June 2021 - Rum In the News

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                                               BACARDI

BACARDÍ Rum is expanding its range of canned cocktails with three vibrant new flavors and the first-ever variety pack, just in time for summer. The new flavors are BACARDÍ Bahama Mama, BACARDÍ Mojito and BACARDÍ Sunset Punch (Sunset Punch exclusively available as part of the new variety pack). This lush, tropical trio joins the refreshing range that launched last year, BACARDÍ Lime & Soda, BACARDÍ Limon & Lemonade and BACARDÍ Rum Punch. BACARDÍ Real Rum Canned Cocktails are made with natural flavors, real ingredients, and no artificial sweeteners. These convenient, gluten-free perfectly mixed ready-to-drink cocktails are expertly crafted with an award-winning base spirit of BACARDÍ Superior, as opposed to a malt base like many other canned beverage options on the market. “The launch of BACARDÍ Real Rum Canned Cocktails last year far exceeded our expectations, and with the popularity of the Rum Punch flavor in particular, we wanted to expand our range with more full-flavored options,” said Lisa Pfenning, Vice President, BACARDÍ for North America. “We have seen people consistently reach for canned cocktails this past year, whether they are looking for light, crisp serves like the Lime & Soda or something bright and fruity like the Rum Punch. As the world opens up again, we want to continue to enliven the moments where people can come together safely and celebrate with high quality cocktails in a convenient format.” The expanded flavor range features iconic, tropical cocktails that evoke a summer state of mind with the following new flavors: BACARDÍ Bahama Mama, boasting fruity notes of orange, red berries and pineapple; BACARDÍ Mojito, a classic BACARDÍ cocktail combining zesty lime and revitalizing mint flavors; and BACARDÍ Sunset Punch – with tangy blood orange, lemon and ginger flavor notes. “We’re confident that our new BACARDÍ Real Rum Cocktails will continue to appeal to discerning drinkers who are looking for high quality canned cocktails made with natural flavors and real ingredients,” said Maria Galis, Marketing Director, BACARDÍ for North America. “With the new variety pack offering the special Sunset Punch flavor, we’re especially pleased to offer consumers a range of irresistible flavors in one pack, no additional bar tools required.” The new BACARDÍ Bahama Mama and BACARDÍ Mojito Real Rum Cocktails are available in four packs of sleek 355mL cans with a 5.9% ABV.  The variety pack is available for purchase in select markets in packs of six 355 mL cans, consisting of BACARDÍ Rum Punch, BACARDÍ Mojito, and exclusive BACARDÍ Sunset Punch flavor. https://www.bacardi.com/us/en/

                                          HAVANA CLUB

The joint venture Havana Club International S.A. launched a new product called Havana Club Profundo, the result of the experience and innovation skills of its rum masters. The creator, Juan Carlos González Delgado, First Master of Cuban Rum, found the perfect balance between intensity and mellowness, achieved by a unique blend of aged rum bases with a higher proportion of aguardientes and a minimum amount of sugar. Described as an exquisite, versatile, complex rum that reveals a different quality in every sip, this new product comes with the slogan “Vive Profundo” (Live Profoundly) and is intended to please demanding customers and connoisseurs alike. It is also recommended for reviving refined cocktails, such as the classic natural Daiquiri and other related drinks for special occasions. Profundo is bottled in the transparent version of the Havana Club 7 Years Old bottle, so that its distinctive straw-yellow color, characteristic of the aging process, can be appreciated. The predominant blue color in its presentation refers to the distillery where it was born, Santa Cruz del Norte, whose shores are bathed by the Atlantic Ocean. It also highlights that the new rum will be part of Havana Club’s permanent portfolio and will be present in almost all Cuban retail chains and tourism facilities. Its creators define its scent as intense, typical of cane spirits, fruity, with herbaceous nuances and notes of oak wood and a smooth, harmonious, herbaceous, dry flavor marked by its lasting permanence in the mouth and persistent aftertaste.  In addition to Profundo, Havana Club has debuted a new expression in the Canadian market, a smoky rum matured in Islay whisky barrels. Havana Club Cuban Smoky is a dark rum that has been part-aged in Scotch whisky barrels from Islay. On the nose, the rum offers touches of dried fruit and a light smokiness; the palate brings notes of smoke, cocoa, dark chocolate and a dry spiciness, followed by a half-dry finish. “We have a new kid on the block and it is bringing the smoke,” says Aurelie Goffinet, Brand Manager. “Cuban Smoky is the first of its kind in the Canadian market, the intense brother of Havana Club 7, and it is shaking up the rum shelves in the liquor store.”  https://havana-club.com/en/

