The story of rum is synonymous with the rise in the 18th century of sugar cane plantations throughout the Caribbean Basin. Distilled from sugar cane by-products such as molasses, rum is legendary as the staple drink of the British seaman, as well as infamous pirates. It also conjures images of exotic mixed drinks in secluded, snug little bays on Caribbean islands where the rum is distilled in small batches for local consumption.
Today, commercial rums come in a variety of styles from Caribbean islands and Latin American nations. By far the best-selling style is so-called "light" or "white" rum that is colorless and clear. Bacardi Light Dry (5408, $10.99, 80 proof) from Puerto Rico is the leading brand. Another strong brand is the potent Wray & Nephew Overproof White Rum (6978, $16.99, 126 proof). It originated in 1825 when John Wray opened a small tavern in the bustling seaport of Kingston in Jamaica.
Other styles such as "gold" or "amber" rum and "dark" or "aged" rum are also great as the basic ingredient for refreshing summertime cocktails. Try the following tasty concoctions when the heat is on in August:
Dark 'n' Stormy: The national cocktail of the island of Bermuda. Fill a tall glass with ice and then add 1 1/2 ounces of Gosling's Black Seal Bermuda Dark Rum (6913, $13.99, 80 proof) and top off with ginger beer and a wedge of lemon. Very refreshing.
Bacardi Cocktail: Blend 1 1/2 ounces of Bacardi Light Dry Rum with 1 ounce of lime juice and 1/2 ounce of grenadine with a little sugar in a chilled martini glass.
Strawberry Daiquiri: In a blender, mix equal parts white rum and lime juice with sugar syrup, fresh strawberries and ice. Serve very cold.
Rum Punch: Blend lime juice, sugar syrup, an amber rum such as Mount Gay Eclipse Barbados Rum (8024, $14.99, 80 proof) or Appleton Special Jamaica Rum (4637, $10.49), and water with bitters and nutmeg. Shake well and serve over ice.
Planter's Punch: In a large punch bowl, mix fresh limes, sugar and rum to taste with fresh fruit juices (for example, orange and/or pineapple) and ice.
Super premium rums have also gained popularity recently. They rival fine Cognac by offering luxurious smoothness, intense aromas and fine flavors from oak aging. A great example to enjoy "neat" is Zaya 12 Year Old Gran Reserva Guatemala Rum (Special Limited Order 53514, $49.89, 80 proof; call Capital Wines and Spirits at 412-494-7447 to order). This rum has marvelous complexity and smoothness with lovely aromas and delicious flavors of caramel leading to a superb, lingering finish.
Dave DeSimone is a free-lance wine and beverage writer.
E-mail this story 
