
This quote epitomizes the link between this tiny, 166 square mile island, and rum. Rum has become a huge staple of Barbados’ culture and by extension economy. While it is said that rum is the oldest distilled spirit in the world, one thing is for certain is that it is the oldest distilled spirit in Barbados. This article will detail a brief background of rum in Barbados, as well as list most of the rums locally produced across the island.
History
Quality wise, Barbados rum is one of the best and most prestigious in the world. Some even refer to Barbados as the home of rum. The rum produced by this island is available worldwide across Europe, the US and Canada. Rum is a spirit and is made from the juice of locally produced sugar cane. After sugar is extracted from the cane juice, the liquid remaining is molasses, which is used to produce rum. Therein lies the deep association between rum and sugar, two of Barbados’ biggest staples. It has been stated that rum production began from as early as the 1640s. Barbados’ rums have been known to be the finest, strongest and smoothest in the world.
Rum Distilleries in Barbados
As stated previously, Barbados has been producing rum since the 1600s, marking over 350 years of production. The three major rum distilleries located across Barbados are:
- Mount Gay Distilleries Ltd., located along the Spring Garden Highway
- The West Indies Rum Distillery located in Black Rock
- The Four Square Rum Distillery (and Heritage Park) located in the parish of St. Philip.
These distilleries provide guided tours where you can learn about their history, the history of their rum and of course sample some of their most exquisite flavors and fine spirits. St. Nicholas Abbey Plantation House, also has a rum distillery where their produce their own local rum as well.
List of Rums in Barbados
For a small island, there is a plethora of rum brands locally produced in Barbados. This is why Barbados is so popular when it comes to rum. Many visitors to the island not only ensure they sample a few of these fine flavors, but they also ensure to take a bottle (or five) with them back home. We have tried to make the below list as extensive as possible, but there are so many locally produced rums and spirits that some may be missing from this list. The most popular ones, sorted by their brands/ distillers are as follows:
- Cockspur Five Star
- Cockspur 12 Year Old
- Green Apple Splash
- Pineapple Coconut Splash
- Rum Punch
- Malibu Rum
- RL Seale
- R L Seale’s 10 Year Old
- ESA Fields White
- Old Brigand
- St Nicholas Abbey 5 Year Old
- St Nicholas Abbey 10 Year Old
- St Nicholas Abbey 15 Year Old
- St Nicholas Abbey White Rum
- Mount Gay 1703
- Mount Gay Eclipse — 1990s
- Mount Gay Eclipse
- Mount Gay Black Barrel
- Mount Gay Extra Old
- Mount Gay Extra Old — 2000s
- Mount Gay Silver
- Mount Gay 12 Year Old 2000 Rum (cask 15) (Duncan Taylor)
- Mount Gay Rum (Sugar Cane Brandy) — 1990s
- Ponche Kuba
- Doorly’s 3 Year Old
- Doorly’s 3 Year Old — 1990s
- Doorly’s 5 Year Old
- Doorly’s XO Rum
- Doorly’s 12 Year Old
- Doorly’s Macaw White Rum
- Foursquare 1998
- The Real McCoy 3 Year Old
- Foursquare 9 Year Old Port Cask Finish
- Foursquare Spiced Rum
- Rum Sixty Six Family Reserve 12 Year Old
- Foursquare 2004 (bottled 2013) — Bristol Spirits
- The Real McCoy 5 Year Old
- The Real McCoy 12 Year Old
- Mahiki Rum
- Renegade Barbados 6 Year Old
Editor’s Pick
It is no surprise that Mount GayRum heads this list, as it is not only the oldest rum brand currently in existence, but it is easily the main signature spirit of the island. Mount Gay Rum has been distilled in Barbados since 1703. With a variety of flavors waiting to wet the tip of your tongue, you can never go wrong with a nice shot of any Mount Gay product.
With over 1500 rum shops in Barbados highlighting the importance of rum to Barbadian heritage, there is no shortage of places where you can pick up a glass (or two) or a bottle (or five). So many selections, so many flavors, so do not miss your opportunity to try some of the best rum in the world, right here in Barbados!
To view image sources click here