Rum in the News
RUMS OF PUERTO RICO
Puerto Rico has taken a bold step forward in the evolution of its iconic rum industry with the launch of six new artisanal brands in the U.S. market. This unprecedented expansion of the Rums of Puerto Rico portfolio not only strengthens the island’s position as the Rum Capital of the World, but also showcases its ability to innovate, diversify, and further elevate the global standard of quality and authenticity that defines Puerto Rican rum. Backed by the Department of Economic Development and Commerce (DDEC), this initiative is rooted in a centuries-old tradition of excellence. From world-renowned producers to emerging craft distilleries, Puerto Rican rum has earned its reputation through purity, complexity, and meticulous production. That legacy is now enriched with the addition of Artesano Rum, Boricua Rum, Caray Rum, Ron Pepon, Tres Clavos Rum, and Trigo Reserva Añeja Rum, a new generation of labels that blend passion, technique, and distinctive character. These emerging distillers represent the island’s expanding network of 11 rum distilleries, which produce more than 80 rum expressions, showcasing the diversity and expertise of Puerto Rican rum makers.
Sebastián Negrón-Reichard, Secretary of the Department of Economic Development and Commerce of Puerto Rico, emphasized that his office is committed to promoting all rum-related enterprises across the island, from small-batch distilleries to global powerhouses. “Puerto Rico’s rum industry is a pillar of our economy and culture. Our support extends across the board, from the largest producers like Bacardí, Don Q, and Caribbean Distillers, to the new wave of artisanal innovators. We are proud to showcase our heritage and quality to the world, and our goal is clear: make Puerto Rican rum the global standard.”
https://www.rumcapital.pr.gov/home
BACARDI
Last month, BACARDÍ® rum brought a taste of Puerto Rican culture to the heart of New York City with La Placita de BACARDÍ, an immersive celebration inspired by San Juan’s legendary La Placita de Santurce. As Puerto Rico and Latin Caribbean culture continues to inspire pop culture globally, BACARDÍ is proud to shine a light on the island, where its rum is crafted at the world’s largest premium rum distillery, CASA BACARDÍ, in Cataño. La Placita de BACARDÍ highlighted Puerto Rico’s vibrant music, food, and fashion. Serving as the backdrop for the debut of BACARDÍ x TIER “Rooted in Rhythm” limited-edition capsule collection, La Placita de BACARDÍ channeled the contagious energy of the Caribbean with a lively open-air marketplace, island-inspired cocktails, and a dance fueled celebration. Drawing on BACARDÍ’s deep ties to music and its “Do What Moves You” ethos, the collection and its name celebrate the rhythms that have shaped the BACARDÍ legacy and the spirit of Puerto Rico. In partnership with Brooklyn-based streetwear brand TIER and custom artwork by acclaimed Cuban Bahamian, Miami-based artist Reyna Noriega, the three-piece collection, featuring a hat, t-shirt and crewneck, is a tribute to the shared Latin Caribbean heritage. “We wanted this collaboration to be meaningful and authentic,” expressed Nigeria Ealey, Founder and Creative Director of TIER. “By bringing Reyna’s artistic lens into the mix, we were able to create pieces that not only celebrate Latin Caribbean heritage, but also told a deep story about identity, movement and creative expression.” “As a Cuban and Bahamian artist, it means so much to me to partner with a brand with such a rich history in the Caribbean like BACARDÍ. My art celebrates the vibrancy, the flavor, the movement of our cultures, and it was an honor to bring that to this partnership. The ultimate goal is to foster a feeling of celebration, connectivity, and music, something that we all share across the Caribbean diaspora.” “Our brand DNA is deeply rooted in the Caribbean’s vibrant culture, and bringing La Placita to New York, alongside this exciting collaboration, is a meaningful way for us to honor and celebrate Puerto Rico’s rich cultural influence, especially as the island continues to shine on the global stage” said Lisa Pfenning, BACARDÍ’s Vice President of North America.
www.BACARDÍ.com
HAVANA CLUB
Havana Club Rum reaffirmed its seal of excellence and Cuban identity at the 20th edition of the ExpoCaribe 2025 International Fair. Havana Club International explained in a press release that the event held last month, hosted the presentation of a renewed image of Havana Club Don Navarro, as part of the Havana Club Iconic Collection. The product’s new image, which pays tribute to Don Jose Pablo Navarro, First Master of Cuban Rum, evokes Cuban identity, its form and traditions, and reinforces the figure of the Giraldilla as a paradigm of strength and resilience, guardian of Cuban culture. Havana Club announced the latest addition to its Icónica Collection, Tributo 2025, which was created in collaboration with Ireland’s Midleton Distillery. Limited to just 2,967 bottles worldwide, the ultra-premium Cuban rum is finished in Redbreast Single Pot Still Irish Whiskey casks. “By finishing this rum in Redbreast whiskey casks, we introduce a new dimension to our craft, uniting the finest Cuban rum and Irish whiskey traditions to create a truly extraordinary expression,” said Asbel Morales, Maestro del Ron Cubano (Cuban rum master), the creative force behind the Tributo series. David McCabe, Midleton Distillery master blender, added: ‘Redbreast and the Maestros del Ron Cubano share a deep respect for traditional knowhow, the transmission of expertise and the relentless pursuit of excellence. This collaboration is a tribute to that shared commitment, bringing together two iconic spirits that honor craftsmanship while pushing the boundaries of flavor exploration.” Tributo 2025 is bottled at 43% ABV.
