Rum in the News
FLOR de CAŇA
Flor de Caña has been awarded the prestigious “Diamond Product Sustainability Award” by the organization Sustainability Award in Australia, the competition’s highest distinction and the first Diamond-level recognition granted in 2026. The award recognizes brands that demonstrate exceptional environmental performance and measurable sustainability impact throughout their value chain. The judges highlighted Flor de Caña’s industry-leading “field-to-bottle” sustainability model, which integrates renewable energy, carbon reduction initiatives, circular production practices, responsible packaging, and long-term environmental stewardship. As one of the world’s first Carbon Neutral spirits, Flor de Caña is distilled using 100% renewable energy, captures and repurposes all fermentation CO2, and has planted more than one million trees since 2005. The award also recognized the brand’s premium quality, consistency, and craftsmanship developed over 135 years of family tradition. This recognition further strengthens Flor de Caña’s position as a global leader in sustainability within the spirits industry and reflects the company’s long-standing commitment to creating positive environmental and social impact. The rum is distributed in Australia by Vanguard Luxury Brands. www.flordecana.com
CADENHEAD’S
Paying homage to their rich history as an independent bottler of rum, Cadenhead’s Single Cask Edition releases are each selected to showcase the diverse range of high- quality casks maturing in their warehouses. This summer, they will be releasing three bottlings:
Trinidad Distillery - This Single Cask Edition bottling hails from an undisclosed distillery on the Caribbean island of Trinidad. Deliciously sweet, this 19-year-old rum features notes of dark fruits, cola cubes, cooking apples, candy floss and cayenne pepper. Distilled in 2007 and bottled at 50.4% ABV.
Jamaican Distillery - This Single Cask Edition bottling hails from an undisclosed distillery on the Caribbean island of Jamaica. This 15-year-old rum features notes of pineapple, banana, custard, white grapefruit and tobacco. Distilled in 2011 and bottled at 50.4% ABV.
Panamanian Distillery - This Single Cask Edition bottling hails from an undisclosed distillery in Panama. A beautifully balanced rum, notes of blueberries, baked pear, molasses, honey and barbecued pineapple unfold as you sip. Distilled in 2007 and bottled at 55.0 % ABV.
https://www.cadenhead.scot/
MOUNT GAY
Mount Gay has unveiled the Exceptionally Aged Collection, a prestigious new series paying tribute to time, craft, and the enduring heritage of Barbados. Launching with two ultra-rare expressions, Exceptionally Aged 15YO and Exceptionally Aged 25YO, this collection marks a significant brand-first, with its emphasis on clear age statements, opening a new chapter for the brand. Both expressions proudly adhere to Mount Gay’s uncompromising commitment to quality, crafted without any added sugar or flavoring. Mount Gay Exceptionally Aged 15YO is a tribute to continuity of craftsmanship and the enduring legacy of the world’s oldest running rum distillery. Crafted in Barbados, its story is defined by a generational handover between three Master Blenders: Jerry Edwards, Allen Smith, and Trudiann Branker. Every drop is 100% distilled, matured, blended, and bottled at the Mount Gay distillery in St. Lucy, Barbados, imbued with the unique essence of our tropical island. The journey of Exceptionally Aged 15YO is a testament to continuous stewardship across generations. It began with former Master Blender Jerry Edwards, who skillfully distilled the rums on a single column still and carefully laid them down to age in ex-American oak Bourbon casks. The guardianship then passed to former Master Blender Allen Smith, and subsequently current Master Blender, Trudiann Branker. Each meticulously monitored the rum’s evolution. In 2025, Trudiann Branker brought this shared vision to fruition, meticulously crafting the perfect blend that proudly embodies the essence of a 15-year-old Mount Gay rum. Mount Gay Exceptionally Aged 15YO is a blend aged for a minimum of 15 years in Barbados’s warm, tropical climate. It is non-chill filtered and was bottled 43% ABV. Exceptionally Aged 25YO represents a unique confluence of expertise, having been shaped by three distinct Mount Gay Master Blenders over a quarter-century. Distilled in 1999 on a single column still under the vigilant eye of then-Master Blender Jerry Edwards, its prolonged maturation was carefully overseen by his successor, Allen Smith. Finally, current Master Blender Trudiann Branker masterfully brought this extraordinary spirit to its ultimate expression. After 25 years of tropical ageing exclusively in ex-American oak Bourbon casks, this rum stands as a testament to a generational commitment to crafting an unparalleled spirit. Mount Gay Exceptionally Aged 25YO is a single-batch rum distilled in 1999, aged for precisely 25 years and presented at 47% ABV and non-chill filtered.
