The early distilling industry in colonial America grew up around rum. The true king of Colonial America wasn't named George but Rum, and King Rum held sway in the colonies until the Revolution. The events of December 16, 1773, would forever change American history, culture, and our drinking habits. That was the day the Sons of Liberty, dressed as native Americans, boarded ships in Boston Harbor and threw the tea overboard. While the principal significance of this act was to lead up to the American Revolution, there were a number of interesting side issues. It wasn’t just tea that went overboard that day. It was the British way of life. Tea consumption was curtailed. Rum became less available due to British involvement in the molasses trade. A British blockade of colonial ports dried up the supply of molasses from the West Indies, which led distillers to convert their operations to whiskey making. Fortunately, the colonists did not give up drinking. Enter Rye Whiskey. And for those duplicitous patriots that want it both ways? Rum & Rye. #rumandrye #spylife #tailorspydrinksmith #herculesmulligan #standforsomething #rye #rum