Rum in the News
RHUM JM
Rhum J.M, makers of Rhum Agricole since 1845, announced the U.S. launch of Rhum J.M Terroir Volcanique in advance of Earth Day. A homage to the distillery’s micro-climatic tropical milieu and breezy volcanic sugarcane fields. Terroir Volcanique is a blend of rums of at least three years, aged in new American oak barrels with two unique custom heavy toasts charred in the distillery’s own small cooperage. The deep alligator char delivers rich flavors and a smoky, peat-like aroma, perfectly capturing the terroir of the volcano. The new expression will be available in select markets and nationwide through the brand’s website. “At Rhum J.M, we like to play with the char levels of barrels, allowing us to develop specific aromas,” says Karine Lassalle, the distillery’s expert blender. “We are fortunate to have our own cooperage, so we can experiment on a daily basis with time under toast.” Some of the barrels used in the double-char process are heavily toasted to extract notes of vanilla, honey, and elements of BBQ hardwoods, while other barrel extractions emit flavors of flambéed tropical fruits and a hint of nutmeg. While Terroir Volcanique celebrates the land that it came from this Earth Day, last year on Earth Day 2022, Rhum J.M announced their life-long commitment to sustainable production under the name EDDEN Project (Engagés pour le Développement Durable de nos Écosystèmes et de notre Nature). Since the distillery underwent major renovations, each upgrade to its production processes preserves and protects the local environment and its beloved brand for future generations by cultivating Martinique’s fertile soil, producing in a circular economy to minimize impact, and promoting career development. “We produce rum which demands excellence, yet our idea of excellence vastly surpasses that of taste alone,” says Emmanuel Becheau, Managing Director, Rhum J.M. “The enthusiasts and supporters of our rhum can be certain that behind each bottle there are passionate women and men committed to crafting our spirits within this circular economy: EDDEN. We wish to share what we have been learning and the high regards we hold for our local environment, our people, and social responsibility.” https://www.rhumjmusa.com/.
ROLLING FORK RUM
Rolling Fork Rum, an independent blender and bottler of aged rums, is now launching in 16 states, complementing its national online availability. Rolling Fork rums are unique in that each rum is matched with hand-selected whiskey casks leading to unique and complex flavor combinations. “We think there’s a huge gap in the U.S. when it comes to high-end rums,” says Rolling Fork Co-founder Turner Wathen. “We take a fresh approach to rum, sourcing high-end, single-distillery, cask-strength rums from the best distilleries on the planet and continuing to mature them in carefully chosen casks that bring really interesting flavors to the rum during secondary aging.” Rolling Fork was founded in 2017 and took its time sourcing exceptional rums. Their next mission was to find high quality casks from Kentucky’s most notable distilleries that would bring complementary flavors to the rums. After years of aging different rums in a wide array of casks, founders Wathen and Jordan Morris know exactly which characteristics every cask brings to each rum, and they strive to make the best matches. “When we choose casks, we look at everything,” says co-founder Jordan Morris. “We look at what was in the cask previously, which cooperage it came from, the oak origins, char and toast profiles and more. All of these factors have an impact on the rum we put inside.” Rolling Fork’s debut product was Fortuitous Union, a blend of rum and rye whiskey that is named for its accidental creation. The first rum they imported, an aged Trinidadian rum, was meant to be aged in a series of rye, bourbon, port and sherry casks. At the facility, the rum was dumped into a tank that contained 5-year-old Indiana rye whiskey. “After the initial shock of what had just happened, we tasted it and realized it was delicious, so that is what we first bottled and sold. As independent bottlers, Rolling Fork delivers adventure to spirits enthusiasts through the history, complexity and variety of the finest rums in the world. https://rollingforkrum.com/home
RED STRIPE RUM DRINKS
Red Stripe announced that it is rolling out new canned rum cocktails that deliver tropical vibes and authentic flavor. Red Stripe Rum Drinks are all about attitude and high energy, giving a head nod to those who express themselves freely, fully, and fabulously. The new cocktails signal Red Stripe’s unprecedented venture beyond beer, perfect for unleashing the island spirit in us all. Red Stripe Rum Drinks are crafted with real Caribbean rum, mango and lime juice and natural flavors. Red Stripe Rum Punch has a refreshingly sweet and vibrant tropical flavor and Red Stripe Rum Mojito has a smooth classic citrusy flavor. “The spirit-based cocktail segment is the fastest growing category within the beer, wine and spirits industry, and with our latest Red Stripe rum innovation, we are able to tap into this trend, and introduce this iconic brand to a new generation of consumers,” says Oscar Martinez, Senior Director Marketing & Innovation at HEINEKEN USA. “The Red Stripe Rum Drinks perfectly embody the vibrant spirit of Jamaica, and signal a venture beyond beer, no shaker required.” Red Stripe Rum Drinks will be rolling out in Florida and select markets across the northeast starting now through the spring. Containing an ABV of 5.9%, both flavors come in packs of slim 12-oz. cans. Serve it up however you like. https://us.redstripebeer.com/.
