How James Bond is Connected to Rum
When you think of Bond you’re more likely to think Martini than rum. But they do have a connection – and like all things Bond, it’s sexy, cool and exotic. Allow me to share a little travel gem that will let you rum lovers live the 007 fantasy in all it’s tropical glory.
On the tropical island of Jamaica, home of the funky rum, lies Goldeneye. The former home of Bond Author Ian Flemming that has evolved into a 500-acre resort dotted with upscale cottages and replete with private beaches & lagoons, lush gardens, and secluded spots along Oracabessa Bay, perfect for a Bond-worthy escape.
Before Fleming spun tales of suave spies and shaken martinis, he went ‘Method’ as a British naval intelligence officer during WWII – personal assistant to Rear Admiral John Godfrey, aka Britain’s real-life M. Here he got his hands dirty with cloak-and-dagger schemes to outfox the Germans. One of his “brilliant” ideas was Operation Goldeneye, a plan to keep Spain out of the war if they got too cozy with the Axis. During these times he clearly collected enough material to write an entire series about undercover gadgets, near-death thrills, and enough bureaucratic red tape to rival MI6.
He wrote Casino Royale, his first Bond novel, at GoldenEye in 1952, and continued to write 13 more Bond novels at this Jamaican retreat. Now you can go ‘Full Flemming by renting the original villa where Ian Fleming lived, now called – wait for it – “Fleming Villa.” GoldenEye was once owned by Bob Marley himself and has hosted numerous celebrities over the years, including Beyoncé, Jay-Z, Sting, and Grace Jones. It’s known as a place where stars can unwind without paparazzi, as privacy is a priority.
But what about the rum connection – I hear you ask? Well, the current owner Chris Blackwell, of Island Records Fame (produced the likes of Bob Marley & Grace Jones) has his own line of Jamaican rum, Blackwell Fine Jamaican Rum, which is prominently featured at the resort. The rum itself is, as expected, delish and you can enjoy it featured in cocktails throughout the resort. I mean, there’s really no better way to enjoy it – you even get a bottle in your swanky room on arrival.
Chris Blackwell’s connection to the Lindo family is one of those “born for this” stories—literally. His mother, Blanche Lindo, came from the Lindo family, a Jamaican dynasty with roots in rum and sugar going back to the 18th century. The Lindos were Sephardic Jews from Portugal who made a name in Jamaica as sugar traders, bankers, and, more importantly, as rum barons. They ran J. Wray & Nephew, the very folks behind Appleton Estate, a brand that has defined Jamaican rum for centuries.
So, rum practically flowed in Blackwell’s veins long before he started his music empire and crafted Blackwell Rum. When your family is practically Jamaican rum royalty, it’s kind of in your blood to bring Jamaican culture to the world, be it through reggae or rum. After all, it’s only polite to carry on the tradition—preferably in a glass over ice.
Have any super cool star spots or experiences at Goldeneye you’d like to share? We’d love to hear about it below!
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The Rumosphere 