In the Caribbean, where sugarcane plantations were widespread, rum first appeared in the 17th century, and it has a long and illustrious history. Molasses and other sugarcane byproall ind slotsducts were fermented and then distilled to create the spirit. Rum traveled to Europe & other regions of the world as trade routes grew. Rumbullion, which means "a great tumult or uproar" in English, is thought to be the source of the word "rum.". Different rum styles & flavors have emerged as a result of the evolution of rum production techniques over time.