Rum in the News Image Title.
SAILOR JERRY - WILLIAM GRANT
The Scotsman, one of Scotland’s leading newspapers, recently reported that the widow of American tattoo artist, Norman Keith Collins, more famously known as Sailor Jerry, is suing whisky giants William Grant and Sons after accusing them of cashing in on her husband’s legacy. Scottish drinks group William Grant & Sons has stressed that its purchase of Sailor Jerry rum was “made in good faith” as it faces a lawsuit from the family of the tattooist who inspired the brand. The spiced rum pays homage to Sailor Jerry, a former naval officer who later became a well-known tattoo artist with a unique and distinctive style. Collins, who died in 1973, ran a tattoo shop in Honolulu, Hawaii, for several years. His widow, Louise Collins, is now suing William Grant & Sons, which bought the Sailor Jerry brand in 2008, for “unauthorized use and misappropriation of Sailor Jerry’s name and persona”. According to Louise Collins, William Grant & Sons “never sought or received permission” from her to use Sailor Jerry’s likeness. “I am appalled to see what these folks have done with Jerry’s name and legacy,” she said. “This was my husband, the father of my children, and no one ever even asked our family for permission to use him in this way.” Legal representatives of Louise Collins have called the use of Sailor Jerry’s likeness “illegal” and are seeking to “secure a better financial future for his family”. However, William Grant & Sons said the brand was “developed and protected by multiple owners” before its acquisition, and that the group “undertook due diligence, tracing back a number of decades, to ensure the purchase was fair and lawful”. A spokesperson for the company said: “While we are not able to comment on any pending litigation, William Grant & Sons has and always will hold Norman Collins’ legacy in the highest regard. We have enormous respect for the family of Norman Collins and have no desire to cause upset.” Representatives of William Grant & Sons will meet with Louise Collins and her immediate family in Hawaii later this month to discuss the matter and “fully understand their concerns and needs”. “The aim of this meeting is to establish a joint approach to ensure that Norman ‘Sailor Jerry’ Collins’ legacy is protected and celebrated,” a statement from William Grant continued. Louise Collins and her family are being represented by Honolulu law firm Davis Levin Livingston. Sailor Jerry is one of the world’s biggest rum brands with sales close to one million cases in 2018. Last month, Sailor Jerry Savage Apple marks the first line extension from the brand since it launched 19 years ago. “Savage Apple is an amazing addition to the Sailor Jerry story,” said Anthony Bohlinger, Sailor Jerry brand ambassador. “This is the first new product we’ve ever released, and it is a fantastic liquid; one we know our fans will enjoy for its quality and bold nature.” This summer, Savage Apple is ready to hit bars, beaches, backyard barbecues and more.” www.sailorjerry.com
MALIBU RUM
Malibu is kicking off the summer season with the launch of the Connected Bottle, a limited-edition bottle that integrates Near Field Communication (NFC) technology in the cap of the bottle and QR code printed on the bottle neck. Consumers who scan the QR code or tap the NFC tag are directed via a quick link URL to an interactive mobile game where you can play for a chance to win Malibu branded swag and also gain exclusive access to cocktail recipes and more. “It is an exciting time for Malibu as we continue to find new ways to deepen our relationship with our consumers.” said Troy Gorczyca, brand director, Malibu. “What’s exciting about this launch is how we’re leveraging our iconic bottle, something consumers are familiar with, and developing a more meaningful, digital conversation with our customer at the point of sale.” NFC technology is one of Malibu’s exploration initiatives in the area of ‘Internet of Things’ – transforming everyday objects into digital touch points. The technology allows two devices to quickly and securely exchange information when they are within close proximity to one another. With almost 2 billion mobile devices now NFC enabled, the technology is driving forward the IOT industry in 2019, facilitating seamless added value consumer experiences with physical objects. Following the successful tests in the United Kingdom and Germany, the Connected Bottle will make its debut in the United States in select markets and stores beginning June 2019, while supplies last. www.maliburumdrinks.com
COPALLI RUM
