The Guanches to Cuba Libre

The history of rum: from the Canary Islands to Cuba Libre

The history of rum is deeply connected to the Canary Islands. In fact, from La Gomera, Christopher Columbus brought the first sugar cane cuttings to America in 1493. This connection between the Canaries and the Caribbean marked the beginning of an industry that today defines cultures and flavors.

Origin of rum in the Canaries

During the 16th century, Gran Canaria and other Canary Islands had "sugar mills", small factories that processed sugar cane. These places were near waterways and farms, making production easier. Canarian sugar was exported all over Europe, gaining great fame.

However, with the increase in production in America, this industry entered a decline. Nevertheless, the Canarians continued to play a key role, especially in rum production.

Migration of the Guanches and the birth of rum

Many Canarians, including descendants of the Guanches, emigrated to Cuba and Central America. There, they helped develop the rum industry. It is said that it was slaves who accidentally discovered how molasses from the cane fermented, leading to the first distillate similar to today's rum.

Colonizers saw the potential and began producing it in large quantities. Soon, rum became the favorite drink of pirates, sailors, and soldiers.

Rum and famous cocktails

One of the most iconic moments in the history of rum was the birth of the 'Cuba Libre', which, according to tradition, was born around 1900 in Havana, during a toast by American soldiers. Cocktails such as the mojito, whose predecessor, the 'draque', owes its name according to legend to the pirate Francis Drake, and the daiquiri, a favorite of Ernest Hemingway, also emerged.

In the Canaries, rum is still very much alive: the Arehucas distillery, in Arucas (Gran Canaria), has been producing rum since the late 19th century, and the Canarian honey rum, a mixture of rum and honey, is one of the most typical drinks of the islands.