By Shireen Jamooji
Rum is one of the oldest and most universally loved alcohols. But it also has a rich and vibrant hitsory. Read on for 7 weird facts about rum to help you know your booze better.
In the 17th century, it was given to workers in lieu of wages. Can you imagine getting your paycheck in bottles of rum?
The longer it's stored in oak barrels, the smoother and more flavourful it becomes.
Back in the old days, sailors were given rum to cure various ailments. Maybe next time you're feeling ill, skip the pharmacy and head to the liquor store. Doctor's orders!
The word "rum" comes from the Latin term "saccharum," which means "sugar." Rum is made from sugarcane byproducts, making it the sweetest way to get tipsy.
The oldest rum distillery in the world is Mount Gay Distilleries in Barbados, which has been producing rum since 1703.
Rum was a staple drink on ships during the Age of Sail. The British Royal Navy even issued a daily rum ration to its sailors until 1970.
Christopher Columbus first brought sugarcane from Southeast Asia to Hispaniola, an island now shared by the Dominican Republic and Haiti, and rum production followed.