Shreveport Times
Modern rum was first made in the Caribbean during the 17th century, with the earliest records of production dating back to 1650 in Barbados.
The spirit we know today was created after it was discovered that molasses, a byproduct of sugar production, could be fermented and distilled to create alcohol.
Today, distilleries keep the original production of rum alive by using premium sugar cane and Grade A molasses.