Rum in the News
KOLOA RUM COMPANY FILES FEDERAL LAWSUIT
The Pacific Legal Foundation reported that the Kōloa Rum Company, a leading distillery on the Hawaiian island of Kauai, is challenging a century-old federal shipping law that inflates costs, stifles competition, and severely disadvantages American businesses in Hawaii and Alaska. Kōloa Rum Company has filed a federal lawsuit arguing that the Jones Act is unconstitutional under the Port Preference Clause, a largely overlooked provision of the Constitution that prohibits Congress from favoring the ports of one state over those of another, ensuring equal treatment in interstate commerce. “Hawaii and Alaska are forced to pay billions in extra costs because of a shipping law that Congress had no constitutional authority to create,” said Joshua Thompson, senior attorney at Pacific Legal Foundation. “The Port Preference Clause was designed to prevent this exact type of economic discrimination.” Enacted in 1920, before Hawaii and Alaska were states, the Jones Act requires that all shipping between U.S. ports be conducted on vessels built, owned, and crewed by U.S. citizens. While originally intended to bolster domestic shipbuilding, the law has had the opposite effect, shrinking the American shipping fleet while severely harming citizens and businesses in Hawaii and Alaska. “The Jones Act doesn’t just hurt our business, it hurts all Hawaii residents,” said Bob Gunter, CEO of Kōloa Rum Company. “We pay more for everything we import, from bottles to packaging, just like all families across the state. And then we are hit a second time, paying exorbitant costs for exporting our rum to our fellow Americans. This lawsuit is about ending an unfair, outdated law that discriminates against the citizens of Hawaii and Alaska.” The Constitution requires the ports of each state be treated equally. However, by mandating that shipping between American ports must be only on American-flagged ships, the Jones Act puts the non-contiguous states at a severe and unconstitutional disadvantage. It restricts competition, limits economic opportunity, and drives up costs. American laws should work to the benefit of American businesses, but the Jones Act puts American business at a severe disadvantage on the world stage. The Constitution demands that Kōloa Rum Company have an equal opportunity to compete in the market.
https://koloarum.com/, https://pacificlegal.org/
SANTA TERESA
Venezuelan rum brand Santa Teresa has refreshed its 1769 packaging with bigger print and blue highlights. This new look pays homage to the brand’s deep-rooted heritage while embracing a modern aesthetic that reflects its commitment to innovation and craftsmanship. A redesigned canister emphasizes Santa Teresa’s solera process. The bottle itself displays an updated logo, the brand name shown in blue instead of gold, while the numbers ‘1796’ are more pronounced. https://www.santateresarum.com/
MAISON ISAUTIER, LA MAISON & VELIER and PM SPIRITS
6,000 miles from mainland France is the small volcanic island of Réunion, a French overseas territory in the Indian Ocean. Closer to Madagascar than Marseille, Réunion is home to the incredible Maison Isautier distillery, founded in 1845 by two French explorers. 180 years later, the family-owned operation is currently run by their seventh-generation descendant, Cyril Isautier. In 2022, La Maison & Velier and Isautier collaborated on two very special releases, two rums aged for the same amount of time, one distilled from molasses and the other from fresh sugarcane juice. Each spent 16 years in lightly toasted, fine-grained French oak barrels before being bottled at a robust ABV without any adulteration. As most distilleries produce rum only from molasses or only from fresh cane juice, it is rare to have the opportunity to taste two rums distilled and aged the same way but from different raw materials. Distilled in 2006, and bottled at 59% abv, the Isautier Sugarcane Rum is an incredible example of well-aged agriciole-style rum. It is delicate and lively despite spending 16 years aging in the tropical environment of Réunion. Also distilled in 2006 and aged for 16 years, the Isautier Molasses Rum is bottled at 57% abv. Maison Isautier’s practice of moving their rums from new oak to used oak after a few months shines here, as the complexity of the distillate itself is on display rather than being overpowered by oak. Beginning in January of 2025, PM Spirits became the exclusive US importer of the La Maison & Velier portfolio. Also coming to the United States from Velier and PM Spirits is Papalin Jamaica High Ester, a blend of three Jamaican rums: Worthy Park WPL, Long Pond STCE, and Hampden C<>H. Distilled entirely in pot stills and aged for 5 years in the tropical climate of Jamaica, it has been bottled at a robust 57% ABV. These are indeed high ester rums: The Worthy Park WPL that has an ester range of 60-119 gr/hlPA; the Long Pond STCE has an ester rate of 550 to 700 gr/hlPA; and the Hampden C<>H with an ester content of 1,300-1,400 gr/hlPA.
