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Experience:
Research of Spains influence on existing economies.
Rum: an influence
Spain, Central America, South America
About This Project: A demonstration of the Spanish culture influence as part of a class project.
The shipment of rum from the Caribbean, Central American, and South American colonies to Europe indeed began in the 17th century. However, the creation of rum is a bit more nuanced. While Europeans played a significant role in its development and popularization, the origins of rum are closely tied to the sugar plantations in the Caribbean.
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​Origin:
During the 17th century, workers on these plantations discovered that fermenting and distilling molasses, a by-product of sugar production, produced alcohol1. This process led to the creation of rum as we know it today. The British island of Barbados and the French island of Martinique are often credited as the birthplaces of rum-making.2
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Sugarcane:
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Columbus:​​
There are several theories on the original cultivation of sugarcane. However, most believe that domestication occurred around 6,000 - 8,000 BCE in the Polynesian regions and spread across the globe1. There is evidence that the Crusaders brought sugar to Europe2. There is also data indicating the Moors brought sugar to Spain via Granada3. Once Granada was reconquered by the Spanish, sugar was shipped around the world. Most historians agree it arrived on Columbus’s second voyage in 14934. The first known sugarcane mills in the region began operating in 1506 in the Spanish colony of Santo Domingo5.
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Economic Impact:
The rum industry is a key contributor to the local economy in many rum-producing regions, including Latin America and the Caribbean. It creates jobs in sugarcane cultivation, distillery operations, tourism, and hospitality. The global rum market is expected to grow from $13.64 billion in 2023 to $20.77 billion by 2031. This growth is attributed to increased demand for premium goods.
​References:
Sugar Production and Rum written by E&A Scheer May 2024
Rum-Atlanta History - Oxford Bibliographies
https://www.oxfordbibliographies.com
The Moors in Spain It's Massive Influence
https://sensationalspain.com/moors-in-spain/
The Spanish Caribbean, 1492-1550-Oxford Research Encyclopedias
https://oxforde.com/latinamericanhistory/display
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Spain - Ron
History of Spanish rum
Spanish rum is rooted in a history of seafaring trade, conquest, and cultural exchange within the Spanish Empire. Spain’s foray into rum began with its colonization of the Caribbean and parts of Central and South America. Spanish conquistadors brought sugarcane to the New World from the Canary Islands, which gave birth to the rum industry as we know it today. Sugarcane thrived in the fertile, tropical climates of these new colonies, and molasses, a by-product of sugar refining, became the raw material for rum production. The distillation knowledge came with the Spaniards, but the art of rum-making evolved distinctly in each territory.
Spanish trade laws historically restricted the production of rum in Spain itself, reserving this privilege for the colonies. Consequently, while the Iberian Peninsula was not a significant site of rum production, Spanish influence on rum is unmistakable through the practices in its former colonies like Cuba, Puerto Rico, and the Dominican Republic.
​Rum in Modern Spain:
In modern times, Spain’s role in the rum world is predominantly through its brands and distilleries that import and blend rums from their former colonies. Spanish rum brands might not distil their product from scratch but are renowned for their meticulous blending and ageing techniques, often using barrels that previously held sherry, wine, or other spirits to produce rums of exceptional quality12.
Spanish-style rum, also known as “Ron,” is characterized by its lighter, smoother profile, often achieved through column still distillation2
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Economic Impact:
​Spain's role in the world of rum extends to its position as a crucial market and gateway for Latin American and Caribbean rums into Europe. The Spanish rum market is a significant contributor to the global rum market, and the rum industry is a key economic contributor in many rum-producing regions.
Market Size:
Spain's rum market accounts for nearly 19% of the Western European rum market. In 2024, Spain's rum market revenue was estimated at $779 million.
Growth:
The Spanish rum market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 6.7% from 2023 to 2030, reaching a projected revenue of $0.3 billion by 2030.
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References:
Rum and tafia in Spain-The observatory of Economic Complexity
All about Spanish-style Rum
https://www.rum.nl/en/downloads/eascheer
Spanish Rum - Master of Malt
https://www.masterofmalt.com/rum/country/spanish-rum
The Real McCoy (Batching Distilling & Aged Rub)
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Guatemalan Rum
History
Guatemala is widely known not only for being the home of the earliest May civilization but also for its rum. The Cento American country has a long history of exporting sugar cane and a rum tradition of more than a 100 years.
The origins of sugar cane in the country dates back to the 16th century when Christopher Columbus brought the first plants to the new continent. After the conquest, the sugar cane began to be cultivated in 1536 in Amatitlan. The first mills or trapiches in Guatemala were founded in the central valley and the Salama Valley during this century. In 1755, the trade of sugar cane liquors officially began ,when Santiago de Guatemala obtained the right to sell to all the provinces of the Kingdom of Spain in America.