DEMON SPIRITS
DEMON SPIRITS LLC, maker of Sinfully Smooth DEMON Spiced and DEMON TropiCoco Rum, is teaming up with Kinsbrae Packaging and 17A Distillery in Las Vegas to deliver the Demon Rum Eco Bottle, made from ninety-four percent recycled paperboard. Just in time for Earth Day, Demon Rum is the first spirit brand in North America to fully produce, bottle and distribute in this new paperboard bottle. Additionally, the Demon Rum Eco Bottle uses eighty-four percent less water, six times less carbon and is five times lighter than a glass bottle the same size. For Demon Rum, the partnership with17A Distillery, the first legal distillery in the history of Las Vegas, and Owner Brendan Gaughan, allows the Company to produce and bottle in the southwestern United States. This alliance, along with the much lighter Eco Bottle, dramatically reduces the Company’s overall shipping cost and carbon footprint. As an all-natural brand, these relationships are the next important step toward reducing the Company’s environmental footprint, and establishes the foundation for future sustainability efforts. To further the Company’s sustainable initiatives, an additional relationship with Ecodrive, verified tree planting for climate action, has been formed. With each bottle of Demon Rum sold, a mangrove tree will be planted and blockchain verified by Ecodrive. “Reducing waste and the overall carbon footprint through packaging is a challenge we need to address. We believe alternative solutions, like those including tree planting, help move the industry forward.” said Demon Spirits Co-Founder and CEO Jeff Warren. “We are committed to sustainable packaging for all future products under the Demon Rum brand.” The process of moving the Demon Rum production and bottling operation to Las Vegas, NV with sustainable packaging will be complete by the end of first quarter 2023. The new EcoBottle will be sold in stores by Earth Day 2023 and joins the distinctive glass bottle, as both are sold in 750ml, six-bottle cases. “The Eco Bottle launch is timed with Earth Day and our team is proud to be the first spirit brand produced and marketed with this sustainable bottle in North America.” said Wayne Karls, Demon Spirits Co-Founder and CMO. “We look forward to working with all On and Off Premise sales channels as we bring it to market.” Demon Spiced Rum launched January 2016 in Hudson Wisconsin as a small batch innovation brand. Both Demon Spiced Rum and TropiCoco Silver Rum begin with real Caribbean rum crafted from pure sugar cane molasses, then blended with all natural flavorings, assuring consistent quality and flavor in every bottle. Demon Rum is all natural, 80 proof and gluten free. Manufactured in North America by Kinsbrae Packaging, the Demon Rum Eco Bottle is the first commercially available spirit brand, produced and distributed in North America using this technology. Each Eco Bottle is made from 94% recycled paperboard and includes a food-grade flavor sealed liner inside. These bottles are five times lighter than glass, have six times lower carbon footprint, and provides 360-degrees of branding space. This innovative packaging technology provides Demon Rum with a disruptive and revolutionary alternative to glass. https://drinkdemonrum.com
CAPTAIN MORGAN
With Captain Morgan Original Spiced Rum, you don’t have to be an expert behind the bar, because creating a delicious, spiced-up cocktail is easier than ever. To prove it, Captain Morgan Original Spiced Rum has teamed up with Comedian, Actor and Host, Tone Bell and Influencer, Host, Author, Drew Afualo for its Battle of the Badtenders, a contest that turns “badtenders”, ordinary folks with zero background in mixology, into bartenders capable of making delicious classic crowd-pleasing cocktails, from tropical Piña Coladas and minty mojitos to the timeless cola with Captain Morgan Original Spiced Rum. The possibilities are endless and sure to be delicious, no mixology lessons needed. “This is an exciting new chapter for Captain Morgan. With a fresh new look that highlights our elevated liquid, we are staying true to our roots and spicing it up,” says Anne Nosko, Vice President, Captain Morgan. “We’re