Island Spirits: A Journey Through Caribbean Liquors
The Caribbean is known for many things. From its breathtaking beaches to its vibrant culture, there is an awful lot to enjoy when visiting this fabulous region. However, one of the main attractions for many people is the rich tradition of rum production that runs through the archipelago.
Rum is inextricably interlinked with Caribbean culture and history, and most visitors come back from a Caribbean vacation with a bottle or two in their luggage, but it isn’t the be-all and end-all when it comes to liquor and drinks in the islands. There are plenty of other exciting things for connoisseurs to discover when visiting the Caribbean. So if you like the idea of tasting tropical delights in the Caribbean on a short cruise or a longer adventure, read on for a closer look at some of the most iconic Caribbean liquors and the stories behind them.
Rum: The Heartbeat of the Caribbean
Let’s start our journey through Caribbean liquors with rum. This is the foundational spirit of the Caribbean and plays a significant role in the region’s cultural identity. Rum is made from distilled sugarcane byproducts and was first created in the 17th century when slavery and sugar were prevalent in the Caribbean.
Jamaican Rum: Bold and Spicy
Every island in the Caribbean stakes a claim to being the best, and there are certainly distinct regional differences. Jamaican rums are renowned for being robust, flavorful, and full-bodied, and are usually characterized by their fruity, spicy, and earthy notes.
Barbados Rum: Smooth and Balanced
Barbados claims to be where rum was first produced, and the spirits distilled on the island tend to be smooth and balanced. Mount Gay is the world’s oldest rum brand and has been made on Barbados since 1703!
Mamajuana: The Dominican Elixir
As mentioned above, while rum is incredibly important in the Caribbean, it isn’t the only spirit, and adventurous drinkers willing to go a little off-piste will find fascinating flavors elsewhere. One of these is mamajuana, the traditional liquor of the Dominican Republic. Sometimes described as ‘Dominican Viagra’, it is a potent mixture of rum, red wine, honey, and a secret mix of herbs, spices, and tree bark. It is reputed to have medicinal properties, preventing illnesses and (as the nickname suggests) increasing the libido!
Aguardiente: The Firewater of the Caribbean
A wildly popular spirit in many Latin American and Caribbean countries, aguardiente is not for the faint-hearted. Directly translated as ‘firewater’, its exact taste and effects vary from country to country, but it is almost always a punchy, high-proof drink. Aguardiente is usually made from sugarcane, like rum, but then flavored with anise, and is often far more alcoholic. It can be something of an acquired taste, but it is definitely a rite of passage for any serious liquor lovers.
Pitorro: Puerto Rico’s Moonshine
Pitorro is technically a type of rum, but in reality, it is far more than that. Described as Puerto Rico’s moonshine, it is a homemade liquor originally distilled in the mountains of the island from molasses and sugarcane. It is almost always significantly stronger than most commercial rums, running in certain cases to over 100 proof! It is usually infused with fruits, spices, and even coffee which can take the edge off the alcohol, which means it can easily sneak up on unsuspecting drinkers.
While rum is unquestionably the most famous Caribbean drink, the region has a diverse and delicious range of spirits and liquors. From aguardiente to pitorro, there are plenty of unusual and interesting drops for connoisseurs to try, which makes a visit to the Caribbean a wonderful opportunity to enjoy something a little stronger!