From the start, Rum was considered the national drink of most islands of the West Indies, The Maritimes and Newfoundland; even though rum is also produced in many parts of the world.
Rum is a distilled alcoholic beverage which is extracted from sugarcane byproducts, such as molasses, or from sugarcane juice. It then goes through the process of fermentation and distillation. Once distilled, it turns into a clear liquid which is aged in oak barrels. It comes in various grades. Light rums are used in mixed drinks, whereas "golden" and "dark" were consumed either straight on the rocks, or used for cooking.
This beverage has famous associations with the Royal Navy, where it was mixed with water or beer to make grog which is still used today as a medicinal remedy for colds. It was also served as a popular medium of economic exchange, used to help fund enterprises such as slavery, organized crime, and military insurgencies (e.g., the American Revolution and Australia's Rum Rebellion). Today hundreds and hundreds of labels are sold on the worlds’ market.
I recently discovered a new brand for myself, Sailor Jerry Spiced Rum. The all-natural spices and flavors were developed after extensive research into maritime rums. Though Sailor Jerry has a rich smooth taste with distinctive notes of vanilla, caramel, and oak with hints of clove and cinnamon, it is their spicing which gives it its signature.
“MADE THE OLD-SCHOOL WAY. 92 PROOF. BOLD AND SMOOTH AS HELL.”
Their recipe is based on the tradition of sailors improving the flavor of their on-board rum rations. (The first nation to abolish issuing sailors daily rum was the U.S., which did so in 1862. New Zealand upheld the practice until 1990). Generally there were two ways to take the edge off rum. One was to age the liquid in wooden casks, which sailors rarely bothered with. The second was to blend in spices. This is what most sailors did and it's what they do.
Sailor Jerry was a real person and considered an exacting craftsman. His tattoos were precise, bold and flawless.
They craft their rum to a similar standard, finding the best Caribbean rums to make Sailor Jerry Spiced Rum. The ones that make the cut are blended together to create the ideal base for their unmatched recipe of natural spices.
The label's higher proof spirit is historically accurate. In fact, the term “proof” comes from the method whereby sailors could assure their rum rations weren't being watered down. The ship's captain would ladle out a sample from the day's rum barrel in front of the men. He'd douse it with gunpowder, then give it a spark — if the rum was full strength, the powder ignited, giving sailors “proof” of the integrity of their rum.
Staying true to the old-school tradition of spicing high proof rum results in a uniquely bold, smooth and balanced liquid – perfect in your favorite cocktails.
My favorite recipe blend is Piña Colada, a classic tropical cocktail with rum, pineapple and coconut milk:
WHAT YOU NEED:
- 1 1⁄2 oz sailor Jerry spiced rum Light or gold rum
- 2 oz Coconut milk
- 2 oz Fresh pineapple juice
WHAT TO DO:
Put in the blender with crushed ice. Garnish with Cherry and or Pineapple wedge
Serve it in a Hurricane Glass and cheers!
