Rum in the News Image Title.
CASTLE BRANDS
Castle Brands Inc., a developer and international marketer of premium and super-premium drinks brands, announced preliminary, unaudited financial results for the fiscal year ending March 31, 2019. Ten years of strong growth in the Goslings Rum and Jefferson’s brands drove expected record net sales of approximately $95.8 million in fiscal 2019, an increase of 7% over net sales of $89.9 million in fiscal 2018. Net sales for the fourth quarter of fiscal 2019 are expected to be approximately $26.9 million, an increase of 12% from the prior-year period. Goslings Rum U.S. Case sales grew 5.5% in the fiscal year as compared to the prior fiscal year. Gosling’s rum is one of the top-ten premium imported rum brands in America, and, as with Jefferson’s, it is the only brand in that group not owned by a major spirits company. Goslings Stormy Ginger Beer has continued its record of delivering strong growth over the 10 years it has been in existence. Sales and points of distribution continued to grow across all distribution channels in the US, including grocery stores, club stores, liquor stores, national account chains, bars, and restaurants. “We are proud of Castle Brand’s case sales performance in the fiscal year ended March 31, 2019. We believe that it is unique for a small independent spirits and premium beverage company to have several brands that are either leading or outpacing the growth of their respective categories,” stated Richard J. Lampen, President and Chief Executive Officer of Castle Brands. https://castlebrandsinc.com/
BAYOU RUM
Louisiana Spirits Distillery recently introduced two new rum blends. Bayou XO Mardi Gras is aged for up to 6 years in bourbon barrels, and Bayou Single Barrel is aged 2.5 years in the rye barrels. The varieties are the latest to join the distillery’s lineup of unique Louisiana rum offerings. Bayou Rum is made from molasses from locally grown sugarcane from the oldest family-owned and operated sugar mill in the United States. Every batch of Bayou Rum is distilled in copper pot stills, aged mostly in Bourbon casks under a solera system and bottled in house. Bayou Rum also recently celebrated the grand opening of the its new coffee shop, Café du Bayou, located just outside the distillery in a renovated farmhouse that was built in 1903. They will soon celebrate yet another grand opening with the addition of a new barrel house and event center. https://bayourum.com
ST. LUCIA TOURISM MINISTER'S CHALLENGE
Caribbean rum producers have been challenged to fully exploit the potential of the regional tourism industry to build their brands. St. Lucia’s Minister of Tourism and Chairman of the Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO), Dominic Fedee, said there was tremendous opportunity for the region’s two preeminent brands – tourism and rum. Rum producers from the Caribbean Community, the Dominican Republic, and members of the West Indies Rum & Spirits Producers Association (WIRSPA) met in St. Lucia on May 6 and May 7 for their biannual directors’ and annual general meetings. During the meetings, head of the Guyana conglomerate Demerara Distillers, Mr. Komal Samaroo, was re-elected chairman of the grouping. Issuing his clarion call at a tasting of Authentic Caribbean Rums, Minister Fedee lamented the low profile given to the iconic rum brands being produced in the region. Fedee said: “As a people we need to be prouder of our indigenous world class brands. Many persons aspire to foreign brands, while consumers in those self-same countries crave our products. With some 40 million visitors coming to our countries each year, we have a unique opportunity for them to sample and purchase our products, whether it be on board ship, in our resorts, or in our community tourism initiatives.” Responding to the call, Samaroo said: “The potential to improve the visitor package and to increase exposure of our high-quality premium brands through leveraging our 300-plus years of rum history and heritage are well appreciated, and an opportunity our producers are actively addressing.”
Margaret Monplaisir, managing director of St. Lucia Distillers, said: “Visitors are an increasingly important part of our business model. We are currently planning a major investment in a new visitor facility that will expose the best of St. Lucia and of course the best of our rums.” The investment, she explained, “Is a substantial one and when completed, will be among St. Lucia’s premier visitor attractions. http://www. wirspa.com https://www.onecaribbean.org/
SAILOR JERRY
Sailor Jerry Spiced Rum continues its support of our nation’s servicemen and women, past and present, by partnering with the United Service Organizations (USO). This year, Sailor Jerry and Anchor Media are donating $100,000 to the USO to support programs that help keep our nation’s heroes connected to family, home and country, throughout their service to the nation. Sailor Jerry has contributed a total of $750,000 to support the USO and other military organizations over the past six years. In tandem with this year’s partnership, Sailor Jerry released a limited-edition commemorative bottle in may in honor of military appreciation month.