https://havana-club.com/
WISE MONKEY
Wise Monkey launches the first-ever Mauritian-inspired Rum & Cola ready-to-drink (RTD) cocktail. Keeping up with the trends and consumer demands, the craft Rum brand stepped up their game to offer an experience that’s classic with a twist. The RTD sector had presented a huge opportunity to the spirits industry during the pandemic, with over 3,000 new spirit-based products hitting global shelves. However, with more products came the market leaning towards value-driven offerings. Demand created a need for the products to stand out in the increasingly crowded space, and Wise Monkey achieved that by introducing the first-ever Mauritian Rum & Cola combo in the mainstream market. “Mauritius is an integral part of our Rum’s identity,” said Chel Medrano, Business Developer at Nirvana Works. “Despite the island’s rich distillation heritage, Mauritian rum remains largely untapped in the RTD space. With Wise Monkey Rum & Cola, we’re proud to bring that legacy to the mainstream.” Rum & Cola, or Cuba Libre, remains one of the world’s most iconic cocktails. By packaging it in a can, Wise Monkey brings together familiarity and convenience with a touch of the island’s rich culture.“Whether it’s within the comfort of your home or on-the-go, Wise Monkey’s Rum & Cola brings you convenience in a can that tastes familiar yet nothing less than brilliant. It’s a cocktail you’d want to have over and again.” stated Kaung Htet, Brand Manager of Wise Monkey Rum.
https://wisemonkeyrum.com/
MAINLAND RUM
In 2025, Mainland American Rum Company is set to reinvent the American Rum and Premium rum category as the first ever Independent American Rum bottler. With the same innovative flair that defined earlier ventures, balancing tradition with bold experimentation, Mainland’s founder, Seth Benhaim promises a tantalizing taste of terroir, merging craftsmanship and community. Every barrel in the Mainland lineup will be meticulously barrel-aged and offered at cask strength, proudly produced here in America. From the barrel type to the sugar source, the year distilled to the state of origin, each detail will be boldly displayed on the front label. The first four releases will be:
Louisiana Release – The Heart of the Bayou Deep from southern end of Louisiana, this rum is a testament to the state’s vibrant culture and musical soul. Touched with notes of sweet molasses, toasted nuts, leather and oak, with a whisper of dark fruits. This rum resonates with the rhythm and flavor of the region. Its rich, full-bodied character makes it an ideal companion for lively gatherings and soulful reflections alike. Distilled in Louisiana from molasses and sugarcane, it is bottled at 60.4% ABV.
California Release – Coastal Elegance in a Glass Crafted along California’s coast, this rum captures the state’s vibrant spirit and innovative essence. Distilled with precision, it offers a harmonious blend of bold barrel characteristics and subtle caramel and charred undertones, reflecting the diverse terroir of the region. Its long finish and refined complexity make it a standout choice for those seeking a sophisticated sipping experience. Distilled in California from molasses, it is bottled at 60.9% ABV.
Florida Release – Sunshine in Every Sip Capturing the essence of Florida’s tropical allure, this rum is a bright and invigorating expression of the Sunshine State. With fresh citrus aromas, hints of coconut, and a crisp, clean finish, it evokes images of sandy beaches and ocean breezes. Perfect for refreshing cocktails or enjoying neat, it brings a taste of paradise to any occasion. Distilled in Florida from molasses, it is bottled at 56.8% ABV.
Georgia Release – A Revival of Southern Tradition Emerging from Georgia’s rich agricultural heritage, this rum pays homage to the state’s storied past in sugarcane cultivation. With a robust profile featuring hints of almond, marzipan, and a touch of honey, it embodies the warmth and hospitality synonymous with the South. Each sip is a journey through Georgia’s lush landscapes and time-honored distilling practices. Distilled in Georgia from molasses and sugarcane, it is bottled at 57.9% ABV.The label does not tell which distillery made each rum, but it does give the latitude and longitude coordinates. With the help of Mr. Google, you can figure it out.
