What do you know about Long Island’s illicit Rum Trade?
Greetings Friend!
What do you know about Long Island’s illicit Rum Trade?
The 18th Amendment, Prohibition (aka "The Noble Experiment"), took effect in 1920. Local fishermen, Baymen and other enterprising individuals along the hundreds of miles of coast line of Long Island would venture out, under cover of night, to ships carrying alcohol anchored just outside of the territorial line in international waters. They would then bring that alcohol back and get it on land via tunnels in the bluff, trapdoors under restaurants or up twisty creeks. From there, it would make its way to the city.
The North Fork has several locations used for just such adventures. The Old Mill Inn and Claudio’s are just two examples. I personally know of 3 houses on the North Fork that have turned the tunnels leading down to the water into livable space.
The East End has a fascinating history with Rum Running, here is just one take on it from The Northforker.
Come in and celebrate your connection to history with a bottle and whip up a Rum Runner cocktail!
You can see all our Rums here but these are a few favorites:
MONTAUK DISTILLING 'BELLAMY' SPICED RUM $25.99
EL DORADO AGED 3 YEARS RUM $22.99
DON PAPA SMALL BATCH RUM $33.99
For fun, look up the origin of the term "The real McCoy"
Be well,
Mike Mraz