Rum in the News
MOUNT GAY
Mount Gay announced that its iconic Mount Gay Silver is once again available in the US. Meticulously crafted by Master Blender Trudiann Branker, this exceptional product marks Mount Gay’s white rum entry into the on-trade market, honoring Barbados’ passion for premium white rum. This launch re-introduces Mount Gay Silver to bartenders, providing them with the unparalleled opportunity to enhance their white rum cocktails. Celebrating Barbadian rum culture and over 320 years of rum-making expertise, Silver proudly upholds Mount Gay’s traditional identity. It is a blend of pot and columns still rums, distinguishing it from most other white rums in the category, which use column still only. While the column still component of the blend is unaged, the pot still portion is aged for two years in ex-American Whiskey casks. The secret to the crystal-clear liquid is double filtration, one of which consists in a filtration through charcoal, which removes the color and adds to the elegant flavor. “Mount Gay Silver is a classic I deeply cherish, rooted in the heart of Barbados and the Caribbean. I’m thrilled to see our beloved white rum launch in the US on-trade, empowering bartenders to elevate white rum cocktails and extending our authentic island craft to even broader horizons,” said Trudiann Branker, Mount Gay Master Blender. Mount Gay Silver is bottled at 40% ABV. It is available in key markets across the US in 1L size.
www.mountgayrum.com.
TOP TEN STATES FOR RUM SALES
Park Street, using consumption data from Beverage Information Group, recently compiled a list of the top ten states for rum sales. The report shows a mix of traditional powerhouses and emerging markets dominating total volume, with Florida and California maintaining their commanding positions. The per capita rankings reveal intriguing regional preferences, with Northern and coastal states demonstrating particularly strong individual consumption patterns that reflect diverse drinking cultures and seasonal tourism impacts.The top ten states ranked by total consumption are:
1. Florida: 2.6 million Cases
2. California: 2.0 million Cases
3. New York: 1.5 million Cases
4. New Jersey: 918k Cases
5. Texas: 883k Cases
6. Illinois: 865k Cases
7. Michigan: 835k Cases
8. Pennsylvania: 833k Cases
9. Wisconsin: 650k Cases
10. Minnesota: 638k Cases
The per capita data reveal a fascinating pattern, with Northern states unexpectedly dominating the rankings alongside predictable coastal leaders. The strong showing by Upper Midwest states like North Dakota, Minnesota, and Wisconsin suggests that rum consumption transcends climate stereotypes, with regional drinking cultures and traditions playing significant roles beyond simple weather patterns.The top ten states ranked by per Capita consumption are:
1.New Hampshire: 232 cases per 1,000 residents
2.North Dakota: 178 cases per 1,000 residents
3.Alaska: 165 cases per 1,000 residents
4.Minnesota: 150 cases per 1,000 residents
5.Wisconsin: 146 cases per 1,000 residents
6.Maine: 144 cases per 1,000 residents
7.Florida: 142 cases per 1,000 residents
8.New Jersey: 129 cases per 1,000 residents
9.Hawaii: 124 cases per 1,000 residents
10.Iowa: 120 cases per 1,000 residents
https://www.parkstreet.com/, https://bevinfogroup.com/
DON Q
Don Q has launched Double-Aged Pedro Ximénez Cask Finish Rum, an elegant new addition to its acclaimed Selección Exclusiva program. Crafted with precision and passion for discerning rum enthusiasts, this limited-edition release of only 2,000 bottles harmonizes the bold character of Puerto Rican rum with the refined complexity of European cask-aging tradition. This sipping rum begins its journey in American white oak ex-bourbon barrels, where it rests and matures for a minimum of seven years. After this initial aging, the rum is then finished for 11 additional months in Pedro Ximénez sherry casks, imported directly from Spain, infusing the spirit with a rich, velvety complexity and signature notes of dried fruit and honeyed warmth. “At Destilería Serrallés, we’re always seeking ways to honor tradition while embracing innovation,” says Silvia Santiago, Master Blender and Senior Vice President of Manufacturing at Destilería Serrallés, Inc. “With the Pedro Ximénez Double Cask Finish, we’ve crafted an expression that reflects the depth and elegance possible when Puerto Rican rum is paired with the complexity of European cask aging. This release is a testament to our team’s dedication, and I’m proud to share this rich, beautifully finished rum with enthusiasts around the world.”
