Rum in the News
WEST INDIES RUM DISTILLERY
West Indies Rum Distillery (WIRD) is pleased to announce its Bonsucro’s Chain of Custody (ChoC) certification, the first distillery in the Caribbean and Barbados to obtain this certification. Bonsucro is a non-profit organization that aims to promote sustainable sugarcane production, processing, and trade around the world. This is a landmark in the Caribbean, with only a handful of distilleries in the world successfully reaching this coveted designation. This certification, developed by Bonsucro, guarantees consumers that the sugarcane use to produce the rum they buy is produced, sourced and traded responsibly, and further strengthens the Barbados brand as a high-quality sustainable product of international standing. Bonsucro is a key member in the “Adelante Initiative” which protects workers’ health by developing safer working practices by promoting safe working conditions for workers to prevent stress or accidents in the workplace. “I’m so pleased to see the first rum distillery in the Caribbean achieve Bonsucro certification. It is a really positive step for Barbados and the wider region. Congratulations to the team at the West Indies Rum Distillery for their leadership and achievement.” says Danielle Morley, Bonsucro Chief Executive Officer. “Our sustainability focus goes beyond our value chain. That is because we recognise that we can only create a better and brighter future by addressing how interconnected all the aspects of rum making are in the battle against climate and social change, from sugar cane fields to our consumers hands,” said Andrew Hassell, Managing Director at the West Indies Rum Distillery. “By adhering to Bonsucro’s principles, we, as a distillery, collectively strive to be a true reflection of our core values and be on the side of high ethical standards as sugarcane users.” WIRD has undertaken an in-depth transformation to reduce its environmental impact and bring more transparency across the entire value chain with sustainability as a fundamental and core principle. The Bonsucro ChoC certification is yet another big step towards this aspiration, in elevating its commitment to local sustainability. https://flaviar.com/the-west-indies-rum-distillery-ltd/distillery, https://www.bonsucro.com/
MOUNT GAY
Mount Gay announced a new partnership with 4ocean, one of the world’s leading ocean conservation companies, to support them in their mission to help end the ocean plastic crisis. In June, throughout World Ocean Month, Mount Gay will commit $5 for every bottle and $1 for every cocktail sold, up to the value of $100,000 to 4ocean’s Pound+ Program. This contribution will directly fund the removal of tens of thousands of pounds of trash from the ocean using 4ocean’s full-time, professional cleanup crew members around the world. “Our premium rums are heavily influenced by our roots in Barbados, from the coral filtered water to the ocean air imparted in our tropical aging process. And as we are deeply ingrained in the sailing community, the ocean is at the center of experiences our clients enjoy,” said Ian McLernon, President and CEO Americas at Rémy Cointreau. “Protecting the ocean, one of the essential elements that unites Mount Gay and our community, is an important part of our partnership with 4ocean.” World Ocean Month is just the start of Mount Gay’s efforts supporting 4ocean’s mission to end plastic pollution. In August, Mount Gay and 4ocean will release an exclusive red bracelet, made from 100% post-consumer recycled materials, featuring a one-of-a-kind trident charm, which will support the Pound+ Program. Follow @mountgayrum for a chance to win one of the bracelets via sweepstakes. “4ocean is proud to partner with a brand that shares our passion for ocean restoration while encouraging ocean-friendly, sustainable lifestyles. Through this collaboration, Mount Gay Rum will help us to reach our goal of removing over 20 million pounds of trash from the ocean, rivers, and coastlines by 2022,” said co-founder and CEO of 4ocean, Alex Schulze. www.mountgayrum.com/4ocean/ , www.4ocean.com
HABITATION SAINT-ETIENNE
HSE did quite well at the recent International Sugarcane Spirits Awards. Four HSE rhums won Finalist’s Medals:Rhum Agricole Extra Vieux Whisky Rozelieures Cask Finish is aged for more than five years in oak barrels, as is the HSE tradition, and then aged a further eight to twelve months in casks previously used for the French whisky, Rozelieures. Rhum Agricole Extra Vieux Chateau Marquis De Terme Finish is aged an additional ten months in Chateau Marquis De Terme wine casks. Black Sheriff is a blend of three- to four-year-old rums aged in American Bourbon barrels. Blanc 55° AOC Martinique Parcellaire #1 Mono-variétal Canne D’or R570 is distilled from pure sugar cane juice from HSE’s Verger and Coulon cane fields. These fields grow the special R570 sugar cane known as “the golden cane.” Rhum Agricole Extra Vieux Whisky Kilchoman Cask Finish won a Gold Medal. It has been aged an additional four to five months in casks that previously held Kilchoman whisky, a single malt from the Islay region. Finally, Très Vieux Rhum Agricole VSOP won a Gold Medal and a Best of Region Award for the Caribbean. It enjoys a long aging period in Bouron Oak casks. https://www.rhum-hse.com/en/
