Rum!
There are two schools of thought when it comes to the origin of the word "rum." Some contend it is derived from the botanical name of sugarcane, saccharum officinarum, from which rum is produced. Others believe the word originated among the planters of Barbados, where it reputedly was called "rumbullion." However, its name arose, the importance of rum to Barbados cannot be underestimated.
Rum is made by distilling fermented sugar and water. This sugar comes from the sugar cane and is fermented from cane juice, concentrated cane juice, or molasses. Molasses is the sweet, sticky residue that remains after sugar cane juice is boiled and the crystallized sugar is extracted. By 1850, Barbados had about 500 active sugar mill plantations and close to 500 windmills. Today the island boasts 1,600 rum shops, or about 10 per square mile.
It makes great cocktails! Don't drink too much!