Bundaberg

Bundaberg - or 'Bundy' as it is so referred to in that charmingly Australian vernacular - is produced in the town of the same name in Queensland. Bundaberg began producing sugar in 1872, harvesting the sugar canes that grew in the area. The company saw tremendous success, particularly following the economic boom that Queensland enjoyed during the 1880s. Production was increased to meet the rising demand and thus, there was a large surplus of molasses. Accordingly, in 1888 the Bundaberg Distilling Company was founded. The company was set up with 5,000 pounds and the directors included W G Farquhar, F L Nott, T Penny, J C S McDougall, A H Young and S H Bravo - all of whom were sugar mill owners. The labels feature a caricatured polar bear as a reference to the supposed values the rum would have in keeping the imbiber warm.