Rum in the News
PLANTERAY
Planteray Rum announced the release of Mister Fogg Navy Rum Sail N°2, a Navy-style rum crafted using the knowledge uncovered after five years of intensive research for The Rum Never Sets - 300 Years of Royal Navy & London Dock Rum, a groundbreaking book co-authored by spirits historian Matt Pietrek and Planteray Rum owner and Master Blender Alexandre Gabriel. At the heart of both the book and the rum are the Seven Pillars of Navy Rum, a framework developed by Gabriel to define the core techniques that gave Navy Rum its identity:
Blending of Rums – Harmonizing multiple Caribbean origins
Double Aging – Maturing in distinct environments for complexity
Use of Used Barrels – Employing seasoned casks to enhance subtlety
Dynamic Aging – Allowing the liquid to evolve in motion at sea
Navy Active Vatting – Resting and marrying rums in large wooden vats
Issuing Proof – Bottling at 55-57% ABV, in line with Navy standards
Burnt Sugar (Browning) – Coloring and balancing flavor with tradition
Mister Fogg Navy Rum Sail N°2 follows in the wake of Sail N°1, released in 2024, and deepens Planteray’s exploration of authentic Navy Rum through historical techniques and creative aging. The rum is first aged in ex-bourbon barrels in the Caribbean, then shipped across the Atlantic for dynamic aging at sea, just as rations once traveled aboard Royal Navy vessels. Upon arrival in southwest France, the blend is matured further in seasoned oak barrels and large open wooden vats near the river L’Antenne, replicating the cool, humid conditions of the London docks where Navy Rum was once finished. The result is a rum with layered complexity, molasses, dark chocolate, vanilla, dried fruits, and warming spices, bottled at 55.7% ABV, the traditional “Navy proof.” While there is no formal definition of navy rum, rum experts usually agree that it is a blend of aged rums from two or more countries. Crafted with meticulous care, Mister Fogg Navy Rum Sail N°2 is comprised of rums from Barbados, the birthplace of rum, Trinidad, Guyana, Mauritius and Jamaica.
www.planterayrum.com
JOHNNY DEPP’S THREE HEARTS RUM
On Dec. 22, Johnny Depp shared a TikTok post packed with pirate memorabilia, weathered trinkets, and familiar nautical flair. Overlaying the video was a simple line that instantly caught fans’ attention: “As it happens… the rum is not gone!” For longtime Pirates of the Caribbean fans, the phrase was an unmistakable callback to Sparrow’s iconic declaration that his rum stash had mysteriously vanished. But this time, the message came with a modern twist. The post wasn’t just a nostalgic nod or alluding to another chapter in the Pirates saga. Instead, it served as an announcement for Depp’s Three Hearts Rum, the premium spirits brand he co-founded. The first edition limited release is “rooted in loyalty and driven by purpose.” The name three hearts is a nod to Depp’s three hearts tattoo. Each heart symbolizes his family: Lily-Rose and Jack, whom he shares with ex, Vanessa Paradis. The website describes Johnny Depp’s Three Hearts Rum as “Guided by his personal taste and creative vision. This first expression is a Caribbean rum, aged five years in ex-bourbon barrels with a hint of Oloroso, then re-casked for two additional years in ex-Cognac barrels, for a total of seven years. https://www.threehearts.com/
CANDELA
Candela Mamajuana, the botanical rum brand inspired by the legendary Dominican elixir, is relaunching with a bold new visual identity and expanded distribution. The rebrand marks a significant milestone for Candela, as it continues to elevate the Caribbean rum category with a modern, super-premium positioning. The new packaging, developed in collaboration with Quaker City Mercantile, the award-winning design and branding agency behind some of the most iconic spirits in the world, features an elegant custom glass bottle, exotic typography, and refined accents that pay homage to Candela’s Dominican roots while appealing to today’s design-conscious consumer. “Quaker City Mercantile loved working on this project and are very proud of the final design. Alejandro allowed us to bring to life our proprietary process of Brand Mysticism in a very unique and alluring way. There is nothing else like this on shelves anywhere,” said Steve Grasse, Founder of Quaker City Mercantile. “Our goal was to capture the soul of the Dominican Republic in a sophisticated presentation that stands proudly next to other iconic bottles,” said Alejandro Russo, Founder and CEO of Candela. “Quaker City Mercantile helped us reimagine Candela with a timeless, elevated aesthetic that reflects the quality and craftsmanship of the liquid inside.”
