But why IS the rum always gone?
It truly is a question for the ages. One which, to answer, would require us to look at why rum has remained the drink of choice for pirates and uni students the world over.
For anyone who has enjoyed a few drinks with old mates Sailor Jerry, Captain Morgan or Bundy but doesn’t know the first thing about the Caribbean born booze, please take several seats:
CARIBBEAN QUEEN
Rum, as we know it now, got its tropical beginnings in the Caribbean during the 17th century. If you’ve ever heard the word molasses fanging around but not quite known what it meant/not been bothered to www.google it, it’s a byproduct of the sugar refining process. And, as we humans are wont to do, we found a way to turn it into alcohol.
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ALL THE RUMS OF THE RAINBOW.
If you’re looking to sound like you know what you’re talking about, it’s probably best to at least know how to roughly categorise the rum you’re about to gently quaff.
Light Rum. This is where your white rums fall in the rum spectrum. They’re light, crisp and not as full on in terms of flavour which makes them the perfect addition to your cocktail hour.
Gold Rums. If your rum is amber, you’ve struck gold. They’re darker and have a stronger taste as they’ve been aged for a longer time and take their colour from the casks from whence they came.
Dark Rum. As you’re getting darker into the browns, red rums or black, you’re looking at rums that have been aged in strong barrels for longer. They have a heavier body and can have hints of spices or a hint of caramel.
Spiced Rum. Wouldn’t you know it, spiced rum gets its name from the spices added to it e.g. cinnamon.
Flavoured Rums. Wouldn’t you know it, flavoured rum gets its name from the flavours added to it e.g. coconut.
Overproof Rums. These are not for playplay. Overproof rum has upwards of 40% alcohol (80 proof) and is for realreal.
Premium Rum. This is the expensive stuff, basically. If you’re looking for luxe rum and can somehow afford it head to the section with the fancy bottles.
MIX IT UP
Rum has no pretention. It’s the everyman drink. And as such, there’s no element of snobbery when it comes to mixers; rum doesn’t need to stay pure, rum don’t care, rum wants everyone to come join its party. Which is why, when you think of rum – the most versatile of all spirits – you think of the delicious concoctions it can create.
If you – not unlike a young Rupert Holmes – like Pina Coladas, you must also recognise this is but one of the many gifts rum has bestowed unto the world. Actually, a Puerto Rican pirate by the name of Roberto Cofresí was one of the first recorded gentlemen to add pineapple juice to rum so if you want to thank anyone for this:
If you’re looking to celebrate International Talk Like A Pirate Day (Friday 19th of September) with a sip of the good stuff look no further than BWS and their many rum specials currently on offer. Head HERE for more info.
