Whether deep molasses hued, translucent golden amber, or crystalline white, the potent beverage once called Kill Devil is a history lesson in a glass. The Dutch expelled from North-Eastern Brazil brought with them their knowledge on cane cultivation and processing as well as their ability not only to produce sugar, but also the beverage that was known in Brazil as aqua ardente or burning water. The rough and ready beverage became popular for it enlivened the social rounds of the plantocracy and soothed the miseries of the enslaved Africans. The drink in question was Rum, of course.