Spanish settlers introduced sugar cane farming and the art of rum distillation to Jamaica in the 15th century. The island state is a part of the Greater Antilles and possesses rich, fertile earth and a perfect tropical climate. The meaning of the country’s name “Xaymaca” means something like “the country of forests and water”. With a name like that, it is no wonder that it proved to be the perfect place to farm sugar cane.

Jamaican rum can either be distilled from molasses (a dark, honey-like syrup) or from the pressed out remains of sugar cane used in sugar production. Besides alcohol, Jamaican rum contains a myriad of characteristic flavourings. These lend it a very strong, spicy taste.

Just as alcohol content is given in vol%, a so-called ester number indicates the amount of flavourings in rum. Commercial Jamaican rum has an ester number of 800-1000. Jamaican rum used by us has an ester number that is 1.5 – 2 times higher than that. Its typical taste and smell are clearly more intense than standard Jamaican rum.

The Jamaican rum used by RITTER SPORT is cultivated and distilled on Jamaica’s northern coast. After being stored for 6 months, it is ready to garnish the sultanas used in RITTER SPORT Rum Raisins Hazelnuts and RITTER SPORT Rum.