Yohoho and a rum bottle of

On the occasion of Rum Day (August 16), PRITHA BANNERJEE takes a look at the culture behind this spirit

Rum is, without a doubt, the most underappreciated spirit in history. Whenever one thinks of sophisticated, classical drinks, rum rarely makes it to the list. Whiskey is easily pictured in the hands of a moustachioed gentleman sitting on a recliner with a book and a cigar. Rum is linked with images of pirates and a harder, more exciting lot. Over the years, however, the drink has built up a massive fan base in the country.

The story

Rum has no single homeland. The sugarcane-based spirit is often associated with the Caribbean. It is distilled from sugarcane in two ways, either from the raw juice or from the molasses (which is refined from sugar by boiling). The spirit is then bottled right away after the distillation which makes a clear product that is often used as a cocktail mixer. Or it is aged in a barrel for a minimum of a year which created a dark, rich spirit to be sipped like whiskey.

Old monk and memories

From officers of the Indian armed forces to the common man on the street, the dark rum – packaged in its iconic short, stout bottle – is a very popular drink. Any person who likes Old Monk has some memories associated with it back in college days. There will be no story on Indian rums without paying due allegiance to this brand. “It’s a reasonably priced one that college kids can afford. Even after growing up, I still go back to Old Monk after trying all the liquor in the world. It makes me nostalgic,” observes Moksh Singh.

Although, the history of the drink dates back to 1805, it was only in 1954 that Old Monk was introduced. The army rations had already included it by that time, so as far as the taste goes, it was not new for the drinking populace. Lieutenant S Pradhan feels, “The best part of drinking rum is that there is no hangover the next morning.”

Enjoy the best of it

According to mixologists, the most appealing part about rum is that it follows no strict ingredients and you can drink it with anything. Kolkata based food-blogger, Indrajit Lahiri, says, “The classic way to drink rum is with Thumbs Up or Coke (not Pepsi).” However, there are other rum-based cocktails one can try. “I had one cocktail named ‘Jamaican Skull’. It was rum with Bailey’s Irish Cream accompanied by Nolen

Gur Sandesh. It was amazing as Bailey’s Irish cream smooths the strong taste of dark rum.”

Rums can be clear or very dark, spiced, or aged. Depending on the aroma, flavour, and texture, one might enjoy the rum. Sometimes, it’s clear and crisp, or just right for a squeeze of lime, maybe a barrel-aged number that’s rich with brown sugar. It is ideal for sipping as the sun sets. Palm trees in the background, of course, are optional.

White or silver rum is fermented, distilled, and barrel-aged to add body and mellow character. They are usually crisp and clean and perfect with the right amount of lime and sugar to take the edge off. Aged rum, on the other hand, spends months or years in oak

barrels and develops delectable layers of brown sugar and caramel. They are delightful sippers on their own or can be enjoyed with ice cubes or a splash of water, similar to whiskey. They are perfect for classics like the Mai Tai or Planter’s Punch.

Black or dark rum has the appearance of long-aged rum with heavy blackstrap molasses or caramel. It can be mixed into drinks like Dark and Stormy or Jungle Bird. Finally, a quality example of good rum base are the ones infused with spices, often cinnamon, vanilla, allspice, or clove. Sometimes, flavourings like orange peel or coffee beans are also added as per the choice of the drinker. They are sweeter than rum and are great for tropical or tiki cocktails.

Medicinal value

As the drink does not contain any fat or carbohydrates, it is said to have many medicinal properties. When combined with lime, the drink helps to prevent scurvy issues among soldiers. Thus, the British Army ensured that their soldiers got their monthly ration of rum.

Drinking a moderate amount of rum helps to cure common cold and body aches. “I prefer drinking rum with lukewarm water. It gives a warm and soothing feeling if you are suffering from cold. It’s also a good relief if you have cramping pain in the leg,” says Ritobrata Mitra.