The popularity of the dark and stormy — sometimes described as "Bermuda's national drink" — is apparently spreading west.

By popular demand, Barritts Bermuda Stone Ginger Beer has been added to the online store of US web-based drinks supplier BeveragesDirect.com.

The ginger beer, when mixed with Gosling's Black Seal Rum, creates the classic dark and stormy.

A statement released yesterday by Beverages Direct read: "Barritts Ginger Beer, which has been in production since 1874, became the most requested product by Beverages Direct customers."

The drinks supplier's David Marcheschi said: We look forward to offering this unique beverage for the first time to our customers, old and new particularly in areas of the US where it's hard to find or not readily available at retail outlets."