Here goes a short history of the main man Henry Morgan

Here goes a short history of the main man Henry Morgan.

It wasn’t all fun and games, as he was first bestowed the title of Captain at the young age of 27, in 1662, when he took control of his maiden ship in Jamaica, where he had relocated to from his birth country, Wales.

Things took a turn for the worse, however, when Henry Morgan was imprisoned by King of England, Charles II, in 1672 in London.

But as was always the Captain’s way, he turned things around in style, being knighted by the very same king just a year later. Afterwards, he was forever known as Sir Henry Morgan.

The Caribbean had always been close to his heart, so it was fitting that in 1680, he was made Lieutenant Governor of Jamaica.

He stayed in his island paradise and retired to his sugarcane plantation in 1685 to enjoy rum and reflect on his life, before being whisked away to Davy Jones’ locker, as the unthinkable happened.

Four years after his body was laid to rest in 1688 in the sandy shores of Port Royal, Jamaica, time stood still and the land shook.

The huge earthquake attacked the island paradise and cast the Captain’s remains into the tempestuous waters of the harbour, never to be found.

But today, the Captain and his legend live on.

And now stands Jamaica-based David Phillip, brand ambassador for the last two decades. We sat down with him to discuss things rum. 

What makes you unique?

You’re looking at it. There is no other brand, liquor, beer or even home that has an icon like this, that can communicate and make contact with the consumers.

What about the drink, Captain Morgan?

It’s a rum, but in Kenya, it acts like a regular spirit. It’s accessible and you can mix it with anything and enjoy; be it eggnog, orange juice, ginger ale, ginger beer or coke, its very mixable.

Take us through the making of the drink

Made with molasses, water, mash and yeast, Captain Morgan Original rum is distilled in a continuous still. Once distilled, the clear spirit is aged in old bourbon oak barrels for up to a year, adding a golden colour and character to the rum before the flavours and spices are added.

Is there a difference between dark rum and spiced rum?

The longer the rum is aged, the darker it is. Rum that isn’t aged as long may be called golden. Rum can also be darker if molasses, burnt sugar or caramel is added for colour and flavour. Spiced and flavoured rum includes ingredients outside of the sugar used to create the alcohol to change the taste.

Tell us more about the Captain Morgan Gold that was recently launched

The sugarcane and other raw materials are sourced from Kenya, which means the taste is slightly different from what’s available in the other markets. The brewing takes place in the Ruaraka brewery and we’re glad that so far, since we launched, the market has received it with open arms. 

What’s the best way to take Captain Morgan?

Whichever way you like it. As I said earlier, the rum is very mixable. I enjoy it with ginger beer and eggnog. But, I will give you an easy recipe. In a shaker with Captain Morgan, add fresh lime juice, lemon juice, and water, and give it a nice shake then top it off with cola. Pour the mixture in a tall glass filled with ice cubes and garnish with mint leaves. Enjoy.