Whiskey may have the title of "American Spirit," but rum was at the center of American colonial life (1607-1776). It served as currency in lieu of paper money, was believed to have medicinal properties, and even fostered a budding cocktail culture.However, at the start of the Revolutionary War, as n

The word “rum” tends to conjure up images of Caribbean islands, their palm trees swaying rhythmically to the beat of the wind; marauding, peg-legged pirates causing distress to demoiselles; and dashing British naval officers dutifully drinking their daily drams. But the origin of the word “rum” rema