– **Origin and Name Change**:
– Traditional Czech distilled beverage
– Formerly known as Tuzemský rum (domestic rum or potato rum)
– Substitute for true rum made from sugarcane in the Caribbean and Latin America
– Became popular in Czech lands since the 19th century
– Renamed to Tuzemák due to EU regulations in 2003
– **Ingredients and Production**:
– Made from potatoes or sugar beets
– Flavored with various rum essences
– Similar substitutes produced in Austro-Hungarian monarchy in the 19th century
– Examples include Inländer-Rum in Austria and Domači Čajni in Croatia
– Reflects historical lack of access to tropical colonies
– **Popularity and Consumption**:
– One of the most popular spirits in the Czech lands
– Long history of consumption dating back to the 19th century
– Widely available in Czech Republic
– Preferred choice for those seeking a rum-like drink
– Embedded in Czech drinking culture
– **Regulations and Compliance**:
– EU regulations restrict the term “rum” to sugarcane-based products
– Name change to Tuzemák in compliance with EU regulations
– Implemented from 1 January 2003
– Reflects the need for accurate product labeling
– Ensures consumer clarity regarding product ingredients
– **Cultural Significance**:
– Represents a unique aspect of Czech drinking culture
– Tied to historical and cultural contexts of the region
– Symbolizes adaptation and innovation in spirits production
– Reflects historical challenges in accessing tropical ingredients
– Embedded in social gatherings and traditional celebrations
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Tuzemák, formerly called Tuzemský rum (English: domestic rum or potato rum), is a traditional Czech distilled beverage. It is a substitute good (ersatz) for true rum which is produced from sugarcane mainly in the Caribbean and Latin America. Since the 19th century, Tuzemák became one of the most popular spirits in the Czech lands.
Tuzemský is produced from potatoes or sugar beets, diluted and flavoured by various rum essences. In the 19th century similar substitutes were produced throughout the crown lands of the Austro-Hungarian monarchy, which had no access to tropical colonies; they were named Inländer-Rum (the best-known example of this is probably Stroh in Austria), Domači or Čajni (Croatia) etc.
EU regulations allow the name "rum" to be applied only to products made from sugarcane. As a result, from 1 January 2003, this product is sold under other names like "Tuzemák" or "Tuzemský".