The USO partnership reflects a special passion point for Sailor Jerry Spiced Rum, which was created to honor the late tattoo master, Norman “Sailor Jerry” Collins. Blended and bottled in America, Sailor Jerry exemplifies his spirit and dedication in crafting the rum. “It’s an honor to expand our USO partnership, given the fact that Norman ‘Sailor Jerry’ Collins was greatly influenced by his time serving our country,” shared Ashley Thomas, Sailor Jerry Spiced Rum Brand Ambassador. “With the launch of the new, limited-edition bottle wrap, we are proud to celebrate our patriotism, as well as honor the dedicated service of the troops and Norman himself.” For more than 78 years, the USO has been the nation’s leading organization to serve the women and men in the U.S. Military, and their families. From the moment they join, through their assignments and deployments, and as they transition back to their communities, the USO is always by their side as a Force Behind the Forces®. https://sailorjerry.com/en/uso/
HOXTON SPIRITS
London-based Hoxton Spirits has added a Banana Rum to its growing portfolio. The launch of the new rum marks the next bold step in the evolution of the brand, and presents the first in a range of spirits outside the gin category. Inspired by island living, the spirit is a blend of authentic column still and pot still rums from Barbados, Dominican Republic and Nicaragua, which have been aged from between three and eight years. An extensive process is used to create the flavor, which involves fresh and dried banana being macerated for five weeks with the hand-selected Caribbean rums. On the nose, there is a “distinct molasses rum character, backed up by gentle banana”, while on the palate, the banana comes very much to the fore and lingers on the finish with a “smooth, just off-dry tropical fruit and spirit note”. The rum is made from 100% natural ingredients, with no artificial colors or flavors added in the process. https://www.hoxtonspirits.com
MOUNT GAY
Mount Gay, the makers of the world’s oldest rum, is supporting Oceana, the largest international organization dedicated solely to ocean conservation, with the launch of More Taste, Less Waste, a collaborative Mount Gay Rum - Oceana campaign that promotes the reduction of single-use plastics. Committed to lessening the impact of plastics while enjoying the ultra-premium rum, Mount Gay and Oceana are encouraging customers to take a pledge to reduce their own use of single-use plastics and to join Oceana in working to help reduce plastics and their impact on the oceans. To further this commitment and reduce its own company footprint, Mount Gay is ensuring everyone is ‘equipped to sip’ with the launch of reusable products at designated accounts and events. At select waterfront accounts, Mount Gay customers can show their digital pledge to a Mount Gay representative and receive limited- edition reusable drinkware and accessories. “Mount Gay has a deep appreciation for the environment, from the ingredients used to create our high-end rums derived from the terroir of Barbados to the brand’s longstanding connection to the sea and sailing community,” said Dorothee Heriard Dubreuil, brand director of Mount Gay. “In partnership with a like-minded brand, Oceana, and through the More Taste, Less Waste pledge, we are proactively implementing initiatives to help further reduce our footprint and promote social responsibility while still enjoying Mount Gay cocktails with friends and family across America.” Shelley Brown, education director, Sailors for the Sea Powered by Oceana notes: “We’re grateful for Mount Gay’s support of Oceana. Through our policy campaigns and by building a community of eco-conscious boaters who are taking action such as eliminating single-use plastics on their boats as part of our Green Boating initiative via Sailors for the Sea, we are committed to efforts towards reducing plastic pollution. We believe this partnership will resonate with people eager to help Oceana win victories for our oceans.” Over the last year, Mount Gay USA has made a robust effort to reduce their environmental impact by moving to compostable cups for all sampling and regatta events, initiating a local skip the straw program and encouraging the use and reuse of the red Mount Gay thermos cups. The More Taste, Less Waste campaign will continue the brand’s effort to become more environmentally responsible through the support of Oceana, and is encouraging clients to do the same. https://www.mountgayrum.com/ https://oceana.org/
