Events in date order, with the certainty the sources allow. Select an event for its place, its consequences and its sources.
c. 1647 – 1733
Ligon describes the still-house where skimmings of the sugar coppers were distilled twice into 'kill-devil', worth half a crown a gallon and drunk heavily.
Why it mattered Sugar-making, newly introduced from Brazil and carried out by enslaved Africans, produced the skimmings and molasses from which rum was distilled.
DocumentedDuties of nine pence a gallon on foreign rum and spirits, six pence a gallon on foreign molasses and syrups, and five shillings per hundredweight on foreign sugar.
Why it mattered To secure and encourage the trade of the British sugar colonies, as the act's title states, against foreign-grown molasses, rum and sugar.
Documented1833 – 1888
Slavery abolished throughout the British colonies, with a transitional 'apprenticeship' and compensation for owners.
Why it mattered Parliament ended colonial slavery but, as the act provided, compensated owners and delayed full freedom through apprenticeship.
DocumentedAfter the arrest of Romain, an enslaved drummer, an uprising led to his release on 22 May; on 23 May governor Rostolan signed the abolition decree for Martinique.
Why it mattered The Paris decree of 27 April 1848 was not due to take effect until later; the enslaved did not wait.
DocumentedEnd of the patronato, the apprenticeship that had replaced slavery in 1880; about 25,000 patrocinados were still bound.
Why it mattered Pressure from insurgents, enslaved people and patrocinados, who sought freedom through flight, self-purchase and legal challenge, overtook the planters' attempt at slow change.
DocumentedA two-article law declaring slavery in Brazil extinct and revoking contrary provisions.
Why it mattered Slavery remained legal in Brazil after it had been abolished in the British, French and Spanish Caribbean colonies (1834-1886).
Documented1970
The final tot was served at 11 am; sailors marked the day with black armbands and mock funerals.
Why it mattered The Admiralty decided on 17 December 1969 that a midday drink was incompatible with operating complex weapons and navigation systems.
Documented1996 – 2016
Initial recognition of the AOC, later re-approved by decree 2014-1542 and by the order of 29 December 2020.
Why it mattered Producers had defended the origin of Martinique rhum agricole since a syndicate issued certificates of origin in 1895.
DocumentedRegistration of GI/002 'Jamaica Rum' in the name of the Spirits Pool Association; specification rectified on 2 October 2024.
Why it mattered To protect the reputation of rum made in Jamaica; the 2024 ruling followed a dispute over overseas ageing.
Documented