The Duppy Share

Spirits, Legends, and Ghost Stories

In the illustrious world of rum, legends flow as freely as the spirits themselves. One particularly delightful yarn involves the “duppy,” a mischievous Caribbean specter with a taste for fine rum. These cheeky ghosts are said to pilfer the best rum from aging barrels, adding a dash of otherworldly charm to the brew. Inspired by this charming legend, The Duppy Share is not just a tale but also a noteworthy rum that embodies the spirit of these spectral swindlers. So, grab your glass and settle in as we explore the titillating tales of duppies and the unique rum named after them.

The Legend of the Duppy

Caribbean folklore tells us that duppies are the restless souls of the dead, prone to nighttime mischief. Their escapades range from haunting graveyards to, most notably, swiping the best rum from barrels. Distillers have long noted this mysterious loss of rum from every barrel, attributing it to these spectral rum enthusiasts. As the story goes, duppies take their share from each barrel, leaving behind a spirit that’s as rich and complex as a Victorian ghost story.

The Witch of Rose Hall: A Tale of Rum and Hauntings

One of the most spine-chilling duppy legends involves the infamous Annie Palmer, also known as the White Witch of Rose Hall. Annie Palmer was the mistress of the Rose Hall plantation in Montego Bay, Jamaica, during the early 19th century. A story is one of beauty, mystery, and macabre, deeply intertwined with the lore of rum and the supernatural.

The Life of Annie Palmer

Annie Palmer was born in Haiti to English parents and was orphaned at a young age. She was raised by her nanny, who taught her the dark arts of voodoo. When Annie moved to Jamaica and married John Palmer, owner of the Rose Hall estate, she brought her dark practices with her. She was said to be a tyrant and a bit of a cad actually, treating her slaves with brutal cruelty and indulging in numerous affairs. Annie’s husbands—three in total—met untimely deaths, all under suspicious circumstances, further cementing her reputation as a witch.

The Haunting of Rose Hall

The irony is she too suffered a brutal death, reportedly at the hands of a lover-turned-rebel slave, ‘Takoo’. Like all good violent murders of violent murderers Annie Palmer’s spirit went on to haunt the halls of Rose Hall. Visitors and locals alike reported seeing her ghostly figure wandering the plantation, often accompanied by the faint scent of rum. It is believed that Annie, in her spectral form, continues to indulge in the finest rums stored in the estate’s cellars, leaving only a few drops behind for the living.

She was so notorious as to be immortalised by none other than Johnny Cash in the ‘Ballad o Annee Palmer’. Cash was likely inspired by the tale while he languished at his nearby Jamaican pile ‘Cinnamon Hill’ Great House.

Like Rum To Duppies

The legend of Annie Palmer is so deeply rooted in Jamaican culture that it has even influenced local rum lore. The story goes that Annie’s spirit is particularly fond of the rum distilled on her former plantation. She is said to take “her share,” similar to the duppies, ensuring that the rum retains a touch of her dark magic. This tale adds a rich layer of intrigue and superstition to the rum culture of Jamaica. The Duppy Share Rum

Born out of this delightful legend, there is a rum called ‘The Duppy Share” and it captures the essence of Caribbean folklore in a bottle. Crafted from a blend of Jamaican and Bajan rums, it balances the bold, fiery notes of Jamaican rum with the smoother, more refined flavors of Barbados.

The aged rum, always a fave. It’s a blend containing 3-year old 100% pot still rum from the Worthy Park Distillery, Jamaica and a 5-year-old Column Still rum from the Foursquare Distillery in Barbados

Serving Recommendations: Enjoy it neat, on the rocks, or in classic rum cocktails like a rum punch or a Duppy Daiquiri, garnished with a slice of fresh pineapple.

Brief History: The Duppy Share was founded with the aim of celebrating the rich heritage of Caribbean rum and the whimsical tales that accompany it. The blending process is a testament to traditional rum-making techniques, resulting in a spirit that is both authentic and innovative.

Tasting Notes: It lands hard with a firey & punchy tropical first hit then it caresses you with smooth buttery oak finish – a perfect homage to ol’ Annie Palmner – don’t you think?

The Duppy Share isn’t just about the rum; it’s about embracing the rich tapestry of Caribbean folklore and enjoying a spirit that’s been touched by the legends of the past. Whether you’re a seasoned rum drinker or new to the world of spirits, (pun totally intended here) The Duppy Share promises an adventure in every sip. So, raise a glass, toast to the duppies, and enjoy the captivating world of rum.

Share Your Tales

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