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Rum: the phrase conjures photographs of swashbuckling pirates, tropical islands, and candy, sticky cocktails. However do you know Britain has its personal deep and interesting historical past with this spirit? Overlook the Queen’s tea, let’s discover the grog-glorious previous of British rum!
From Pirates to the Royal Navy: A Rum Journey Begins
Our story begins within the seventeenth century, when the British have been busy buying a style for rum, due to their swashbuckling brethren, the pirates. These seafaring rogues typically plundered ships laden with rum from the Caribbean, and a few of it inevitably discovered its means into British ports. However wait, weren’t pirates the dangerous guys? Effectively, not precisely in the case of rum – they unknowingly launched Britain to this scrumptious drink!
Seeing the potential in rum, the British began importing it themselves, primarily to be used of their colonies. Nonetheless, a humorous factor occurred – the Royal Navy, identified for its powerful sailors, found rum’s potential as a morale booster (and maybe a method to neglect the tough realities of life at sea). In 1673, rum formally changed French brandy because the sailors’ every day ration, perpetually altering naval historical past (and doubtless a number of hangovers).
Grog Glory: The Rise of Navy Rum
However maintain your horses, mateys! This wasn’t your fancy sipping rum. Navy Rum, because it was referred to as, was a special beast altogether. This potent concoction, sometimes round 57% alcohol by quantity (sturdy sufficient to knock a kraken off its ship!), was chosen for its sturdiness throughout lengthy voyages and its skill to be simply diluted with water – a follow generally known as “grogging.” Admiral Edward Vernon, identified for his love of a superb cloak (and a diluted drink!), is credited with popularizing grog by diluting the rum ration to stop drunkenness amongst his sailors.
From Ration to Revolution: Rum’s Stunning Function
Rum wasn’t nearly protecting sailors completely happy. It turned a worthwhile commodity, even taking part in an element in historic occasions. The notorious Sugar Act of 1764, which closely taxed molasses (a key ingredient in rum manufacturing), sparked outrage within the American colonies. This “taxation with out illustration” fueled the flames of the American Revolution, proving rum’s influence went past simply being a tasty drink.
Past the Barrel: British Rum’s Legacy
Whereas the Royal Navy stopped issuing rum rations in 1970, Britain’s love affair with rum continued. London turned a hub for mixing and ageing Caribbean rums, giving start to iconic manufacturers like Lemon Hart and Lamb’s Navy Rum. Right this moment, the British rum scene is experiencing a revival, with a rising variety of craft distilleries placing their very own distinctive spin on the spirit.
So, there you’ve gotten it, mateys! From its piratical beginnings to its position in shaping historical past, rum has left its mark on British tradition. So subsequent time you elevate a glass of this golden liquor, keep in mind the wealthy and boozy journey it took to succeed in your lips!
Bonus Enjoyable Reality: The time period “Navy Energy” rum, nonetheless used right now, refers back to the unique power of British Navy Rum – sturdy sufficient to climate any storm, each literal and metaphorical!
Go to us at The Rum Home
Our latest venue within the coronary heart of Strattord, East London. Constructed over three flooring, together with a rooftop terrace, cocktail bar and shortly to be opened rum distillery. Go to us right now.
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