Booze News

Eighteenth-Century Rum Made by Slaves Breaks Records at Christie’s Auction

The makings of a serious Dark 'n' Stormy.
The makings of a serious Dark ‘n’ Stormy. Photo: Christie’s

A case of circa 1780 rum went for almost $128,000 at Christie’s, more than six times the estimate, making it both the oldest and most expensive rum in auction history. But how does it taste? The stash was found covered in grime in the cellar at the stately Harewood House in Leeds, where it had sat largely untouched for generations, except for one wild night back in 1805 when the earl decided to take eight bottles for a spin. Records indicate that the liquor was distilled in Barbados on one (just one) of the family’s 47 West Indian plantations, where there were thousands of slaves, including some who made rum. Proceeds of the sale are going to a group named for a West Indian community leader who started a foundation to help disenfranchised young people involved in the performing arts. Seriously though, how does this stuff taste? [Mirror UK, Wine Searcher]

Eighteenth-Century Rum Made by Slaves Breaks Records at Christie’s Auction