The history of Sugar Cane and the tradition of artisan Rum in Costa Tropical Spain

Maria Elena Targa. 

The history of Sugar Cane in Costa Tropical Spain, dates back more than a thousand years.

To my surprise, the first thing that my eyes saw when I first came to this region was a beautiful green valley of sugarcane plantations. Various factors led to the disappearance of a bustling sugarcane industry, dating back to the 10th century, including residential development, more profitable crops, and the end of agro-subsidies. What’s left behind is the sugarcane’s happy son, our cherished Ron Montero.

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Local supply of sugarcane molasses has never been sufficient for the yearly demand of our distilleries. Hence, we have been importing molasses for over 35 years through the Port of Motril. The history of Sugar Cane in Costa Tropical Spain, dates back more than a thousand years. They call it the traveling plant, as it originated in Papua, New Guiney and traveled from Costa Tropical Spain, on Columbus’ second trip, to the West Indies. In Motril, scattered sugarcane plantations can still be found, and it has been proudly displayed for over half a decade at the emblematic Montero Rum Factory. Motril boasts a pre-industrial museum, the sugar museum, and the only Rum Factory tour on the European continent. You will find that A wide array of rum-based recipes and cocktails can be found along the sugarcane route of local restaurants and bars. The famous ‘Pionono’ and ‘Tarta Real’ pastries feature Ron Montero in culinary delight. The sugarcane has many emblematic stories, surprising visitors who learn to appreciate the rich heritage of this area.

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I strongly recommend that you begin your sugarcane route with a visit to The Pre-Industrial Sugar Museum, which will provide you an appreciation of the valley’s history and transformation. A few other points of interest are the exhibits at The Sugar and The Museum of History of Motril. Last but certainly not least, take a guided tour of the Bodega of Ron Montero any day of the week to witness first hand the tradition of artisan Rum of the finest quality, founded nearly sixty years ago by the legendary Uncle Paco, whose obsession for making the perfect rum has made his, the most iconic brand of Motril and Costa Tropical Spain.

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The people of Costa Tropical Spain are proud ambassadors of Ron Montero wherever they visit, and this has allowed the rum to travel in suitcases to nearly every corner of the world.