Rum in the News
PLANTERAY
At last month’s Tales of the Cocktail event, Maison Ferrand introduced Planteray Mister Fogg Navy Rum, a meticulously crafted rum blend that pays homage to the rich heritage and craftsmanship of Navy rum. Drawing from four of the main rum-producing Caribbean islands historically used in Navy blends (Barbados, Trinidad, Guyana and Jamaica) Mister Fogg is a spirit of unparalleled depth and complexity. Available as a limited edition, the rum launch is accompanied by the in-depth co-authored book Exploring 300 Years of Royal Navy Rum and Its Techniques by Maison Ferrand owner and master blender Alexandre Gabriel and rum historian Matt Pietrek. The rum is a tribute to the late Michael Fogg, a British naval veteran who joined ED&F Man, (supplier of rum to the British Royal Navy), shortly after his naval service. He was a key figure of the history of Navy rum, and his passion for this spirit significantly contributed to the authors’ understanding of what Navy rum truly is. Planteray Mister Fogg Navy Rum and the book were born of a passion for uncovering bygone spirits, their place and importance in history and the desire to revive and celebrate the essence of true Navy rum with today’s spirits aficionados. Exploring 300 Years of Royal Navy Rum and Its Techniques is the result of five years of extensive, dedicated research, uncovering and analyzing historic documents. The 256-page book features exclusive in-depth exploration of the rich heritage and intricate production techniques that define Royal Navy rum. For Mister Fogg Navy Rum, rums from Barbados, Trinidad, Guyana and Jamaica were aged in ex-bourbon barrels in their countries of origin and then transported to the southwest of France, emulating the historic tradition of dynamic aging on ships. Upon arrival in the Cognac region, the blend underwent double aging in used oak barrels and extensive oxygenation in large, open wooden vats, replicating the humid environment of the British docks, enhancing maturation. https://www.maisonferrand.com
DIAGEO & PAMPERO
Diageo has agreed to the sale of Pampero Rum to Gruppo Montenegro, a leading Italian company in the premium spirits and food sectors with a portfolio that includes iconic Italian spirits brands such as Amaro Montenegro, Select Aperitivo, Vecchia Romagna Brandy and Rosso Antico Vermouth. John Kennedy, Diageo’s President, Europe said: “The sale of Pampero demonstrates our disciplined and strategic approach to capital allocation. It will allow us to concentrate on our portfolio’s core areas of strength as we accelerate towards our ambition; to be one of the best performing, most trusted and respected consumer products companies in the world.” Paul Douek, Gruppo Montenegro’s Executive Board Member, commented: “We are delighted to announce the acquisition of Pampero, a rum that will significantly enhance our growth trajectory both within Italy and on the international stage. Pampero’s exceptional heritage and unique qualities will greatly enrich our spirits portfolio. We are particularly pleased that this milestone has been achieved following the appointment of Gruppo Montenegro’s new CEO, Sergio Fava. The acquisition of Pampero marks a new pivotal phase for Gruppo Montenegro as we fortify our global expansion with our new leadership team”. https://www.diageo.com/, https://gruppomontenegro.com/
KOLOA RUM COMPANY
Koloa Rum Company and its distribution partner Republic National Distributing Company (RNDC) are expanding in the U.S. from 12 to 20 states. “The Spirit of Aloha” will now be available in Georgia, South Carolina, Louisiana, Texas, Colorado, Michigan, Maryland and Washington D.C. Varying by state, RNDC will distribute Koloa Rum’s eight premium rum products. This includes Kauai White, Gold, Dark, Spice, Coconut, Cacao, Coffee Rum, and a five-year, Kauai Reserved Single-Barrel Aged Rum; as well as ready-to-drink cocktails. “In 2024, Koloa Rum has expanded its market reach to an additional 12 states due to the extraordinary demand for our Hawaiian-inspired products from our loyal fanbase,” said Bob Gunter, President and CEO of Koloa Rum Company. “RNDC has been exceptional to work with over the years and, with their ongoing support, we’re confident that we will continue to grow and meet the increasing demand of our rum across the United States mainland.” In addition to the RNDC market distribution, Koloa Rum has also opened distribution in Arkansas with Moon Distributors; Massachusetts with Main Street Wine; and Tennessee with Best Brands Incorporated. This brings the total distribution of Koloa Rum products to 36 states, and Washington D.C. https://koloarum.com/
SANTA TERESA
