The Duppy Share

    
“According to Caribbean folklore, the angel’s share of rum which evaporates during the maturation process is actually stolen by dark spirits – otherwise known as duppies – which travel between the distilleries stealing their share of rum. “   Duppy is a Jamaican Patois word of Northwest African origin meaning ghost or spirit, much of Caribbean folklore revolves around duppies.   Duppies are generally regarded as malevolent spirits.   They are said to mostly come out and haunt people at night, mostly, and people from the islands claim to have seen them.  In many of the islands of the Lesser Antilles, duppies are known as jumbies. Barbados also uses the word duppy and it holds the same meaning as it does in Jamaica.   The name is very fitting for the rum, being the Duppy is a term holding the same meaning in both Barbados and Jamaica where these spirits are being produced. 


     There is an interesting outfit in London that has put together a new rum called "The Duppy Share".    The Westbourne Drinks Co, the new company behind The Duppy Share is founded in London by Rum Adventurer George Frost and start-up specialist  Jessica Swinfen, formerly of Innocent Drinks. They say rum is yet to experience the same step up into the premium level as other spirits. Along with a superior taste and beautiful presented, the brand conjures the spirit of independence and a discerning lifestyle to consumers – doing what has recently been done so successfully for vodka and gin."

     The Duppy Share rum is a blend of bourbon barrel aged 5 year old golden rums from Richard L. Seale of the Foursquare Distillery in Barbados and 3 year old pot still rum from the Worthy Park Estate in Jamaica.   "The Duppy Share" is a balanced and superb blend of the best in class of two rums: accented with smooth, oaky notes and a caramel tone and finishes with a lingering warm and buttery flavor.

     Blended in Amsterdam and bottled in London, this is a truly global rum that I am anticipating the arrival to the shores of the United States.   Still in it's infantsy, I feel that once it gains popularity, first the UK, then Europe, it could make an appearance in the United States.  I'm hoping so anyway.  ;o)