February 2021 - Rum In the News

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                                               KOLOA RUM

Hawai’i’s award-winning Koloa Rum Company announced the launch of the brand’s third aged rum release with the debut of its single-barrel Koloa Kaua’i Reserve Five-Year Aged Hawaiian Rum. Bottled at cask strength, Koloa Kaua’i Reserve Five-Year Aged Hawaiian Rum is artfully distilled and gently aged in charred American white oak barrels at its Kalaheo Distillery. The remarkable flavor, color and aroma of each batch is a reflection of time, temperature and humidity imparted over the course of the aging process. “We released our first aged rum in 2018 following more than five years of research and experimentation to develop the protocols necessary to properly age rum in Hawai’i’s tropical environment,” said Koloa Rum President and CEO Bob Gunter. “As Koloa Rum Company comes of age, so does our rum! Our Reserve Aged releases have quickly become some of our most sought after and coveted offerings, and this extraordinary five-year aged variation is no exception.” The initial release consists of five individual barrels that have been aged for a minimum of five years. Each single-barrel batch yields approximately 210 bottles, which are carefully inspected and numbered to ensure quality. Koloa Kaua’i Reserve Five-Year Aged Hawaiian Rum is bottled at cask-strength, from 110-124 proof depending on the barrel, Additional barrels are scheduled to be released in April 2021. Koloa Rum Company was founded to create superior Hawaiian rum and ready-to-drink cocktails using locally sourced ingredients. In doing so, Koloa Rum provides quality employment opportunities for the community of Kaua`i and meaningful support to the local agricultural industry by increasing cultivated acreage and preserving open space. https://www.koloarum.com

                                      MONTANYA DISTILLERS

Montanya Distillers, a craft rum distillery and Certified B Corporation®, is now certified Plastic Neutral. The company has partnered with rePurpose Global to fund the collection, processing and reuse of more than 1,000 pounds of plastic waste. This total equals how much plastic Montanya uses across its operations. By making this commitment, every Montanya rum purchase now carries a Net Zero Plastic Footprint. Through this partnership, Montanya enables the removal of plastic waste otherwise landfilled, burned or flushed into the oceans every year. rePurpose Global, in partnership with Montanya, supports vetted waste management social enterprise CarPe in India to collect and process hard-to-recycle waste streams otherwise too low value to be reclaimed from the environment, such as chocolate wrappers, chips packets and similar flexible packing items. By going Plastic Neutral, Montanya not only tackles a $50 billion/year funding gap that plagues recycling supply chains worldwide, but also adds a crucial income stream for more than 50 waste pickers and their families in India. Today, informal waste workers often earn less than $5/day, work in precarious conditions and face severe discrimination despite providing a crucial societal service for cities across the developing world. Through this initiative, Montanya is boosting these waste workers’ income by attaching value to hard-to-recycle plastics, while supporting experienced recycling social enterprises who holistically uplift ex-waste pickers through occupational safety, health insurance and skills training. Montanya has long recognized the grave threat that plastic pollution poses to the future of our planet and intends to take even further action against this epidemic. It will also work with rePurpose Global to reduce the future use of virgin plastics in its manufacturing and delivery process to build a more circular model. “We love rum, however we love our planet and community even more,” said Karen Hoskin, Montanya’s founder and owner. “We’ve been on a mission to eliminate single-use plastic from our packaging, our rum education events and our tasting room. rePurpose Global is the perfect partner to help us go the final mile. Our mission has always been to offer the highest quality product while creating a deep, positive impact on the world. We truly believe in the power of business to create long-lasting change and to be a force for good.”  MontanyaRum.com. https://repurpose.global/

                                    BEACH BUM BEVERAGES

Beach Bum Rum is the brainchild of Scottish entrepreneur David Adamson. After a memorable trip to Mauritius in 2016, he sought to create rums infused with the spirit and flavor of the island. His first two offerings are Beach Bum Silver and Beach Bum Gold. Both are made using a combination of column and pot stills, and have flavors of coconut and vanilla.  “We’ve used the island’s finest sugar cane to produce our own unique blend before naturally infusing the rums with coconut and vanilla. By combining column and pot stills in the distillation process we’ve made a true traditional rum with a modern twist. Both rums are incredibly versatile and can be enjoyed neat, short or long and bring a tropical vibe to any drink and occasion.” Adamson has been in the drinks business for more than a decade and worked for Sovereign Brands before starting Beach Bum Beverages. “I was always attracted to rum and knew there was a gap in the market for a fun, modern brand to come out of Mauritius, which has been making some of the world’s best rum for 150 years. Now we’re seeing rum’s popularity grow in the UK. It’s a really consumer-friendly spirit, is lighter in taste, has lots of different flavor profiles and can be mixed easily.”   https://beachbumbeverages.com/