Santa Teresa 1796, Venezuela’s esteemed and oldest rum producer, has released their newest expression, Santa Teresa Arabica Coffee Cask Finish. This innovative and exceptional blend marks a groundbreaking moment for rum enthusiasts and coffee connoisseurs alike as well as the brand, which is introducing a new and refreshed brand visual identity designed to honor centuries of tradition while embracing a modernized aesthetic. Santa Teresa Arabica Coffee Cask Finish begins with the renowned Santa Teresa 1796, a triple-aged, award-winning Venezuelan Solera rum, cherished for its super-premium quality and minimal sugar content with just 3 grams of sugar per 750 ml bottle. This distinguished rum undergoes an additional transformation, spending three months in American white oak casks previously used to age a rum-based cold brew coffee. This meticulous process infuses the rum with rich coffee aromas and flavors, enhancing its depth and character without the use of additives. “We are thrilled to introduce the Arabica Coffee Cask Finish as the latest addition to our Cask Finish Series. This expression exemplifies our unwavering dedication to innovation while honoring our rich Venezuelan heritage,” said Alberto Vollmer, CEO of Santa Teresa Rum. “By combining some of the finest coffee and rum produced in Venezuela, we have created a blend that offers unparalleled depth and character. This release is a testament to our legacy of craftsmanship and our commitment to producing exceptional rum that celebrates our rich history and traditions.” https://www.santateresarum.com/
ANGOSTURA
Angostura has announced a strategic distribution agreement to export their global award-winning products to China. The agreement is with Caribbean Commercial Management (Hangzhou) Co. Ltd, a subsidiary of First Caribbean Marketing Company Ltd (‘FCMC’). FCMC is an established importer and exporter of Chinese goods into Trinidad and Tobago and the wider Caribbean. Caribbean Commercial Management (Hangzhou) Co. Ltd will be responsible for the marketing and distribution of Angostura’s rum and bitters range across China, including selling into the e-commerce, retail, and on-trade channels. Speaking at a signing ceremony for this new international agreement, CEO of Angostura, Mr. Laurent Schun commented, “We are excited to partner with Caribbean Commercial Management (Hangzhou) Co. Ltd as we take this important step in our global growth journey. China represents a tremendous opportunity for our brand. Given the distributor’s understanding of the local market in China, we are confident that this partnership will significantly enhance our presence and drive our brand’s success in this dynamic region.” Managing Director of Caribbean Commercial Management (Hangzhou) Co. Ltd, Mr. Charles Xiang Cheng expressed his commitment to promoting Angostura® brands in the Chinese market, “I feel confident that the decision made by Angostura® to appoint the FCMC Group as exclusive distributor for China, Hong Kong and Macau is a sound one. It is my dream to get Angostura® manufacturing every day of the year to fulfil the orders for the Chinese market as everybody knows its size.”In other news, the distillery has launched Angostura Tribute Distiller’s Cut in the Baltics – Lithuania, Poland, Spain, and Germany. It will also be launched in France later this year. The Tribute Distiller’s Cut is the latest Limited-Edition rum from Angostura’s Private Cask Collection, produced in honor of the Company’s Master Distiller, John Georges. As one of the Caribbean region’s premier Distillers, Mr. Georges’ unique skill and finesse is what set their blends apart. He spent forty years at Angostura® using his artistry skills, detailed knowledge and meticulously high standards in distilling, to craft rare blends. The blends from the Tribute Distiller’s Cut are from some of the most prestigious rums from aged reserves, including a 25-year-old, which is one of the oldest in Angostura’s inventory. https://angostura.com/
APPLETON ESTATE
Appleton Estate has announced the launch of Hearts Collection 1998, the latest release from the prestigious annual series. The new vintage, aged 25 tropical years on the Appleton Estate, located in lush Nassau Valley, is the eighth edition in the sought-after collection of extremely rare 100% pot still Jamaican rums. Hand-selected by legendary Master Blender Dr. Joy Spence in partnership with rum connoisseur Luca Gargano, this release showcases the exceptional depth and harmony of flavors in an advanced aged rum. Appleton Estate Hearts Collection 1998 will start rolling out in select US premium spirits retail outlets at the end of August. The Hearts Collection is an ode to Appleton Estate’s centuries of excellence in rum-making. As