Rum in the News
CAPTAIN MORGAN
Captain Morgan recently announced Captain Morgan Spiced Gold 0.0%, an alcohol-free alternative to the iconic Original Spiced Gold. Following the successful launch of Guinness 0.0%, Tanqueray 0.0% and Gordons 0.0% over the past few years, Captain Morgan Spiced Gold 0.0% brings further choice to the market as the latest brand, and first dark spirit, to join Diageo’s alcohol-free portfolio. With 49.6 percent of those between legal drinking age and 24 in Great Britain looking to moderate their alcohol consumption, the launch of Captain Morgan Spiced Gold 0.0% provides Diageo with an alcohol-free spirit able to tap into lighter, upbeat, drinking occasions favored by this demographic. Samori Gambrah, Global Brand Director at Captain Morgan, commented: “With a resurgence of rum as a drink of choice and the global alcohol-free spirit market set to increase, Captain Morgan 0.0% is perfectly placed to not only meet growing demand but also give those looking to moderate their consumption a new alternative.” Carefully developed over the past two years by Diageo’s innovation team, Captain Morgan Spiced Gold 0.0% has been created with intricate layers of flavor starting with rich notes of caramel, molasses, vanilla and warm brown spices. Amanda Brown, Liquid Scientist at Diageo, added: “It’s been an exciting journey working on Diageo’s first alcohol-free dark spirit. When creating Captain Morgan 0.0%, we went through more than 400 recipes before we were able to capture the iconic rum and spice flavor of Captain Morgan Original Spiced Gold, but without the alcohol. Captain Morgan 0.0% has been created by layering flavors that deliver the complexity and depth that consumers know and love.” Initially Captain Morgan Spiced Gold 0.0% will launch in Great Britain in September, followed by Estonia, Lithuania and Latvia later this year before further roll out across Europe in 2024. https://www.diageo.com/
BACARDI
As the First Spirits Partner of the 2023 MTV Video Music Awards, BACARDÍ rum is excited to partner with MTV and Paramount Brand Studio around the award show’s celebration of 50 years of Hip Hop culture and the songs, artists, albums and videos that have defined the genre. BACARDÍ rum is the first-ever spirits brand to sponsor the MTV Video Music Awards, a distinction that suits the brand, which has long taken inspiration from movement and self-expression, and supported artists through programs like Music Liberates Music. Through the partnership with MTV, BACARDÍ raises a toast to the impressive legacy of these culture-defining artists, their creativity, and their indelible contributions to music, style, and the way we all move. “As a vanguard of the visual identity of music, we’re honored to be the first-ever Spirits Partner of the MTV VMAs, especially during the 50th anniversary of Hip Hop,” said Lisa Pfenning BACARDÍ’s Vice President of North America. “As the VMAs have long celebrated both the sound and the style of Hip Hop, BACARDÍ has long been embedded in Hip Hop culture, inspiring some of the most memorable lyrics, movements, and music video moments from artists who have defined a generation. We look forward to working with MTV and Paramount Brand Studio to present this monumental celebration and highlight the multiple points of Hip Hop culture.” “Connecting fans directly to the VMAs 50 years of Hip Hop celebration is a huge opportunity to build towards a cultural moment through insights and innovation with a partner authentic to the genre,” said Matthew Newcomb, SVP Activation, Paramount Brand Studio. “We are creatively partnering with BACARDÍ Rum to bring this signature moment to life in advance of the show and from every touchpoint consumers are engaging with VMA content on September 12. The combined influence of Hip Hop and BACARDÍ is irrefutable, and together we’ve built a custom marketing activation that celebrates artistry and the fans of both.” https://bacardibrand.bacardilimited.com/
ESOTICO MIAMI & MAUI STRONG FUND
Esotico Miami, a renowned tropical bar and restaurant, is proud to announce a partnership with the South Florida Hawaiian community to raise funds for those affected by the devastating Maui wildfires. This fundraising event will occur on September 7, 2023, at the Esotico Miami location from 7:30 to 11:00 pm. Afterparty will move to Kaona Room. Guests are invited to a traditional Luau experience celebrating Hawaiian culture, featuring authentic Hula dance performances, fire shows, and live music by performers from Hālau Hula O Nā Liko A’o Puna and 808 Luau Entertainment. All talents come together to participate in the event without any cost. It’s a testament to the unity and compassion that we can all share as a community. Guests will be greeted with a seashell lei and welcome cocktail Diplomatico Planas Pineapple Daiquiri. Daniele Dalla Pola Esotico Miami owner and master of tropical cocktails, prepared a special menu for the event with fourteen exotic