Pirates: Rum's Literary Ambassadors

The connection between pirates and rum is no coincidence—both have their origins in the Caribbean sugar trade of the 17th and 18th centuries, creating a literary legacy that continues to captivate readers.

Pirates: Rum's Literary Ambassadors

Long before Hemingway took his first sip of rum, pirates had cemented the spirit's place in literature. The connection between pirates and rum is no coincidence—both have their origins in the Caribbean sugar trade of the 17th and 18th centuries.

Robert Louis Stevenson's "Treasure Island" immortalized rum in pirate lore with the character of Billy Bones, who terrorizes the Admiral Benbow Inn while drinking himself into oblivion with his trademark bottle of rum. The chilling "Dead Man's Chest" shanty with its "Yo ho ho and a bottle of rum" refrain has transcended the novel to become the universal anthem of pirate fiction.

This literary tradition continued through centuries, with rum-soaked pirates appearing in works from "Peter Pan" to "Pirates of the Caribbean." Each portrayal reinforces rum's status as the outlaw spirit—rebellious, untamed, and imbued with maritime adventure.

A Pirate's Guide to Rum and Reading

For those seeking to explore this maritime literary tradition, here are some ideal pairings:

• "Treasure Island" paired with a strong, characterful Jamaican rum that Billy Bones would approve of
• Modern pirate tales with spiced rum varieties that echo the exotic trade routes of historical buccaneers

The best way to understand the connection between pirates and rum is to experience literature with the spirit that fueled countless maritime adventures—preferably on a veranda overlooking the sea, with the rhythm of waves providing the soundtrack to your reading adventure.