In Dominica, bush rum reigns – it’s a local rum like none other on the island. The unique rum is a high-proof minimally distilled spirit similar to American moonshine, infused with fruits, herbs, spices, and flora from the earth. After your first guaranteed-to-be-memorable taste, you’ll grow to love it or leave it.

Bush rum is homemade and sold at pretty much every local bar. Hence, the tasting experience will not be the same everywhere you go. But what will be consistent is that if you inquire about the many different bush rums you will see on the shelves, you’ll quickly learn that just about every variety comes with recommended medical benefits. For example, Nannie, made with the anise flower, will improve your memory and decrease muscle pain. A bush rum called Bois Bandé (one to be aware off) is an aphrodisiac. There are also the rums flavored with either CBD oil or infused with straight-up weed; we all know the medicinal benefits of marijuana!

I will always try indigenous alcoholic beverages in a country. The first time I tried bush rum was at the Islet View Restaurant in Castle Bruce. It was October 10, 2020, a blue-skied day, and I saw the shelves stocked with over 60 different bush rums. My curiosity got the best of me. I asked the bartender if I could do a bush rum tasting. I lined up four plastic mini flutes in a row and proceeded to pour a different rum into each cup. I tried the first one - my reaction was captured on camera. See for yourself below.

I have yet to decide whether I love bush rum, or if I can leave it. For the foreseeable future, I will be sipping it, but I’ll never consume it as a shot in the manner recommended by locals. Then again, I am a lightweight when it comes to alcohol – a shot might do you good!

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