                                   SIDEWALK SIDE SPIRITS

New Orleans cocktail syrup makers Cocktail & Sons have joined forces with iconic Louisiana bakery, Gambino’s, to form Sidewalk Side Spirits LLC. Just in time for Mardi Gras, they are proud to announce the launch of their first product: Gambino’s King Cake Rum Cream. Gambino’s Bakery owner Vincent Scelfo and Cocktail & Sons worked together with the help of renowned blender Midwest Custom Bottling to create the perfect blend of Caribbean rum, Wisconsin cream, Louisiana sugarcane and New Orleans’ own Cocktail & Son’s King Cake Syrup. With applications from coffee to premium cocktails, it’s Mardi Gras in a bottle. Says Scelfo, “Mardi Gras is all about good times with good people. For 70 years, Joe Gambino’s Bakery has been the King Cake Kings of this New Orleans tradition. We wanted to take Mardi Gras to a new level this year, so we partnered with the acclaimed and local Cocktail & Sons to create Gambino’s King Cake Rum Cream. If you could put Mardi Gras in a bottle, this is it.” Lauren Myerscough, co-founder and CEO of Cocktail & Sons, explained, “I’ve loved Gambino’s king cakes since I was a kid, bringing them to school for Mardi Gras. It’s a thrill to work with such an iconic New Orleans institution and recreate their king cake in a glass.” Joe Gambino’s King Cake Rum Cream will be distributed by RNDC in Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, and Florida. Available from National Distributing in Georgia, Best Brands in Tennessee, and Major Brands in Missouri.  Sidewalk Side Spirits will be headed by Cocktail & Sons co-founder Lauren Myerscough as Sales and Marketing Vice President. Myerscough will continue the same role at Cocktail & Sons. Cocktail & Son’s partner Max Messier will be in charge of Research and Development of all spirit brands. Sidewalk Side Spirits is a spirit’s brand incubator founded in 2020 by friends in the spirits, cocktail and hospitality industry. Gambino’s King Cake Rum Cream was born out of the New Orleanians’ love of Carnival and all it means to the hundreds of thousands of revelers who celebrate it across the country every year. For over a decade, its founders could be seen celebrating Mardi Gras with their friends and family on “the sidewalk side” of Napoleon and Prytania. https://sidewalksidespirits.com.

                                 NATIONAL RUMS OF JAMAICA

Martha Miller has been appointed CEO of National Rums of Jamaica. She will be the first woman to lead the operations of NRJ in its 40-year history.  This promotion comes as a result of the retirement of former CEO Neil A. Glasgow. Miller is a graduate of the University of the West Indies, holding a Bachelor of Science Degree (Hons) in Computer Studies; and a Fellow of the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants. Miller joined NRJ as Chief Financial Officer and Company Secretary in 2013 and was appointed Deputy CEO in 2020. Before her employment at NRJ, Miller’s career in finance spanned over 20 years having served in senior positions as Regional Head Technology at LIME; Vice President, Financial Planning & Analysis at Cable & Wireless Jamaica Limited; and General Manager, Finance at the ICD Group of Companies/Mechala Group. Former CEO Neil Glasgow said, “Miller’s engaging management style, strategic bent and sharp intellect will ensure NRJ’s continued growth and success in the years to come.” Miller has played a pivotal role in NRJ’s success over the past seven years and is expected to lead the company in the expansion of its reach as a major producer and exporter of quality rums from Jamaica, the National Rums said in a press release. Komal Samaroo chairman of NRJ’s board of directors also lauded Miller’s appointment. “I thank Martha for her contribution as CFO to National Rums of Jamaica and congratulate her on being appointed to the position of CEO. I also want to thank Neil for his great leadership of the company over the years.” Samaroo noted that the company is entering a new exciting phase of its growth and Miller is well equipped to provide high-quality leadership to the NRJ team as it pursues new opportunities and navigates around the various challenges, including the COVID-19 pandemic. “I have every confidence that under Martha’s leadership, NRJ will become an even more significant contributor to the Jamaican economy. The board of directors joins me in wishing her great success and reaffirm our support to her efforts in the future”. In 1980, National Rums of Jamaica (NRJ) was incorporated as wholly-owned subsidiary of the National Sugar Company Limited with the remit to operate the distillery assets of the parent company.  In 2006, the Government of Jamaica divested two-thirds of their shares in National Rums of Jamaica with a third going to Demerara Distillers Limited (owners of El Dorado Rum) and the final third to West Indies Rum Distillers – based in Barbados, and which has since been acquired by Maison Ferrand Limited (owners of Plantation Rums). https://monymuskrums.com/