www.drinkcandela.com
IRON MAIDEN’S RUM OF THE ANCIENT MARINER
After conquering the world with a wide range of Trooper beers and the wine Darkest Red, Iron Maiden is now taking a step into the world of exclusive distillates with The Rum of the Ancient Mariner. Inspired by the epic story of “The Rime of the Ancient Mariner”, a cornerstone of heavy metal history from the band’s iconic album Powerslave (1984), this rum celebrates timeless artistry and uncompromising craftsmanship. The label, created by the band’s long-time collaborator Dan Mumford, is a visual journey filled with intricate details that reveal themselves the further you look, reflecting both the band’s own lyrics and the inspiration of Samuel Taylor Coleridge’s classic poem from 1798. This premium rum from the Caribbean is a carefully selected blend of rums from Jamaica and Barbados, aged in oak barrels according to the traditional Petites Eaux method to enhance flavor and character. The result is a soft and complex character of 40% vol., built up in layers like the finest musical compositions. Best enjoyed clean after dinner or slowly to appreciate the depth and nuances.
“Iron Maiden is not just a band, they are a cultural phenomenon,” says Sari H Wilholm at Live Brands Factory. “It is an honor to launch their first exclusive distillate and to have created this Premium Caribbean Dark Rum in close collaboration with them.”
https://www.facebook.com/bravewordsrecords
WEST INDIES RUM & SPIRITS PRODUCERS’ ASSOCIATION
The West Indies Rum & Spirits Producers’ Association (WIRSPA) Chair Clement Lawrence announced the publication of the Association’s new Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) Digest which is designed to showcase producer actions on responsible drinking, community support, sustainability initiatives, and governance. “This first publication demonstrates an impressive level of activity by producers heading into 2026. Telling these stories is vital, not only to highlight the work being done across our industry, but to reinforce our commitment to responsibility, community, and transparency.” The announcement was made when the Board of Directors convened on Wednesday, December 3. This meeting brought together country directors and rum producers from all 15 member countries for a wide-ranging review of industry developments, market challenges, and shared priorities for the year ahead. Directors reflected on what has been a difficult trading year in the United States, where the combination of inflation, dampened consumer demand, and tariffs continue to put pressure on the spirits sector, including Caribbean rum. Feedback from producers noted that these challenges served to strengthen the resolve of the industry to develop other markets and to engage Caribbean governments in this diversification thrust. As the Caribbean moves toward the festive season, a period deeply rooted in family gatherings and community celebrations, Directors endorsed the need for strengthened messaging on moderation and responsible drinking. All brands in the grouping reported increased investment in responsible drinking communication for the holiday period. https://www.wirspa.com/
PUSSER’s RUM
Pusser’s Rum, the original Royal Navy Rum, draws from its rich heritage with the launch of Night Watch, a blend of aged distillate from vintage wooden pot stills in Guyana and rum from Louisiana Blackstrap Molasses, considered to be the finest in the world. This spirited creation is reminiscent of the steadfast sailor keeping the midnight watch, evoking a sense of mystery, depth, and intensity with a bold, rich flavor not unlike the issue first served to Her Majesty’s sailors and officers. Blackstrap Rum, like the black powder-stained sails of a ship after battle, became a symbol of resilience and strength in the early days of the Royal Navy. https://pussersrum.com/
THE HISTORY AND CONNOISSEURSHIP OF RUM
