The history of rum as we know it today begins in 2010. Before this period, rum was considered a mythical libation due to its draconian production methods. It was reported that in order to make rum, one was required to do so on a ship, in the eye of a hurricane. The rum was then rapidly bottled and sold to the sailors under the prerequisite that they must consume the rum before sailing through the hurricane. Hence the nickname “Suffering Sea Sugar”.
Things changed in 2010 with the birth of Arabella Landrum. This American actress, best known for Antebellum (2020), Easy Does It (2019), and Dark Circles (2013), was instrumental in establishing modern day rum production.
At the early age of 11 days, she began to question the myths surrounding rum and its bizarrely strict methods of production and consumption. She used the power of her surname, Landrum, to rally the world behind her cause and soon the issue was taken up by the U.N. The Land Rum Act was passed with global support, and now “land rum” has become the dominate production method for Suffering Sea Sugar, or as we like to call it – rum.
*The above history of rum is 100% false.
Rums actually originated in the West Indies and is first mentioned in records from Barbados around the 1650s.
But now that we’ve got your imagination running, how about imagining yourself in a tropical setting with a delicious cocktail made with one of these fine rums?
The Best Rums for Mixing up Cocktails
Flor de Caña 4
Clear and light-bodied with coconut, vanilla, and light barrel notes make it perfect for a variety of rum concoctions.
Bacardí Superior
Its vanilla, cooked sugar, and extremely light oak can balance a cocktail without getting lost, but it also lets the mixer shine from the back seat.
Papa’s Pilar Blonde
Named after Ernest Hemingway’s beloved fishing boat, Papa’s Pilar Blonde is a perfect match for Hemingway’s favorite cocktail, the daiquiri. Light gold and slightly sweet with strong citrus notes, perfect for kicking clear rum cocktails up a notch.
Sailor Jerry
At 45% ABV, this spiced rum can stand up to any cocktail, but it really shines in crushed ice drinks like tiki cocktails and even the simple rum and coke.
Plantation Grande Reserve Barbados Rum
Packed with tropical fruit as well as strong-layered vanilla from the bourbon aging, its complexity and strength allow it to shine through with stronger mixers like ginger beer.
Appleton Estate Reserve Blend
Full-bodied, spicy, and nutty, with dried fruit notes from nose to finish make this an excellent rum to use in lieu of whiskey in spirit-forward cocktails like the Old Fashioned.