https://donq.com/
COPALLI ORGANIC RUM
Copalli Organic Rum has been awarded four distinguished accolades at the 2025 Global Drinks Intel ESG Awards, including the coveted Alexander Smith Grand Prix Award for ESG Spirits Producer of the Year. The brand also received the awards for Sustainable Spirits Product of the Year, Water Preservation Achievement of the Year, and Greenhouse Gas Reduction Achievement of the Year. The awards represent the highest international recognition for sustainability in the spirits industry, judged by experts across business, science and environmental governance. “It’s an honor to be recognized by such a prestigious, global organization for our commitment to taking care of our people while creating an incredible product that celebrates and nurtures our planet,” says Wil Maheia, Chief Sustainability Officer at Copalli Organic Rum. Copalli Organic Rum’s focus on regenerative agriculture, water preservation practices, closed loop waste management, and regional conservation efforts creates a premium product while setting new industry standards for environmental responsibility. In a world full of sustainability claims, Copalli Organic Rum relies on third-party experts and verifiers to ensure the highest standards are met. Winning across multiple categories positions Copalli Organic Rum not only as a producer of exceptional rum, but as a global benchmark for environmentally responsible distilling, proving that premium craftsmanship and sustainability can go hand-in-hand.
\www.copallirum.com.
CHARLES S. TOBIAS, FOUNDER OF PUSSER’S RUM
Charles Tobias, the founder of Pusser’s Rum, passed away on October 14th at the age of 91. Born in Canada, Charles earned an athletic scholarship to the University of Southern California, where he graduated with dual degrees in aeronautical and mechanical engineering, After college, he enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps. He served two tours in Vietnam, The first was aboard an aircraft carrier, then in special operations flying T-28s ashore. During his second tour, he was shot down over the Mekong Delta and rescued by Navy SEALs. After his service, Charles returned to California and founded Veradyne, Inc. in Santa Monica, aiming to counter surface-to-air missile threats. He secured a government contract to develop silicon transistors and radar-jamming technology, building Veradyne into a $100 million enterprise before merging with Fairchild Semiconductor.
Charles’s love for sailing took root after his time at sea in the Marines. Though his family never owned a boat, he purchased a small one and quickly fell in love with the water. He began racing, upgrading vessels, and eventually set his sights on circumnavigating the globe. One day, stuck in traffic on his way to the bank, he called his assistant, canceled his meetings, and made the decision to set sail. He embarked on a five-year voyage aboard Mar, a 57-foot wooden ketch built for icy waters, with 2¾-inch larch planking and 12 tons of lead in the keel. While docked in Gibraltar searching for a boat part, Charles boarded a British Navy warship. The captain gifted him a flagon of dark navy rum for the next leg of his journey. Though the daily tot had been discontinued, ships still carried rum for ceremonial occasions known as “Splice the Mainbrace.”
Over the next 15 days at sea, Charles and his crew finished the flagon and a new idea was born. Determined to revive the legendary naval spirit, Charles approached the British Royal Navy for permission to use their rum blend and the White Ensign. With support from General Arthur B. Hanson, he secured a meeting wit ;lecond Sea Lord Admiral Sir Gordon Tait. After navigating the necessary channels, he was granted access to the original Admiralty blend, though the name “Royal Navy Pusser’s Rum” was declined and replaced with “British Navy Pusser’s Rum.” As a gesture of gratitude, Charles pledged ongoing support to the Royal Navy Sailor’s Fund, known as the “Tot” Fund. Over the years, the brand honored that promise, contributing more than €250,000 to the fund, which was later consolidated into The Royal Navy and Royal Marines Charities (RNRMC). In recognition of his charitable efforts, Charles was awarded an MBE (Member of the Order of the British Empire) in the Queen’s 2011 New Year Honors list. Charles partnered with Trinidad Distillers Ltd., working with master blender Robert Wong to source and blend the distillates to Admiralty specifications. He founded Pusser’s Ltd. on Tortola in the British Virgin Islands, where the rum was blended and bottled, making the purser’s rum commercially available for the first time in history.
