Rum in the News
RHUM CLΈMENT
Rhum Clément unveiled its newest liqueur, Bana Canne, joining the iconic Créole Shrubb and exquisite Mahina Coco to form the Clément Liqueur Collection. Bana Canne celebrates Martinique’s two main agricultural crops, sugarcane and bananas. These are grown together on the estate and the crops are rotated to refresh essential nutrients in the soil. “While at Habitation Clément, a group of U.S. bartenders observed both the sugarcane and banana harvests and learned firsthand the challenges of the two industries,” explains Benjamin Jones, Director, Spiribam America. “During the quality control process, approximately 20% of the banana harvest is rejected and destined to compost or to local pig farms. Light bulbs popped over the heads of these bartenders, which eventually led to the development of a product that utilizes the island’s two principal agricultural activities and reduces organic waste from banana production.” Crafted from bananas from Habitation Clément, Bana Canne is a collaboration with Kadalys, a Black woman-owned skincare brand championing sustainability and biochemistry. This partnership between Clément and Kadalys, founded by entrepreneur and Martinique native Shirley Billot, reinforces how diverse teams can create spectacular results. After over two years of collaboration and nearly fifty trials, the Clément-Kadalys teams developed the eco-extraction technique which led to the Bana Canne recipe. “It’s been an exhilarating journey collaborating with Clément,” says Shirley. “Capturing the rich, nuanced banana flavors present in Bana Canne was a challenging and intricate task. I’m proud to have played such an important role in bringing this beautiful liqueur to life.” Founded in 1887, Clément is one of Martinique’s iconic brands. Located in Le François, on the Atlantic coast of Martinique, Clément produces aged and unaged Rhum Agricole, as well as a range of rhum-based liqueurs. https://spiribam.com/
BARBANCOURT
IDB Invest will provide financing of up to $5 million to La Société du Rhum Barbancourt S.A, the 163-year-old signature rum producer of Haiti, boosting sustainable rum production through a solar energy capacity project and a recycling facility to reduce bottle consumption. The loan package also includes a guarantee of up to $2.1 million from the Finland-LAC Blended Finance Climate Fund to promote access to corporate climate financing in Haiti. The project consists of a solar energy system that will replace existing diesel-run generators to generate power to cover its energy needs and a recycling facility to reduce bottle consumption. This will enable Barbancourt to reduce emissions by approximately 45,000 tons of CO2 by 2030 by switching to solar energy and reusing glass bottles for its production. “At Barbancourt, we strive to be good stewards of the land and practice sustainable farming and manufacturing practices that ensure a cleaner environment and more authentic, organic products,” said Delphine Gardere, CEO of Barbancourt. “The IDB Invest loan will enable us to reduce our carbon footprint while also creating jobs and improving the livelihood of thousands of sugarcane farmers.” IDB Invest is a multilateral development bank committed to promoting the social and economic development of its member countries in Latin America and the Caribbean through the private sector. The Finland-LAC Blended Finance Climate Fund is a trust fund supported by the government of Finland with the objective to catalyze greater private investment in climate change adaptation and mitigation in Latin America and the Caribbean.