Author Franklin Knight introduces the reader to the world of rum, from its origin and ancient history to its proliferation in the present. He writes about what makes rum unique and different from other spirits, with a detailed description of the various processes, fermentation and distillation, the basic chemistry of rum itself, the blending, and the physical process of harvesting, crushing, and extracting the sugary solution, which is the foundation of rum. In a virtual world, tour-taking in rum-producing countries as far-flung as Australia and India, but one that focuses on the Americas and the Caribbean, Professor Knight guides the reader in a savoring of the best rums on the market, leaving the reader to become his own connoisseur. All the secrets to achieve this status are given step by step with recipes, the vast possible variations in cocktails, the vast spectrum of labels available today to a particular brand, and how to ‘fit your palate’ to a particular brand, down to employing the proper style of glass or snifter. And since fine rums may be found anywhere in the world, no specific brand of rum is ever recommended as the foremost label in its class. There is something here for everyone, from the rum fancier to those interested in the play of material culture in world and Caribbean history, particularly in the intimate coupling of the trade in enslaved Africans and sugar cane plantation growth, and rum production and distribution. Knight says “This book is not an endorsement of alcohol in general or of the drinking of rum. Nor is it designed to assist in the general marketing of rum.” Franklin W. Knight is Leonard and Helen R. Stulman Professor Emeritus of History at Johns Hopkins University. He is a former president of the Latin American Studies Association, and former director of the Latin American Studies Program as well as former director of the Center of Africana Studies at Johns Hopkins. The hardback book measures 5 x 7 inches and has 314 pages. https://ianrandlepublishers.com/product/the-history-and-connoisseurship-of-rum/
JSR SPIRITS’ R1768 RUMS
JSR Spirits have announced the official Montserrat launch of its two premium rums, R1768 Rebel (Spiced Dark Rum) and R1768 Revolt (White Rum), set for St. Patrick’s Festival Week 2026. This milestone follows two years of development, refinement, sensory testing, and international market preparation in collaboration with Murray & Yeatman Distilleries.
JSR Spirits, co-founded by dynamic entrepreneurs James “Jamal” Simmonds, Axcel Simmonds and Jeevan Robinson, represents a bold and heartfelt endeavor to honor the spirit of Montserrat through the creation of premium rums. Crafted to honor Montserrat’s heritage, while meeting global standards, R1768 rums were created with a clear mission: to produce a premium Caribbean rum that carries Montserrat’s story to the world. From fermentation to finishing, the brand has focused on quality, authenticity, and professional brand execution to ensure international competitiveness. R1768 Rebel and R1768 Revolt have already begun turning heads across the UK, where they were soft-introduced at select rum festivals in 2024 and 2025. The early showcase was designed to expose consumers and retailers to a premium Montserrat-made product, one that stands shoulder-to-shoulder with global rum brands. https://jsrspirits.com/
RON del BARRILITO
Puerto Rican producer Ron del Barrilito has announced the U.S. debut of Don Pedro Fernández Selection III, a 31-year-old single-cask rum. The limited-edition expression, part of the brand’s Autobiografía series, was aged in a single ex-Oloroso sherry cask and is limited to just 186 bottles. The rum comes from Cask #3057, which was laid down in the Hacienda Santa Ana warehouse in 1994. This release pays tribute to founder Don Pedro Fernández, who studied cognac-making in France before returning to Puerto Rico in 1871 and his practice of identifying and setting aside exceptional barrels for extended maturation. Barrilito’s Master Blender, Luis Planas, commented on the rum’s development. “This rum is a reflection of the decades-long marriage between spirit, air, and ex-sherry cask. It delivers a naturally balanced yet complex masterpiece, a glimpse into the beauty and uniqueness of true single-cask aging.” The brand highlighted the rarity of a cask surviving for more than three decades with both its quality and volume intact, noting that many barrels of this age are either lost to evaporation or become too concentrated for a single-cask bottling. Selection III marks the first time a rum from this series will be available in the U.S. market. The first two editions were sold exclusively at the Hacienda Santa Ana Visitor Center in Bayamón, Puerto Rico. Ron del Barrilito emphasizes its production process, which it states does not use a solera system or additives like sugar and caramel coloring.