LA MAISON & VELIER and HAMPDEN ESTATE
La Maison & Velier issued the following update about the distillery at Hampden Estate:
In October, Hurricane Melissa, the most powerful storm in recorded history, set its path directly over Western Jamaica, including Hampden’s home in Trelawny Parish. In good news, the team at Hampden Estate is safe and unharmed. The full extent of the damage is still being assessed, but the impact on the staff, their families and community is immense. Homes have been destroyed and the infrastructure that connects the local community has been significantly affected. Hampden Estate has established the Trelawny Hurricane Relief Fund to raise money for the local community in order to stabilize families, repair damages to the local community spaces, schools and church. The Trelawny Hurricane Relief Fund aims to help rebuild the lives of the people who are the heart and soul of this legendary estate. 100% of donations will go directly to providing immediate and long-term aid to employees, their families, and the surrounding community in Trelawny.
Funds will be used for:
- Urgent Supplies: Providing clean water, food, and medical supplies.
- Rebuilding Homes: Securing roofs, windows, and essential home repairs for team and community members who have been affected.
- Community Support: Assisting with debris removal and the restoration of essential services like churches and schools in the local area.
Donations in any amount are immensely helpful and will go to rebuilding the lives and homes of the people, families and communities who power this iconic piece of Jamaican heritage.
https://theafj.app.neoncrm.com/fundraiser/employeesofhampden
WORTHY PARK ESTATE
In an industry increasingly dominated by multinational giants, Worthy Park Estate stands as a testament to what family ownership and complete control can achieve. The Jamaican distillery has won the IWSC’s 2025 Rum Producer Trophy, celebrating 284 years of rum production that began in 1741 on their estate in the island’s interior. International Wine & Spirit Competition Spirits Judging Committee member, Dawn Davies praised their unwavering approach: “Worthy Park is a real deserved winner this year. They have consistently come to the table with great product. They are about quality. Their sustainability program, the cane-to-glass principle - it all comes through in the rum.” What sets Worthy Park apart is their complete vertical integration. As Jamaica’s last remaining single estate producer, they grow sugarcane, crush it, make sugar and molasses, then ferment, distil in double retort pot stills, age, blend and bottle entirely on-site. No shortcuts, no outsourcing, just uncompromising control over every stage. Their 2025 portfolio demonstrated remarkable range and consistency. Worthy Park 109 earned a Gold Outstanding (98 points), whilst their 12-Year-Old and Overproof expressions both secured Gold medals (95 points each). Judge Olivier Ward praised their consistent performance at this year’s awards, noting how they were at the top of the rum category. Innovation hasn’t compromised tradition. They’re experimenting with cane juice distillates alongside traditional molasses bases - a rarity in Jamaican rum - whilst exploring diverse cask finishes from Madeira and Port to Calvados and Cognac. Their sustainability runs deeper than marketing: bagasse (crushed cane fibre) fuels their boilers, gravity feeds their water systems and vinasse (distillation waste) becomes field fertiliser. For an independent operation of 850 employees competing against global brands, this trophy validates their belief that authenticity and excellence can thrive without compromise.
