SOUTHPORT’S LOVE AFFAIR WITH RUM

RUM MAKING
IN SOUTHPORT

Rum production was a crucial industry in New England during this time and impacted almost every aspect of colonial life, from economics and culture to politics. By the time of the Revolution, local distillers produced over half the rum consumed in the northern colonies. Serving many purposes, rum was both a daily indulgence and a preserved commodity for investment due to its shelf stability. Rum was used as a form of currency, to settle debts, for medicinal applications and was a crucial ingredient in cooking.

  • HUMBLE BEGINNINGS

    It all began in the mid- 17 th century, when migrant farmers, energized by the promise of the untilled land, settled in what would one day be called Southport, CT. In time, Southport would become one of the most critical ports of call along New England’s seaboard.

BIRTH OF
NEW ENGLAND RUM

During the century that followed, the allure of the harbor and its thriving community attracted ship builders, merchants, farmers and sea captains and distillers, and the humble coastal farm town was transformed into a bustling center of maritime trade. Southport traders exchanged provisions with Caribbean colonies for molasses and other spices – the basis for distillation intoa new style of rum – New England Rum.

  • RUM MAKING IN SOUTHPORT

RUM RUNNERS

As rumor has it, rum peked again returned to Southport during the infamous Prohibition years as Southport became a hub for distillers and rumrunners who found refuge and anonymity in the quiet yet centrally located harbor village.

INSPIRED RENAISSANCE

Southport Rum Company founders, inspired by the rich legend of New England’s traditional rum, have embarked on a quest to create superior quality rums with a sense of history and place. Through meticulous distillation and aging, they are recreating the character and style of rum that was once a staple of New England culture.