John, I did mean Wray & Nephew Overproof, but also e.g. the 50% abv Rhum Bologne from Guadeloupe, another "whites" to use the local expression. Rhum Bologne is a bit more refined than Wray and Nephew's, but it has a similar vegetal cane odor and taste. These rums make a great cocktail with a little sugar and a good squeeze of lime added - and no ice, as was traditional in the Islands before refrigeration came in.
Screech is all-Jamaica rum, yes, and a good one. But I meant, e.g. Lamb's rums, which in Canada (per the labels) are a blend of Canadian and imported rums, ditto many of the regular-price brands available here (I think Bacardi's too). As far as I know, no Canadian rum is sold here unblended with imported rum, but the reverse of course is not true.
I think Medford rum - the style - was established well before 1860. Crawford's was another very old name. Quality old New England rum was probably like old Demerara. I saw a Medford auctioned 2 years ago at the Getz - didn't want to spring, but I shoulda. It had a reddish dark color like good Demerara. Rum is not that variable, I think.
Gary