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There’s no denying that gin topped the tipple charts in the 2010s – from your classic ice-cold G&T to fancy botanical-infused craft gins with paired tonics, along with new inventions like super-sweet pink gin. But, back in the nineties, gin was firmly out of fashion. We’re predicting that rum’s about to have a resurgence to rival gin’s impressive comeback. In fact, it’s already happening. According to the Wine and Spirit Trade Association, by the end of 2019 there were almost 200 rum brands on the UK market – that’s a huge increase from the 50 there were in 2006.* In the spirit – if you’ll excuse the pun – of the rise of rum, here’s a little bit about a few countries that know a thing or two about it.
Jamaica’s holiday hotspot fame can be summed up with four ‘R’s – rest, relaxation, reggae and – yes, you guessed it – rum. This Caribbean Island has been making and pouring out rum for centuries, and it’s got a reputation for its quality. That’s partly because – unusually – there’s a lot of legislation that surrounds rum making in Jamaica. The government vets the molasses that are used in the production process, and all rum claiming to be from Jamaica has to be legally verified. Our Appleton Rum, YS Falls & Pelican Bar excursion tours the Appleton Rum Distillery, which opened way back in 1749. Plus, it stops by at waterfalls and a floating bar made of driftwood.
TASTING NOTES
Jamaican rum tends to be very rich, thanks to the extended fermentation process in traditional ‘pot stills’.
Mauritius is a relative newcomer to the rum scene. Considering that sugar has always been the island’s main export, it might seem surprising that Mauritius is so late to the rum game. But it’s actually this reliance on its sugar crop which explains the delay. Refined sugar production was so much more profitable than making rum that the government had actually banned the use of raw sugarcane to distil rum up until 2016. Since then, the island’s spirit scene has boomed. Unlike more traditional rum producers, Mauritian rum is mainly made from crushed sugar cane juice, rather than fermented molasses – this type of rum is called agricole. Our Mauritian Tea Route tour visits a local distillery for a rum tasting session.
TASTING NOTES
Mauritius is known for its tasty rum infusions. Forget artificial flavourings. Instead, fresh crops like passionfruit and vanilla are used to add a delicate hint of flavour.
Think Cuba, think classic cars, thick cigars…and rum. This country’s been growing sugar cane for 500 years, and it’s thought that the rum-distilling trade isn’t much younger. In comparison to other rum-producing destinations, Cuba’s especially well-known for its cocktails. In fact, Cuban light rum was developed specifically for mixing into cocktails. The minty-fresh mojito was invented so long ago that some people point to Sir Francis Drake – a famous pirate way back in the 1500s – as the mastermind behind mojitos. Whichever version of events you believe, it’s agreed across the board that the drink is centuries-old, and quintessentially Cuban. Then, there’s the daiquiri, which is named after a rum-producing district on the island. Our Cuban Roots excursion makes a stop at Havana’s Rum Museum for a tasting.
TASTING NOTES
The rum that Cuba produces is lighter and crisper than the richer, heavier versions you’ll find elsewhere in the Caribbean.
Ready for some rum?
Browse our holidays to Jamaica, Cuba and Mauritius. Plus, have a read of our in-depth guide to Jamaica’s rum scene, or find out about the worldwide coffee scene, instead.
Pssst. Head to the Discover homepage for our latest articles.
*stats from wsta.co.uk
Author: Hannah Stratton
A beachfront setting, a big swimming pool and plenty of food choices – the Riu Montego Bay proves its worth as a Jamaican retreat.
The Hotel Riu Creole has a scenic setting on the Le Morne peninsula, edged by a white-sand beach and overlooked by a dramatic rock mountain.
The adults-focussed Riu Reggae comes with a beachfront location and boats swim-up bars.
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