From the Editor
20 Years of Rum
Luis Ayala, Editor of "Got Rum?" magazine, Rum Consultant and Founder of The Rum University
Luis Ayala, Editor and Rum Consultant
Twenty years ago we started “Got Rum?” as a simple, monthly newsletter designed to keep rum enthusiasts informed about what was perceived back then to be a very “sleepy” industry. Rum companies back then were few and their idea of product innovation was to put the same liquid inside fancier bottles (Coyopa comes to mind). Consumers have slowly changed, creating niches unimaginable a decade ago and today there is a plethora of craft distillers and private labels competing to fill these niches with innovative liquid content, not just presentation.
These twenty years have been amazing for us at Rum Runner Press, Inc. (the parent company of this magazine and of other operations, such as The Rum University and Rum Central). We’ve been able to witness the change around us from multiple angles: as producers, blenders, consultants and educators. As a result of industry changes, the magazine has added and dropped columns and special features, always reflecting what our readers tell us they want or need more. We are fortunate to have attracted and retained the best team we could have asked for, comprised of professionals who are passionate about rum and who love to share their passion with others.
These past “roaring” twenty years are a strong indication that the best for the rum industry is still to come. In a couple of months we will also be celebrating Philip’s 100th cigar and rum pairing for us, yet another reminder of how quickly time flies when you really enjoy what you do.
2020 was perhaps the most chaotic year anyone could have imagined, but as I wrote last month, the Phoenix bird is reborn from the ashes, ready to take on the New Year with renewed energy and dedication.
Thank you, to all our readers, for accompanying us during this journey. This magazine is carefully and passionately put together by a lot of different people, just for you.
Cheers,
Luis Ayala,
Editor and Publisher
http://www.linkedin.com/in/rumconsultant