A Tour of Privateer Rum Distillery

Last month, I received an email notifying me that Privateer International recently opened a rum distillery in Ipswich, along with an invitation for a private tour of the distillery.  Since Bret and I both enjoy rum, we decided to check it out this past Saturday.

Before the tour, I learned that rum has a long history in this country.  Apparently, it was an economic instigator during the American Revolution.  And prior to the Revolutionary War, the average American consumed three gallons of it per year.

Andrew Cabot (1750-1791) was associated with the manufacture of one of the earliest rums ever made on American shores. Cabot, along with his business partners, owned a rum distillery in Beverly, Massachusetts. They smuggled their molasses into the country in defiance of British tariffs and laws. Today, the namesake Andrew Cabot, six generations removed from the original, and his childhood friend, Nelse Clark, are handcrafting American rum in Ipswich, MA.  Interesting stuff, right?

It was such a pleasure meeting the present-day Andrew Cabot.  I felt like I learned so much about how Privateer makes their rum.  While science is not my strong suit, Andrew helped me understand how their rum is made.  There are actually some strong similarities to a beer brewery.

We also got a chance to try some of this fantastic rum in comparison to some other brands of rum.  I discovered that there are some really unique flavors to white rum.  In some, the flavors of molasses or sugar cane were evident.  These were the kinds of rum that I would heavily mix with fruit juices.  In contrast, I can only describe Privateer rum as tasting clean and straightforward.  I envisioned drinking the rum with fresh ingredients, like basil, rosemary or ginger.   

Andrew talked about some of his favorite ways to drink Privateer rum.  His preference is to drink it neat.  I would never imagine drinking rum neat but after trying Privateer rum, I could see the appeal.

Bret and I had a blast learning about Privateer rum, and it was a great way to spend a Saturday afternoon.  Andrew generously gifted us with a bottle, which we can't wait to break into!  We see some Light and Stormies in our future!

Privateer International is located 28 Mitchell Road, Ipswich, MA.

Full disclosure: The distillery tour was complimentary, but as always, my opinion is honest and completely my own.  A special thank you to Kate Shamon of Shamon PR for arranging this wonderful tour!