Copalli Rum, the organic, single-estate spirit from the heart of the Belizean rainforest, is proud to be recognized amongst the world’s best spirits at three international competitions. The sustainable craft rum was awarded “White Rum of the Year” in the 2019 New York International Spirits Competition. The only white rum to win Gold, Copalli was selected out of over 600 spirits from around the world. Copalli was chosen as the top competitor in a blind taste test by judges who work as leading spirits trade professionals. Additionally, Copalli White Rum received a Gold Medal at the 2019 Sip Awards, an elite international spirits competition. The 2019 Sip Awards enlisted 122 spirits-savvy consumers and had a total of 3,861 entrants, with Copalli taking the top honor following a double-blind tasting. The white rum also received a 2019 Rum Jury Gold Award at the Miami Rum Renaissance Festival where a jury of discerning, seasoned judges blind-tasted nearly 100 rum products. After two days of tasting and deliberation, Copalli White Rum received top rankings. Launched in October 2018, Copalli is crafted with passion and sustainability at its core, made from just three ingredients including heirloom sugar cane, yeast, and rainforest canopy water sourced directly from the distillery’s farm. Reflecting the terroir of the tropical Belizean farm where it’s produced, Copalli redefines the craft rum category with two expressions that can be sipped on their own or as an ideal base for classic and modern rum cocktails. White Rum (84 Proof/42% ABV) uses double distillation of fresh sugarcane juice, crushed within two hours of being cut. The white rum is made with a blend of pot and column distillation with a long resting of the finished product on stainless steel. The smooth end product displays vanilla, coffee bean, and grass on the nose with fresh berries, citrus zest, and cactus notes to finish. Barrel Rested Rum (88 Proof/44% ABV) is made using double distillation of sugarcane juice and uses exclusively full-bodied copper pot still distillation with French technique. It is aged in American Oak bourbon barrels to create a rich sweet rum displaying cola and leather on the nose with tasting notes including cinnamon, nutmeg, and tobacco. https://copallirum.com/
BACARDI
Bacardi Global Travel Retail has expanded its premium rum portfolio with the launch of Bacardi Gran Reserva Especial (16yo). Exclusive to GTR, the new product will initially be available from DFS stores at selected Asia Pacific and North American airport locations from July 2019. Bacardi Gran Reserva is a rare, limited edition, premium sipping rum. Traditionally aged for a minimum of 16 years in American white oak barrels, the warmth and humidity of the Caribbean climate accelerates the rum ageing process, around three-times faster than whisky ageing. Julie Witherden, marketing director, Bacardi Global Travel Retail, outlines the strategic importance of the new launch. She said: “Rum is the last category to premiumise in global travel retail with total premium+ rum sales growing at +11% (IWSR, 2018). As category leader, Bacardi rum is ambitious to seize that opportunity and unlock its true potential. BACARDI rum has notably focused on providing age statements across its range of rums to guarantee a minimum age for the liquid, further strengthening the premium characteristics of its portfolio and enhancing consumer understanding in navigating the range with a clear price ladder directly related to the age and craftsmanship of each variant. “We are creating a stunning new landscape with age statements for every type of rum enthusiast. Our commitment to helping consumers explore rum with greater confidence is underpinned by the quality, range and clarity of our portfolio architecture and its pricing ladder. “Positioned above Bacardi Gran Reserva Diez (10yo), Bacardi Gran Reserva Especial is aged for a minimum of 16 years — comparable to a 40-year aging in whisky, making it an exceptional sipping rum and a significant premium launch in our strategy.” www.bacardilimited.com
ADMIRAL RODNEY RUM
SPIRIBAM, Fine Rum Specialists, welcomes the arrival of Admiral Rodney to its American shores. As a rum brand long admired by the most enthusiastic rum professionals, Admiral Rodney has been redesigned and relaunched to showcase the treasures of aged rums hidden in the vaults of Saint Lucia Distillers and to celebrate the life and achievements of a great naval strategist. Three clever blends with smart packaging make up the initial Admiral Rodney releases, known individually by three prominent ship names in Admiral Rodney’s flotilla: HMS Princessa, HMS Royal Oak, and HMS Formidable. Admiral Rodney is the latest of several prestigious rums to enter the United States from Saint Lucia, making Saint