https://www.mountgayrum.com/
INTERNATIONAL WINE & SPIRITS COMPETITION
Out of the hundreds of rums from all over the world that were submitted to the International Wine & Spirits Competition this year, only 184 won medals. Of these only 14 won the coveted Gold Outstanding medal. Richard Seale’s Foursquare Distillery dominated the category with 5 Gold Outstanding medals for their Supernum, Epilogue, Mandamus, Penultimus and Indomitas rums. Three Jamaican rums, Worthy Park’s Overproof Rum, Monymusk’s MSR Limited Edition Single Mark 2007 Rum and Hampden Estate’s Great House Distillery Edition 2025 Rum won Gold Outstanding medals. St. Nicholas Abbey’s 12 YO Rare Single Cask Strength Rum from Barbados and Distillerie Longueteau’s Le 55 Rhum from Guadeloupe each won Gold Outstanding medals. Rum’s expanding global reach was clearly represented in the remaining four medals as distilleries from Scotland, Japan and the United States were recognized. Some quick notes about the US distilleries. One is new, the other has been making rum for 17 years. Maggie Campbell is the CEO of American Cane, the new rum company in Louisiana. Maggie’s resume in the rum world is legendary. The fact that she and Darin Vest could develop a new blend, bottle it, bring it to market and win a Gold Outstanding in their first year is amazing. Desert Diamond Distillery has been making rum for 17 years in Kingman, Arizona, a small town that you speed through on your way to Las Vegas, In the last five years, this small distillery, in the middle of nowhere, has won a dozen Gold Medals at IWSC, several of which were Gold Outstanding. https://iwsc.net/
VALUE OF JAMAICAN RUM
“Jamaica is well positioned to strengthen its foothold in the global spirits industry and generate greater economic value from one of its most internationally recognized products”, said Minister of State in the Ministry of Industry, Investment and Commerce, Hon. Delano Seiveright. Speaking at the recently held West Indies Rum and Spirits Producers’ Association (WIRSPA) and Spirits Pool Association (SPA) Cocktail Reception in Kingston, Mr. Seiveright underscored the significant contribution of Jamaica’s rum industry to the national economy and highlighted opportunities for future growth. “The rum industry represents far more than beverage production. It supports economic activity across agriculture, manufacturing, tourism, logistics and exports, making it a critical pillar of Jamaica’s economic development,” he said. The State Minister noted that Jamaica’s rum exports generated approximately US$57 million (J$9.1 billion) in 2024, contributing substantially to employment, foreign exchange earnings and value-added manufacturing. Highlighting the scale of the international marketplace, Mr. Seiveright referenced a 2024 study conducted by Oxford Economics and International Wine and Spirits Research on behalf of the World Spirits Alliance. The study found that the global spirits industry contributes approximately US$730 billion (J$117 trillion) to global Gross Domestic Product (GDP), supports some 36 million jobs worldwide, generates roughly US$390 billion (J$62 trillion) in tax revenues and drives approximately US$120 billion (J$19 trillion) in supplier spending. Those figures, according to the State Minister, demonstrate that “this is not a niche industry. It is a major global industry with enormous economic impact”. Mr. Seiveright pointed to Jamaica’s competitive advantages, including its globally recognized rum heritage, strong tourism linkages, established production expertise and reputation for authenticity and quality. He emphasized that expanding exports, strengthening value-added production and protecting Jamaica Rum through the country’s Geographical Indication (GI) framework will be critical to capturing a larger share of growing international demand. “When we look at rum, we see agriculture, manufacturing, logistics, tourism, export earnings, intellectual property, rural livelihoods, employment and Brand Jamaica,” the State Minister noted. Meanwhile, Chairman of WIRSPA and the Spirits Pool Association, Clement “Jimmy” Lawrence, highlighted the importance of safeguarding Caribbean competitiveness amid evolving international trade conditions and ongoing supply chain challenges. Mr. Lawrence noted that the Caribbean spirits industry remains a significant contributor to agriculture, manufacturing, tourism, employment and foreign exchange earnings throughout the region. He also underscored the need for strong partnerships among governments, regional institutions and private-sector stakeholders to ensure that Caribbean manufacturers remain globally competitive. https://jis.gov.jm/jamaica-well-positioned-to-strengthen-foothold-in-global-spirits-industry-state-minister/
RON BARCELÓ and AMBER BEVERAGE in AUSTRALIA
One of the world’s leading premium rum brands, Ron Barceló, will soon be available to Australia’s drinks trade through exclusive national distributor Amber Beverage Australia. Effective from August, the Amber Beverage and Ron Barceló partnership marks the Dominican Republic distillery’s first major expansion into Australia after having already secured distribution in more than 80 countries globally. It also comes just a few years ahead of Barcelo’s 100-year anniversary in 2029. Founded in 1929, Ron Barceló is recognized for its portfolio of premium aged rums centered around their dedication to quality, provenance and sustainability. In 2012, it became the first rum producer globally to achieve Carbon Neutral certification. The initial Australian range of Ron Barceló will include Ron Barceló Blanco, Dorado, Añejo, Gran Añejo and Imperial, with the distribution partnership to be supported by a national rollout across retail, key account and premium on-premise channels, alongside trade education initiatives designed to build awareness of the brand and support category development.