Impact:
The number of mills grew considerably and with the introduction of the distilling process, alcoholic drink became cheap, plentiful and more potent. The demand for the cane liquors increased accelerating the budling of sugar mills in all the warm climate regions of the country. This had an impact on the development of Guatemala. It became the force of the local economy in many rural areas.
The Women's Role in the Alcohol Industry:
The history of Guatemalan Rum also involves local women. There is documentation form the1850s women were imprisoned for selling aguardiente clandestine (clandestine rum).
In the 19th century, the economic and political impact of women was noted. Combining their traditional roles as merchants, tavern owners and producers of aguardiente, Guatemalan women advanced their class position, influenced national identity and pressed for their emancipation.
Modern Times:
By the 1940's the Government of Guatemala issued the law that obliges rum distillers to age for one year before going on sale. This law improved the quality of the existing products. They had to create reserves to be able to sell in the future. This is how the tradition of aging began. In the 1990s Guatemala received world recognition for implementing pest management, soil quality and efficient processes for growing sugar cane for a profitable and sustainable development that brought considerable benefits to the rum industry.
In 2010, the Denomination of Origin "Ron de Guatemala was approved by the Intellectual Property Registry of Guatemala, recognized in more than 29 countries. In 2014, the European Union also recognized it, obtaining the first stamp in its category.
Economic Impact:
The proceeds from alcohol manufacturing have helped to fuel the local economies and strengthen family livelihoods.
Guatemala's rum is highly regarded globally, and its export contributes significantly to the country's foreign exchange earnings.
Cultural Significance:
Rum production is deeply intertwined with Guatemala's cultural heritage. The traditional methods and historical significance of rum-making contribute to the country's national identity and pride.
​References:
Rum-Guatemala Statista Market Forecast
https://www.statista.com/tthe-history-of-guatemala-rum/
Guatemalan Sugarcane Research and Training Center (2012). Sugarcane Crop in Guatemala. Melgar, M. Meneses, A.; Orozco, H. Perez, and Espinosa R.
Librerias Artemis Edinter, S.A. Guatemala.
Author Emily Cruz Villegas-Content Director at the RhumLab.
The Women's Role in The Alcohol Industry
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HipLatina Lifestyle
Lorena Vásquez Talks Being Guatemala's First Female Master Blender
Lorena Vásquez was drawn to science by way of her of aromas and flavors and now that love helped her become a pioneer in the rum Industry in Latin America
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By Virginia Issad
November 2, 2022 - 16;13
Lorenza Vásquez was drawn to science by way of her love of aromas and flavors and now that love helped her become a pioneer in, the rum industry in
Latin America. Vásquez, who is from San Marco, Nicaragua and moved to Guatemala in 1979, is the master blender behind Zacapa, Guatemala's premier rum. She is the country's first female master blender and on of the few women in her field in the world. Her journey toward making history began when she started working for the brand in 1984 in quality control at the age of 28. She moved up the ranks and went on to become the distillery's first female master blender and Guatemala's first as well. Having spent decades now building her craft and revolutionizing the way Zacapa makes rum,
​Vásquez has made a name for herself and Zacapa. Being one of the few female master blenders is a true inspiration reflected in my work. I started my work at Zacapa when I was 28 years old and was able to quickly rise in spite of being an industry dominated by men-which was definitely not easy, "she tells HipLatina. ​"When I started at Za​capa, I was one of the only women working there, and now we have tons of women in all types of roles. It inspires​
me to see so many women around me every day and I hope we continue to see progress throughout the industry."
Colombia - Rum
History
The narrative of rum has been mentioned throughout this report, but Columbias chapter holds a unique allure.. Columbia rum represents not just a drink but a deep-rooted cultural that is blended with tradition. Rums journey in Columbia can be traced back to the Spanish colonist.
The Andean climate with the temperatures of the coasts provided a perfect environment for producing sugarcane of superior quality..
Solera Aging: A method borrowed from the Spanish sherry production. It involves ageing the rum in a series of barrels, imbuing rum with depth and complexity. This technique provides Columbian rum their distinct caramel undertones mixed with the taste of vanilla and oak.
Economy:
Columbia markets rum that continue to be aged with variants and has lead in the White rums, used as the mix for cocktails.
Columbia is one of the world's leading rum producers.
In quantities by the country's distilleries, as well as quality of its products. Sugarcane is essential to the economy, accounting for more than 10% of the country's arable land. The Columbian market grew at a CAGR of 0.9% between 2017 and 2022.
Constraints:
The country has a monopoly on the production of distilled spirits, which limits private production and free market competition. Due to the difficulties in local production, many Columbian rum producers import rum from neighboring countries and then age and bottle it domestically.
Although, the rum industry faces regulatory and economic challenges, it has substantial growth potential and contributes to various sectors of the economy.
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References:
The Rum Geography
https://rumgeorgraphy.com/regions/south-america
The potential and challenges of rum production in Columbia. https://rumchocolatecart.com
