Business Barbados 2022

The Barbadian Ru m Indu stry How It All Began Barbados rum is a staple of the modern spirits industry and has gained a reputation for excellence around the world. What is less well known is the economic importance of rum in the development of Barbados from its European colonization in the early 17th century to the modern day. Contrary to what many may say, rum was not invented in Barbados, it has a complicated origin story. While it was not invented on the island, it can certainly be argued that rum was first commercialized in Barbados, and that rum was a primary driver in the island’s development. The oldest operating rum distillery in the World, Mount Gay, can trace its roots back to the late 17th century Barbados, and has been constantly producing rum since 1703. There are geographical and geological elements of the island that played a central role in the rapid early expansion of rum as a staple of the Barbados economy. Geographically, Barbados is situated 100 miles to the windward of the Lesser Antilles, making Barbados a natural gateway to the Caribbean. Merchant ships could easily reach the island, ascertain where the best markets were for their goods and easily sail to other islands. The commercial infrastructure in Bridgetown quickly grew to support the transatlantic trade, making it one of the most important port towns in the British Atlantic world. This infrastructure allowed for the easy transportation of rum to Barbados’ primary market: British North America. The geology of Barbados was as important to the formation of the Barbados rum industry as the island’s geographic location; the relatively soft limestone landscape allowed for wells to be easily sunk at individual plantations, ensuring a ready supply of fresh water that remains essential to making Barbados rum today. The rise of the Barbadian rum industry was largely created by the need for a tradeable currency with North America. As the value of Barbados cash crops became evident in the mid 17th century, the island was subjected to almost total deforestation. Barbadians imported vast amounts of goods from North America. Non-perishable provisions such as salt fish, which is still used in Bajan cuisine today, flour and corn were staple imports. Additionally, boards for building, hoops and staves for making barrels, and the vast cornucopia of manufactured goods required for survival were imported. These items were largely paid for with rum. By the mid 18th century Barbados was exporting over 1,000,000 gallons of rum per year to North America in exchange for Geoff Ward Barbadian Historian and Rum Aficionado 75 BUSINESS BARBADOS 2022 T H E B A R B A D I A N R U M I N D U S T R Y