                                                SELVAREY

SelvaRey, the rum brand co-owned by superstar Bruno Mars, launched a new “Owner’s Reserve” bottle last month. In terms of the name, Bruno is considered the “owner” for this bottle, although he co-owns the brand with brothers Seth and Marc Gold and Robert Herzig. The rum is a single-estate rum, hand-selected from the cellars of SelvaRey’s Master Distiller, Don “Pancho” Francisco Fernandez. Mars asked Fernandez to blend his finest aged rums across the distillery’s best vintage blends to make a highly nuanced, deliciously smooth offering that would rival the best aged rums on the market. The result is a 40% ABV rum that includes 15 and 25-year-old rums that were then aged together in American Oak barrels. As for how it tastes, it begins with aromas of caramelized brown sugar, pipe tobacco, Pedro Ximenez sherry and orange peel, while finishing with endlessly silky notes of baked apple crumble and roasted Brazilian nut. Beyond dictating what the final liquid would taste like, Mars also worked on other aspects of the project. Mars designed the logo, word mark, bottle shape, colors, materials, iconography, and every inch of the Owner’s Reserve gift box. An expert team of artists/graphic designers and calligraphers all came together to execute his vision. https://selvarey.com/

                                             CAMPARI UK

Campari UK is pleased to announce that it will take over the distribution of super-premium agricole rum brand Trois Rivières on February 1st. Campari UK will distribute all SKUs currently available in the UK market: Trois Rivières Blanc, Cuvee de l’Océan, Ambré, Cuvée du Moulin, VSOP Réserve Spéciale and 12 Year Old. Trois Rivières Agricole rhum is an exceptional vintage rum with an innovative spirit that embodies excellence and the Caribbean way of life. The prestigious rums are the product of AOC (Appellation d’Origine Contrôlée), a Protected Designation of Origin classification that certifies their superior quality based on strict regulation of production methods, terroir and artisanal techniques. Rhums from Martinique are the only rums in the world with AOC status. Trois Rivières combine AOC, technical expertise and innovation to create aromatic and full-flavored Agricole rhum blends that express the charm of Martinique. Agricole rhum is made by distilling pure, fresh, fermented cane juice. Produced mainly in the French West Indies, Martinique and Guadeloupe, agricole rhum is a high-quality rum, well-known and appreciated for its specific aromas and flavors due to its long and established method of production. Trois Rivières gets its name from the three rivers; Bois d’Inde, Oman and St. Pierre, which border the original estate which was first established by Nicolas Fouquet, The Superintendent of King Louis XIV in 1660. The Plantation, in the far South of Martinique, benefits from an exceptional geographic location that gives the rhums their character and rich flavor. The sugar cane grows in clay soils that are rich in magnesium, whilst their roots bathe in sea water. This gives the rhums their high sugar content and their remarkable, refined and diverse flavor profile. Trois Rivières enjoys international recognition, highlighting its quality and asserting the rum’s prestigious reputation. Attesting to the plantation’s excellence and know-how, Trois Rivières is one of the world’s most awarded rum, claiming 263 awards and medals in the past 5 years, 142 of which are Gold medals from the most world-renowned competitions: IWSC London, Spirits Selection by CMB, Concours Général Agricole and more.   Campari UK’s managing director, Brad Madigan, says of the acquisition: “With a rich legacy and history Trois Rivières premium agricole rhum has been recognized worldwide for its extraordinary quality and elegance. As a prestigious, high-quality rhum brand, Trois Rivières is a brilliant addition to our established Prestige Portfolio brands such as Wild Turkey, Appleton Estate and Grand Marnier, further diversifying the Campari UK offering. I would like to thank the team at Speciality Brands for their commitment in establishing Trois Rivières in the UK market. We are very much looking forward to building on Speciality’s great work and introducing more consumers to the wonder of Trois Rivières..” https://plantationtroisrivieres.com/