SELVAREY
On the heels of a blockbuster spring of new chart-topping music, a groundbreaking foray into fashion, and the sold-out release of his flagship SelvaRey Owner’s Reserve, Bruno Mars is showcasing his rum empire in a new creative content series. The series highlights the launch of SelvaRey Coconut, the latest in his collection of globally acclaimed ultra-premium rums. Just in time for summer and rum season, SelvaRey Coconut is poised to elevate every Piña Colada from Miami to Honolulu. The luxury spirit is made from an incredibly smooth, two-year-aged rum, infused with a velvety coconut essence. It promises to forever raise the bar in the coconut rum category and the world of tropical cocktails. “Rum is really synonymous with joy. Anyone holding a good rum cocktail is exactly where they want to be,” says Mars. “That’s what I wanted people to feel with this campaign. And SelvaRey Coconut delivers the ultimate drink every time. It is hands down the best coconut rum you have ever tasted. Who wouldn’t be happy with a SelvaRey Piña Colada in their hand? “ SelvaRey debuted the first installment of its vibrant new campaign, aptly titled Tropical Luxury, Wherever You Are. Mars’ fellow brand owners and long-time collaborators, superstar Anderson Paak of Silk Sonic, Grammy Award-winning songwriter James Fauntleroy, and Oscar and Grammy Award-winning producer D’Mile, all contributed to the campaign. Mars directs and stars in the flagship video together with rapper Anderson Paak, while Fauntleroy provides the vocals for the jingle. The spot is currently live on YouTube with additional content slated to run throughout the summer. www.selvarey.com
HOLMES CAY
Holmes Cay, in collaboration with the Rumcast Podcast, is debuting its new ‘Fiji Rum’, the first in a new limited edition product line, focusing on products with a single origin country or distillery. Founded to help spirits lovers discover the exciting diversity of rum flavors, Holmes Cay created its newest Single Origin Editions, chosen for exceptional taste and versatility, to build on this principle. The inaugural Single Origin Edition ‘Fiji Rum’ blend appeals not only to collectors and explorers of new spirits, but also to a younger demographic of imbibers with an accessible and exceptional flavor profile. The Fiji Single Origin Rum was developed in collaboration with Rumcast podcast co-hosts John Gulla and Will Hoekenga. “We were discussing unadulterated rums and flavor profiles that we would like to see in the market and are gratified that our Holmes Cay collaboration is making this unique selection available in the US,” said Will Hoekenga. Eric Kaye added, “When we tasted the ‘Fiji Rum’ blend created for the Rumcast, we loved it so much that we felt we had to share it with other spirits lovers. It felt like the perfect fit to launch the Single Origin Edition series. In the series we aim to highlight limited edition rum expressions from a single country or distillery, just as we started with Holmes Cay - Single Cask Rum to share aged, single casks. Because rum is a global spirit produced in a variety of ways, we exist to showcase the excellence and the diversity of flavor in this spirit.” The Holmes Cay ‘Fiji Rum’ is a molasses-based blend of pot and column still rum from South Pacific Distilleries in Lautoka, Fiji, presented at 46% ABV. www.HolmesCay.com, https://www.rumcast.com/
KOLOA RUM
Hawai’i’s Koloa Rum Company announced their partnership with the Las Vegas Raiders and Allegiant Stadium. Named the “Official Ultra-Premium Rum of the Las Vegas Raiders,” Koloa Rum will bring their award-winning rums to the global events destination, augmenting the stadium spectator experience. The agreement grants Koloa Rum Company prominent visibility within Allegiant Stadium, including a branded stadium bar located inside the Twitch Lounge. Koloa Kaua’i White Rum will be offered as a deluxe option across concession stands. Two specialty cocktails created by Allegiant Stadium’s “Modern Mixologist,” Tony Abou Ganim, will also be featured at the Raiders’ home stadium including a Rum Punch cocktail featuring Koloa Dark Rum and a Frozen Cable Car blended with Koloa Spice Rum. “The Raiders are excited to welcome Koloa Rum Company as our newest partner,” said Brandon Doll, Raiders’ SVP of Strategy & Business Development. “Koloa Rum Company is a great match as evidenced by their commitment to producing high-quality, ultra-premium rums that will enhance the beverage experience for Raiders fans and guests of Allegiant Stadium.” The partnership fortifies Koloa Rum’s brand with a strong foothold in the “Sports and Entertainment Capital of the World” as they continue to expand to new markets, both nationally and abroad. The Kauai-based, single-batch craft rum distillery currently distributes in 30 states and internationally including Australia, Canada and Japan. “As a proud partner of the Raiders, we’re eager to bring our premium rums to Raiders fans and sports enthusiasts as well as concert-goers from around the globe,” said Bob Gunter, Koloa Rum Company’s President and CEO. www.koloarum.com.