                               ENGLISH SPIRIT DISTILLERY

The English Spirit Distillery, which is based in Great Yeldham, England, has unveiled its latest creation, a new Charles Darwin themed spirit to mark this year’s Father’s Day.  The new rum is called Darwin: Citrus Spiced English Rum and is double distilled with clementines and English Oak, a technique they pioneered and are the only distillery in the world to actually achieve it. Master Distiller, Dr. John Walters, said: “We wanted to make a spiced rum that’s good enough for sipping neat, in honor of the man that not only fathered the theory of evolution, but also ten children.  “We think this will go down well with discerning dads and rum lovers alike.” The rum has an alcohol content of 42 per cent and is a limited edition. The company says it is best served chilled or over ice with a mixer of choice. English Spirit will be opening   their new distillery in Cornwall later this year. At the center of the new distillery will sit the custom 2,500 liter copper still, engineered by founder, Dr. John Walters. Utilizing his knowledge of biochemistry and distillation, he developed the design from the original 200 liter alembic stills he engineered for Great Yeldham Hall. The new still has been designed to ensure ultimate control when it comes to harnessing the heart of the spirits, ensuring they continue to produce the very highest quality spirits and liqueurs. https://www.englishspirit.uk/

                                           MAGGIE’S FARM

Hidden Harbor White Rum, a collaboration between Maggie’s Farm Rum in Pittsburgh’s Strip District and Hidden Harbor, rated one of America’s best tiki bars, has been awarded Best Rum from the 2021 San Francisco World Spirits Competition. SFWSC is one of the world’s oldest and largest spirits competitions blind-judging over 3,000 spirits, including hundreds of rums from around the world. Hidden Harbor rum was also awarded a Double Gold medal and Best-of-Class for white rum. To achieve Best Rum this white rum out-performed other Best-of-Class rum winners for extra-aged rum, overproof rum, flavored rum, and dark/gold rum. Hidden Harbor White Rum is notable in being one of the first, if not the very first, rum blends formulated specifically for use in Daiquiris and other tropical cocktails calling for white rums. Additionally, it may be the first commercially packaged white rum blend conceived and created as a collaboration between a tiki bar and distillery. Maggie’s Farm was also awarded a gold medal for the 3-years-aged Sherry Cask Rum. Maggie’s Farm’s seasonal blueberry brandy and pear brandy were both awarded silver medals. Hidden Harbor is currently available to all of Allegheny Distiling’s US distribution markets, including Pennsylvania, California, Florida, Illinois, Maryland, New York, Ohio, Oklahoma, Tennessee, and Washington DC. https://www.maggiesfarmrum.com/ , http://www.hiddenharborpgh.com/

                                            DIPLOMATICO

As part of its inaugural “The Heart of Rum” campaign, iconic Venezuelan rum maker Diplomático has announced a year-long partnership with Celebrity Chef, and TV personality, Michael Symon. Symon, most famous for his appearances on Food Network and ABC, has been a fan of Diplomático Rum for years and is inspired by the many synergies between his craft and the brand’s history. Highlighting the “heart” and know-how that goes into each bottle of Diplomático, the collaboration brings the brand’s values of craftsmanship, family, and authenticity to life alongside Symon’s story and the passions that drive his love for cooking. In the same way the Diplomático family and its Master Blenders employ their expertise to combine the finest local sugar cane with their unique distillation methods, Symon’s cooking is also the product of his meticulous approach and unwavering commitment to crafting extraordinary dishes from simple, high-quality ingredients. “My cooking is a representation of my love for my craft, for those I’m sharing a meal with, and for those who’ve helped me along the way,” said Symon. “Diplomático has long been one of my favorite spirits for sipping and cocktails in the kitchen, but beyond its delicious taste, it’s a brand that really reflects this philosophy and cares about crafting quality products with purpose.” To launch the campaign, the brand created a series of videos that highlight some of Symon’s favorite dishes and cocktails to make at home for his family and friends. Viewers can follow along with Symon to recreate his dishes and cocktails, including one of summertime’s most refreshing drinks: the classic Daiquiri.” We’re proud to partner with a true artisan like Michael Symon,” said Diplomático Senior Brand Manager, Alex Fellows. “He’s an expert with deep respect for his craft, the process, the ingredients, and the heritage. These values represent Diplomático Rum at its core and have made us the trusted brand we are today. “The brand will be releasing additional video content featuring Michael. rondiplomatico.com