https://barbancourt.com, https://idbinvest.org, https://www.ifc.org/en/home
MOUNT GAY
Mount Gay has introduced the seventh limited edition in the Master Blender Collection, The Coffey Still Expression. This release offers a glimpse into how rum was made back in the 19th century when the Coffey Still was invented, bridging the gap between history and modernity. The distillery has a rare 100% copper Coffey Still that operates as one of three globally. In disrepair for decades, the still was recommissioned in 2019 and this is the first time a distillation has been released since. This would not have been possible without the work of Blues, also known as Reynold Hinds. An icon in the field of distillation, Blues worked at Mount Gay for over 50 years, creating the liquid loved today and teaching the art of distillation to many. It was Blues’ extensive knowledge that allowed engineers to restore the historic still and its recommission in 2019, which otherwise would have been lost. Today, it is called the Blue’s Still at Mount Gay in recognition of this hero. He contributed immeasurably to the craftsmanship of Mount Gay until his passing in 2021. This release is in Tribute to his legacy. To honor the historic distillation on the Coffey Still, this release was made using 100% molasses from Barbados. The single batch of copper Coffey Still rum has been tropically aged in St Lucy, Barbados for four years in heavily charred ex-Bourbon casks, bringing out rich oak and honey notes. Master Blender, Trudiann Branker, the creative force behind this release, chose to showcase the rare copper Coffey Still distillation. Branker said, “Crafting this expression was a journey into the heart of Mount Gay’s history. Blues’ influence on the rums we all enjoy today is immeasurable, and this release is a tribute to his legacy and the craftsmanship that defines Mount Gay.” Managing Director, Antoine Couvreur added, “This release is not just a new expression; it’s a heartfelt tribute to Blues, a beloved member of the Mount Gay family. His spirit and expertise continue to influence our craft, and this is our way of preserving his legacy.” https://www.mountgayrum.com/
PLANTERAY
The latest offering from Planteray, Jamaica 1984, is the oldest rum they have ever released. This 40-year-old rum comes from a single cask from the famous Clarendon distillery in Lionel Town, Jamaica. Carefully distilled in pot stills and bearing the mark MMW (Monymusk Wedderburn), this rum has been aged in the tropics for 35 years before spending a further 5 years in ex-Ferrand casks in Cognac. Thanks to the continental aging, the wide temperature range brought a strong integration of the tannins. Following this process, this great rum was bottled at cask strength at 57.2% ABV, which guarantees its rich and complex aromatic profile, in a style as balanced as it is elegant, characteristic of the distilleries of southern Jamaica. “A rum like this needs to be kept in the glass for a long time, as it evolves enormously. In terms of flavor, it’s a great adventure that will never end. A great eau-de-vie is not a photograph, it’s a film”, insists Alexandre Gabriel. How do you offer a packaging that matches this extremely rare rum? To answer this question, the teams at Ferrand came up with a world first. For some time now, for environmental reasons, the folks at Ferrand wanted to use unusable barrels to make their corks. This has now become a reality with Jamaica 1984. On top of the decanter, the stopper is composed of two parts: the base is made from very old casks that they can no longer use, which have been disassembled and the staves are steam straightened. The unique medallion at the top of the bottle is made from the staves of the Jamaican cask that contained the Clarendon. An authentic piece of history, hand-engraved and laser numbered piece by piece, taking around 10 hours to create each unique piece. https://planterayrum.com/
GOSLINGS
Goslings, Bermuda’s oldest company and largest export, announced its debut as “The Official Rum of Leisure” coinciding with an entire new brand world and exciting new limited edition bottle design for its flagship Goslings Black Seal Rum. With this new brand world, Goslings embraces its Bermuda heritage, an island paradise now synonymous with relaxation. Granting consumers an escape from the daily grind, Goslings whisks you away with its revamped look and classic flavor, allowing one to truly savor well-deserved leisure. “We are thrilled to launch Goslings as the ‘Official Rum of Leisure’ to the world,’” says Vice President, Malcolm Gosling Jr. “In this new brand world we’re creating for Goslings, we’re