                                             TEN TO ONE

Ten To One’s first Reserve pays tribute to the Republic of Trinidad & Tobago, the birthplace of their founder, Marc Farrell, with a limited bottling of four hand-selected casks of 17-year old Trinidadian rum. Aged in ex-Bourbon barrels, this expression features a compelling medley of savory fruit and flower notes, including pawpaw (papaya), passion fruit, ginger and apricot, which take you on a reminiscent journey to the Caribbean. Serving as a homage to Marc’s birthplace, Ten To One Reserve encapsulates his deep appreciation for his cultural roots and challenges expectations of what a luxury spirit can be. Born and raised in Trinidad, Marc attended MIT at age 16, followed by Cambridge University and Harvard Business School, before joining Starbucks as its youngest VP. He always noticed a discrepancy between how rum is regarded in the U.S. vs. the Caribbean, often relegated to trope-ish narratives, fictional themes and sugary cocktails. Propelled to create a product that genuinely reflected his heritage and a contemporary view of the Caribbean, Marc launched Ten To One in 2019, showcasing rum’s versatility by appealing to everyday occasions and food pairings. https://www.tentoonerum.com/

                                            COPALLI RUM

Belize-based Copalli Rum has hired Mark Breene as its new chief executive officer. Breene will work alongside co-founders Todd Robinson and Anya Fernald to grow the sustainable, farm-to-bottle brand. His previous experience includes more than 20 years of experience working on global and artisanal brands for Rémy Cointreau and Diageo, and has also worked with American single malt whiskey producer Westland Distillery. “I’m thrilled to join a brand that shares my philosophy,” said Breene. “A brand that proves it’s possible to be produced as a clean, craft spirit that tastes phenomenal, has no carbon footprint and empowers the local community all at the same time. I look forward to working with our farmers, distillers and partners to show consumers around the world that choosing between rum that tastes great and rum that respects the planet doesn’t have to be a choice at all. The ingredients you choose have a huge impact on your end product. Most people think spirits-making starts at the distillery, but at Copalli, it begins in the field, with the highest quality inputs possible” Also joining Copalli is Ryan Pearson as head of sales. Pearson brings experience in leadership roles with Constellation Brands, High West Distillery and Stoli Group. Other members of the Copalli team include global brand ambassadors Elayne Duff and Julie Reine. https://copallirum.com/

                                  RON HACIENDA SANTA ANA

I must have missed this release last year. Ron Hacienda Santa Ana is a 2 year old, over-poof rum produced by Edmundo Fernandez Inc, the people behind Ron del Barrilitos, one of the oldest existing rum brands in Puerto Rico. It was described to me as a ‘cousin’ to the famous 2 Star and 3 Star rums. While it shares some production elements with their traditional products, Ron Hacienda Santa Ana is their first attempt to break with the 140 year old formula and processes. First, it is aged in American white oak barrels, not their traditional ex-sherry barrels. It stays in the barrels for at least two years, not the 3 to five years of the 2 Star and the 6 to 10 years of the 3 star. It is bottled at 138 proof, instead of their normal 90 proof. The company’s name, Edmundo Fernandez Inc appears on the label, but the name Barriltos does not. What started out as a brief Inquiry about a new product turned into a lengthy conversation about the history and production of Ron del Barriltos. Look for my interview with their Director of Sales and Marketing in the April issue of Got Rum. https://rondelbarrilito.com/

           HAVANA CLUB BAR ENTREPRENEUR AWARDS

The Havana Club Bar Entrepreneur Awards seeks to recognize the determination, passion, and entrepreneurship of the innovators behind some of the world’s top bars. This year there were 165 nominations from 40 countries. The nominees told their stories by answering a questionnaire created by the Dauphine University in Paris and submitting a video. The 13 finalists attended a Zoom Meet and Greet session, where they explained what they would do with the prize money ($24,000.00) if they were indeed chosen as the winner. This year’s winner was Ollie Margan, owner of Maybe Mae, a cocktail bar in Adelaide, Australia. Margan opened Maybe Mae in 2014 at the age of 22. He told Spirit Business “I am blown away to be named Havana Club’s Bar Entrepreneur of the Year, it is a true honor. This recognition and investment will have a huge impact as we continue to establish Adelaide’s cocktail and cuisine scene.” Other awards included the True Grit Award, recognizing strength, resilience and bravery during these difficult time; One to Watch, acknowledging up and coming talent under the age of 30; and Social and Eco Entrepreneurship, honoring individuals who have shown a commitment to improving the environment or a local community, Ranji Al Raji, owner of Brazzaville bar in Lebanon won the True Grit Award. Omer Gazit-Shalev, CEO of bar operator Monkey Business Group in Israel was recognized as One to Watch. Yeferson Avila Rodriguez and Jean Trinh, co-owners of Alquímico bar in Columbia won the Social and Eco Entrepreneurship award for having their team also work at the Alquímico Farm, which grows organic produce for use in cocktails. https://havana-club.com/