                                         TOMMY BAHAMA

375 Park Avenue Spirits, a division of the Sazerac Company, is pleased to announce that it has entered into a supply and distribution agreement with Tommy Bahama Spirits, effective July 1, 2021.  Under this agreement, 375 Park Avenue Spirits will assume responsibility for all sales and operational functions as well as support Tommy Bahama Spirits’ marketing efforts. “Whether it be spirits, home furnishings or apparel, the Tommy Bahama brand has a proven track record of creating quality products that inspire and encourage the relaxed, carefree lifestyle it embodies,” says Jason Schladenhauffen, President and CEO of 375 Park Avenue Spirits. “This unique collection of craft spirits and RTD (ready-to-drink) products have already won numerous awards and created a loyal following due to its superior taste and the island state-of-mind exuded from every sip. We’re excited to hit the ground running, in our flip-flops, to expand the availability of this portfolio across the U.S.” A pioneer in the art of relaxation, the Tommy Bahama brand represents the desire to escape the everyday and live life as if it were one long weekend. Produced and handcrafted by Coral Cay Distilling, Tommy Bahama Spirits embraces the island lifestyle with a distinctive portfolio of tropically-inspired spirits and RTD canned cocktails. The brand’s culture and attention-to-detail has resulted in superior craft beverages that are inspired, innovative and emanate the Tommy Bahama way of living. “Tommy Bahama Spirits is thrilled to be working with 375 Park Avenue Spirits on this venture to distribute our bespoke portfolio across the US market,” says Jeff Soehren, partner and head of distillery operations for Coral Cay Distilling. “This new partnership will allow us to reach the Tommy Bahama Paradise Nation and beyond with these award-winning spirits. It is rare that legacy, authenticity, innovation and inspiration come together in such an integrated way as a path to find your island lifestyle.” Recently, Tommy Bahama Spirits was recognized with a remarkable six medals at the 2021 San Francisco World Spirits Competition. tommybahamaspirits.com., www.375park.com, www.sazerac.com.

                                     U.S. POSTAL SERVICE

The Hill website recently reported that House lawmakers introduced bipartisan legislation to end the ban on the U.S. Postal Service mailing shipments of alcohol. Rep. Dan Newhouse (R-Wash.) said in a statement that he, Rep. Jackie Speier (D-Calif.) and 17 other House co-sponsors have introduced the USPS Shipping Equity Act, which would allow the Postal Service to ship licensed alcoholic beverages directly to consumers over the age of 21, in accordance with state and local shipping regulations. “Currently, the U.S. Postal Service cannot ship beer, wine, or distilled spirits, because of an outdated, Prohibition-era ban. This nonsensical regulation limits shipping options for producers and customers alike, affecting many of Central Washington’s local craft breweries and wineries,” Newhouse said. “The USPS Shipping Equity Act would give rural producers access to another option for shipping alcoholic beverages, thereby increasing market access and enabling Central Washington businesses to continue to invest in our communities.” The bill lets the Postal Service develop its own regulations to ensure that alcoholic beverages are safely delivered to consumers who meet identification checks. “In most states, private carriers such as FedEx and UPS are already delivering alcoholic beverages. It makes no sense to create a competitive disadvantage for the USPS by barring them from these kinds of shipments, especially given the Postal Service’s dire financial condition,” Speier said in the statement. The bill is supported by 12 unions, including the American Postal Workers Union, National Postal Mail Handlers Union and WineAmerica. “This legislation will benefit adult consumers while helping the U.S. Postal Service, with its more than 600,000 employees, generate much-needed revenue,” said Chris Swonger, President and CEO of the Distilled Spirits Council, in a statement shared to The Hill. “The pandemic has greatly accelerated the shift to online shopping and consumers have come to expect new delivery options and greater convenience. For the U.S. Postal Service to compete effectively against other carriers, it must be able to evolve with the changing marketplace.”  https://www.usps.com/