RHUM JM
SPIRIBAM Fine Rum Specialists recently announced the upcoming release of a 110-proof expression of its Rhum J.M White Rhum Agricole. The new product, Rhum J.M 110 Proof, will satiate a demand lead by a popular surge in premium craft and high-proof spirits. Since 1845, Rhum J.M has been regarded as one of the Caribbean’s most prestigious rum distilleries. The brand’s line of expressions is renowned by some of the finest cocktail bars in the world, and are used as a core ingredient to some of the world’s most innovative cocktails. This 110 Proof expression will be bottled in liters, additionally offering many advantages for buyers, and will be complimentary to Rhum J.M’s already established line of white rhum which include: Rhum J.M 80 Proof and Rhum J.M 100 Proof. “This is a long-awaited moment for the us rum market. Not only is Rhum J.M a gorgeous and beloved rhum amongst the bartending community – but this release fills a void in the over-proof Martinique Rhum Agricole category that is already being welcomed with open arms” explains Kiowa Bryan, marketing director of SPIRIBAM, the brand’s U.S. importer. Produced at the foot of Martinique’s volcanic Mount Pelée, consumers can expect the typical Rhum J.M notes of ripe tropical fruit accompanied by a heavy minerality and touch of salinity. Rhum J.M 110 proof couldn’t be more perfect for the traditional Martinique cocktail, the ti’punch or if you’re looking for something lighter, an Agricole & tonic will cool you off on a hot summer day. http://www.rhumjmusa.com
WEST INDIES RHUM & SPIRITS PRODUCERS ASSOCIATION
Caribbean rum brands, members of the regional grouping WIRSPA, have appointed a Community envoy to further support their efforts to promote the industry globally and in keeping with the increasing influence of social media on consumer behavior. Matt Pietrek, more familiarly known online as the ‘Cocktail Wonk’ will complement the work of the grouping to raise the profile of Caribbean rum in the new social media space as the industry seeks to extend its reach to educate and engage a wider audience. He will work with producers to expose the history, heritage and quality of Authentic Caribbean Rums, and raise awareness of WIRSPA's mission and programs, best practice sharing between large and small producers and its advocacy for authentic rum origin. The versatility of rum and its tremendous heritage is attracting much attention internationally. No more so than in the digital world where social media has provided a platform for active groups of enthusiasts who are thirsty for knowledge and facts about authentic rum. As a grouping first formed in the 1960’s, WIRSPA – the West Indies Rum & Spirits Producers Association – now represents over twenty- five producers in 13 countries ranging from small artisanal producers to larger distillers who make some of the region’s iconic brands.
Chairman of WIRSPA, Komal Samaroo, head of the Guyana rum brand El Dorado, welcomed the appointment, “We are very pleased that Matt Pietrek, a well-known and trusted voice for true rum, has agreed to carry our message of authenticity and provenance.” He added, “We are a group of countries which has been making rum for over 300 years, with a shared philosophy of true origin, common regulation and deep roots in the communities in which we operate.”
According to Vaughn Renwick, Chief Executive of WIRSPA, “Matt is a well-respected and objective expert in the world of rum and brings to our collaboration a passion for this diverse spirit and an analytical rigor which will help us to expose the great stories and tremendous heritage of our member brands, producers of Authentic Caribbean Rum.” Matt Pietrek said, “I’m honored to have been entrusted with the role of Community Envoy for WIRSPA and its member brands. Theirs is a heritage rich with tradition and diversity, connected by a common thread of history. It’s a great story and one which I’m very happy to help tell.”
