R. L. Stevenson's 'Treasure Island' makes note of rum as a valuable trading good and the consequent rum piracy in the high seas.
The Rhode Island Rum was used as currency along with gold in Europe.
Rum also has the dubious distinction of promoting slavery in Australia.
The taste and texture of rum vary according to the region of its origin. Thus you have the light range from Cuba and Puerto Rico, the dark-hued and sweet type hailing from Jamaica and the sugary agricultural variety from Guadeloupe.
Rum has venerable associations with the British Royal Navy too. Till mid-1970, rum constituted a part of the daily food ration of the sailors.