https://www.isautier.com/en/, https://www.lmvusa.com/, https://www.pmspirits.com/
DEMERARA DISTILLERS LIMITED
Demerara Distillers Limited (DDL), has significantly upgraded its aging capacity with the construction of a new barrel aging warehouse, Warehouse N, at its Plantation Diamond, East Bank Demerara facility. Designed to accommodate 30,000 barrels, the new warehouse brings DDL’s total aging and storage capacity to 130,000 barrels. This expansion supports the company’s ability to meet rising international demand for aged Demerara Rums while preserving the signature quality and rich flavors that define Demerara Rums. Constructed at a cost of GYD 730 million, Warehouse N represents a significant investment in the company’s future. During a recent walk through by the Board of Directors, Komal Samaroo, Chairman of DDL, highlighted the importance of this milestone: “As the demand for premium aged rums continues to grow, this new facility ensures that we can continue to deliver our award-winning rums while upholding the rich heritage and craft that have made Demerara Rums a household name for rum connoisseurs globally. The warehouse represents another milestone in our journey to solidify Guyana’s position as a leader in the aged rum industry.” With increased storage capacity and improved efficiency, the new facility will support the long-term aging process, ensuring that every bottle of Demerara rum delivers the rich, signature flavors that rum enthusiasts worldwide have come to love. Demerara Distillers Limited is the only remaining distillery in Guyana and prides itself on the preservation of over 300 years of distilling history.
www.demeraradistillers.com
RUM COVER OVER
Last month, Congresswoman Plaskett (D-VI-AL) and her Republican colleague, Congressman Ron Estes (R-KS-4), introduced bipartisan legislation to increase the ‘Rum Cover Over’ which is the amount of money transferred to the U.S. Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico from the rebate of federal excise taxes on distilled spirits produced in or imported into the rest of the United States from the two U.S. territories. The ‘Rum Cover Over’ is one of the primary funding sources to promote economic development and create jobs in Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. After Hurricanes Irma and Maria, thanks to Congresswoman Plaskett’s and former Congresswoman Jenniffer González-Colón’s advocacy, Congress passed a 5-year increase of the cover over to $13.25, from $10.50, in the Bipartisan Budget Act of 2018 (P.L. 115-123), which is the public law that gave the Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico the unprecedented funding to rebuild the territories. The temporary increase expired in December of 2021. The legislation being introduced by Congressman Estes and co-led by Congresswoman Plaskett will increase the cover over rate to $13.25 until 2032, and the additional funds for the $13.25 rate will be given retroactively to the Virgin Islands Government. “The ‘Cover Over’ has been a fundamental part of the tax relationship between the United States and its territories going back over a century,” said Congresswoman Plaskett. “These funds, which represent nearly 25% of the Virgin Islands Government’s annual budget, are critical for stabilizing the government employees’ pension program, supporting infrastructure projects, and attracting investments to diversify the economy beyond tourism. I am thankful to my colleague, Congressman Ron Estes (R-KS), for co-leading this vital legislation that supports the Virgin Islands economy and our constituents.” USVI Governor Albert Bryan. Jr. said “The ‘Rum Cover Over’ program is a crucial source of revenue that supports essential government services and economic stability in the Virgin Islands,” Governor Bryan said. “Ensuring the continuation of this funding at the higher rate is a top priority for my administration, and I look forward to working with our federal partners to see it through.”
