Rum in the News
ANGOSTURA
Angostura, the top bitters brand, has announced the U.S. launch of two premium cocktail syrups: ANGOSTURA Demerara Sugar Syrup and ANGOSTURA Spicy Honey Syrup. For more than 200 years, Angostura has inspired cocktail creativity around the world with its signature bitters. Building on that heritage, the brand is expanding beyond bitters into a broader role in cocktail creation with premium cocktail syrups crafted for flavor and designed to bring ease and consistency to both classic and contemporary drinks. The expansion reflects growing demand for high-quality cocktail ingredients as bartenders and home cocktail enthusiasts increasingly seek solutions that simplify preparation without sacrificing flavor. ANGOSTURA Demerara Sugar Syrup is a dark, full-bodied syrup layered with notes of toasted molasses, warm caramel, and a hint of smoke. Designed to complement aged spirits such as bourbon, rye whiskey, and dark rum, it enhances both classic and modern cocktails, especially the Old Fashioned, one of the most popular cocktails in the U.S. ANGOSTURA Spicy Honey Syrup delivers a bold balance of smooth honey sweetness and lingering chili heat. Ideal for tequila, mezcal, or whiskey cocktails, it brings depth and complexity to trending drinks such as the Spicy Margarita, one of the fastest growing cocktail trends across on-premise menus. “These new syrups represent a natural evolution for Angostura,” said Michael Fritts, Angostura Brand Manager. “Today’s bartenders and home cocktail enthusiasts want high-quality ingredients that simplify preparation without sacrificing flavor. These premium syrups make it easier to craft and elevate cocktails with the quality and taste people trust from Angostura.” Ian Forbes, CEO, Angostura Limited, added “For more than 200 years, Angostura has helped shape cocktail culture around the world. These syrups extend that legacy by bringing the brand’s flavor expertise and commitment to quality into a new cocktail ingredient category.” https://angostura.com/
DON Q
Destilería Serrallés, has released Don Q Reserva and Don Q Reserva Especial, two new expressions that expand its premium rum portfolio. Crafted with the expertise, care, and tradition that have defined the distillery for generations, these new offerings showcase meticulous aging and balanced flavor profiles designed for a wide range of rum drinkers and occasions. Don Q Reserva is a blend of rums aged for a minimum of five years in American white oak barrels that previously held bourbon. Golden amber in color, it opens with inviting aromas of caramel, vanilla, oak, raisins, and plum. On the palate, it is smooth and well-balanced, with gentle sweetness and a refined finish. Don Q Reserva Especial is crafted from rums aged between seven and ten years in ex-bourbon American oak barrels. Rich and layered, it offers notes of dried fruit, caramel, vanilla, and a touch of light smoke on the nose. The palate is fruity and elegant, with a rounded sweetness and a long, satisfying finish. “With these two new expressions, we reaffirm our commitment to the quality and innovation that set us apart,” said Silvia Santiago, Vice President of Manufacturing at Destilería Serrallés. “Our goal is to offer consumers more high-end premium rum options, and what better way to do so than with Don Q, Puerto Rico’s leading rum.” In recognition of its quality, Don Q Reserva Especial recently received a Gold Medal and 94-point score from the Beverage Testing Institute, underscoring the craftsmanship and character behind the new expression.
www.donq.com.
KŌLOA RUM COMPANY
Kōloa Rum Company, Hawai’i’s award-winning producer of premium, small-batch Hawaiian rum, announced the appointment of Robert Ramer as COO, effective May 1, 2026. Ramer succeeds Bob Gunter, who has served as the company’s President and CEO for 18 years. In his new role, Ramer will oversee day-to-day operations and lead the company’s continued growth and expansion.