cocktails to satisfy any taste. From Original Mai Tai (Clement Rhum Blanc, Plantation Xamaica, Dry Orange Curacao Ferrand, Lime Juice, House Orgeat) to cocktails with Hawaiian-based spirits, like Lilikoi cocktail (Pau Maui Vodka, Dan’s Mix, lime juice), Blue Hawaiian (Pau Maui Vodka, Havana Club Blanco Rum, Pineapple juice, House Sweet & Sour, Blue Curacao) and Royal Hawaiian (Fid St. Hawaiian Gin, House Orgeat, Citrus Mix, Pineapple). The dinner menu will feature Hawaiian-style dishes, like Lomi Lomi, Hawaiian sushi rolls, Spam Musubi, and the star of the menu, Luau Pork with coconut rice. “I feel a deep connection to the Aloha spirit and want to help my Hawaiian brothers and sisters rebuild their lives. The upcoming fundraiser will showcase the talents of native Hawaiians, and I’m honored to organize this event for the community in honor of Hawaii’s rich culture and traditions,” says Daniele Dalla Pola, the owner of Esotico Miami. Esotico Miami is committed to donating 50% of all proceeds from the bar and food directly to the Maui Strong Fund stewarded by the Hawai‘i Community Foundation. The impact doesn’t stop there. The “Aloha Market” pop-up store will feature a curated collection of authentic Hawaiian goods, showcasing Aloha shirts from Two Palms, Esotico’s t-shirts, Tiki earrings, and vintage Aloha shirts. The proceeds will go to the Maui Strong Fund. This event offers an opportunity for companies and individuals to come together and make an impact on the lives of those affected by the Maui wildfires. https://www.esoticomiami.com/https://www.hawaiicommunityfoundation.org/maui-strong
BRUGAL
Born from the passion of five generations of Maestros Roneros and more than 135 years of rum mastery, Dominican ultra-premium rum brand, Brugal, unveiled the first edition of a limited-edition sipping rum collection, Colección Visionaria. Crafted using the world’s first Aromatic Cask Toasting technique, Colección Visionaria was developed by Brugal family member and fifth generation Maestra Ronera, Jassil Villanueva Quintana. Brugal rums are 100% Dominican, and this collection is no exception. The Maestros carefully selected the finest natural ingredients from their beloved homeland, the Dominican Republic, to craft the most authentic ultra-premium sipping rum. For this first edition of Colección Visionaria, Brugal hand-selected one of the island’s most cherished treasures, cacao beans, and infused the toasted casks with their distinct nutty, velvety and fruity aromas. Colección Visionaria 01, Cacao, is reminiscent of Villanueva Quintana’s upbringing and heritage. “One of my most cherished childhood memories is walking amongst the cacao trees surrounding my family home. I remember the lush and green cacao fields, the bittersweet scent of the cacao pods, and the rich aromas of roasted beans,” says Jassil Villanueva Quintana. “It’s this memory I wanted to recreate with the first edition of Colección Visionaria.” Completely unique to Brugal, the toasting process begins with the selection of the finest virgin European oak casks. Each cask is thoughtfully toasted with hand-picked Dominican cacao beans, infusing them with its organic, aromatic notes. The cacao beans are then removed before the rum is added into the toasted casks, saturating the liquid with the aromas created by the toasting process before they are aged to perfection under the Dominican sun. This new technique adds a layer of depth and complexity to the liquid without the cacao beans ever touching the rum directly. The result is a rich, elegant, and well-rounded sipping rum, without any added sugars or additives. Each batch of the exclusive bottling is a true collector’s piece, handcrafted with care and presented in beautiful bottles wrapped in navy blue netting, an elevated version of Brugal’s iconic protective netting. Carefully sealed by hand and personally signed by Jassil Villanueva Quintana herself, each bottle also displays the batch number on the label. https://www.brugal-rum.com/en
BLUE CHAIR RUM
Kenny Chesney, founder and sole owner of Blue Chair Bay® Rum, celebrated its 10th anniversary as only he can by releasing a very limited edition 16-year-old rum from the U.S. Virgin Islands. It is the kind of rare discovery that truly embodies the relaxed pace and easy enjoyment of the day that good rum inspires. “I started Blue Chair Bay because I wanted a rum made with natural ingredients that came from the islands and reflected the way my friends and I come together for work and play,” says the songwriter-superstar from East Tennessee. “We worked hard creating the flavor profiles, and we’ve had a ball taking these spirits and cocktails out to the world. Ten years? Time flies when you’re having fun, I guess. But to celebrate a decade of Blue Chair Bay Rum, I wanted to do something really awesome to mark all the work of so many great people. So, we scoured the world looking for a rum that reflected all that Blue Chair Bay is, and more. And