Jamaican Rum: A Distinctive Island Flavor

If you’re visiting the Caribbean, you’ll want to sample all the wonderful flavors of the islands, including Jamaican Rum. The distillation of rum in the West Indies goes back to the 17th century, and It gives a distinctive tropical flavor when added to any mixer.

A favorite of pirates, vacationers, and just about everyone, Jamaican Rum has an interesting past.

What is Rum Made From?

Jamaica has long been known for its extensive sugar plantations. Plantation slaves found that the byproduct of sugar production, molasses, was good for more than sweetening gruel. They created a rough alcoholic drink by fermenting molasses and enjoying its effects. And eventually, distillation was added to the process. This removed the impurities and became the rum we now know and love. Rum is currently made from molasses, cane sugar juice, and even honey.

Who Invented Rum?

Although we can’t congratulation any specific individual for the invention, the distillation of rum goes back many hundreds of years. No one is sure exactly where rum was first distilled, as it seems to have arisen in Brazil, Barbados, and then Jamaica, all pretty much at the same time. The process was first documented back in the 1620s. And apparently, they hadn’t perfected the process yet. In 1651, someone described rum as “Kill-Devil” and “this is made of sugar canes distilled, a hot, hellish, and terrible liquor.”

Regional Differences in Rum

Unlike other spirits categorized by proof or processing method, producers categorize rum by region of origin. Although color and added flavorings can make a difference, usually the region defines the type of rum. Color, flavor, process, and raw material vary throughout the Caribbean. However, most of these differences are determined by country of origin. And Jamaican rum is very distinct from other rums made in the West Indies.

What Makes Jamaican Rum Different?

On former English colony islands, like Jamaica, rum is generally darker. The British sailors that made up the majority of its drinkers in the early days preferred a more robust drink. Some say the name rum derives from the old British slang term “rumbullion.” In Devonshire, England, the word used to mean “a great tumult.” Most certainly something that happened when the sailors had too much rum.

The great British tradition of rum-drinking sailors dates back to 1655 when the Royal Navy captured Jamaica. A daily ration of rum was a seaman’s right. However, it was soon served watered down to dampen down the occurrences of great tumult on duty. The watered-down version is known as grog.

Jamaican rum is always made from molasses. And it retains more of its molasses flavor, which some describe as “funk.” However, that’s sometimes the flavor of the yeast culture coming through. It can also be due to the distillation process.

Jamaican rum is often pot distilled, rather than column distilled. Pot distillation produces a “batch” of rum. Alternatively, column distillation is a continuous process. Pot distillation is less efficient. Column stills can product liquors with as much as 95 percent alcohol by volume. However, the pot distillation process results in a more strongly flavored rum.

Another difference is the effect of heat on the aging of the rum. With temperatures averaging between 83 and 76 degrees Fahrenheit, even during the coldest months, Jamaican rum ages quickly, and the constantly expanding and condensing of the barrels imparts a stronger flavor.

Other Caribbean Rums

In contrast, rums produced on Spanish-speaking islands, like Cuba and Puerto Rico, are lighter and make excellent mixers. Rums from former French colonies, like Martinique are unique in that they’re made from cane juice instead of molasses. By law, all rum distilleries in the Caribbean can add 2.5 percent of flavorings to their products. This results in some of the sweeter rums and spiced rums, which Jamaica also produces.

What is the Best Rum made in Jamaica?

Like every other food or drink, “best” is a subjective term. It depends on personal preferences. It also depends on how you plan to drink the rum.

For example, white rum is the most popular because it is usually the cheapest. It’s also the most versatile. Although Jamaica is known for its dark, flavorful rums, all the major distillers on the island produce a white rum.

The color of rum reflects the length of time its been aged. It doesn’t affect the alcohol content at all. However, the aging process adds subtle notes of flavor that make it distinct from clear rum.

White Rum

White, or silver rum is usually not aged. Or at least, not for long. If you’re looking for a clear Jamaican rum for a daiquiri or a mojito, there are several available on the island. In fact, both locals and visitors alike have made white overproof rum (alcohol content of over 57.5 percent) the overwhelming favorite. In addition, manufacturers filter white rum after distillation to remove any impurities that mar the color.

