There are many things we love about rum here at Hugo’s – not only is it a great drink on its own, but it’s also a key ingredient in many of our favourite cocktails. Its origins go back to the 1620s in the Caribbean, were it was discovered that molasses could be fermented into alcohol. Here are a few more boozy facts about this glorious beverage, brought to you by the team at Hugo’s Terrace!
Keep calm and Bacardi on
The world’s largest rum distillery belongs to none other than Bacardi, located in the capital of Puerto Rico, San Juan. Often jovially referred to as the ‘cathedral of rum’, it produces over 100,000 litres every single day. The so-called ‘Bacardi family’ even offers tours around the factory, including two free cocktails. Sign. Us. Up.
Forget Rogaine – rum is where it’s at!
Or so some people say. Rum is a popular treatment for hair loss, used by those who prefer to resort to more natural resources instead of commercialised products. It started during the 1800s, when it was thought to contain magical qualities that could clean and strengthen hair roots. Today, there are many modern DIY rum concoctions, mostly involving Bacardi and red onion. Lovely.
A drink of many names
What we call rum today has in the past had its fair share of nicknames, ranging from kill-devil, Barbados water, Nelson’s blood, pirates’ drink and grog. Hugo’s staff kindly requests that you use exactly none of these when ordering at the bar! As a side note, leftover rum that’s lost to distillation over time is called “Angel’s Share” – because all of it’s gone up to heaven where the angels live. Obviously.
So what is it with pirates and rum, exactly?
There were many, many reasons why this drink was so popular with these salty swashbucklers. For one thing, it has many medicinal properties, which came in very handy for long voyages when people would be isolated from land for weeks, if not months. It was also an excellent cure for boredom, for reasons which are best left to the imagination. Rum was so treasured by pirates that they would demand to be paid in rum, often testing it with gunpowder. If it ignited, then it was supposed to be a sign of authenticity. Do not try this at home.
But where has all the rum gone?
You can find all of it here at Hugo’s Terrace! Our broad selection of rum varieties include Bacardi, Captain Morgan, Havana Club and many others. Don’t forget to ask our expert bartenders to spice up your drink with any additional ingredients or spirits, if you’re feeling adventurous!
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