RUMS OF SOUTH AMERICA

To most people the mention of rum conjures up memories of the Caribbean and times of old. It also provides the image and backdrop to the laid back attitude that is so pervasive in the region. But the fact is that rum would not be what it is today without the influence of Latin America.

Latin America produces more spirit from sugar cane than anywhere else in the world. Aguardiente, Cachaça and rum are the main culprits, but there is plenty more. More specifically, since the 1700’s South America has been one of the biggest producers of sugar cane in the world. As such, it provides the biggest base of raw ingredients to manufacture the spirit.

As you will see, (with the biggest exception being Guyana) Latin American rums fall into the light and gentle rum category. Mostly balanced and refined and pretty smooth and easy on the palate. That is a generality that can be knocked off with a few specific regional examples but that’s a theme for a different Rum Bums night. As you are about to experience, rums from South America can be very varied in styles. Hopefully this edition of Rum Bums will help you understand a little more about rums from that region as well as bring a little more overall knowledge about the region itself. Welcome to a small part of South American rums. Sit back and enjoy a tour of some great rums from Brazil (Oronoco) Venezuela (Santa Teresa) and Guyana (El Dorado) We hope it is an interesting and entertaining experience. And thank you for coming to explore the world of rum with us.