Puerto Rican rum
With more than 200 brands of Puerto Rican rum to choose from, Puerto Rico is a rum-lovers paradise. The island produces more rum than any other nation in the world and is responsible for 80% of all the rum consumed in the United States.
If you think of rum, chances are that you'll think of the Caribbean and one of its strongest associations is with pirates. Homeward bound galleons belonging to the Spanish fleet were attacked for their precious cargoes, often treasures that had been plundered from the Americas.
Many pirates based themselves on Puerto Rico, including the famous English buccaneer, Captain Henry Morgan. "Bloody" Morgan, later the first governor of Jamaica, spent some time sheltering on Culebra, although it lacked fresh water. A more convenient pirate haven due to the supply of fresh water was La Mona, which lies 50 miles off the west coast of Puerto Rico.
San Juan is home to Bacardi, the most famous brand of rum in the world. Although founded in Cuba, the company began moving its operations to Puerto Rico in the 1930s and its huge distillery is open to the public, including a free tour and tasting.
Although Bacardi may be the most famous rum in the world, many Puerto Ricans swear by Don Q - named after Don Quixote from Spanish literature. Both these and many other Puerto Rican rum brands are widely available in convenience stores and supermarkets.
Don't make the mistake that some English speaks make though - it is pronounced "don koo", not "don que".
One of the most popular drinks containing rum is the Cuba Libre - rum, coke, and a splash of lime.
