Demerara rum

Demerara is the name of the river that cuts through eastern Guyana and of the old plantation region around it. European colonists planted sugar cane there from the 17th century, and sugar factories began distilling rum from molasses. According to Difford's Guide, it was in that period that the names “Demerara sugar” and “Demerara rum” became established; the guide records more than 380 sugar plantations in that era.

The distilleries declined through the 19th and 20th centuries. In the 1970s the remaining operations were consolidated, and with production concentrated at Diamond, Diamond became the only rum distillery in Guyana. It sits near the east bank of the Demerara River, about 10 km south of Georgetown, and is owned by Demerara Distillers Ltd.

What sets Demerara rum apart are the stills. Many were moved to Diamond from closed distilleries and remain in use, each with its own style. Among them is the last wooden Coffey continuous still in operation and wooden pot stills whose wooden parts are gradually replaced to preserve the flavor. For that reason the distillery is often called a living museum of Guyanese rum.

For about two centuries, Demerara rum was the base of the Royal Navy’s daily rum ration, which ended in 1970. Today the distillery supplies rum to several brands and has its own label, El Dorado, launched in 1992 with a 15-year rum. According to the World Intellectual Property Organization, El Dorado has received international awards, including best rum in the world at the 2011 International Wine & Spirit Competition.

Like any alcoholic beverage, rum should be enjoyed in moderation.