https://www.mainlandrum.com/
LA MAISON & VELIER and PM SPIRITS
La Maison & Velier have introduced Hampden 1753, a vibrant 3-year-old rum that pays tribute to the year the distillery was founded. Hampden Estate is famous for its heavy pot still rums produced in the region of Trelawny, Jamaica, considered the grand cru of rum. Hampden 1753 has been crafted using time-honored production methods that have remained unchanged for over 260 years. Embodying the iconic spirit of the distillery, this rum stands as one of the new highlights of the core collection. Hampden 1753 is naturally produced using the methods that have made the distillery legendary: the use of pure spring water drawn from a nearby spring, a long fermentation triggered by natural indigenous yeasts, distillation in double-retort copper pot stills, tropical aging in the distillery’s own warehouse, and no added sugar or coloring. Hampden 1753 boasts a classic high-ester profile but remains accessible and versatile thanks to a 46% abv bottling strength. Aged for over 3 years in ex-bourbon barrels it brilliantly displays the inimitable style of the legendary Jamaican distillery. La Maison & Velier rums are exclusively imported into the United States by PM Spirit.
https://www.lmvusa.com/, https://www.pmspirits.com/
CASALÚ
Casalú, a Miami-based beverage startup that has carved a unique niche in the ready-to-drink (RTD) market by introducing the canned Sparkling Rum serving Latinos. They are pleased to announce the initial close of their seed funding round. “This latest round marks a pivotal moment for Casalú. In our first chapter, we set out to prove one thing: that a modern, culturally rooted brand could resonate with Latino consumers; especially those moving away from beer,” states Gabriel González, Co-CEO of Casalú. “So many new drinks I see feel cynical, copycats that add nothing to drinking culture. What Gabriel Ricardo, and the team at Casalú have built is the opposite. It’s more than a tasty RTD. Casalú is a cultural movement. A brand Latinos can point to and say, ‘Yeah, that’s for me. These are my people. And I’d like something other than a beer, please’” comments Tom Baker, Founder and CEO of Mr. Black (Acquired by Diageo), who joined the investment round. “Simply put, go to your nearest Walmart and check out the RTD shelf. There are 50 brands. Yet, how many of those were built by a Latino team to represent their culture authentically? The answer you’ll find is zero. That’s where we come in”, states Gonzalez. Two initial flavors will be offered: Limón - A homage to a Cuba Libre and Maracuyá, an explosion of tropical notes in a can.
https://www.casalu.com/
CAP & CANE SPIRITS
Cap & Cane Spirits is a collection of small batch rums distilled and bottled in Durham, North Carolina. The journey of their rums starts in Latin American and the Caribbean, where sugarcane is cultivated to be transformed into the rum’s heart and soul. Once in North Carolina, it is then carefully transformed into rum through double pot distillation in two copper pot stills. One of their creations, Cap & Cane Spirits Overproof Rum, was one of three finalists at the 2025 San Francisco World Spirits Competition in the Overproof Rum Category. The two other finalists were Worthy park’s Overproof and Planetary’s OFTD. Cap & Cane Spirits Overproof Rum is crafted from long fermentations of fancy-grade Guatemalan molasses, turbinado, panela, evaporated cane juice, and more, each fermented and distilled separately in both pot and column stills before final blending. Dunder inclusion, high-reflux distillation and Fischer esterification draw out bold esters, delivering layers of tropical fruit, delicate florals, and just the right touch of hogo.
https://www.libertyandplenty.com/cap-and-cane-spirits
RHUM MARTINON
The first creation from the Rhum Martinon house for their Le Jade brand, Or Noir, transcends the world of spirits to elevate itself to the rank of a liquid work of art. Born from two years of passion, perseverance and wonder, this exceptional rum embodies the quest for authenticity and absolute refinement. Made from a 50° AOC Martinique rum from the prestigious Rhums Clément, Or Noir is distinguished by a rare and precious combination: Melanosporum black truffles, organic Tahitian vanilla and homemade cane syrup. With no coloring, flavor enhancer or refined sugar, each drop reveals the nobility and purity of its ingredients. Capturing the ephemeral essence of the Melanosporum black truffle was a masterful challenge. Known for the volatility of its aromas, it resists fixation, forcing us to push the boundaries of expertise. Artificial oils and extracts were discarded to preserve the pure essence of this gastronomic gem. The result is a subtle balance between the woody, umami depth of the truffle, the floral, gourmand elegance of Tahitian vanilla, and the captivating roundness of Martinique rum.
https://www.crhum.fr/
RHUM CLĖMENT
The Spirits Business website recently reported that Rhum Clément has released a new range of agricole rums, which are finished in different casks from around the world. They were aged for four years in American oak barrels, followed by a 10 to 12-month finishing period in casks sourced from around the world. The collection includes rums finished in Hungarian Tokaji dessert wine, smoky French whisky, Port, Armagnac apple brandy, oloroso Sherry from Spain, Japanese sake, and Italian grappa. Created by Julien Thimon, Clément cellar master, and the distillery’s tasting committee, the collection aims to reveal unique organoleptic profiles. Designed for discerning rum enthusiasts and collectors, all seven Martinique rums in the collection are bottled at cask strength, ranging between 55.4%-60% ABV. Rhum Clément Cask Finish Collection will be available in France and international markets from 1 June 2025.
https://www.rhum-clement.com/