as all good pirates know: search and you will find! We unearthed 20 barrels of rum from the USVI that’s been barrel-aged for an almost unheard of 16 years.” F. Paul Pacult, America’s most awarded spirits journalist, author, consultant, and educator, declared, “It’s the ideal post-prandial enjoyment served neat at room temperature, alongside a fine cigar or a dish of crème brûlée. Produced in the U.S. Virgin Islands, a top-shelf treat for discerning palates.”Because there were just 20 barrels, there are only 6,600 bottles of Blue Chair Bay’s 10th Anniversary Rum, which will be available at select stores starting in September. “When I started Blue Chair Bay Rum, it was a crazy dream,” Chesney marvels. “But I had a sense of what I wanted: a liquid that distilled a perfect day on the water in the islands. For anyone who’s ever dreamed of those kinds of days or nights, I wanted something that captured that feeling.” As demand for such an exclusive rum heightens, Blue Chair Bay will continue to explore and search the world for select spirits. “Blue Chair Bay Rum is one of Kenny’s passion projects. He loves rum, he loves the Caribbean, and he loves his fans. It’s all bottled up in Blue Chair,” shares David Farmer, President of Blue Chair Bay Rum. https://bluechairbayrum.com/
KULEANA & MAUI WILDFIRE SUPPORT
Many of us have been horrified by the fires on Maui and would like to help. The folks at Kuleana recognize that navigating through the various organizations offering crucial aid to those in need on Maui might feel overwhelming. They have assembled a list below that they believe will prove valuable in helping you and I to provide essential support.
Kākoʻo Maui:
https://www.memberplanet.com/campaign/cnhamembers/kakoomaui
Supported by the Council for Native Hawaiian Advancement, this Hawaiian Way Fund has pledged to match every dollar donated up to $1.5 million.
Hawaiʻi Community Foundation:
https://www.hawaiicommunityfoundation.org/maui-strong
With a focus on rapid response, the Hawaiʻi Community Foundation’s efforts are centralized on working with local nonprofits to address Maui’s specific needs.
Maui Rapid Response (MRR):
https://www.kanuhawaii.org/maui-wildfire/
Made up of individuals from Maui-Mutual-Aid, Maui-Strong, and several other nonprofit and direct-aid organizations, MRR is closely coordinating with county and state officials to provide immediate assistance to those in need.
Maui/Aloha United Way:
https://ignite.stratuslive.com/auw/get-involved/donate/mauirelief
Aloha United Way provides direct relief to families and other local non-profits supporting survivors.
Maui Food Bank:
https://mauifoodbank.org/
The Maui Food Bank provides safe and nutritious food to anyone in Maui County who is at risk of going hungry.
KENTUCKY FRIED CHICKEN & DEAD MAN’S FINGERS
British publication The Grocer reported that Kentucky Fried Chicken and Dead Man’s Fingers have partnered to create a limited-edition ‘11 Herbed and Spiced Rum’. Described by the fast-food giant as “Kentucky zing meets Cornish soul”, the unusual blend has been created to mark National Rum Day (16 August). The limited-edition flavor contains spices including black and white pepper, infused into the Halewood-owned brand’s spiced rum variant. To mark the launch, the brands will create a pop-up “chicken and rum shack” in Margate for fans to try the new flavor, KFC said. The pop-up will take place on September 1st and 2nd. KFC said: “KFC and Dead Man’s Fingers are inviting fans to a shack full of chicken and rum located right on Margate’s iconic seafront. “Not only is it filled with finger lickin’ features and a whole lot of free chicken, we’ve also copped the help of an expert mixologist who will be on hand to serve up a bunch of Dead Man’s Fingers-approved cocktails, including Zinger Punch, The Colonel’s Colada and Fingers Lickin’ Good.” https://deadmansfingers.com/
NEW ORLEANS SPIRIT COMPETITION
The New Orleans Spirits Competition (NOSC) presented by Tales of the Cocktail Foundation (TOTCF) announced the 2023 medalists from its second annual competition at the Medalist Ceremony at Tales of the Cocktail. This followed the competition’s preliminary judging round held in June and live-judging round held at TOTC on July 24. Nine Double Gold, 59 Gold, 178 Silver and 135 Bronze medalists were honored at a ceremony. Entries were evaluated based on a strict set of criteria, including aromas, flavor, mouthfeel and finish, in a first-of-its-kind public judging by industry experts, including award-winning bartenders, distillers and beverage. Among the rum contenders, Rolling Forks Spirits’ The Lost Cask Collection Barbados 17 Year won Rum of the Year and a Double Gold Medal for Best Overproof Rum. Rhum Clement Blanc won a Double Gold Medal for Best White Rum and Best Rhum Agricole. Gold Medals went to Saint Lucia Distillers’ Chairman’s Reserve Legacy, River Antoine’s Rivers Royal Grenadian Rum, Denizen Rum Aged White and Rhum J.M. Terroir Volcanique.
