Sipping Stories: the hidden history of rum
- Living Spirits Distillery
- Apr 10
- 3 min read
Introducing Rising Tide Gold Rum: An American Spirit
We're delighted to announce the arrival of our latest creation at Living Spirits—Rising Tide Gold Rum! Handcrafted in small batches in Hackettstown, New Jersey, this premium rum embodies the spirit of innovation, experimentation and freedom that also characterizes the history of American rum.
Some Rum History
Rum traces its roots back to sugarcane wine but began to explode in popularity as Europe's demand for sugar soared in the 1600s, as the Portuguese (and later, the Dutch, Spanish, French and British) spread sugarcane cultivation to the New World. With the refined sugar itself being exported in great quantities to Europe, colonists invented every use they could for a byproduct of sugar production: molasses. The dark, sweet, complex syrup was used in every kind of cuisine ... and with the brandies, clarets and ports of the Old World expensive to import, it wasn't long before a rough-and-ready liquor was being made ... a "hot, hellish rombullion," "a liquor called kill-devil"... rum.
While we usually associate rum with the Caribbean (where the story starts, and where much of the world's rum is still produced), most are unfamiliar with the history of uniquely American rum or our once-thriving rum industry, now largely forgotten.
The Golden Age of American Rum
Colonial America wasn't a great place to grow sugarcane ... but it turned out that New Jersey, New York and New England were excellent places to grow food and build infrastructure. It wasn't long until Caribbean planters were shipping much of their molasses to the mid-Atlantic coast for American distillers to turn into rum, which Europeans and Americans alike had gotten a taste for.
While Caribbean rum was prized for its smoothness and unique character, American "Rhode Island Rum" was known for its consistent flavor, its ageability—and its affordable price. In fact, New World rum became so popular that it threatened France and Spain's brandy industries, prompting both empires to ban exports of rum from their colonies. As a result, French and Spanish colonies sold molasses much more cheaply to Americans, enabling them to outcompete British planters in the Caribbean, who didn't like that at all.
Taxation Without Representation
Unfortunately, those planters were very wealthy and well-connected. In 1733, Parliament passed the Molasses Act, aimed to give Caribbean planters a monopoly on the American sugar market by placing massive tariffs on non-British sugar. By this point, rum production was the largest and most profitable industry in New England and the mid-Atlantic; it was 80% of our exports and every man, woman and child in the colonies was drinking 3 gallons a year ... so American smugglers took advantage of New Jersey's many shallow inlets and hidden coves to adeptly circumvent the tax.
Later, the Sugar of Act of 1764 (also focused on taxing the rum trade) was one of the first sparks in the American Revolution (and we're guessing you know that story).
After the Revolution, rum remained immensely popular, famously featured at George Washington’s 1793 inauguration. Yet, its prominence began to fade as sugar prices rose due to environmental depletion and the abolition of slavery in British colonies. Meanwhile, America’s westward expansion opened vast lands for grain cultivation, ushering in whiskey’s rise.
Reviving an American Tradition
At Living Spirits, we aim to rekindle the legacy of American rum—not merely replicating Caribbean styles but honoring the rich heritage of the East Coast and the technical excellence of American rums. Rising Tide Gold Rum brings this tradition back to its roots, utilizing locally sourced ingredients to craft a modern spirit that’s authentically rooted in historical craftsmanship.
Tasting Notes
Rising Tide Gold Rum offers a beautifully balanced tasting experience with rich and complex flavor profiles. Immerse yourself in its vibrant notes of tropical fruit, complemented by smooth hints of vanilla and a luxurious touch of salted caramel. This indulgent blend creates a full-bodied rum perfect for sipping neat or adding depth to your favorite cocktails.
A Journey in Every Pour
Rum's story is one of exploration, innovation, and cultural exchange. With Rising Tide Gold Rum, we ignite the spirit of storytelling, inviting you to savor a taste of history with every sip.
May this rum inspire new adventures, toasts to old stories, and forge connections anew.
Here’s to the spirit of discovery, the joy of exploration, and the craft that brings us together.
Cheers! 🥃🌊