Luis Ayala, Editor
Luis Ayala, Editor of "Got Rum?" magazine, Rum Consultant and Founder of The Rum University.
Responsible Rum Revelries
If you are reading these words, more than likely it is because you are interested in rum: either as an aficionado, producer, distributor, retailer, mixologist or journalist. Once you surround yourself with like-minded people, one of the topics of discussion often turns towards the desire for rum’s image to rise out of the “rum-&-coke” world and into the “straight” or “on-the-rocks” realm. This is a sentiment that is echoed by producers, brand ambassadors, even some bartenders.
Rum festivals around the world provide excellent opportunities to take steps in that general direction, but unfortunately some of the festival organizers end up causing more damage to rum’s image, either by ignoring the technical and legal requirements needed for something to be called “rum” or by simply focusing on delivering rum to attendees in ways that are not conducive to enhancing its image.
“Got Rum?” and “The Rum University” are committed to helping improve the perception of rum, the awareness of it as a quality, distilled spirit.
This month we are happy to bring you extensive coverage from one of the leading rum events in the world, from a production perspective (it is the largest gathering of rum distillers and blenders) and a consumer experience perspective, as Spain currently represents a battle ground where rum is eagerly and actively fighting gin for market share.
We are also happy to share with you, via our Exclusive Interview, the story of “La RonRonEra,” a rum bar in Madrid, and it’s approach to this battle.
We applaud –and support- all those who tirelessly work towards making the rum industry one where quality will someday surpass quantity.
Cheers,
Luis Ayala, Editor and Publisher