Rum in the News
PLANTATION RUM
Plantation Rum has introduced Stiggins’ Fancy Smoky Formula, a limited-edition aromatic twist on its iconic Stiggins’ Fancy Pineapple Rum, giving it an extra maturation in ex-Teeling Peated Single Malt Irish Whiskey casks, for a distinctive and delicious smoky touch. In his travels across the globe to explore the terroirs of rum and other fine spirits, owner and Master Blender, Alexandre Gabriel, loves to exchange ideas with fellow visionaries who share his insatiable curiosity. One such kindred spirit is Alex Chasko, Master Distiller and Blender at Dublin’s Teeling Whiskey Distillery. He is equally passionate about the possibilities of both traditional and innovative techniques in distilling and maturing spirits. Alex welcomed the chance to swap Teeling Whiskey barrels for Plantation Rum casks and start experimenting! In 2019, the “unconventionally Irish” whiskey brand released a special Small Batch Collaboration aged in ex-Plantation Rum barrels. For Stiggins’ Fancy Smoky Formula, Alexandre chose Stiggins’ Fancy Pineapple Rum to undergo a final maturation in 200-liter oak barrels that had previously stored Teeling’s peated single malt Irish whiskey; the moderate degree of peat imparts a beautifully balanced note of smoke, distinctive but harmonious with the fruit-forward rum. Stiggins’ Fancy Smoky Formula adds an unexpected touch to cocktails and reveals its diverse, complementary origins when sipped neat. https://www.plantationrum.com/
GOSLINGS
Not every country can claim an official cocktail, but Bermuda most certainly does, the Dark ‘n Stormy. Rolling out through April, Goslings Rum will introduce a new ready-to-drink (RTD) Dark ‘n Stormy canned cocktail portfolio with a trio of tropical flavors: Pineapple, Mango, and Black Cherry, which join the original Dark ‘n Stormy in a revamped can. Each cocktail will be available in 355 mL 4 pack, canned at 7% ABV. The family-owned rum producer trademarked the Dark ‘n Stormy on June 9, 1980, to protect the signature cocktail’s integrity across the world, and to forever ensure that a cocktail can only be represented as an authentic Dark ‘n Stormy if it contains the key ingredient, Goslings Black Seal Rum. The newly released Dark ‘n Stormy canned cocktails are made with Goslings Black Seal Rum, Goslings Stormy Ginger Beer and a hint of fruit flavor. The Mango variety offers a clean stone fruit flavor, Black Cherry is sweet and spicy, and Pineapple is refreshing and bright. All four varieties are made with no preservatives and are naturally sweetened with cane sugar. “Goslings first released the Dark ‘n Stormy in a ready-to-drink format in 2012 and today’s consumer demand for convenient, high quality ready-to-drink cocktails motivated us to get creative,” says Malcolm Gosling Jr., eighth generation rum maker. “Bermuda offers an island spirit unlike anywhere else, and now that fun-loving vibe can be easily transportable to boats, beaches, golf courses, hiking trails, or any other place where mixing isn’t ideal. The sweetness of the mango, pineapple, and black cherry pairs deliciously with the spiciness of the ginger beer so there’s a ‘zip in every sip’ (our favorite tagline).” https://www.goslingsrum.com/
COPALLI RUM
In honor of Earth Day 2023, Copalli Rum is continuing its Cocktails for A Cause program, which partners with bars, restaurants and retailers to raise funds for organizations which support environmentally responsible initiatives. The program will run during the month of April in honor of Earth Day, April 22. During the month, participating accounts in California, Florida and New York will create cocktails using any of the Copalli Rum expressions, White, Barrel Rested or Cacao. Each cocktail will be finished with a custom garnish which can be taken home and planted to produce a bouquet of wild flowers. On the back side of the garnish is a QR code that explains more about the program and the organizations they are benefiting. For each featured cocktail that is sold during April at participating accounts, $1 will be donated to local charities such as Food Forward in Southern California, Foodwise in Northern California, Rainforest Trust in Florida, and the Billion Oyster Project in New York. Consumers unable to visit a participating account may also get in on the fun as Copalli Rum will be donating $5 for each bottle purchased online during the month of April to the Rainforest Trust.