Gunter began his tenure at Kōloa Rum in 2008 as Chief Operating Officer and became President and CEO in 2010. With decades of experience in Hawai’i’s agricultural and spirits industries, he brought deep operational expertise and a strong connection to the island’s heritage, transforming Kōloa Rum into an internationally recognized brand over 18 years of leadership. He strengthened the company’s sustainable practices, expanded global awareness of Hawaiian rum, championed the use of locally sourced ingredients, and ensured every product reflected the Spirit of Aloha. A dedicated community advocate, Gunter also served on the Hawaii Employers Council Board of Governors, the Kaua’i Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors, the Wine & Spirits Wholesalers Association’s Industry Access Council, and DISCUS’ State Governmental Relations Committee. “Having the opportunity to lead Kōloa Rum has been one of the most meaningful chapters of my life. When I joined this company, our hope was simple: to craft a rum that truly reflects Kaua’i – its people, its history, and the Spirit of Aloha that makes this place unlike anywhere else. What we’ve built together over the years is something I’m incredibly proud of, and that credit goes to our hardworking team who show up every day with passion and respect for the craft,” said Gunter. “As I step into this next phase, I’m grateful for every person who has supported us along the way. I’m especially proud to hand the reins to Robert, and I’m confident he will honor our roots while guiding Kōloa Rum into a bright and exciting future.”
Ramer began his career at Kōloa Rum as an operations intern in 2011 before spending a few years pursuing professional baseball and then reentered the corporate world working in enterprise software sales. He returned to Kōloa in 2019 as a Director of Mainland and EU Business Development. Over the past 6 years, Robert has risen through the organization with a consistent record of driving growth, strengthening global markets, and elevating the brand’s commercial success. His leadership momentum continued with his promotion to Chief Commercial Officer, where he has spent the past year and a half defining and executing Kōloa Rum’s commercial strategy across domestic and international markets. In this role, he has overseen sales, trade marketing, and channel strategy. This proven progression, paired with his strategic vision and operational expertise, has made him an essential driver of Kōloa Rum’s growth, now leading to his appointment as the company’s COO. “I’ve grown with this team and seen the resilience and pride that define our work. This is a continuation of our shared journey, and I’m honored to help lead it to the next chapter,” said Ramer. “We have a strong foundation, and now we have the opportunity to shape what Kōloa Rum becomes in the years ahead.”
https://koloarum.com/.
RHUM CLEMENT
Rhum Clément, renowned for its range of Rhum Agricole from Martinique, has introduced V.O in the U.S. market. Already the bestselling Clément expression in France and around the world, V.O features a new bottle design, and joins V.S.O.P., X.O., and the exquisite 10-Year-Old Gran Reserve expression in Rhum Clément’s aged rhum collection in the U.S. Distilled exclusively from fresh sugarcane juice, Clément V.O. is aged in the cellars of Habitation Clément in Martinique, alternating between ex-bourbon barrels and new American oak casks. It is bottled at 40% ABV. “Clément V.O is long overdue to land on America’s shores following its success in Martinique, France, and beyond,” says Benjamin Mélin Jones, fourth generation member of the Clément family. “Since reintroducing Rhum Clément to the U.S. in 2005, we’ve built our reputation through ultra premium aged expressions, and Clément V.O arrives at the perfect moment, answering a spirits enthusiast’s demand for an authentic, aged rhum that’s versatile, approachable, and celebrated from a house they trust.” Since 1887, the production of Rhum Clément has been carried out according to the traditions of time-honored methods inherited from Homère and Charles Clément.
Clément’s V.O. and other rums in the Aged Rhum Agricole Collection will feature new bottle design and responsible packaging. Developed in collaboration with glassmaker Saverglass and design studio Linéa, Clément’s V.O, V.S.O.P., X.O, and 10-Year-Old Gran Reserve bottles feature a new sleek, contemporary silhouette that retains the distinctive shoulder shape of Clément’s historic bottle. Engraved markings of “Clément” and “1887” are integrated into the glass, celebrating the brand’s Martinican roots and a heritage spanning more than 135 years. “Our new bottle is a decisive evolution for Rhum Clément,” says Charles Larcher, President, Rhum Clément. “It boldly expresses what makes our aged rhum agricole attractive and distinctive, reinforcing their premium credentials while staying true to our Martinican roots and French Caribbean heritage.” The new bottle is on average 23% lighter than the original, reducing the raw materials required for production and helping lower emissions associated with both glass manufacturing and transportation. Ecological impact was a primary criterion in the design of the bottle for the island-based company, which contributes to a measurable reduction in the overall carbon footprint of the packaging. In addition, the removal of direct glass screen printing and labels using FSC-certified papers and carefully selected inks also improves recyclability.
