"The chief fuddling they make in the island is Rumbullion, alias Kill-Divil, and this is made of sugar canes distilled, a hot, hellish, and terrible liquor." 1651
Along the Tavern Trail....
We explored the history-rich island of Nevis during the weeklong festivities surrounding the Alexander Hamilton Statue Unveiling on July 22, 2022 and partnered with Clifton Estates Rum to create a commemorative label.
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The island of Nevis has many historical claims to fame. In 1493 Christopher Columbus landed on the island, in 1778 the first resort in the Caribbean-the Bath Hotel-was erected and in 1787 Horatio Nelson was wed on the island.
Moreover, Nevis is believed the birthplace of both Alexander Hamilton and rum! The details of both of these claims is debated by historians today making for lively and interesting histories that can only be sorted out by visiting the old plantations and speaking with the islanders. You can read more about this last adventure here. |
What is the Historic Tavern Trail?
Spanning the eras the history of the Atlantic World, the “tavern” was the meeting place where economic, social and political interests came together. The food and beverage that set the backdrop for discourse can be used as a lens to understand trade implications and commercial interests that shaped larger historical stories. The Historic Tavern Trail is the nexus of heritage tourism, agricultural and food history on this part of the globe. Through travel and tastings, follow us as we try to make sense of the history of the Caribbean islands, Western European nations and the eastern coastline of North America through whiskey, rum, brandy and gin!
The Historic Tavern Trail project started with a history club at the North Plank Road Tavern in Newburgh, NY where local historians and museum professionals would gather each week for a history happy hour. These gatherings led to a series of events held at historic taverns, inns and restaurants throughout Orange County, NY. This has since grow to include locations throughout the Hudson River Valley region and beyond!
The Historic Tavern Trail project started with a history club at the North Plank Road Tavern in Newburgh, NY where local historians and museum professionals would gather each week for a history happy hour. These gatherings led to a series of events held at historic taverns, inns and restaurants throughout Orange County, NY. This has since grow to include locations throughout the Hudson River Valley region and beyond!
"Upon all the new settlements the Spaniards make, the first thing they do is build a church, the first thing ye Dutch do upon a new colony is to build them a fort, but the first thing ye English do, be it the most remote part of ye world, or amongst the most barbarous Indians, is to set up a tavern or drinking house."