https://worthyparkestate.com/
FLOR de CAŇA
At 135 years old, Flor de Caña stands as one of the oldest companies in Central America. However, the brand is far from standing still. To celebrate its birthday this year, the family-owned rum distillery has released what is said to be its most extraordinary creation and oldest release to date: Flor de Caña 35 Year Rum. The expression reflects the brand’s dedication to sustainability, excellence and quality, and a legacy nurtured by five generations since 1890 – three of whom were directly involved in the creation of this rum. The third generation was responsible for its distillation; the fourth for its preservation; and, finally, the fifth and current for its introduction to the world. The rum was aged naturally and sustainably for 35 years in American white oak barrels in the family’s private reserve, benefiting from Nicaragua’s unique volcanic terroir. The distillery’s base, resting between the majestic San Cristóbal volcano and the Pacific Ocean, is said to bestow a complex flavor profile and an exquisitely smooth finish on the rum. “Flor de Caña 35 Year Rum embodies the essence, values, and artistry that have defined our brand for 135 years. More than a collector’s item, it is a rare treasure of time, crafted for those who value authenticity, legacy, and excellence,” said Tomás Cano, who has been Flor de Caña’s Maestro Ronero for almost four decades.
www.flordecana.com/35-year
GOLDBELLY & GOSLINGS
The holiday season has always carried an undeniable connection to flavor, memory, and tradition, and this year, Goldbelly introduced a collaboration that aligned those ideas with a touch of island nostalgia. Partnering with Goslings Rum, the renowned Bermudian spirits house, Goldbelly unveiled a trio of rum cakes that celebrated the essence of Bermuda while making it accessible to households across the country. The partnership marked the first time Goslings brought its rum-infused baked goods to a nationwide audience, offering a new way to experience the brand’s heritage through texture, aroma, and culinary storytelling. For those who associate winter gatherings with indulgence, warmth, and sensory comfort, the collaboration arrived at the ideal moment, blending culinary craftsmanship with a spirit-steeped lineage that spans generations. Goldbelly has earned its reputation by connecting people with iconic regional foods, and Goslings Rum carried a legacy firmly connected to Bermuda’s identity, making this partnership a natural alignment.
Goldbelly will be offering three cakes:
The Signature Dark ‘n Stormy Rum Cake - Among the releases, the Dark ‘n Stormy Rum Cake emerged as the most emblematic, capturing the essence of Bermuda’s national cocktail.
The Rum Swizzle Cake and Its Tropical Heritage - If the Dark ‘n Stormy served as Bermuda’s national cocktail, the Rum Swizzle stood as its festive counterpart, a vibrant, fruit-forward drink central to celebrations, gatherings, and beachfront leisure.
The Double Chocolate Rum Cake for Indulgent Palates - For those seeking depth and richness, the Double Chocolate Rum Cake stood apart as the most decadent offering in the collection.
https://www.goldbelly.com/, https://goslings.com/
SAMAROLI
Every year-end, Samaroli unveils a new exceptional collection, placing poetry at the service of rum more than ever before. This year’s offering includes:
- Samaroli Diamond SXG 20 Year Old - Distilled from molasses in a simple wooden still, using a traditional method specific to the Diamond distillery. Aged for 20 years and bottled in Scotland in 2024, this unique cask reveals all the depth and poetry of the Demerara style. It is bottled at 51% ABV,
- Samaroli - Jamaica Rum 2012 - Distilled in 2012 at Hampden Estate in Jamaica, this rum comes from molasses that is naturally fermented before being distilled in a pot still. It has been aged for 5 years in a tropical climate and then for 7 years in Europe, in ex-bourbon barrels, giving rise to a profile of great complexity. It is bottled at 57% ABV.
- Samaroli - Trinidad Rum 1999 - Distilled at Trinidad Distillers Limited (Fernandes style) from molasses, this rum has rested for 25 years in ex-bourbon casks, developing a complex and harmonious structure.
- Samaroli - Colombia Rum – 2002 - Made from sugarcane honey and distilled using a process combining column and iron, this rum has matured for 22 years in a tropical climate in ex-bourbon barrels. It is bottled at 55% ABV
https://samaroli.com/
