Rum is the kind of drink that has a special place in the hearts (and glasses) of many in Latin America and beyond. But how much do you really know about this spirit? Whether you're sipping it straight or mixing it into your favorite cocktail (Cuba Libres, anyone?), here are 8 fun facts about rum that will surprise you:
Rhum vs. ron: what's the difference?
You might be wondering why some bottles say "rhum" while others say "ron" or even "rum." It’s not just about language! "Rhum" typically refers to rhum agricole, a style of rhum made from fresh sugarcane juice, most commonly in French-speaking Caribbean islands like Martinique. On the other hand, "ron" is the Spanish word for rum, often distilled from molasses in places like Cuba, Puerto Rico, and the Dominican Republic. So next time you’re picking your poison, know that "rhum" brings a slightly different vibe to the party.
It was once a pirate's best friend
Before there was tequila, before there was whiskey, pirates swore by rum to get them through their high-seas adventures. In the Caribbean, rum was often mixed with water, sugar, lime, and sometimes even a little gunpowder (yes, you read that right!) to make "grog." Legend has it that this drink kept pirates from getting scurvy and was the liquid courage they needed to pillage and plunder.
The first distillation? Thank the Caribbean heat!
Rum’s origins are as hot as the islands where it was first distilled. The Caribbean's tropical climate, combined with the abundance of sugarcane, made it the perfect place for the creation of rum. The natural fermentation of sugarcane juice or molasses, sped up by the heat, is what led to the first batches of this beloved spirit. The heat doesn’t just create rum; it also helps it age faster, giving it that rich flavor we all love.
Rum has more varieties than you think
White, dark, spiced, overproof, rhum agricole—the list goes on! Each type of rhum or ron brings something unique to the table (or the glass). White rum is light and perfect for mixing in cocktails like mojitos, while dark rum, with its deep, smoky flavor, is best enjoyed neat or in a Cuba Libre. Then there's spiced rum, which gets its kick from added spices and caramel—ideal for those cozy nights. Overproof rum? That’s for the brave souls looking to really turn up the heat!
It played a role in the American Revolution
Bet you didn’t know that rum was a key player in the American Revolution! Before whiskey became the drink of choice in the U.S., rum was the most popular spirit. In fact, rum was so beloved that it was used as currency, and rum distilleries helped fund the revolution against the British. So, in a way, Americans can thank rhum for their independence.
The world’s oldest rum distillery is still operating
If you’re ever in Barbados, make sure to visit Mount Gay Distillery—the oldest rum distillery in the world, dating back to 1703. That’s over 300 years of rum-making expertise! Mount Gay has been producing rum in the same location for centuries, using methods passed down through generations. This distillery isn’t just a historical landmark; it’s a testament to the enduring love of rhum.
Rum has a role in voodoo ceremonies
In Haiti and parts of the Caribbean, rum isn’t just a drink; it’s a spiritual offering. In voodoo ceremonies, rum is often used as an offering to the spirits, known as "lwa." It’s believed that the spirits enjoy rum just as much as we do (if not more!). During rituals, rum might be poured on the ground, sipped by participants, or even sprayed in the air as an invitation for the spirits to join the celebration. Talk about a drink with soul!
The world’s most expensive rum costs as much as a house
Yes, you read that right! The world’s most expensive bottle of rum, the "J. Wray & Nephew 1940s Rum," was sold for a jaw-dropping $54,000. This rare Jamaican rum was distilled during the 1940s and is one of the last remaining bottles of its kind. So, unless you’re planning to sell your house, you might have to settle for just reading about it. But hey, we can all dream, right?