Lucia the top new origin for luxurious world- class rums. The Admiral Rodney signature flavor profile comes from the robust base rum extracted from lower plates on the Coffey still, where there is less alcohol but more natural flavor and true rum character. These rums are then patiently aged in oak casks and meticulously blended to create soft, rich sipping rums that tell stories long after your glass is empty. Rum enthusiasts can expect a heavier body than is usually present in column still rums, complemented by a rich rum profile. These characteristics can be attributed to the technique of extracting pure rum from the lower plates of the rectifier column and extending periods of aging in oak casks. The inspiration behind the development of this line originates from St. Lucia Distillers original Admiral Rodney blend that celebrated the famous English naval strategist Admiral George B Rodney who famously “broke the line” and vanquished the French fleet at the Battle of the Saints in 1782. A flagship in terms of age and complexity, the distillery chose to build upon their collection and expand Saint Lucia’s stake in the global premium rum universe. Already a multi-award-winning rum, Admiral Rodney has been labeled by several of the world’s most esteemed rum aficionados as the best pure rum made on a traditional twin column Coffey still. www.spiribam.com, www.admiralrodneyrum.com
MISCellaneous DISTILLERY
MISCellaneous Distillery is pleased to announce that the San Francisco World Spirits Competition (SFWSC) awarded the family-owned distillery four medals as part of the 19th annual competition including Double Gold for Popi’s Finest Rum. The distiller also took home Silver for the Risky Rum. Founded by husband and wife duo Dan and Meg McNeill, the distillery team is thrilled to be recognized globally at this prestigious international competition. These medals come only two years after Dan McNeill began distilling, continuing a two-year winning streak since the Maryland Distiller made their first time wins at the 2018 SFWSC. “My goal from the beginning has been to make the best damn spirits, and I am really proud of how well Popi’s has been received,” said McNeill. “Last year, we were honored to take home three medals for three spirits entered, including gold for our Risky Rum. Getting medals for all our entries again this year is a huge win and we want to maintain this momentum of creating exceptional products.” Recognized for being the most influential and largest spirits competition in the world, the SFWSC attracts the attention of distillers and renowned judges from around the globe. Through blind tastings, judges focus solely on the characteristics displayed by each spirit. Judges range from noted mixologists to national beverage reporters. Entries that receive a gold medal from all judges on a panel earn a double gold award. This year, SFWSC received its largest amount of entries to date with over 2,400 submissions from 65 different countries. MISCellaneous Distillery’s first-ever release, Risky Rum, is a vivacious white rum made with blackstrap molasses and dark brown sugar, with notes of butterscotch and toffee. The same spirit serves as the base for the brands two additional rums, the golden dew point rum and the wildly popular Popi’s Finest Rum. Popi’s Finest Rum, which also earned a double-gold, pays homage to McNeill’s great-grandfather, who grew up in Cuba and serves as the inspiration behind the 600-day barrel aged spirit. www.miscdistillery.com
MARTINIQUE RUM FESTIVAL
Caribbean Journal announced that lovers of the best rums in the Caribbean can unite on the French Caribbean island of Martinique next month for the region’s newest, hottest rum festival. It’s called the Martinique Rhum Awards, and it’s a high-level celebration of both the rhum agricole of the French Caribbean and molasses-based rums from the wider region and the world. The Martinique Rhum Awards will bring together a panel of rum-expert judges with consumers and rum lovers for a series of events across the island from July 4-7. It’s the brainchild of rum aficionado and proprietor of the world renowned Le Petibonum in the beach town of Le Carbet, Guy Ferdinand, and Jerry Gitany and Benoit Bail of France’s The Rum Embassy. It will kick off July 4 with a special rum tasting evening at the La Case Thai restaurant in Trois Ilets open to the public (with reservations). That will begin a rum-soaked agenda that includes a bartender competition at Ti Sable in Anses d’Arlet; distillery tours and a gala dinner at Trois Ilets’ La Suite Villa. The event will conclude with an all-day “Rum Village” at Le Petibonum, a large-scale expo and rum tasting festival right on the beach. Naturally, the centerpiece of the festival will be the awards themselves, voted on by a panel of international rum judges tasting rums across 13 categories, from high-proof white rhums to cask-strength aged expressions. Martinique is the rum capital of the world and the new festival is a natural fit for what is one of the region’s most fascinating destinations. martinique.rhum.awards@gmail.com
