By: Sterling Griffin    

     Rum is an alcoholic beverage that has been around for very long time. It was discovered around the 17th century. It is made up of sugar cane, fruits, spices, and is distilled. The word Rum was then know as slang, but there were many nicknames for the word as well, these are some of them: Rumme, Strong Water, Wine, & Brandy. Some of those nicknames are also different versions or the drink. In the English dictionary of today, the definition of rum is: an alcoholic liquor or spirit distilled from molasses or some other fermented sugar-cane product. That's basically what rum is in it's most simplest form. When rum was first discovered it mostly came from the Caribbean Islands. Rum is made up of many different good ingredients that many people like, but it isn't is popular as it was then, than it is today.

     Rum was first founded the mid 1500's, in the Caribbean Islands and many islands around that area. Natives of those islands created a mixture of their own spices and fruits and mixed it with distilled water to create the drink. Rum was founded around the time of pirates, they drank it on their ships and got more every time they stopped on a new island, dock, or bay. That is why many modern Rum drinks are labeled with pirate like names or have a pirate as a mascot. Settlers came to the islands from England to find new land and along with that they found the drink of Rum. It was a very popular drink in that time and was the only drink that was foun in the bars of that time.

     Rum was discovered around 1556 or 57. Since it started in the Caribbeans, many people went there and tasted it and brought some to thier home, which made it worlwide. Many countriesin many parts of the world today, now make and distribute Rum. These countries include: The Caribbeans, Barbados, Cuba, The Dominican Republic, Guyana, Haiti, Jamaica, Martinique, Puerto Rico, Trinidad, The Virgin Islands, Guatemala, Nicaragua, Brazil, Venezuela, The United States of America, Canada, The United Kingdom, France, Germany, Austria, Austrailia, Tahiti, Asia, Philippines, and Thailand. As you can see, Rum is located every where around the world. These are many different places with many different variations of Rum. Many countries have a different take on Rum. Many Rums from the region of South America have a more full, rich, and aged Rums that taste like the original Rums that were first created. While northern and eastern countries are more dark and stronger. Since Rum can come in so many different flavors, it is like a kissin' cousin to Wine. Rum is still a popular alcoholic drink today, as it was when it was first discovered, that's why it has such an interesting history.

     Rum is a great creation. Many should try it. I will when I am of age. I like it because it is one of the oldest. Many who drink, will probably say it is one of their favorites. I have been told it is great and that when i get older I should try it. Rum is viewed to be one of the most richest, and tasteful drink. I really hope it is the truth.