MEZAN
MEZAN has introduced their newest 100% all-natural expression, Chiriqui to the U.S. market. The brand will be imported and distributed by Marussia Beverages USA. MEZAN Chiriqui is a molasses-based rum distilled in Panama, where the terroir and tropical climate is particularly conducive to growing sugarcane. The distillery grows its own cane and cultivates traditional yeasts that preserve the character and distinctive qualities of the rum. After distillation in multi-column stills, MEZAN Chiriqui is then aged in second-fill American white oak casks and is finished in casks used for Portuguese Moscatel. Since 2012, MEZAN has chosen to reveal the purest expression of Caribbean rums and create ‘unaltered’ natural products. This pioneering approach is in line with new consumer trends towards transparency and traceability, for products with no added sugar or additives. MEZAN’s non-interventionist philosophy is to offer naturally made, stand-out rums with a unique flavor profile that reflects each origin and each distillery. With MEZAN, the character of each rum is both preserved and enhanced. The label, decorated with tropical plants and motifs inspired by indigenous Panamanian art, aims to take you on an exotic journey when you taste the rum. https://www.mezanrum.com/
APPLETON ESTATE
Appleton Estate Jamaica Rum announced two updates to its premium rum lineup that celebrate the brand’s pursuit of excellence and commitment to the highest standards of rum production: a new super premium 15 Year Old Black River Casks rum, as well as an update to the existing ultra-premium 21 Year Old Nassau Valley Casks, both crafted by Master Blender Joy Spence. The 15 Year Old Black River Casks is Appleton Estate’s newest expression of aged rum and pays homage to the Black River in Jamaica’s Nassau Valley, the source of the limestone-filtered water used to create all Appleton Estate rum. “The rum that we hand-selected for the 15 Year Old is used to create a rare blend of pot and column-still rums resulting in rich and full-bodied finish” says Joy Spence, a luminary in the spirits world who marks her 40th anniversary this year at the distillery. “There is a delicate spice with a fruity subtle oak ending that reflects the lush and fertile land that the Black River runs through here in the Nassau Valley. We cultivate the ingredients that go into every barrel of our rum. From the sugarcane we grow ourselves, to the limestone spring water we source straight from the Black River, every step is carefully looked after, resulting in a beautiful rum.” Following the brand’s recent relaunch, Appleton Estate is reintroducing the 21 Year Old Nassau Valley Casks expression with a reimagined bottle and label that celebrates the brand’s heritage. First launched in 1996 and named after the heart of Jamaica, the Nassau Valley. http://www.appletonestate.com/
SAILOR JERRY
Sailor Jerry, the spiced rum brand named after tattooing pioneer and U.S. Navy veteran Norman ‘Sailor Jerry’ Collins, will mark the 48th anniversary of the legendary artist’s death and honor his memory through the work of today’s leading traditional tattoo artists. To uplift his legacy of traditional tattoo craftsmanship, Sailor Jerry has commissioned five prominent traditional tattoo artists from around the world to paint their own versions of their favorite Sailor Jerry flash.Henning Jorgensen (Royal Tattoo, Denmark), Andrea Giulimondi (Riverside Tattoo, UK), Rosie Evans (Five Points, NYC & Marlett Tattoo, LA), Phil De Angulo (Memorial Brooklyn Tattoo, USA) and Marcus Yuen (59 Tattoo, Hong Kong) have collaborated to create a limited-edition Norman Collins inspired tattoo flash sheet that pays homage to Collins. Prints of this collaborative one-of-a-kind flash sheet will serve as prizes in a number of international social media competitions across both influential tattoo-related IG accounts and through Sailor Jerry’s own channel. “Norman Collins’ work has left a lasting legacy not only on the arms of those tattooed by hum, but his iconic designs have become famous worldwide and continue to inspire and influence the tattoo culture and appreciators of his craft to this day,” says Gemma Kane, Sailor Jerry Global Brand & Cultural Ambassador. “His work was bold, inspiring and timeless and pushed the boundaries both technically and creatively. We’re honored to work with these incredible artists to celebrate his legacy with a new generation of Sailor Jerry fans around the world. “ https://sailorjerry.com