RAISING GLASSES
Raising Glasses is an independent bottler whose focus is the acquisition of superior single cask spirits from around the world. The 2023 Summer series are affordable 375 ml bottles that feature original artwork based on a mythological legend from the country that distilled the rum. Raising Glasses donates 5% of the profits from these bottles to charities benefitting each country of origin. The series includes:
- Yowie – a 16 year old rum from the Beenleigh Artisan distillery in Australia, made from molasses and a blend of both pot and column still rums. It was aged 11 years in Australia and 5 in the UK before being bottled at 68.3% ABV. The Yowie is Australia’s Bigfoot, an elusive apelike creature that has occasional dubious sightings and spawned many clubs and tv specials.
- Whistler – a 14 year old rum from Venezuela, made from molasses and distilled on a column still. It was aged 12 years in Venezuela and 2 years in the UK, before being bottled at 62.1 % ABV. The Whistler is a demonic ghoul who shuffles through rural Venezuelan towns at night looking for victims to add to the bag of bones he carries on his back.
- Kinnaree – a 9 year old rum from Thailand, made from molasses and distilled in a column still. It was aged 5 years in Thailand and 4 years in the UK, before being bottled at 61.6% ABV. The Kinnaree, the half woman/half bird creature from Buddhist and Hindu cultures, is known for its celestial grace and beauty.
- Manora – another 9 year old rum from Thailand, made from molasses and distilled on a column still. It was aged 5 years in Thailand and 4 years in the UK, before being bottled at 55% ABV. A famous Thai play involves “Manora”, a Kinnaree that was captured and gifted to Prince Suthon who fell in love with her. When Suthon left for war, jealous advisers convinced the King to sacrifice Manora.
- Rum Passport Six Nation Blend -Travel the world in one glass, a blend of single casks from six countries: Thailand 9 year column still, Guyana 9 year Versailles wooden pot still, Australian 16 year pot still Beenleigh, Barbados 15 year column/pot Foursquare, Venezuela 14 year column still and Trinidad 8 year column Diamond.
https://raisingglasses.com/
KOLOA RUM
On August 26, Kōloa Rum Company hosted an online and in-store event to support Maui ‘ohana impacted by the devastating wildfires, where 100% of proceeds went to the local nonprofit organization, Maui Strong. Kōloa Rum raised a grand total of $44,106 in in-store and online sales of rum, island-inspired merchandise, rum-infused foods and more. “We are overwhelmed by the outcome of the event and for the support of our loyal fans, who participated in our goal of giving back to our fellow island neighbors,” said Bob Gunter, President and CEO of Kōloa Rum Company. “Raising over $44,000 in sales exceeded our initial expectations, and we’re grateful we’re able to donate 100% of those proceeds to Maui Strong, in their commitment to helping the Lāhainā community.” https://koloarum.com/
APPLETON ESTATES
A recent email from Appleton announced four “Collectable Rums for Discerning Palates.”
- 15 Year Old Black River Casks is a tribute to the Black River that is integral to Jamaica’s rum history and the source of the limestone-filtered water used to craft Appleton rums. This blend of rare and hand-selected pot and column still rums have all been aged for a minimum of 15 years in the tropical climate of Jamaica.
- Appleton Estate 21 Year Old Nassau Valley Casks is a tribute to the Estate’s lush and fertile home since 1749, Jamaica’s Nassau Valley. This blend of rare and hand-selected pot and column still rums are crafted with Jamaican limestone-filtered water, with no added flavors, and have all been aged for a minimum of 21 years in the tropical climate of Jamaica.
- Appleton Estate Hearts Collection 1993 is made from 100% pot still rums from a total of only 13 casks, bottled for this unique release. This single-marque Jamaican rum was distilled in 1993 and bottled in 2022, aged for 29 tropical years in the climate of Jamaica. Appleton Estate Hearts Collection 2002 is made from 100% pot still rums from a total of only 20 casks, bottled for this unique release. This single-marque Jamaican rum was Distilled in 2002 and bottled in 2022, aged for 20 tropical years in the climate of Jamaica. The Hearts Collection is proudly presented by Appleton Estate Master Blender, Joy Spence, and Luca Gargano, one of the world’s most renowned rum collectors.
https://appletonestate.com/