the oldest continuously operated rum distillery in Jamaica, Appleton Estate is the custodian to one of the most extensive and luxurious collections of aging rum barrels in the world. To find the treasures in each Hearts Collection release, Dr. Joy Spence hand selects from the thousands of barrels of pot still rums aging in Appleton Estate’s warehouses and collaborates with Luca Gargano to identify the best of the best. The 1998 vintage from this year’s Hearts Collection consists of a single proprietary marque distilled in a copper pot still, aged 25 years and bottled in 2023. Master Blender Joy Spence says, “The 1998 release is very special, not only for its incredible depth and age, but also because it pays homage to one of the most cherished releases of my career.” She adds, “Hearts Collection 1998 closely replicates one of the rare marques used in the Appleton Estate Joy Anniversary Blend. Its striking vanilla notes and silky finish make this an ideal rum for sipping and savoring.” To receive exclusive updates and information about Appleton Estate and the Hearts Collection, including pre-sale information, fans can visit the brand’s website and sign up for the community newsletter. https://appletonestate.com/
KLYR RUM
KLYR Rum, a super-premium 100% American-made crystal rum, announced the launch of two ready-to-drink (RTD) flavor innovations just in time to round-out summer drinking occasions on National Refreshment Day taking place on Thursday, July 25th. Embodying the fun and freedom of warmer temperatures and longer days, these new patriotic-themed RTDs feature iconic flavors of summer with no artificial ingredients that capture the classic Americana spirit: ‘Sweet Tea of Freedom’ and ‘All-American Lemonade.’ Crafted with top-shelf crystal KLYR rum, these newly introduced, all-natural flavors join the existing KLYR brand portfolio of premium, non-carbonated RTDs that are sure to stand out for their pure ingredients that deliver a clean, crisp and smooth taste. With fewer calories than similar canned elixirs, the KLYR ‘Celebrate America’ limited-edition entrants feature an ABV of 5.5% and are less sweet than most spirits-based lemonade and sweet tea RTDs without sacrificing on taste. “The spirits-based RTD category continues to be among the hottest areas of the drinks market, and we have carved out a niche within this segment that marries our super-premium KLYR rum along with healthier ingredients, natural flavors along with on-the-go convenience that consumers are searching for,” said Keith Krem, COO of KLYR Rum. “Our newest flavored KLYR RTDs bring the best of all worlds with refreshing, nostalgic flavors of summer – lemonade and sweet iced tea – that are the perfect refreshment for warmer weather, whether by the poolside, alongside a BBQ and other festive outdoor occasions.” “Classic American lemonade and sweet iced tea are synonymous with summer, and we’ve worked hard to capture these popular seasonal flavors without relying unnecessarily on sugar. Unlike much of the competition, there’s nothing artificial about our KLYR RTDs,” said Lexi Close, Head Distiller at Holy Water Distillery where KLYR Rum is hand-crafted. “We are sure consumers are going to love this latest addition to our KLYR ready-to-drink portfolio on THE day when everyone is celebrating the best in liquid refreshment.” https://klyrrum.com/
RUM FEST KEY WEST
Fans of rum can savor on-the-water fun, unique rum experiences, seminars and tastings, a concert and more during the inaugural Rum Fest Key West in the historic seaport city. Set for Wednesday through Sunday, Aug. 14-18, the festival incorporates a commemoration of National Rum Day on Friday, Aug. 16. Scheduled events showcase Key West’s distilleries, landmarks and marine environment, as well as the rumrunning heritage that helped shape the island city during the 1920-1933 Prohibition era. The festival begins Wednesday evening, Aug. 14, with a tour of Key West First Legal Rum Distillery at 105 Simonton St., followed by a live music sunset sail with the distillery team on a spacious Fury Key West catamaran. Attractions Thursday, Aug. 15, include a cocktail cruise to one of Key West’s offshore sandbars, a pool party featuring reggae and rum, a Lower Keys bar crawl via trolley and a cocktail contest for local mixologists. Capping the day’s temptations is an elegant four-course dinner with rum pairings at the Hemingway Social Club, located at the Hemingway Rum Co./Papa’s Pilar Distillery, 201 Simonton St. National Rum Day celebrations planned for Friday, Aug. 16, include the Key Lime Bicycle and Rum Tour, a sandbar cocktail cruise and a cigar-rolling and rum experience at the Rodriguez Cigar Factory, 113 Fitzpatrick