                                             ANGOSTURA

Angostura® has provided assistance to St. Vincent and the Grenadines (SVG) through the purchase of relief items for its citizens whose lives have been turned upside down by the ongoing eruptions of the La Soufrière volcano.  Angostura® in collaboration with the Ministry of Trade and Industry donated much needed supplies which were loaded onto the Galleons Passage, to head to SVG. Angostura® donated 500 full-size mattresses, 100 shovels, 300 pairs of steel tip boots, 200 mops, 100 scrubbing brooms, 200 buckets, 150 water hoses and 2,300 reflective vests to assist in relief and cleaning efforts. Angostura’s CEO (Ag.) Ian Forbes says, “Angostura is proud to be part of this effort to assist St. Vincent and the Grenadines. The disaster in SVG has seen thousands of people being evacuated from their homes and businesses and Angostura® understands the island’s urgent need for humanitarian assistance. Our hearts go out to the families who have been displaced by the volcanic eruptions and the ash fall. We are a resilient region and together we will help SVG overcome this natural disaster.” In addition to providing help for the citizens of SVG, Angostura® will also be donating supplies for the animals on the island and this will be done through the Trinidad and Tobago Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (TTSPCA). http://www.angostura.com/

                                               EQUIANO

The team behind the multi-award-winning Equiano Rum Co. are delighted to announce their second African & Caribbean blend, Equiano Light, which will be available throughout the US. Equiano continues their mission to redefine a four-century-old industry by offering never-before-seen blends that are inspired by Nigerian-born writer, entrepreneur, abolitionist and freedom fighter Olaudah Equiano. Their first expression blended two cultures, two distilleries from two different continents, making it the perfect collaboration between the eastern and western hemispheres. Equiano Light is refreshingly unique, an exceptional blend of lightly aged molasses rum from the Caribbean, fused with fresh sugar cane juice rum from Africa. Again, challenging the ideas and expectations we have of rum, this exciting offering elevates the category and enriches the taste profile of an often-underrated spirit, silencing any notion that white rums lack the sophistication of their darker counterparts. The idea behind the blend was to create a lightly aged rum with a flavor profile of days gone by; the subtle notes of ripe sugarcane, hints of natural vanilla and citrus, that were appreciated in classic rum cocktails such as The Daiquiri, or for the new style of long rum highballs that use various premium tonics and sodas. Equiano Light consists of molasses rum distilled at the award-winning Foursquare Distillery, in copper pot stills that give the rum greater complexity and depth of flavor. It is truly an artisanal small batch process, whilst the column still allows the final blend to have a superior balance both in aroma and on the palate. It is then blended and aged in once used Bourbon barrels for a minimum of 3 tropical years. The Barbadian rum is then skillfully blended with unaged rum made from fresh sugarcane juice from Africa. This “cane juice” rum is distilled in a single column still to produce a refreshingly light rum that retains all of the natural grassy notes of the raw sugar cane ingredients. In your glass you will see a subtle light golden hue, almost sugarcane beige, which is a result of the careful blending of barrel aged and unaged rums from Barbados & Mauritius. On the nose a harmonious balance of fresh sugarcane with hints of vanilla, dried light oak and touches of earthy, herbal notes normally associated with sugarcane juice rum.  The 43% abv also delivers aromas of light tropical fruits, citrus oils and hints of green apple as it warms and acclimates to your glass. The initial mouthfeel of this light rum is a medium sweet taste of ripe sugarcane, more tropical fruit and citrus peel, layered with green apples, pears and hints of vanilla and light oak on the palate.  The experience is light bodied with the natural, subtle sweetness of exotic fruits. To finish, the aged Barbadian component takes center stage as the tropical aging of the rum, in once used American oak barrels, leaves a light dusting of wood on the finish. The initial sweetness quickly dries off leaving citrus peel, touches of vanilla, white pepper and sweet spices.  Continuing to draw on the legacy of Olaudah Equiano, Equiano Light is inspired by the theme of enlightenment. The new coordinates on the back of the bottle signify the beginning of his journey in modern-day Nigeria to his end in London, encompassing his experiences during his extraordinary lifetime. In honor of his name, $2 of every bottle sold through equianorum.com goes towards Equiano Rum Co.’s charitable grant, helping abolish modern slavery in all its forms around the world through their 2021 recipient, Anti-Slavery International. https://equianorum.com/