Unique Rum Tasting London

Shop our curated selection of rum tastings in London. From curated rum flights, to expert-led rum tastings, to rum cocktails, to rum paired with food and more.

Perfect as a birthday gift for your rum-loving friend, or as a couple's date night out. For rum novices just getting started, all the way to rum connoisseurs.

A Brief History of Rum (in 6 points)

Rum's history is as rich and diverse as its flavors. Here's a brief overview:

1. Early Origins: Rum's earliest precursors were likely developed in ancient India and China, where sugarcane was first fermented into alcohol. However, these were quite different from modern rum.

2. Caribbean Birth: Rum as we know it today began in the 17th century in the Caribbean. Sugarcane plantations, run largely on the back of enslaved people, produced molasses as a byproduct. Plantation workers discovered that molasses could be fermented and distilled into a potent spirit - rum.

3. Colonial Expansion: Rum quickly became popular in Colonial America and Europe. It was a major trade item in the infamous Triangular Trade, where it was exchanged for goods and, tragically, enslaved people.

4. Naval Tradition: In the British Royal Navy, rum was an essential part of sailors' lives. The daily rum ration, or "tot," was a tradition until 1970.

5. Variety and Refinement: Over centuries, different styles of rum emerged. Countries like Barbados, Jamaica, and Cuba developed distinct rum-making traditions. Techniques evolved, leading to a variety of rum types from light and smooth to rich and full-bodied.

6. Global Popularity: Today, rum is enjoyed worldwide, with a resurgence in artisan and craft rum production. It's celebrated for its versatility in cocktails and its complex flavor profiles when enjoyed neat.