History of Old Newbury in 3 Drinks: Part II: RUM 1700-1800

Did you know that Caldwell’s Newburyport Rum was produced along the waterfront for 171 years (with a short break during Prohibition)? The rum business boomed in Newbury(port) in the 18th century, with ships arriving from the West Indies with cargoes of molasses to be distilled into potent, inexpensive New England rum. And we drank almost as much as we made - about three pints of rum per adult male per week in the 1770's, and British attempts to regulate and tax this beverage helped to stoke the flames of revolution! Join executive director Bethany Dorau for an illustrated talk and tasting on the history of rum in 18th century Newbury(port). Learn the language of punch bowls and check out the bar tab from Newburyport's Wolfe Tavern on the eve of Revolution. Learn how the production and distribution of rum changed over time, and how westward expansion signalled the end of the rule of rum. Explore attempts to outlaw "demon rum," long before Prohibition, and head home with recipes for rum cocktails from some of the area's best bartenders!