Dig into a world of Black tots, bottled currency, daily rations, rum punch and rum gunpowder.Â
Previous
Tasting boxesNext
Double gold in JapanThe world’s oldest spirit drink
The history of rum starts with sugarcane, which originates from Papua New Guinea, where it appeared around 4,000 years BC. The tradition of distilling rum as we know it today, however, comes from the Caribbean. The drink was first known as “kill-devil” or “rumbullion”. Since 1667 it has been known as “Rhum”, “Ron”, “Rum” in French, Spanish and English respectively.
Cheers to Columbus
It was Christopher Columbus who involuntarily became the ancestor of modern rum, when he discovered the West Indies on his second voyage in 1498. Columbus and his entourage brought, among other things, sugarcane and planted them on the islands. In doing so, they laid the foundation for the Caribbean rum adventure, which really took off in the 18th century.
A daily ration of rum
They say that you should never mix alcohol and water sports. But it was not always so. In the 18th century, life at sea was a harsh affair with hard work and many deprivations. Therefore, the daily ration of rum – a tot – was a bright spot. The ration was distributed at lunch and consisted of 0.7 dl rum with a minimum alcohol strength of 50%. The officers received their ration “neat”, i.e. undiluted. The privates got the same ration but diluted with two parts water – a so-called Grog. Serving rum also improved health on board, as it could counteract scurvy, which many sailors contracted due to the lack of vitamin C from fruit and vegetables.
Black Tot day
The daily rum ration was quite common practice in the Royal English Navy right up to the present day. But in 1970 it was banned when it was considered that the consumption of strong alcohol could lead to errors during work in the engine room. The ban was implemented on 31 July 1970 – also known as “Black Tot Day” – which is still marked in bars around the world with massive consumption of the golden drink.
Bottled currency
Throughout history, there are several examples of rum being used as a means of payment. Rum was easy to trade, easy to store and did not deteriorate over time. Sailors in the navy were paid part of their wages in rum. Rum was also used as a means of payment in the trade between the Americas, Africa and Europe. At the end of the 17th century, rum had become so popular that it replaced cognac as a form of payment. At the end of the 18th century, rum found its way to Australia, where the construction of larger buildings such as Sidney Hospital was paid for in rum. The problem was that the workers often drank the rum instead of buying goods for it. And that is probably also one of the reasons why we have switched to money today.
Article continues below the image…
Rum and gunpowder
The popularity of rum made fraud widespread. To make sure that the rum was not diluted, a simple test was invented. You poured rum on some gunpowder that you had on hand in the navy. If the gunpowder could ignite, it meant that the alcohol content was over 57% and the rum was proof or full-proof (= safe/guaranteed). In the USA, the term “Proof” is still used as an expression of alcohol strength in spirits. A rum that is 100 Proof has an alcohol strength of 50%. Rum which is even stronger, e.g. A.H. Riise Navy Frogman 60% is described as Over-Proof.
Rum punch – the start of cocktails
The drink “rum punch”, which appeared in the middle of the 17th century as West Indian rum came to Europe, is considered by many to be the forerunner of modern cocktails. The punch typically consisted of rum mixed with lemon or fruit juice and water – spiced with, for example, nutmeg. The drink was initially popular among artists, aristocrats and intellectuals and quickly became widespread as a party drink.
Rum on doctor’s orders
In the 19th century, rum was sold as a medicine at the pharmacy, e.g. from A.H. Riise’s Apothecary Hall on the West Indian island of St. Thomas. It is said that rum (in limited quantities) is good for blood pressure and prevents gallstones and diabetes. According to some studies, the consumption of rum can also lower the risk of a number of cancers. It was also common knowledge that rum had an antiseptic effect and could be used to clean wounds.
Rum as aftershave and perfume
Rum was wildly popular and had many uses. In the 19th century in the West Indies, rum was used to make aftershave/cologne – also called “Bay Rum”. One of the most successful producers was A.H. Riise, who combined his interest in botany with his knowledge of rum production. Bay rum contained extract from the leaves and berries of the West Indian Bay Tree (Pimenta racemosa), citrus or lime oil, clover and cinnamon. The aromas were released by adding rum, which also contributed to the perfumed scent. Rumor has it that “Bay Rum” with its alcohol percentage of more than 50% was not only used on the skin, but also drunk during the prohibition era in the USA in the 1930s.
