BUSINESS
Who was Captain Morgan? Why is the brand of rum named after him?
Captain Morgan is one of the most popular rums on the market and uses an image of a pirate at the centre of its branding.
Captain Morgan is a brand of rum that was named after the historical figure Sir Henry Morgan, a Welsh privateer and pirate of the late 17th century. Rum is often associated with pirates, making the combination natural.
Morgan was born around 1635 in Wales and later became one of the most successful and infamous privateers during the Caribbean’s “Golden Age of Piracy.”
The Golden Age of Piracy
The “Golden Age of Piracy” is a term used to describe a period in history when piracy and privateering were very prevalent, reaching their peak in the late 17th and early 18th centuries. The main region was the Caribbean Sea.
Famous pirates
- Captain Henry Morgan, who was both a privateer and a pirate
- Blackbeard (Edward Teach), one of the most feared and infamous pirates of the era
- Captain Bartholomew Roberts, who captured over 400 ships during his career
- Captain Charles Vane, known for his brutality and cunning tactics.
Captain Morgan gained notoriety for leading several successful expeditions against Spanish-held territories. Some of his most notable exploits include the capture of Panama City in 1671, one of the wealthiest and most heavily fortified cities in the region.
Many privateers, including Morgan, often blurred the lines between privateering and outright piracy, attacking not only enemy ships but also neutral and friendly vessels for personal gain.
Back to the booze
The brand’s history can be traced back to the 1940s when Seagram’s, a Canadian distillery, created the recipe for a rum blend and named it after the famous privateer.
Captain Morgan’s iconic label features a depiction of the privateer, wearing a red coat, hat with feathers, and a cheeky grin. This image has become synonymous with the brand and links the adventurous and daring pirate figure with the rum.