FENTIMANS
Fentimans has launched Tropical Soda, the latest in its range of botanically brewed drinks. The new release is specifically made for the rum market and was developed by the Fentimans Botanical Collective, a group of top bartenders from leading European bars. Fentimans claims that the pineapple note prominent in the mixer balances perfectly with Sailor Jerry Rum and a squeeze of lime in its serve, Tropical Sailor. As background to the launch, Fentimans turned to data from CGA which suggests that the rum category has grown by 37 per cent in the last four years, driven by premium top-line golden and dark rum variants. The popularity of rum has increased amongst millennials with 80 per cent now enjoying the spirit on a regular basis. The Botanical Collective includes Joe Hall (Satan’s Whiskers, London), Jack Rooney (Panda’s & Sons, Edinburgh), Joe Lewis-White (Two Schmucks, Barcelona), Sara Moudoulaud-Lecoyer (Divine, Paris) and Jack Riley (Present Company, Liverpool). They devised the flavor profiles of Tropical Soda together with the Fentimans flavor team. Tropical Soda joins Fentimans range of premium rum mixers including Curiosity Cola, Ginger Beer and Ginger Ale. Joe Hall, bar manager at Satan’s Whiskers said “Working with Fentimans to create Tropical Soda has been an incredibly rewarding experience. Combining our varied on-trade acumen with their clear mastery of craft has resulted in an objectively delicious product that, we feel, fills a real gap in the market! Whether in mixers or cocktails, I’m now excited to sit back and observe how it flourishes within the industry.” http://www.fentimans.com/drinks/soft-drinks
ARE YOU AFRAID OF THE DARK AND OTHER COCKTAILS FOR THE 90’s
Are You Afraid of the Dark Rum is a fun, little cocktail book by Sam Slaughter, the Food & Drink editor for the men’s lifestyle magazine The Manual. It is 5-1/2 inches by 7 inches, has 128 pages and is published by Andrews McMeel Publishing. Are you Afraid has 9 pages of cocktail basics (tools, Glassware, Techniques, spirits), 4 pages on syrups and infusions, 46 recipes and 4 playlists to recreate that special 90’s atmosphere. The book takes its name from Are You Afraid of the Dark?, a Canadian horror fantasy-themed anthology television series that was on YTV. It aired from 1990 to 1996, and for a second run from 1999 to 2000. The titled cocktail, Are You Afraid of the Dark Rum is a mixture of Sailor Jerry Spiced Rum, Mount Gay 1703, Cherry Herring and Walnut Bitters. Other catchy cocktails include Ginny in a Bottle, Red Room Punch, Ghost-Busting Juice and The Y2K. In this book you will find recipes for original craft cocktails that have a little fun with the 90’s pop culture and a selection of drinks from Slaughter’s childhood that he has boozified. Nostalgia often evokes good feelings. Cocktails often evoke good feelings. That was this book aims to do. http://www.thesamslaughter.com/
FLOR DE CAÑA
Rum brand Flor de Caña has named bartender Manacháin Monaghan as the 2019 winner of its UK cocktail competition Rum Frontiers. Held last month at the Impossible Bar in Manchester, the competition saw 10 bartenders tested on their speed, mixing and presentation. Rum Frontiers, which launched in 2015, is centered around Flor de Caña’s dedication to sustainability and Fairtrade products. The judging panel comprised: Mateo Ortiz Lima, Flor de Caña’s UK brand ambassador; last year’s Rum Frontiers winner, Lachlan Rooney; and guest judge Johnathan Grey, Co-op’s spirits buyer. Monaghan, owner of the Below Stairs bar in Leeds, won with his creation Youth and Young Manhood. This year was the second time that Monaghan had entered the competition. The winning serve was inspired by flavors from the porridge that Monaghan’s mum used to make. The cocktail is made with Flor de Caña seven-year-old infused with oats and Flor de Caña four-year-old infused with banana. “It was a really tough job picking a winner this year, everyone had really unique approaches with cocktails created that really broadened my thinking about great pairings for Flor de Caña,” said Lima. “Mannie [Manacháin] won not only because his creation tasted magical, but because he understood Flor de Caña and what makes us special, our story, our brand heritage and our family values.” http://flordecana.com/