Cure against hair loss
Many believed that rum also had rejuvenating properties and that it could cure ailments. The wonder remedy “Bay Rum”, which was produced at A.H. Riise’s Apothecary Hall from the mid-1800s, had a reputation for being able to counteract baldness and even make hair thicker. Today we know that might be an exaggeration. But it is a fact that excessive consumption of rum can give you a big head.
Cheers!
This exceptional spirit drink, with its broad spectrum of aromas and subtleties of taste, offers a unique experience. It is truly a blend aimed at experienced aficionados.
Read MoreWith this blend we provide support together with the association Thin Blue Line to police officers who have been injured while carrying out their jobs.
Read MoreWith this blend every season will feel like Christmastime. Enjoy these precious drops when you are together with the ones you love.
Read MoreIt is within the port casks we find the reason for the immaculate and distinct port notes of this blend.
Read MoreAmbre d’Or is matured in oak barrels that were originally the home of sweet wines, which contributes to the subtle, full and delicate tasting notes.
Read MoreOur master blender has created a blend with the perfect edge and with a full-bodied taste experience. A true signature made from several carefully selected casks.
Read MoreA modern-day interpretation of the 1888 medal rum. A unique blend, made from several precious casks in the West Indies and Central America.
Read MoreThe launch of this Limited Edition blend is a celebration of the friendship between two unique men.
Read MoreA collectors item. The first of 6 different Master blends with 6 different alcohol strengths with unique aromas and expressions.
Read MoreA collectors item. The second of 6 different Master blends with 6 different alcohol strengths with unique aromas and expressions.
Read MoreA collectors item. The third of 6 different Master blends with 6 different alcohol strengths with unique aromas and expressions.
Read MoreA collectors item. The fourth of 6 different Master blends with 6 different alcohol strengths.
Read MoreA collectors item. The fifth of 6 different Master blends with 6 different alcohol strengths.
Read MoreA collectors item. The last of 6 different Master blends with 6 different alcohol strengths.
Read MoreBlack Barrel is the ideal mixer for long drinks and cocktails. The spicy taste goes perfectly with rum & cola and cocktails.
Read MoreHandpicked by our master distillers this blend has the perfect balance between tradition and strength.
Read MoreThe Frogman Corps is the Danish equivalent of the American Navy Seals. When buying a Navy Frogman you commemorate the Conventus Ranae association.
Read MoreHand-blended by our master distiller in respect to the strong naval traditions.
Read MoreA tasteful Bitter with the taste of gentian root, quinine, bitter orange, coffee beans and a touch of vanilla.
Read MoreIt is said that rum from Albert Heinrich Riise was supplied to the naval fleet when they docked in the port of Charlotte Amalie.
Read MoreA subtle blend made from rum distillates – both young and old – in respect for naval traditions.
Read MoreThis blend is traditionally served at a gathering of the descendants of A.H.Riise once every five years.
Read MoreWe have created something unique and rare and named it Non Plus Ultra which means ‘nothing further beyond’ in Latin.
Read MoreAging in carefully burned old Bourbon casks creates the ultimate blend. We named it Non Plus Ultra which means ‘nothing further beyond’ in Latin.
Read MoreA fantastic sweet and gentle blend with the flavour of ripe fruit and warm spices. We named it Non Plus Ultra which means ‘nothing further beyond’ in Latin.
Read MoreA.H. Riise Platinum is created from small batch of unique rum. The heart of the blend is two Solera aged rums from aged casks.
Read MoreA tribute blend not only to A.H. Riise, but also to the indigenous population of the islands as well as the Danish colonists.
Read MoreDiscover a new world of taste and aroma in this exclusive Non Plus Ultra Limited edition.
Read MoreA smooth cream liqueur with a powerful, flavorsome, and sweet, exquisite taste of XO rum
Read MoreA luxurious cream liqueur with a smooth and sweet taste of XO rum, caramel, and sea salt.
Read MoreGet the latest news from all our brands. Sign up and win an A.H. Riise Signature. Winners are drawn on the last day of June, September and December. Read our competition rules here.