“Sustainability is core to the DNA of Copalli Rum, not just a marketing initiative,” said Brian Baker, CMO, Copalli USA. “Last year this program raised more than $7K thanks to the creativity of our partners in the hospitality community and the support of our fans. We’re excited to re-engage with consumers and our partners in the on and off premise again this year to raise funds for local organizations while reinforcing the importance of being environmentally responsible.” https://copallirum.com/cocktails-for-a-cause/
ARIZONA RUM DISTILLERIES WIN GOLD AT IWSC
When I moved to Arizona three years ago, I thought I was moving to the great rum desert. Little did I know that we have two internationally acclaimed rum distilleries. This year, the International Wine and Spirits Competition received rum entries from 48 countries. Combined, Desert Diamond Distillery and Elgin Distillery won 1 Gold Outstanding, 3 Gold, 3 Silver and 4 Bronze Medals for their rums as well as 7 medals for other spirits. John Patt’s Desert Diamond Distillery’s Gold Miner 11-Year-Old Reserve earned 99 points, beating out Plantation’s Xaymaca, Black Tot’s Blender Reserve and Havana Club’s 15-Year-Old Gran Reserva for the top rum and a Gold Outstanding Medal. Desert Diamond also won 2 Gold Medals (Gold Miner 10-Year-Old Reserve and Gold Miner Reserve), one Silver Medal and 3 Bronze Medals for their rums. At the Elgin Distillery, Gary Ellam’s 9 Triple 3 Rum earned 95 points and a Gold Medal. He also won 2 Silver and a Bronze Medal for rums in his Regalo De Vida Gran Reserva series. If you come to our state to see that canyon, I strongly recommend you visit these distilleries. John Patt and Gary Ellam are passionate distillers and their rums are worth a try. https://www.desertdiamonddistillery.com/ https://www.elginwd.com/
KRAKEN
The Kraken Rum, emerges from its lair in the depths of the ocean to enter into the gold spiced rum category with a new release. Introducing THE NEW GOLD STANDARD for sipping: a gold spiced Caribbean rum, rich beyond words and perhaps the only bit of lightness the legendary beast, known as “the Kraken,” loves with as much passion as its storied black ink. On the nose, The Kraken Gold Spiced Rum reveals a sweet brown medley of caramel, oak, and banana bread. Flavors of molasses and dark spice fade into caramelized sugar, with a slight finish of toasted oak and vanilla. “As gold spiced rum occasions are now the highest among the rum category, we are proud to introduce this new offering from The Kraken, with a flavor profile all its own,” said Lander Otegui, Senior Vice President of Marketing at Proximo Spirits. “We are confident that this product will be THE NEW GOLD STANDARD in spiced rum thanks to its superb taste that we know matches what our consumers are looking for.” A study conducted on the popularity of spiced rum brands showed The Kraken Gold Spiced Rum as a clear category favorite. Proximo Spirits commissioned a third-party double blind taste test study against category competitor, Captain Morgan®. The study revealed more than 70% of consumers prefer The Kraken Gold Spiced Rum over Captain Morgan Original Spiced Rum. Furthermore, participants also overwhelmingly indicated The Kraken Gold Spiced Rum both has “superior taste” and is “the smoothest.” To bring The Kraken Gold Spiced Rum from sip to screen, the brand is launching a new visual campaign, “Tale of Gold.” The advertisement, directed by Rich Lee who’s known for his work on the first three The Pirates of the Caribbean films, draws consumers into the dark world of the Kraken. Moody, foreboding visuals divulge the action-packed narrative of unworthy pirates who try to steal the precious treasure of gold from its lair and are thwarted by the Kraken. Before it dives back into the darkness, The Kraken is celebrating its newly released Gold Spiced Rum by giving consumers an opportunity to win a Golden Hour experience in the Dominican Republic. To enter The Kraken Golden Hour Sweepstakes for a chance to win a trip to the home of The Kraken Rum, scan the QR code or visit www.KrakenGoldenHour.com
APPLETON