daring customers to relax, kick their feet up, and experience life’s moments through the lens of leisure. Which is easier said than done.” Founded in 1806 by James Gosling, and now in its eighth generation of family ownership, Goslings continues to embody the spirit and rich history of Bermuda, centuries later. The new limited-edition packaging redesign, created by creative agency Quaker City Mercantile, features vibrant Bermudian green, pink, and yellow colors on four bottle wraps of the Goslings Black Seal Rum, inspired by the island’s colorful buildings and matching the new aesthetic of the brand. The bottle instills the essence of the Bermudian leisure lifestyle, transporting imbibers to the island with just one sip, no yacht or plane ticket needed. https://www.goslingsrum.com/
FLOR DE CAŇA
Flor de Caña, the renowned premium rum brand celebrated for its exceptional quality and unwavering commitment to sustainability, has been honored with the “Environmental Initiatives Award” from the prestigious SEAL Awards in the United States. This recognition highlights Flor de Caña’s leadership in championing environmental stewardship and fostering a greener and more sustainable future. The SEAL Awards is a global, multi-industry platform that showcases trailblazing companies that demonstrate measurable contributions to sustainability and spearhead innovative initiatives with positive environmental impacts. Flor de Caña’s carbon neutral certification, the planting of one million trees since 2005, and its use of 100% renewable energy to distill its rum have been pivotal in earning this esteemed accolade. In other news, Flor de Caña was honored with two awards at the prestigious German Brand Awards 2024: “Excellent Brands Award - Consumer Goods” and “Special Mention - Product Brand of the Year”. Flor de Caña received these awards thanks to the quality and excellence of its products and its leadership in sustainable practices. As a family-owned brand that dates back to 1890, Flor de Caña has long championed environmental and social responsibility. These awards reaffirm the brand’s dedication to sustainable practices, such as being the world’s first Carbon Neutral and Fair-Trade certified spirit, distilling its rum with 100% renewable energy, planting one million trees since 2005 and owning company school and hospital for benefit of employees and their families. www.flordecana.com
APPLETON ESTATE CANADA RELEASE
Appleton Estate 8-Year-Old Double Cask is now available exclusively in Canada. This exceptional blend marks a historic moment for the brand, as it’s the first-ever cask finish release, guided by the brand’s legendary Master Blender, Dr. Joy Spence. Her affinity for single malts and commitment to excellence in blending and aging drove the creation of this exclusive, limited release offering. Inspired by the parallels between single malt scotch whisky and Jamaican aged rum, Joy began her pursuit to create a rum that captures some of the most evocative flavors in a classic single malt. She meticulously selected rums aged a minimum of eight tropical years, then finished in 60 hand-picked 18-Year-Old Speyside Single Malt Whisky casks, notable for their distinctly fruity and floral notes. The result is a spirit that features delicate spiced fruit flavors, interwoven with dried honeyed raisins, caramel and vanilla, while introducing an overtone of wood and concluding with Appleton Estate’s signature orange peel top note. “Our 8-Year-Old Double Cask is a genuine expression of our passion and a heartfelt endeavor, meant to showcase the pinnacle of both Jamaican and Scottish expertise,” stated Dr. Joy Spence, master blender at Appleton Estate. “As someone who personally adores Speyside single malts, this project has been close to my heart. The charm of this release resides in its captivating and intricate flavor palette, which makes it a perfect choice for fans of rums and whiskies.” Appleton Estate will produce 13,000 limited edition bottles of the expression, which will be available only in Canada. https://appletonestate.com/
APPLETON ESTATE JAMAICA RUM FESTIVAL
