts of the world, but according to most sources, the cradle of rum is on the island of Barbados in the eastern Caribbean.
The island is considered the birthplace of rum and shows the original character of rum, which is made here from molasses. It tastes smooth and wonderfully balanced and is suitable for pure enjoyment or for mixing. Mount Gay Distillery, the oldest rum distillery, is also located here.
The rum is characterised by wild fermentation, is spicy and dark, mostly made from molasses and in the English style. The best-known distillery is Hampden Estate.
Rhum Agricole, a French-style rum, is produced on the islands. Highly complex, made from fresh sugar cane juice, it is subject to the strict requirements of the AOC seal of protection (Appellation d'Origine Contrôlée). It is floral, fruity and often has a high ester content.
As in the Caribbean rum countries, the history of Central and South America goes back to colonial times. It was the Spanish who started rum production in Guatemala. Even after independence in 1821, rum production remained an important industry. Botran and Ron Zacapa are known worldwide.
This small country on the Pacific coast is known for its wonderful beaches and unfortunately also for its crime! The main export is coffee. There has been a single rum distillery since 2014! The Cihuatán distillery is run by a woman.
The tropical location favours both sugar cane cultivation and maturation. Rum is produced from molasses. The Flor de Cana from the distillery of the same name has won a number of awards in recent years.
The starting product is molasses and the storage is varied.
The climatic conditions for growing sugar cane were good and so rum production followed sugar production. Rum in the Spanish and French style became established from the 17th century and found its way to Europe.
Diverse rum comes from a country with a diverse landscape. The climate is ideal for both sugar cane cultivation and maturation. The flavour is spicy and strong.
Among other things, El Dorado rum is produced here on the only wooden still still still in operation. This wooden distillation plant works in a similar way to a column still. It is produced in the English style.
The rum is made from both molasses and sugar cane juice. The flavour ranges from light to strong. The Dictador from the Destilería Colombiana is well known. In addition to rum, Dictador Ortodoxy Gin, cigars and coffee are also sold here.
Sugar cane is the main crop grown in Mauritius. The French brought it to the island. This meant that rum production was not far away. The flightless dodo bird is the island's emblem and is also depicted on the famous Lazy Dodo rum from Grays Distillery. Molasses from the company's own sugar cane cultivation and barrels from South Africa make up the rum.
The d'Offay brothers, who share a great passion for rum, founded the Takamaka distillery, Trois Frères Distillery - the only rum distillery in the Seychelles - in 2002. Takamaka is the name of the southern part of the island of Mahé off the East African coast.
The sugar factory with the adjoining Savanna distillery is one of the three rum distilleries on the island. The abundance of spices and fruits, such as vanilla, ginger, lychee and bananas, are good prerequisites for the typical Rhum Arrangé, a drink made from clear rum and these same fruits and spices.
As mentioned at the beginning, rum distilleries can be found in many other countries around the world outside the rum nations. It is produced on the Australian continent, in the Philippines, in India at the Amrut distillery, already known from whisky, and in Spain, as well as on the islands of Bermuda, the British Virgin Islands and other countries around the world.