dialing up our trademark taste with even more delicious ingredients for our loyal fans and new consumers to enjoy endless cocktail possibilities.” We all have friends who are clueless behind the bar. The question is, are they willing to put their skills to the test? Through May 3, Captain Morgan is calling on all “badtenders” 25+ to share their attempt at crafting a delicious cocktail on Instagram or Twitter. To enter, post an original cocktail creation using Captain Morgan Original Spiced Rum (or non-alcohol alternative), include #BadtenderWorthyContest, and remember to tag and follow @CaptainMorganUSA on Instagram or @CaptainMorganUS on Twitter*. “I know a thing or two about what makes a delicious drink. I also know how to spot a bad one†,” says Tone Bell. “Captain Morgan Original Spiced Rum makes cocktails downright delicious, whether you like to keep it simple or show off a little, there’s no wrong way to enjoy it.” Three finalists will be chosen to bring their best cocktails to the next level at the Captain Morgan Battle of the Badtenders in New York City on May 17. Hosted by Bell and Afualo, who will also star in new social spots on @CaptainMorganUSA, the winner will walk away with $10,000 and the Ultimate “Badtender” title – proving that with Captain Morgan Original Spiced Rum, anyone can be a cocktail aficionado. And that’s not all, the Ultimate “Badtender” and their winning sip may be featured in a limited-edition Cocktail Courier kit. “I’m no cocktail expert, but I do call the shots,” shares Afualo. “Think you have what it takes to put your cocktail skills (or lack thereof) to the test? I’ll be the judge of that.† See you in NYC, besties.” www.CaptainMorgan.com.
LA MAISON & VELLIER
To celebrate its fifth anniversary, La Maison & Velier created the Flag Series, a collection of rare and exceptional spirits, aged for great lengths of time and bottled at cask strength with no additives, colorings, or filtration. Two rum single casks have been bottled for the US Market, a 1998 Guyana and a 2002 Trinidad. The Guyana 1998 edition is a molasses-based rum produced by Demerara Distillers Limited in its famous Port Mourant still. The rum was first aged for two years in ex-bourbon barrels in Guyana. Then it was transferred to a Port cask and aged for a further 22 years in Europe before it was bottled at 59% ABV. The Trinidad 2002 is a molasses-based rum that was aged for 15 years in an ex-bourbon cask in the tropical island climate of Trinidad. The rum was then transported to Europe where it rested an additional 5 years before being bottled at 63.1% ABV. The rums will be available in select markets throughout the US. However, the rums are single casks so are limited in quantity. https://www.velier.it/
BAMBOO ROOM
The Bamboo Room, located inside Three Dots and a Dash in Chicago, recently debuted its spring cocktail menu with twelve drinks that feature premium ingredients like 2010 Foursquare Rum, Transcontinental Belize Single Barrel Rum, Admiral Rodney St. Lucia Rum, Papy van Winkle 10 Year Bourbon and Candenhead Caroni 20 Year Trinidad Rum. However, their spin on the very first Mai Tai will feature vintage Wray & Nephew 15-Year-Old Rum and Curaçao used almost a century ago by Victor Bergeron, or Trader Vic, the creator of the Mai Tai. When Vic ran out of the original (now legendary) 17-Year-Old Wray & Nephew, he started using the 15-Year-Old. Given the rarity of the ingredients involved, the 1944 Vintage Mai Tai will cost you $800.00. Fewer than a dozen cocktails will be available when the drink hits the Bamboo Room’s menu in a couple of weeks. But if you’re able to get your hands on one, it might feel and taste as if you’ve been transported back to that pivotal moment at the original Trader Vic’s, with Bergeron and his friends making cocktail history. Their Vintage Mai Tai will include 1940’s Wray and Nephew 15-Year-Old, 1940’s Vintage Curaçao, Lime Juice, Cane Sugar and Almond Orgeat. www.threedotschicago.com/thebambooroom/
HABITATION SAINT-ETIENNE RHUMS