https://www.rhum-clement.com/en/
MOUNT GAY
UK retail news publication Retail Times reported that Mount Gay has announced the launch of its new Bajan Spiced, marking a significant expansion into one of the UK spirits market’s most dynamic segments. The UK is now the fastest-growing flavored rum-based spirit market in Europe. The new addition to Mount Gay range will roll out nationally into Tesco, with further national listings to follow, giving the brand immediate scale within the UK grocery channel. Interest in the category continues to grow and younger consumers are playing a key role in driving this momentum, with four in ten young adults drinking rum at least once a week. “With Bajan Spiced, we wanted to capture the vibrant spirit of Barbados in every bottle,” says Mount Gay Master Blender, Trudiann Branker. “Our focus was on creating a rich and unique blend of locally inspired ingredients, from the warmth of Barbadian ginger to the brightness of zesty grapefruit. The result is a smooth, approachable spiced rum-based spirit drink with a complexity and character you won’t find anywhere else.” Established in Barbados in 1703, Mount Gay brings its heritage as the world’s oldest rum distillery into an expression that meets modern consumer tastes. Bajan Spiced is crafted from authentic Mount Gay rum and 100% natural ingredients, delivering a balanced, flavor-forward profile suited to both simple serves and elevated mixed drinks. The liquid features notes of fresh orange peel and warm spice, alongside red grapefruit, locally sourced ginger and Mount Gay estate sugar. Perfect for Mount Gay’s original signature serve the Spiced ’N’ Stormy , Bajan Spiced brings a vibrant twist to the classic rum cocktail, making it easy for consumers to enjoy the full flavor experience at home or in bars. Nick Ganich, Marketing Director at Remy Cointreau, says: “This launch marks an exciting and significant step in evolving both the Mount Gay portfolio and wider spiced category. While the segment is large and has seen strong growth, we see a clear opportunity to elevate it further through Mount Gay’s craftsmanship, authenticity and unique Barbadian flavors. Building on Mount Gay’s success in non-spiced golden rum, Bajan Spiced now extends the refined, premium approach to the Spiced segment, and we’re confident it will help bring new drinkers into the category.” https://www.mountgayrum.com/
DEMERARA DISTILLERS LIMITED
Prime Minister (PM) Brigadier Mark Phillips called Guyana’s rum industry an important part of the country’s heritage, economy and cultural identity. During the launch of the El Dorado Grand Special Reserve, an exclusive limited-edition rum produced by Demerara Distillers Limited (DDL) in commemoration of Guyana’s 60th Independence Anniversary, at the Rum Heritage Museum, the PM lauded the effort that goes into rum production in Guyana. He said that rum is deeply connected to Guyana’s history, agriculture, craftsmanship and economic development, noting that the industry is closely linked to the sugar industry. “Rum is an important export earner for our country. You cannot have rum without molasses. You cannot have molasses without sugar. So, when we talk about the future of sugar, we must also talk about the future of rum and the thousands of jobs, the foreign exchange, and the cultural identity that depend on it” PM Phillips said. DDL Master Distiller Shaun Caleb outlined the historical significance behind the anniversary blend, describing it as a product rooted in Guyana’s six peoples and centuries of distilling tradition. He explained that the special release is crafted from six distinct rum marks aged between 25 and 55 years, each carrying its own heritage and flavor profile drawn from historic estates across Guyana. “This exclusive 60th anniversary rum symbolizes our six peoples of Guyana with an exclusive blend of six marks of rum aged 25 to 55 years,” Caleb said. Caleb told the gathering that the blend reflects both continuity and craftsmanship, bringing together centuries-old methods and rare aged stocks to produce what he described as a world-class expression of El Dorado. https://theeldoradorum.com/
LAST DROP DISTILLERS
