The history of rum is closely associated with that of sugar cane. In other words, it all starts with sugar cane. The domestication of sugar cane spread rapidly to different countries, whose humidity and climate are all compatible with its requirements. Therefore, it is impossible to talk about the history of this brandy without mentioning the history of sugar cane.
Rum, between reality and legend
Rum was discovered during the numerous English, French and Spanish colonial conquests. Originally, this type of beverage marked the drink of sailors and slaves. The pirates wanted to choose a rum in order to intoxicate the mousses of the English navy. Rum is still linked to this past of tumult and adventure.
Rum generally indicates sugar cane brandy offering various tasting possibilities. With this in mind, white rums are highly valued in the making of cocktails. However, if you want to choose a rum, you can appropriate it with fruity flavors.
The conquest of white gold by Europe
Since the first crusade, pilgrims discovered sugar in Asia. This material, brought back then in Europe, is so much appreciated by all. Sugar gradually became a real source of rivalry and a major economic issue between several European countries. The first forms of refining were in fact developed in the 14th century by Venice, which at that time monopolized the trade of brown gold.
The Italians, envious of this great success, wished in turn to free themselves from their control over sugar. Similarly, the Spanish and Portuguese set up a multitude of refineries and plantations in their colonies.
Under the aegis of the Portuguese navigators, who had set out to discover America, sugar cane production expanded greatly. As a result, the Caribbean islands became sugar islands par excellence.
By the middle of the 17th century, the Spanish began to lose interest in sugar in favor of wood and gold, and let the English and French take over in the West Indies (Guadeloupe, Martinique, Jamaica, Barbados).
A drink produced all over the world
Whatever its name, ron in Spanish, rum in English or rum in French, this sugarcane-based drink remains the factor that brings together the countries of South America as well as the islands of the Caribbean, each of which has its own traditions and cultures.
In the middle of the year 2000, about a hundred countries are focused on sugar cane cultivation, among which China, India and Brazil are the most important. Therefore, the choice of a rum leads to the selection of various aromatic profiles depending on its ageing and type of distillation.