 Gold Rum

Aged rum is darker in color, usually in wooden barrels that impart both color and flavor. The longer the rum ages, the darker the color. Gold rum is also known as amber rum.

 Black Rum

Also known as dark rum, this is the longest aged rum. It has a sweet and smoky flavor and a rich color. Drink it neat, perhaps with a twist of lime. Enjoy in small, civilized sips to get the fully range of flavors.

Jamaican Rum Distilleries

Related: Things to Do and See in Jamaica

There are a few distillers on the island that have been around for over two hundred years. Usually the next logical step for a sugar plantation, these historic estates preserve Jamaican history while generating revenue. They also often serve as great tourist attractions, offering tours of their beautiful plantations and centuries-old distilleries.

 Appleton Estate

Appleton Estate is the oldest rum distillery on the island, established in 1749. The company claims that their use of American Oak barrels gives their brand its strong vanilla flavor. It also boasts that it has made a significant investment in low-environment impact production. Headed by Joy Spence, the first female blender for a major brand, Appleton is a must-visit for the tour,and a must-try Jamaican rum during your trip.

Hampden Estate

Another long established distiller, Hampden Estate produces a white overproof rum called Rum Fire, as well as the Hampden Estate Gold Rum. Set up as a sugar plantation in 1743, the owners added a distillery soon after. The company boasts the preservation of Jamaica’s aquifers by using mountain water sources only, as well as reducing the use of energy by utilizing the abundant natural light available. The company has recently committed to a zero carbon footprint program.

 Worthy Park

After becoming defunct in 1962, a Clarke family member decided to revive the 200-year-old distillery in the early 2000s. This makes Worthy Park one of the most up-to-date and modern rum distillers in Jamaica. First launched for commercial production in 1720, the family-owned estate uses its land for citrus, poultry, and beef as well. Despite its modernity, it uses the same classic Jamaican pot-still method. Rum-Bar Rum is the estate’s white overproof contribution. Rum-Bar Gold is its four-year rum, with more to come as the company has started aging barrels since the 2005 relaunch.

 How Much Jamaican Rum Can I Bring Home with Me?

Jamaican customs laws prohibit foreigners from bringing rum into Jamaica. And that’s perfectly understandable. Besides, who needs to bring rum when the best rum in the world is available right there on the island?

More importantly, how much rum can you bring back? U.S. customs allows U.S citizens to bring up to $800 worth of Caribbean Basin goods upon their return to the states. This includes two liters of any spirit from Jamaica in this dollar amount. (If traveling to other Caribbean countries, see the U.S. Customs and Border Protection site for specific details.)

Now, there’s no reason you can’t bring back more if you like. Customs will likely charge you excise tax. The amount due can vary depending on the amount, the proof, and where you re-enter the U.S. There’s no available source to calculate these duties, but Matt Pietrek of the Cocktail Wonk blog indicated that the actual paperwork is more inconvenient than the small charge. Otherwise, customs considers a case an appropriate amount for ‘personal use.”

Cocktails Using Jamaican Rum

Try one of these delicious rum drinks during your visit to Jamaica. In addition, you can share a little Jamaica with your friends back home with these recipes.

 Jamaican Rum Punch

So sweet and sassy, perfect for your tropical mood.

 Jamaican Sunset

The Jamaican Sunset is as delicious as it is beautiful.

 Pina Colada

And, you can’t talk about the islands, or rum, without the classic piña colada.

Related: Jamaican Rum Cream Drink Recipies

Make the most of your trip to Jamaica by enjoying their distinct rum in a refreshing tropical drink. Tour one of the distilleries to learn about the country’s unique history, and see the beautiful valleys and waterfalls. Remember you can bring up to two bottles home with you to share the island flavors with friends. Or save to sip on a dark winter night, while revisiting the island in fond memories.

 

Featured Image CC by 0, by Mariamichelle, via Pixabay.