RITUAL SPIRIT PROOF
Ritual Zero Proof has led the U.S. non-alcoholic sector since its launch in September 2019 with the first American-made spirit alternatives. After expanding their award-winning product line with the world’s first Tequila Alternative in April 2020, Ritual is not done blazing trails. Introducing the newest member of the Ritual family, just in time for a post-lockdown summer, Rum Alternative. For a summer without restrictions, Ritual’s zero-proof take on rum lets you enjoy the festive, tropical beverages you love and the only ache you might feel the next morning is a little sunburn. Ritual Rum Alternative boasts all the warm vanilla, toasted spice and velvety decadence of dark rum, minus the alcohol or calories. “Ritual is the true liquor replacement. It is to spirits what the impossible burger is to meat; what Oatly is to milk,” said Marcus Sakey, founding partner of Ritual Zero Proof. “Most people who buy those products are not vegetarian, they just want a little balance, without sacrificing flavor. Ritual has cracked that code and consumers have noticed.” Noticed they have. Thanks to a superior product, consumers have propelled Ritual from an unknown startup to the top player in the U.S. non-alcoholic spirits sector in less than two years. Despite a global pandemic, Ritual saw a staggering 241% growth in revenue from Q1-Q4 in 2020 and is on track to demolish that record this year. An exclusive pre-sale of Rum Alternative only available on the brand’s website netted their best single day sales to date, moving a stunning 38% more bottles in one day than the previous record, a testament to brand loyalty and a thirst for a Rum Alternative that can finally be quenched. ritualzeroproof.com
FEVER-TREE
Fever-Tree wanted to make a Cola that would do justice to the craftsmanship that goes into producing great rum, creating a liquid made with the best naturally sourced ingredients that would allow the subtle and characterful flavors of these unique spirits to shine through. The result is a cola that is rich and complex in flavor, with the perfect level of sweetness to complement and elevate rums from the finest distilleries. Rich, rounded and balanced with citrus upfront and complex spice to finish. Distillers Cola is made from eleven carefully chosen and blended ingredients including Caribbean kola nuts, Mexican limes and a selection of distilled botanicals and spices including Jamaican pimento berry and Madagascan vanilla. The majority of the global supply of kola nuts comes from West Africa. Typically, they are grown in cultivated environments for higher yields and as a result, often are exposed to pesticides in the soil. Fever-Tree has carefully selected our Kola nuts from Jamaica which are grown in the wild and benefit from the fertile soil of Jamaica’s rich land. The nut’s aroma is sweet and rose-like with a bitter taste that does get sweeter on chewing the nuts. They add a natural source of caffeine into the liquid along with a subtle bitter note that sits under & balances out the sweetness & spice. Mexico grows some of the very best citrus fruits. They source our Tahiti limes from groves on the opposing Caribbean and Pacific coasts to ensure the liquid we source is from top-quality, well-ripened fruit the year-round. Pimento is known as “allspice” because the taste and aroma of the berry resembles a mixture of four other well-known spices - cloves, nutmeg, cinnamon and pepper, adding a fantastic spice to their mixers. Fever-Tree sources their Pimento berry from Jamaica where they are grown in the wild or on small holdings. Jamaica is globally renowned for having very fertile soil and for producing the best quality pimento oil in the world. True Madagascan vanilla is a difficult thing to grow but the rewards are bountiful. Its taste and aroma are so highly prized it is now worth more than its weight in silver. Vanilla is not native to the island of Madagascar. Despite its unrivaled breadth of biodiversity, there is no native fauna to pollenate the vanilla flowers; instead, local farmers painstakingly hand-pollenate each flower. The rigorous approach they take to their vanilla cultivation results an intensely sweet and warming burst of flavor. https://fever-tree.com/