The fifth annual Jamaica Rum Festival is slated for July 18th at the Catherine Hall Sports Complex. The event promises local and global rum enthusiasts and connoisseurs, an intimate, deep dive into what makes Appleton rums so extraordinary. As a staple event on calendars over the years, the Rum Festival has established itself as a market leader. Especially by, combining rum education with wider Jamaican culture. For the 2024 staging, festival organizers are thrilled to welcome three of Jamaica’s most distinguished rum producers: Worthy Park Estate, Monymusk Rum, and Hampden Estate Rum. “We are incredibly proud to host the Appleton Estate Jamaica Rum Festival for its fifth year, bringing together the best of Jamaican rum culture and tradition. Each year, we strive to create a truly special experience, that is both educational and entertaining for rum enthusiasts,” stated Dominic Bell, Communications Manager, J. Wray & Nephew Ltd. Bell continued, “Our partners, Worthy Park Estate, Monymusk Rum, and Hampden Estate Rum are known for their signature blends and quality entertainment, so we are confident that attendees will gain an even deeper appreciation for the art of Jamaican rum making while having fun.” Enthusiastic about the festival Kaydeon Thomas, Trade Marketing Manager at Monymusk shared, “We’re thrilled for the upcoming Jamaica Rum Festival. While still in the planning stages, we promise patrons a taste of Monymusk’s craftsmanship through our rums and engaging activities.” Hinting at some of their exciting activities including the high possibility of rum seminars for the day, Worthy Park Estate Marketing Manager Tamika West explained, “Persons will be able to come to our booth and experience the art of pot stills rum making. We are definitely going to have lots of giveaways, featured mixologists from overseas, surprises, celebrity engagements, games and of course sampling of our entire portfolio of rums, which are exclusively pot stills.” Previous years have had other seminars, including a J. Wray & Nephew White Overproof Rum Seminar, a Rum-bar Rum Seminar, a Hampden Estate Rum Seminar, a JWN Cocktail Academy Seminar and a presentation by Dr Joy Spence, Master Blender, on the range of Appleton Estate Jamaican Rums. jamaicarumfestival.com
70th ANNIVERSAY OF THE PIÑA COLADA
In 1954, Ramón (Monchito) Marrero, bartender of the Caribe Hilton Hotel in San Juan, Puerto Rico, created the Piña Colada. At that time the Coco Loco was a popular drink in Puerto Rico and was offered to the hotel guests upon their arrival to the hotel as a welcome drink. This drink was prepared with coconut milk, cream of coconut and white rum, and was served in half a coconut. At that time the “ coconut cutters” were on strike so the clever bartender thought of using the original ingredients of Coco Loco in a carved pineapple. The mix of ingredients resulted in a delicious tropical drink which he named “Piña Colada”. There are other versions of its origins but this one was made official in 2004 by the government of Puerto Rico. The Caribe Hilton Hotel and The Rum Lab have announced their collaboration to mark the 70th anniversary of the Piña Colada cocktail at an event that will take place July 10-14. When guests arrive at the hotel, just like 70 years ago, they will be greeted by a Piña Colada and a Calypso Band. There will be an art exhibition: “Arte en el Hilton,” an art project curated by Sylvia Villafane of Galeria Petrus. It will promote “El Sabor De Nuestra Piña” (“The Flavor of Our Pineapple”) and will feature three local artists, Carlos Davila Rinaldi, Eduardo Cabrer and Orlando Meléndez. Four to six bars will be serving variations of Piña Colada, each featuring a different type of rum. Seminars about Puerto Rican rum and the history of the Piña Colada will be held most days, supported by Rums of Puerto Rico. A Bartender Competition will be held to find a new cocktail that will hopefully become as important as the Piña Colada. The author of Puerto Rico Rum-Clopedia will be present at the event, signing copies of the book. This book offers an in-depth and fascinating look at the history of rum in Puerto Rico, including details on the creation and evolution of the piña colada. “We’re excited to present this unique event in collaboration with the Caribe Hilton,” commented Federico J. Hernández, president of The Rum Lab. “With the combination of embracing Conrad Hilton Vision, the Piña Colada tastings, the book signing of ‘Puerto Rico Rum-Clopedia,’ live entertainment and the bartender competition, we offer attendees an unforgettable experience and an opportunity to celebrate the rich history and culture of Piña Colada and rum in Puerto Rico.” https://www.pinacoladaday.com/
KŌ HANA DISTILLERS
This month marks the limited release of Kō Hana’s 100 proof KEA, an unaged Hawaiian Agricole rum. For this year’s edition, they handpicked the revered Mahai’ula kō (sugarcane) which is deeply ingrained in Hawaiian heritage. The name “Mahaiʻula” translates to “red ulua,” a rare giant trevally fish said to have a reddish glint. Each bottle is numbered and showcases a commemorative Distillery Series etching on the back. https://www.kohanarum.com/