Travelers flying from Jamaica’s busiest airport, Sangster International in Montego Bay, can now explore the world of APPLETON ESTATE Jamaica Rum in a new high-tech, premium boutique just opened in the airport’s main duty-free store. A world-first for the rum brand, the shop takes shoppers on a self-guided, cane-to-cup journey into the heart of what makes APPLETON ESTATE such a unique Caribbean rum, seamlessly blending physical, multisensorial and digital elements. Customers navigate their way through the boutique via a series of interactive touchpoints that express the legend, craft and personality of the island’s iconic rum. The distinctive insignia of APPLETON ESTATE, formed of five national symbols of Jamaica, is the central feature of the store’s physical experience. It has been brought to life as a stunning modernist 3D copper sculpture in the center of the store; a magnet for shoppers to help them learn more about the brand’s origin and terroir. The insignia is the starting point for the shopper’s digital journey within the boutique. Travelers can scan the front label of any bottle with their mobile device to discover a detailed description about the rum they have chosen, including individual tasting notes and a cane-to-cup explanation of the distillery’s production process narrated by APPLETON ESTATE Master Blender, Joy Spence, herself. “We are thrilled to open the APPLETON ESTATE experience at Montego Bay Airport, just 50 miles from where our incredible rums are lovingly crafted,” said Marco Cavagnera, Managing Director of Global Travel Retail at Campari Group. “It’s a perfect premium location to engage shoppers by showcasing every facet of APPLETON ESTATE its rich history, passion for natural ingredients, local provenance, the skill of our Master Blender, Joy Spence, and the versatility of the award-winning portfolio created under her guidance, ensuring there is an APPLETON ESTATE rum for any elevated occasion, from premium cocktail-making to sipping rums.” https://appletonestate.com/
BACARDI
Bacardi welcomes back Roberto Ramirez Laverde as Global Senior Vice President, effective immediately. Roberto takes on an open role following the promotion of Ned Duggan to Global Chief Marketing Officer of Bacardi and President of Bacardi Global Brands Limited. Roberto reports to Ned and joins the Marketing Leadership Team. He will be based in Bermuda, pending authorization by the Bermuda Department of Immigration. During his previous tenure at Bacardi from 2013-2019, Roberto contributed to building the premiumization strategy for the company’s aged BACARDĺ rums and FACUNDO rum collection. He contributed to launching the iconic rum brand’s portfolio of premium, aged rums and building the architecture that continues to define the premium rum category. Earlier in his Bacardi career he led the Rums Category for Latin America and Caribbean Region, originally joining Bacardi in 2013 as Marketing Director for Mexico. “In addition to being a brilliant marketer, Roberto understands the value of consumer mindsets, and equally important, he gets Bacardi,” says Ned Duggan. “He knows our people, our culture and brings a strong track record of collaborating that is key to continue unlocking even greater growth for the brand across the globe.”“I am thrilled to be back at Bacardi and to work with the incredibly talented team who has been building and leading the brand. Together, I know we will build Bacardi’s next great story,” said Roberto.
In other news, BACARDÍ® Rum has today announced the launch of BACARDÍ Caribbean Spiced, the brand’s first premium spiced aged product, that blends spices with coconut, pineapple, and coconut blossom. Its unique flavor profile makes it perfect for all your favorite Caribbean-inspired cocktails this summer. Hitting supermarket shelves and bars nationwide from March, the new BACARDÍ Caribbean Spiced combines the unique sweetness of coconut blossom and juicy pineapple with cinnamon, vanilla, and the subtle oaky char from the barrel. Cocktail lovers can expect to be delighted with notes of caramelized pineapple and lightly toasted coconut – a feast for the palate that will transport you to the tropics with every single sip. With versatility at its core, Caribbean Spiced is made for mixing. Whether it’s elevating a refreshing rum and cola, adding a twist to a classic with a zesty Coco Daiquiri or shaken up in a Caribbean Colada - rich with the flavors of cinnamon and pineapple, it’s set to bring the sunshine to any occasion whether you’re at home or enjoying it at a bar. Just mix and sip to taste the exceptional craftsmanship and tantalizing tropical flavors. Or for purists, BACARDÍ Caribbean Spiced works wonderfully neat. “With summer just around the corner, we’re delighted to launch BACARDÍ Caribbean Spiced. It’s the first of its kind in our range – a perfect blend of aged rum, coconut, pineapple, and warming spices working harmoniously together to create a balanced, smooth taste experience. We know that there is growing desire for classic tropical drinks as well unique flavors and aged rums,” says Dickie Cullimore, Global Brand Ambassador for BACARDÍ. “Making its debut in the UK, we’re looking forward to taking the nation’s tastebuds on a trip to the tropics, to be enjoyed not only by long-time rum drinkers but converting some new fans with its unique combination of spices and Caribbean flavors.”https://www.bacardi.com/