Uliana Linenko, Managing Director of Amber Beverage Australia, said: “Australia’s premium spirits drinker is more curious and discerning than ever, and the rum category presents a significant opportunity for growth. Ron Barceló brings together nearly a century of heritage, strong sustainability credentials and a portfolio that appeals across both cocktail and sipping occasions. We are proud to be the brand’s Australian distribution partner and look forward to expanding its presence across the market.” In addition to Ron Barceló, Amber Beverage Australia’s portfolio includes rum brands Flor de Caña, Bayou, Cargo Cult, Chairman’s Reserve, Goslings, Pampero, and Stolen.
https://ronbarcelo.com/en/,
https://amberbev.com.au/
RON del BARRILTO and ORO HOTEL & RESIDENCES
In a move that speaks volumes about the future of luxury development, the team behind San Juan’s ORO Hotel & Residences has announced a partnership with Ron del Barrilito, one of Puerto Rico’s most storied rum producers. The collaboration will birth the first-ever “Barrilito Bar” inside the lobby of the new high-end tower. While a custom-branded bar is a compelling feature, the real story here is the strategic fusion of hyperlocal heritage with global luxury standards. This partnership is more than a press event at a historic distillery; it’s a calculated bet that in the modern economy, authenticity is the ultimate amenity and a powerful driver of value. “Ron del Barrilito has been part of Puerto Rico’s story since 1880, and we look for partners who share that same commitment to craft and place. ORO is building something that reflects the best of the island — sophisticated, authentic, and unmistakably Puerto Rican — and the Barrilito Bar is a natural extension of that vision,” said Eduardo Bacardi, Director of Sales & Marketing, Ron del Barrilito. Inspired by the property’s “golden hour” concept, the experience transitions seamlessly from the “golden” coffee moments of the morning to the warmth and sophistication of Puerto Rico’s iconic golden rum in the evening. Guests will enjoy an elegant and inviting atmosphere featuring a curated menu of signature Barrilito cocktails alongside timeless classics, all thoughtfully crafted to complement the spirit and ambiance of ORO. “At ORO Hotel & Residences, we are committed to creating a luxury experience that is deeply rooted in the culture, craftsmanship, and excellence of Puerto Rico. Partnering with iconic local brands such as Ron del Barrilito allows us to celebrate the very best the island has to offer while delivering an authentic and elevated experience for our residents and guests,” said David Weibel, from the ORO Hotel & Residences development team. https://rondelbarrilito.com/
https://www.ororesidences.com
RUMS OF PUERTO RICO and MAJOR LEAGUE BASEBALL
Puerto Rico has secured commercial partnerships between its Rums of Puerto Rico program and four Major League Baseball organizations for the first time, Gov. Jenniffer González Colón and Department of Economic Development and Commerce (DDEC) Secretary Carlos J. Ríos Pierluisi announced last month. The agreements involve the New York Yankees, New York Mets, Tampa Bay Rays and Miami Marlins and are intended to expand the presence of Puerto Rican rum brands in key U.S. markets through year-round promotional and commercial activities. Gov. González Colón described the agreements as a milestone for Puerto Rico’s rum industry, saying they validate the quality of the island’s products and strengthen its position in international markets. She added that the partnerships were finalized within a matter of months and that additional Major League Baseball organizations have expressed interest in exploring similar agreements. Ríos Pierluisi said the partnerships represent a significant opportunity to expand sales of Puerto Rican rum in the United States while increasing the industry’s visibility among millions of baseball fans. “This is a home run for Puerto Rico,” Ríos Pierluisi said in a statement. “Obtaining the confidence of organizations as prestigious as the Yankees, Mets, Rays and Marlins validates the strength of our rum industry and our potential as a strategic partner.” Carlos B. Herrero Vázquez, director of the Rum of Puerto Rico program, said the initiative reflects a shift in strategy from focusing primarily on promotion to emphasizing sales, distribution and market expansion. Herrero Vázquez said the program spent months conducting market research and negotiating directly with MLB organizations to establish long-term commercial relationships. https://www.rumcapital.pr.gov/home,
https://www.mlb.com/
TROIS RIVIĖRES
Spirit Business reported that Campari Group’s Trois Rivières brand from Martinique has unveiled new packaging for its aged rum portfolio. The redesigned bottle and refreshed packaging are inspired by the sugarcane fields that characterize southern Martinique in the Caribbean. It features vertical engravings in the glass that evoke the orderly rows of cane growing across the landscape. The brand’s history is highlighted by embossed elements, including the year 1660, which is associated with the estate’s heritage, and an illustration of the Trois Rivières windmill. The bottle’s silhouette has softly rounded angles to create a refined, balanced aesthetic. Meanwhile, the textured glass showcases the natural hues of the aged rums, ranging from amber and copper to mahogany, depending on maturity. The liquid inside remains unchanged for each expression.
https://www.troisrivieresrhum.com/