https://plaskett.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=4583
BACARDI
Bacardi is changing the lives of young adults in Glasgow who are taking part in its free bartender training program, Shake Your Future. The 12 Shake Your Future students, who are all from the local area, took part in the 12-week course which culminated last month when they faced their toughest test as they took over the bar service at the annual Glasgow Bartenders Ball at Saint Luke’s on Bain Street, Glasgow. The Shake Your Future program gives the skills necessary for not just a job but a life-long career in hospitality. The program is being run by the team from Bacardi together with some of the most respected and talented members of the Scottish bar industry, who are giving expert advice on everything from how to make the perfect BACARDÍ Mojito to delivering first-class service in a busy bar. Liam Grogan, Head Bartender of The Absent Ear on Brunswick Street, Glasgow said “I want to inspire these young people to join the industry that I love but I want them to walk into their first bar with their eyes open. A life in the hospitality industry is not a walk in the park, it’s hard work but it is rewarding work. I would not be where I am today without the support and inspiration of others along the way. By supporting Bacardi and its Shake Your Future initiative I can do the same for these students as they set out on their own personal journeys into the world of mixology.” Since its launch in Paris in 2018, Shake Your Future has been repeated in countries across Europe, as well as South Africa and India, and has helped find employment for hundreds of Shake Your Future graduates who are now enjoying a new life behind the bar.
https://www.bacardilimited.com/
THE WINE & SPIRITS WHOLESALERS OF AMERICA
As the only national membership organization of wine and spirits distributors, WSWA advocates on federal, state, regulatory, and legal issues impacting distributors and the beverage alcohol industry. At its 2025 Wine & Spirits Tasting Competition (WSTC), the three rums that made the final round were not the usual suspects. Botran 8 Reserva Clásica Rum, won the Best of Show Extra Aged Rum and Best of Show Overall Rum.; Funk Harbor No. 1 Rum was the top-rated Dark/Gold rum and Red Eye Louie’s Immoral Spiced Rum was the Best in Show Flavored Rum. Here is how Forbes Magazine described these rums:
- Botran 8 Reserva Rum Clásica is produced in Guatemala by the Botran family, whose rum-making history dates back to 1939. The Botran rum distillery is in Guatemala’s Highlands and is the same distillery that produces the Zacapa line of rums. It is bottled at 40% ABV.
- Funk Harbor No. 1 Rum Is produced by Funk Harbor Distilling, a relatively new Jamaican craft distillery focusing on small-batch rums with a modern twist on traditional recipes. The distillery prides itself on creating high-quality rum using locally sourced ingredients and incorporating unique aging processes.
- Red Eye Louie’s Immoral Spiced Rum uses a blend of aged rum and a variety of natural spices to create a rum with a flavorful and complex profile. This distillery focuses on producing high-quality spirit blends with bold, distinct flavors.
Shipwreck Rum from St. Kitts also won Gold Medals for three of its rums, Shipwreck Mango, Shipwreck Coffee and Shipwreck Coconut Cream.
https://www.wswa.org/
https://botranrum.com/
https://funkharborspirits.com/
https://redeyelouies.com/
https://shipwreckrum.com/
RHUM SAINT JAMES
The range of the Saint James distillery continues to grow year after year. It is the power of an extra old AOC Martinique agricultural rum to enrich their collection. Saint James Single Cask 2003 is a testament to the expertise of the Martinique distillery, exploiting a dry vintage to produce a rum with powerful and structured aromas. Aged for 18 years in 200-litre American oak barrels, without topping up or reduction, it embodies the richness of authentic tropical maturation. Bottled after more than two years of resting in vats, this rum retains a unique complexity. Only 12 casks were selected, resulting in a limited-edition of 1750 numbered pieces. With a degree of 42.3%, it stands out for its finesse and depth, ideal for lovers of exceptional spirits. Paris-based agency Blazon / Crossdesign designed the packaging. The brand’s iconic rectangular bottle (Glaswerk Ernstthal) is engraved on the facing with the brand name. A wraparound label (NS Etiquettes) printed on textured paper from Fedrigoni adorns the bottle. Embellished with touches of hot stamping, it features illustrations of barrels and sugarcane, while a cask hot-stamped in gold is meant to highlight the rum’s Single Cask nature. The year stands out in bright red lettering. A wood-effect coffret, the coffret (DLcom) combines a structure in FSC-certified MDF, 100% recycled greyboard, oak veneer and paper printed with a wood-like motif. Satin-finish selective varnish highlights the matt surface of wood veins while touches of hot stamping embellish the pack. A cut-out door mimicking the silhouette of the bottle opens to reveal the rum placed at the center of an illustration of the Saint James estate in Martinique.
