Flat Cap Rum Blog

Rum is a spirit that has a rich and storied history, dating back to the 17th century. Its origins can be traced back to the Caribbean, where sugarcane was first cultivated by the Spanish and then later by the British and French. The process of distilling sugarcane juice into rum began as a way to preserve the excess sugar that was produced during the sugarcane harvest.

The first recorded instance of rum production was on the island of Barbados in 1651. The British navy began to use rum as a ration for its sailors, and it quickly became a popular drink among sailors and colonists. The demand for rum led to an increase in production, and it quickly spread to other Caribbean islands, such as Jamaica, Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Islands.

During the 18th century, rum became a major export from the Caribbean, with New England becoming a major destination for rum trade. The Triangular Trade route, which involved the trade of rum and other goods between Africa, the Caribbean, and New England, solidified rum's place as a major commodity.

In the 19th century, rum production continued to expand, with new distillation techniques and the addition of aging processes. This led to the creation of different types of rum, such as light, dark, and spiced rum. The Prohibition era in the United States in the 1920s had a significant impact on rum production, as the market for rum decreased significantly.

However, rum made a comeback in the latter half of the 20th century, with the rise of tropical and tiki-style cocktails. Today, rum is a popular spirit enjoyed all over the world, with different styles and variations being produced in countries such as the Caribbean and South America.

In conclusion, the history of rum is closely tied to the history of sugarcane cultivation and the trade routes that emerged from it. From its origins in the Caribbean to its current popularity all over the world, rum has stood the test of time and continues to be a beloved spirit enjoyed by many.