*Pre-order* The Short Course in Rum: A Guide to Tasting and Talking about Rum (Lynn Hoffman)

Expected May 4, 2027. Available for pre-order now! 

From swashbuckling pirates and Caribbean sugar plantations to classic rum punch and today’s trendy tiki bars, rum is one of the world’s most beloved and historically rich spirits. The Short Course in Rum explores the full spectrum of rum—its origins, evolution, craftsmanship, and modern revival.

The journey begins with wood-aged sipping rums: noble, fragrant, complex spirits meant to be savored slowly. Author Lynn Hoffman (The Short Course in Beer) originally set out to study rum as a refined, serious liquor—something to be enjoyed in snifters and discussed with reverence. He believed rum belonged among the great spirits of the world, rivaling single-malt Scotch whisky and standing just below cognac.

But as Hoffman tasted and researched more deeply, his purist assumptions gave way to discovery. Rum revealed itself as a spirit of remarkable diversity and creativity—one that refuses to be confined to a single style or tradition.

Throughout The Short Course in Rum, Hoffman uncovers rum’s many historical identities—Rumbullion, Kill-Devil, Demon Rum, and more—while tracing its connections to the sugar trade, the American Revolution, abolitionists, Prohibition, alchemy, and global commerce. Along the way, he explores decadent desserts, innovative cocktails, and the modern craft distilling movement.

From small-batch craft distilleries to inspired bartenders pushing the boundaries of flavor, this book celebrates rum as both a historic spirit and a modern creative force.