MINIMALIST TIKI: A COCKTAIL WONK LOOK AT LIBATIONS AND THE MODERN TIKI VANGUARD
The other big news from Mr. Pietrek is the publication of his new book next month, Minimalist Tiki: A Cocktail Wonk Look at Classic Libations and The Modern Tiki Vanguard. In Matt’s words, “Minimalist Tiki is a hefty, no-compromises book—hardcover and in full, glorious color, with more than 300 pages of geeking out, photos and recipes. It weighs over 3 pounds! We hope it will sit proudly alongside the books that inspired it. In case you’re wondering, this book is self-published and entirely self-funded. Our small yet amazing team did everything except running the actual printing press—and Mrs. Wonk and I will handle all the order fulfillment. So, while you won’t find Minimalist Tiki for 55% off the cover price on Amazon with free Prime shipping, know that every copy sold means so much more to us.” The book will be divided into four section: Minimalist Tiki, Beyond Minimalist Tiki, The Rums of Tiki and Movers & (Cocktail) Shakers. I will give a full review in the August issue of Got Rum. Preorders are being taken now at https://minimalisttiki.com
COCA-COLA CRAFT LINE of SIGNATURE MIXERS
Coca-Cola Great Britain will introduce the Craft Line of Signature Mixers this month. The unique yet familiar flavor of Coca-Cola has cemented its status as one of the world’s most beloved mixers. Now, with dark spirits making a comeback and the cocktail culture hotter than ever, Coca-Cola is teaming up with some of the world’s most innovative mixologists to craft a line of mixers. Coca-Cola Signature Mixers will be sold exclusively in the U.K. in sleek Hutchinson glass bottles – a nod to the silhouette of the first-ever Coca-Cola bottle from 1894. Each batch is stamped with the signature of its co-creator. Coca-Cola Great Britain challenged a handful of the world’s leading bartenders to experiment with Coca-Cola and more than 200 contemporary and traditional ingredients. Last spring, several mixologists attended a Coke- curated workshop, where they created different recipes designed to pair with premium dark spirits. These four varieties bubbled to the top in consumer taste tests:
• Coca-Cola Signature Mixers Smoky Notes, by Max Venning: An intensely aromatic blend with smoky hints, this mix brings nuanced dimension to deep, spiced rums and bold, premium whiskies. Ylang, ambrette seed and dried fruit, which inhabit the top layer, balance with an elegant base of warm brown spices, Peru Balsam and amber.
• Coca-Cola Signature Mixers Spicy Notes, by Adriana Chía and Pippa Guy: With a warm introduction that gives way to a fiery finish, this signature mixer boasts a sophisticated and complex blend. Citrusy lime, ginger, spicy jalapeño, fragrant rosemary and aromatic jasmine combine to create a mixer with a considered balance of zest and earthy flavors that pairs beautifully with spiced rums, aged/ gold tequilas and spicy or sweet whiskies.
• Coca-Cola Signature Mixers Herbal Notes, by Antonio Naranjo: A delightfully floral, crisp and tart mix, this signature mixer was developed to deliver fresh and herbaceous notes for discerning palates. Balancing refreshing notes of lemongrass with the earthy tones of dill seed and tagetes, this inviting mixer features a refreshing, simple profile that pairs beautifully with amber whiskies and most rums.
• Coca-Cola Signature Mixers Woody Notes by Alex Lawrence: Crafted from a subtle blend of earthy patchouli, citrusy yuzu and aromatic basil, this signature mixer has a tart, light and refreshing profile, with a hint of warmth. These elements, expertly blended, combine to elegantly enhance the mellow wood and sweet tropical flavors of golden rums and smoky to woody whiskies.
Coca-Cola has always had a synergy with dark spirits and classic cocktails, from the inception of the iconic Cuba Libre in the late 1900s to the popular whiskey and Coke in the early 20th century,” said Ana Amura, senior brand manager, Coca-Cola Great Britain. “With the rise of mixed drinks, we’re excited to announce the launch of Coca-Cola Signature Mixers, a specific range uniquely created to mix with dark spirits.” She added, “Working with an inspirational group of global mixologists to create amazing flavor combinations, we hope Coca-Cola Signature Mixers open up the world of mixology to an even wider audience.” https://www.coca-colacompany.com