The Concours Général Agricole de Paris rewards and promotes the best French local products. This year, three HSE rhums were awarded gold medals: Black Sheriff affirms its rum character aged in American Bourbon casks from Kentucky and in the cellars of Habitation Saint-Etienne in Martinique.Extra Old Agricultural Rum, Sauterne spends more than 5 years of aging in the purest tradition of old HSE rums. Then this vintage receives another year of finishing in barrels of Château La Tour Blanche, 1er Cru Classé of Sauternes. Extra Old Single Cask 2006 has received all the attention of the cellar master in order to offer a new balance between power, roundness and aromatic complexity.https://www.rhum-hse.com/
DEPAZ
La Martiniquaise-Bardinet has created a video campaign to celebrate the terroir of its Depaz agricole rum brand. The video highlights the brand’s production method, from harvesting sugarcane to fermentation and distillation. Victor Depaz started his distillery in 1917 on the slopes of Mount Pelée, fifteen years after the volcano had erupted and destroyed the town of Saint-Pierre, killing his entire family. Throughout his life, Victor Depaz never stopped developing the rums that bear his name. In 1922, Depaz agricultural rums obtained their first medal in Marseille. They were rewarded with a gold medal at the 1927 exhibition in La Rochelle. It was the start of a long harvest of rewards that continues to this day. Depaz says that the ‘rich volcanic soil’ gives the ‘ideal growing conditions’ for sugarcane. The new video can be found at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VJ8grwlAQp0. A longer video, covering the history of Depaz can be found at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wlfa6IPlyXI
ANGOSTURA
In recognition of World Art Day celebrated on April 15, the House of Angostura hosted a special week of tours from April 11 – 14. Tours were conducted daily, and visitors were given an exclusive view of selected art pieces that are not part of the usual public art tour at the House of Angostura. The tour also included the famous Barcant Butterfly Collection. To end the week of activities, the Company held its first Sip and Paint event on April 15 which was led by CSpot Sip n Paint studio. Some participants spent the morning and others the afternoon at the House of Angostura painting, enjoying wine and delicious appetizers. Angostura® has an extensive art collection of over 200 original pieces which spans from the 1800s to today. The collection includes pieces from acclaimed local and Caribbean artists, such as LeRoy Clarke, Boscoe Holder, Carlisle Chang, Derek Walcott, Jackie Hinkson, Pat Bishop and Karen Sylvester. https://www.angostura.com/
BUNDABERG
Australia’s Food & Drink Magazine reported that a new 160kw solar panel system has been installed at the Bundaberg Rum Distillery, helping move the distillery towards its target of achieving net zero carbon emissions in its direct operations by 2030. Installed on the roof of the Distillery Visitor Experience Centre and carpark, the solar panels are expected to help reduce electricity usage by about 260 megawatt hours a year, and save more than 200 tons of carbon dioxide emissions annually. For the remaining electricity needs of the site, it uses 100 percent GreenPower from the National GreenPower Accreditation Program. In addition to utilizing renewable energy, the distillery is also focused on reducing energy use. Bundaberg Rum marketing and experience manager Duncan Littler said the addition of the solar panel system was a positive step to making operations more sustainable. “This is a plan that is underpinned by firm targets; it’s the equivalent of the electricity required to charge almost 25 million smartphones,” Littler said. Bundaberg MP Tom Smith said that as the solar capital of Australia, Bundaberg had more than 15,600 households with solar panels installed across the region. “Bundaberg residents and now our iconic Bundaberg Rum Distillery continue to fly the flag for Bundy and this move will help drive down carbon emissions and greatly reduce the cost of electricity used at the distillery. “The Bundaberg Rum Distillery has a proud history of innovation in the beverage and tourism sectors and now that innovation extends to sustainable energy generation,” said Smith. https://www.bundabergrum.com.au/
