Page 11 - The Hart Of Rums

Visionary
Hart of Conviction
By 1655, rum (at the time referred to as “Old Kill Devil”) was recognized as an official Royal Navy ration which they sourced from random spirits merchants and traders at various ports, a method of purchase that endured for close to 150 years.
Between 1790 and 1795, the Hart family business thrived and prospered, driven by Lemon Hart’s leadership and determination. He successfully expanded the company’s interests beyond the basic trading of rums to also include specialized blending and production of the finest rums from the Caribbean, resulting in remarkably smooth and flavourful spirits. By the late 18th century, he had masterfully crafted his own signature blend using select Demerara rums originating from a distillery on
the East Bank of the Demerara River in the lush tropical Caribbean country of Guyana.
In the late 18th century, a decision was made by the Admiralty of the British Royal Navy to appoint an official supplier of rum. Having tasted Lemon Hart’s signature blend of Demerara rums, they appointed him the first official purveyor of rum to the Royal Navy.
Lemon Hart’s magnificently blended rum—smooth, flavourful and well balanced—was very, very popular with the crew, and received high acclaim throughout the Royal Navy. Lemon Hart, now keeping the Navy afloat with his masterfully blended rum, was on course with a product that would carry his name over the centuries.
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