KŌ HANA
Last month, Kō Hana launched their ready-to-drink Mai Tai in their tasting room and online. The Mai Tai is a perfect balance of rums, lime, orgeat and orange curaçao. As a true cocktail, it is bottled at 22% ABV. and perfect to pull from your refrigerator to pour over ice. Garnish the glass with a pineapple spear or sprig of mint and you’ll instantly be transported to the sandy beaches of Oahu. Mark your calendars for the April 8th launch party at the distillery. See page 48 for my interview with Robert Dawson, co-founder of Kō Hana. https://www.kohanarum.com/
PUSSERS RUM
Pusser’s Rum has introduced a 12 oz. (355ml) canned ready-to-drink (RTD) version of the Painkiller, a storied cocktail originated from the British Virgin Islands and now known across the globe! The Painkiller Cocktail originated in the early 1970’s at the tiny, 8-seat Soggy Dollar Bar, at White Bay in the British Virgin Island. It was located on a long stretch of desolate, uninhabited white sandy beach, protected by a coral reef providing a cozy anchorage for visiting yachts. The Soggy Dollar was so named because there was no dock; you had to swim in to get to it. It was owned by Daphne Henderson, a delightful and witty, middle-aged English lady. One Sunday, Charles Tobias, the Pusser’s founder, and resident on the nearby main island of Tortola where he was bottling Pusser’s Rum, paid a visit to Daphne and the Soggy Dollar as he was curious to see what she was doing with the prodigious amounts of Pusser’s Rum that she was regularly ordering. Tobias was duly impressed with the constant flow of patrons who would anchor and swim ashore just to imbibe her delightful cocktail creation “The Painkiller”! Tobias and Daphne became good friends, and both agreed that the only rum that worked with the drink was Pusser’s because its full rich taste could punch through the scintillating mix of cream of coconut, pineapple, and orange juices of the Painkiller. In time, Daphne promised to give Tobias her recipe, but always found an excuse to not do it, so he came up with his own recipe. One afternoon, they compared the two at a competitive tasting which Daphne had arranged at the Soggy Dollar with eight patrons. Tobias’ recipe won by a score of 8 to 0! With Daphne’s blessing, so long as he credited her with the drink’s creation, he trademarked the drink – and began to promote it at every opportunity in the US and International markets. https://pussersrum.com/
RENEGADE CANE RUM
Renegade has announced that their online shop is now open, offering a direct link to all available Renegade Rum bottlings, both Pre-Cask and oak-aged Études. Available in very limited quantities in Europe, these first bottlings are an invitation to the curious to join them in their search for rum’s ultimate profundity. For those of you in the USA and beyond, worry not, the rums are about to go on sale in select states. But for those of you in Europe, you now have the opportunity to purchase two newly launched Études from their favorite terroirs of the New Bacolet and Pearls farms. New Bacolet is enclosed and sheltered by a forest at its north, and slopes down towards the south. Being based along a mountainside, steeper than most of their farms, the excavation of the land was the most difficult. Four terroirs were identified over 10 acres, and they initially planted the varieties of Yellow Lady and Lacalome Red. On the coastal plain, a stone’s throw south of the distillery, there is an intriguing terroir between mangrove and water meadow, with at its center a distinctive bank of iron-rich volcanic laterite. Cane grows vigorously on this water-retentive soil, derived from Woburn & Perseverance Clays. With a slight elevation in reference to the coast, the air that washes across Pearls is cool. This, in conjunction with a swamp touching the base of the farm, allows for a rich maintenance of water-retained soil. Amidst the towering palm trees, Pearls has been planted with the varieties of Yellow Lady and Lacolome Red. Renegade also offers nine un-aged, Pre-Cask rums. https://renegaderum.com/