https://rhum-saintjames.com/en/
BLACK TEARS RUM and AXELINA CORPORATE FINANCE
The Island Rum Co, owner of Island Rum Brands and Cuban rum brands Black Tears and La Progresiva, has successfully closed a private investment round in partnership with a Swedish advisory firm Axelina Corporate Finance. “The Island Rum Co is on an incredibly exciting journey, combining rich Cuban heritage with a strong international growth strategy,” commented founder & CEO of Axelina Corporate Finance Andreas Lindström. “From the very beginning, we saw a unique opportunity in their vision and quality-driven approach, which resonated well with international investors. It has been a privilege to support the team in securing the right partners for their expansion.” Axelina Corporate Finance aims to become the leading advisor in the Nordic region within private markets, with a particular focus on capital raises, valuation and M&A. ““This investment round comes at a time when our global expansion and growth ambitions are starting to come to life,” stated Henrik Björck, chairman of the board of The Island Rum Co. “We are pleased with the cooperation with our partners and friends at Axelina, and both our international and Cuban teams have strong commercial and marketing plans for 2025 and beyond, supported by this new financial backing. The next round is opening now, with the aim to close in April.” The Island Rum Co was established in 2012 in Norway with the aim to create the first spiced Cuban rum, Black Tears. Several years later, in 2019, via its trading subsidiary Island Rum Brands, the joint venture was created with Zerus, commercial arm of Azcuba, Cuba’s state-owned sugar company. The second rum brand, La Progresiva, was added to the portfolio in 2021, a classic aged sipping Cuban rum. Both brands are now available in 45 markets internationally, while in Cuba, the home market, Black Tears is the third largest premium rum brand, the choice of a younger generation of consumers.
https://www.blacktears.com/, https://axelina.eu/
HAVANA CLUB
In 2016, Havana Club created the Tributo Collection to honor Cuba’s heritage and rum culture. The 2025 release takes fine Havana Club Rum and finished it in Redbreast Single Pot Still Irish whiskey casks from the Midleton Distillery in Cork, Ireland. Asbel Morales, Maestro del Ron Cubano and the curator of the Tributo collection, said: “Tributo 2025 is a celebration of Havana Club’s pioneering approach to successive ageing and blending, an art we have perfected over generations of Maestros del Ron Cubano, redefining the art of Cuban rum-making. 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.” Havana Club Tributo 2025 is bottled at cask strength of 43% ABV and presented in an FSC-certified luxury gift box accentuated by rich burgundy and copper accents. Havana Club Tributo 2025 is limited to just 2,967 individually numbered bottles and will be available in over 20 international markets beginning in April.
https://havana-club.com/en/
NOVO FOGO
Novo Fogo is proud of the contributions they made in 2024 to the environment and their communities. These are some of the highlights:
- The Un-Endangered Forest is their project to restore 51 species of rare Brazilian Trees in the Atlantic Forest. In 2024 the project grew even more resilient as they distributed 1,940 endangered trees to their planter’s network that numbers 141 properties across 2 Brazilian states. Since they started the Un-Endangered Forest project, they have collected 38,865 seeds from mother trees, with a total of 5,635 trees planted.
- Singer Sofi Tucker, Novo Fogo’s co-owners and global brand ambassadors, brought their 2025 BREAD Tour (Be Really Energetic and Dance) to North America with electrifying energy. They turned music into environmental action, contributing $70,000 to the Un-Endangered Forest project through ticket sales.
- Team Novo Fogo joined Sophi Tucker’s tour, hosting “Cocktails on the Bread Tour,” a series of pre-funks and afterparties that turned 11 bars across the country into vibrant jungle disco celebrations. A portion of every drink sold at the parties along the tour went to the North Carolina Hospitality Workers Relief Fund, raising over $1,700 to support the hospitality community most affected by Hurricane Helene.
- In 2024 they joined 1% For the Planet to dedicate 1% of Novo Fogo revenues to fuel the Un-Endangered Forest project and now other 1% FTP members can fuel it too.
They feel this is just the beginning, as 2025 is already shaping up to be another incredible year.
https://novofogo.com/