The Last Drop Distillers was founded in 2008 by two icons of the spirits industry, Tom Jago and James Espey with over 80 years of experience between them. Their aim was to curate the world’s most remarkable spirits by finding treasures across aged spirit categories and sharing them with those who seek the genuinely extraordinary. Their latest rum release (number 41) is The Last Drop 25-Year-Old Trinidad Rum from the Caroni Distillery. The Caroni distillery, established c.1918, was born of Trinidad’s unique industrial and agricultural heritage. Like many now-silent distilleries, its reputation has only grown since its untimely closure in 2003, adding to the enduring allure and mystique of the rums it produced. Against a backdrop of a declining sugar industry, Caroni was part-nationalized and restructured before the closure of the sugar refinery in 2002, followed swiftly by the distillery itself in 2003. Since then, the site has stood silent, gradually yielding to vines and the tropical heat, while the few surviving casks have become highly sought-after treasures, each carrying the unmistakable weight of Trinidad’s rum-making legacy. The Last Drop has been fortunate to acquire two such casks, distilled in 1997 and 1999. So perfectly complementary were they that they have been carefully married to create a truly exceptional rum, balancing the heavier, oily characteristics synonymous with Caroni, with more delicate floral nuances, reflecting the full breadth of distilling expertise developed over the distillery’s lifetime. It was matured in Trinidad’s tropical climate and was bottled at 65.2% ABV.
www.lastdropdistillers.com.
RON TEPUY
Produced at Dug Group’s Destilería Unidas facility in Venezuela, Ron Tepuy has existed in its domestic market since 2009. The range has now been redesigned and repositioned as a super-premium rum in its home market as well as internationally for 2026. The brand draws inspiration from Venezuela’s natural landscapes, cultural heritage and the rum-making traditions of the generations behind the distillery. Ron Tepuy is made using regionally sourced sugarcane and tropical ageing conditions, meaning that maturation occurs up to two or three times faster than in cooler climates. The brand relaunched with two 40% ABV expressions: Ron Tepuy Monumento and Ron Tepuy Destino. Monumento is positioned as the super-premium expression. It is built around pot still distillates and richer rum profiles, aged up to 12 years under tropical conditions and finished in Pedro Ximénez, Amontillado, and Oloroso casks. The result is a deeper, more structured rum with notes of dark chocolate, toasted wood, and nuts, designed primarily for sipping. Destino offers a more versatile and approachable profile. Made from kettle-distilled rums aged up to 8 years and finished in Amontillado casks, it delivers notes of toasted nuts, oak, and subtle red fruit. Its lighter structure makes it suitable both for sipping and for premium cocktail applications. Founded in 1959, Destilería Unidas produces more than 30 brands, including Dug Group’s Canaïma Gin and Cocuy Saroche (Venezuelan agave spirit), as well as Brown-Forman’s Diplomático Rum. https://dusa.com.ve/
ALUNA RUM
The latest offering from Cloudbreak Spirits is Aluna Clara White Rum. With sweet citrus notes from Trinidad and fragrant floral flavors from Mauritius, Clara delivers a smooth mouthfeel with a bright spice finish. Super clean, crisp and with no added sugar, it’s the perfect base for Mojitos, Daiquiris or lengthened with your favorite soda. Aluna’s first offering was Aluna Coconut, an all-natural toasted coconut rum, made with premium rums from Guatemala and the Caribbean with pure, sustainably sourced coconut water for a fresh coconut dimension and a wonderfully smooth mouthfeel. A year or so later this was followed with Aluna Coffee Liqueur, a coffee liqueur with the same mindful approach towards sugar, made using multi-layered flavors of 100% Arabica cold brew coffee, cacao nibs and subtle black cardamom. Shortly after, Aluna released Peach & Pomelo Liqueur, made with white peach, sweetened with coconut blossom nectar and balanced with the gentle citrus of pomelo. In 2024 Aluna found some great rum in Sri Lanka which blended beautifully with flavors from the region, spiced pineapple, pandan leaves, lemongrass and galangal, to make Aluna Tropica, a fantastic subtly spiced rum. https://www.alunarum.com/