https://rondelbarrilito.com/
DICTATOR RUM
Academy Award winner Will Smith has spent four decades as a world-class entertainer, first an emcee, then a buzzy television and film star, before elevating his stardom as a businessman, producer and best-selling author. Smith raises the bar again as he now joins Dictador Rum as Global Creative Director. His first project will be the Game Changer Collection. After showing interest in being an integral part of Dictador, Smith was pitched the idea of a legacy rum by Polish entrepreneur Mariusz Jawoszek, who is CEO and owner of Dictador. “We see brand building in a different way. And I think this is the success of Dictador,” says Jawoszek. “Everything I am doing with my team is just to enhance and show how good [the drink is], because the essence is in the bottle. The rest is just the energy, the creation, the collectability.” The Game Changer, a Colombian rum enhanced with refined notes of caramel, dried citrus, honey and oak, has a smoothness that complements the collection’s bottles, graffiti-designed Kong sculptures crafted by French artist Richard Orlinski. Although an homage to five decades of Orlinski figurines, the bottles also nod to Smith’s beginnings on The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, his acting debut which established him as a household name. “In my generation, we grew up on Will’s movies. He is an icon for my generation. He’s an icon of film, an icon of music and art,” Jawoszek explains. “So, it would be, of course, difficult to imagine a better personality to collaborate with, to have in the company than Will Smith.” Smith was shooting 2019 sci-fi action flick Gemini Man in Cartagena when he began drinking Dictador like the locals, although he admittedly wasn’t a frequent rum drinker. But it was Jawoszek’s brand and vision that had Smith sold on bringing his forte to the company. “What got me about Mariusz is the absolute commitment to art,” Smith shares. “It is my belief and it is the devotion of my life that art will be a big part of bringing people together and elevating humanity through artistic exchange and interaction. When I thought about the idea of a Polish businessman with a Colombian rum family with an African-American Global Creative Director, It was exactly what I wanted to do with my life. Bringing people together globally in the spirit of artistic collaboration to be able to center meetings and events around global artistic collaboration, I was just on fire with that idea.” https://dictador.com/
WORTHY PARK VISITORS CENTRE
The Jamaica Gleaner reports that the Worthy Park Visitors Centre continues to attract local and international visitors interested in Jamaica’s rum-making heritage, with more than 10,000 people touring the facility over the past few years. Located at Worthy Park Estate, the visitors centre provides guided tours of Jamaica’s only single estate distillery, where every stage of rum production from sugarcane cultivation to distillation and bottling takes place on one property. The estate is fully Jamaican-owned and operated. Worthy Park has been part of Jamaica’s agricultural and industrial landscape since 1670, making it one of the island’s oldest continuously operating estates. Historical records show that rum production at the estate dates back to 1741, giving it the oldest documented history among Jamaica’s existing distilleries. Visitors begin the experience with an overview of the estate’s history and sugarcane farming practices, including the production of sugar and molasses. The tour then moves to the distillery, where guests observe how sugarcane is transformed into rum using traditional methods, including the iconic double retort pot still. The tour concludes with a guided rum tasting, during which visitors sample selected expressions from the Worthy Park portfolio while learning about flavor profiles, production styles and the connection between the rum and the land on which it is produced. Worthy Park rums have received international recognition and awards, contributing to Jamaica’s reputation in the global spirits’ market. Tours are offered twice daily, at 10:00 am and 2:00 pm, from Tuesday to Saturday. The estate is located just over an hour’s drive from Kingston and provides free parking, a bar area and a gift shop featuring merchandise and limited-release products available only on site. Advance booking is required.
https://worthyparkestate.com/tour/