St. Headlining the night is a concert by multi-platinum singer/songwriter and “trop rock” sensation Jesse Rice at the Key West Theater, 512 Eaton St., followed by an after party. The festival’s undisputed highlight is the Grand Tasting at the Hemingway Rum Co., set for Saturday, Aug. 17, featuring more than 30 rum brands for attendees to sample. Rums represented are to include leading brands such as Pussers and Bacardi, artisan offerings such as Marsh House Rum and Down Island, and award-winning local favorites Papa’s Pilar Rum and Key West First Legal Rum. During the day Saturday, rum-o-philes can expand their knowledge of their favorite spirit during four seminars at the Perry Hotel & Marina, 7001 Shrimp Road on Stock Island. Seminars are taught by local and national rum experts and are to include cocktails and small plates. The rum-focused revelry concludes Sunday, Aug. 18, after a brunch and farewell event that feature the famous spirit. https://fla-keys.com/
KULEANA RUM WORKS
In the last few weeks, I have received news on four new blends from Kuleana. First, there is the third installment in their Special Release program, El Salvador 11. This single cask offering was column distilled from a molasses fermentation in El Salvador in November 2008. It was aged in ex-bourbon barrels until Kuleana purchased it in the Spring of 2020. Liberated from the barrel at 63.5% ABV, they felt it was too hot for sipping. They tasted it at several proofs and picked 53% ABV, which brings out the luscious flavors with bold, but not numbing, heat. The second release is their Aged Hawaiian Rum Agricole. This is their Hawaiian Rum Agricole, which Forbes recently called “The World’s Top Sugarcane Juice-based Rum”, and aged for 18 months in Cognac barrels. Normally, they use this as the secret ingredient in their Nanea and Hōkūlei, but it is so special, they released 288 bottles to their awesome supporters! Both of these two releases are only available at the Kuleana Rum Shack on the Big Island. The third release is Nani, a blend they created for Bevmo liquor stores. Nani [nah-nee] is the Hawaiian word for beautiful or glorious. The Nani blend of aged rums creates a beautiful experience to enjoy neat or in a classic Kuleana Mai Tai. Nani is a blend of two different rums: aged Hawaiian rum agricole, distilled from their heirloom Hawaiian sugarcane, and Guatemalan molasses-based rum, aged in Bourbon barrels for two years. The final release is a custom blend Kuleana created for the Four Seasons Resort Hualalai, the first and only AAA Five-Diamond and Forbes Five-Star resort on Hawaii Island. The Resort’s signature Hui Hui Hualalai Blend is featured in innovative cocktails throughout the resort’s restaurants and bars. In addition, the Hualalai Resort will offer Rum Farm Tours which will provide guests with an exclusive opportunity to visit the Kuleana sugar cane farm, where they grow forty varieties of Hawaiian Heirloom sugar cane, and the Kuleana Distillery Tour, where they will see the fresh sugar cane juice distilled into Hawaiian Rum Agricole. https://kuleanarum.com/, https://www.fourseasons.com/hualalai/
BLACK TOT
Black Tot has released Master Blender’s Reserve 2024. This year their Master Blender, Oliver Chilton, has included a higher percentage of Barbadian rums to accentuate the rich tropical fruits in the blend. As always, he has looked to put his own spin on the blend, this year including a 1997 rum from Trinidad’s lost distillery Caroni. Re-imagining the lost art of naval perpetual blending; he began with rum drawn from Master Blender’s Reserve from last year. Casks were then selected from Barbados, Trinidad, Guyana and Jamaica. These four unique country blends were then married together with their perpetual reserve, layered and perfectly balanced, to create Master Blender’s Reserve 2024. As always, flagons of original Royal Navy Rum are added to the blend to keep the liquid history alive. 60% of the blend comes from six marks from Barbados, three from Foursquare, two from West Indies and one from Mount Gay. 25% of Master Blender’s Reserve 2024 comes from four marks from Trinidad, three from Trinidad Distillers and one from Caroni. 5% of the blend comes from five marks from Jamaica, one from New Yarmouth, three from Clarendon and one from Long Pond. 5% comes from Guyana, with two marks coming from Diamond Distillers. The final 5% is made up from the Master Blender’s Reserve 2023 and Original Royal Navy Flagons. Even more impressive is the age, both Tropical and Continental, of these twenty marks. For a detailed breakdown of marks and ages, go to the Black Tot website, one of the most transparent and informative websites in the industry. https://blacktot.com/
