Rum in the News
HAMPDEN ESTATE
The Italian eCommerce website Spirit Academy shows that the second 8 Marks Collection from Hampden is now available. This collection has the same eight marks as the first but they have been aged for one year. From the Spirit Academy website: THE 8 MARKS COLLECTION Aged 1 Year in Ex-Bourbon Casks set is the latest release from Hampden Estate. While the first version of this box set focused on the ester content of the various unaged marks, this new edition reveals the impact of one year’s aging in ex-Bourbon casks on the distillery’s 8 marks. Made in the distillery’s official cellars, the maturation thus takes place in Jamaica’s tropical climate, which accelerates the process. Like the previous set, The 8 Marks Collection includes a brochure, which tells the story of the distillery and provides an overview of Hampden’s cellars. The text explains the many variables and phenomena that shape the profile of each of the rums in the pack during the maturation process, with a comprehensiveness that will satisfy the most curious rum lovers and enthusiasts. Also contained in the box is a tasting mat on which diagrams illustrate the aromatic components resulting from aging in wood for each of the 8 marks, and their connection to olfactory and taste perception. https://hampdenestaterum.com/ https://www.spiritacademy.it/en/
Kō HANA DISTILLERS
Kō Hana has teamed up with a local artist from CocoKealohi to offer a workshop to make your own Floral Lau Niu Wreath. Teal Kealohi, owner and Head Weaver at CocoKealohi, will teach you how to make a 30” wreath made from lau niu. Ulana lau niu (coconut frond weaving) is an ancient Hawaiian practice that dates back hundreds of years. When Teal founded CocoKealohi, her dream was to perpetuate the art of Ulana Lau Niu, an old native Hawaiian practice. Although the coconut tree is not actually native to Hawai’i, since it was brought to the islands by Polynesian voyagers, the Hawaiian people utilized every part of the tree. Specifically, the fronds were used and woven into many different useful items, such as, hats, bags, mats, bowls, panels for roofing and more! Spend a Saturday expanding your knowledge and exploring the art of ulana lau niu. Workshopps will be held at the Kō Hana Distillery on Saturday, May 11th and Saturday, June 15th. https://www.kohanarum.com/ https://cocokealohi.com/
RAMPUR DISTILLERY
Rampur Distillery announced the launch of The Kohinoor Reserve Indian Dark Rum at IAADFS Summit of the Americas at the Palm Beach County Convention Centre in West Palm Beach, Florida. Rampur Distillery is operated by Radico Khaitan Limited (RADICO.NS), which was established in 1943 and is one of India’s leading alcohol beverage companies. Renowned for its extensive portfolio, including award-winning Rampur Indian Single Malt Whiskies and Jaisalmer Indian Craft Gins, the distillery has also been producing rum since its inception. The Kohinoor Reserve Indian Dark Rum will be rolling out in coming months across global markets including the USA, UK, EU, Asia as well as GTR. The Kohinoor Reserve Indian Dark Rum is crafted through small-batch distillation, using only fresh cane juice during the North Indian Winter season. The Rum is then matured in American Oak Barrels previously used for maturing Indian Single Malt, followed by further maturation in Cognac XO and Vermouth casks. “We are thrilled to announce the grand unveiling of The Kohinoor Reserve Indian Dark Rum, a true jewel in the crown of the spirits world, at the IAADFS Summit,” said Sanjeev Banga, President of International Business at Radico Khaitan. “Crafted with meticulous care and inspired by centuries of tradition, The Kohinoor Reserve Indian Dark Rum embodies the essence of luxury and refinement akin to world renowned Kohinoor Diamond.” Vice President of International Business at Radico Khaitan, Kunal Madan added, “As we unveil The Kohinoor Reserve Indian Dark Rum at the IAADFS Summit, we invite you to join us in celebrating the artistry and ingenuity behind this extraordinary creation. Experience the epitome of Indian luxury with The Kohinoor Reserve Indian Dark Rum.” The golden essence of The Kohinoor Reserve Indian Dark Rum traces its heritage to ancient India, where the roots of alcohol distillation were planted during the era of the Indus Valley civilization, spanning from 3000 BC to 2000 BC. Rum is arguably one of the earliest known spirits due to its simple production process. Its main ingredient, sugarcane, was first known to be fermented in India. The earliest records of crystalline sugar production also originated in India. The Kohinoor Reserve Indian Dark Rum is presented in an exquisite glass bottle, mirroring the magnificence of the Kohinoor Diamond. When viewed from above, it resembles the brilliant oval cut of the diamond. Kohinoor, meaning Mountain of Light, represents the rarest of the rare. The bottle’s design cascades gracefully, evoking the image of a noble emperor, standing resolutely with a sturdy foundation. Its understated and refined branding, accented with muted gold, enhances its opulence. www.kohinoorindianrum.co
LOST SPIRITS
Early last month, Bryan Davis, Co-Founder and Chief Wizard of Lost Spirits, announced the closing of their distillery/circus show in Las Vegas. Davis became famous in the spirits world ten years ago when he invented his “rapid-aging spirits reactor”, a device that used intense light and heat to mature spirits in days, not decades. US patent applications 14/594,944 and 14/795,841 were issued notices of allowance by United States Patent and Trademark Office. They describe processes for maturing distilled spirits involving heat driven esterification and photocatalytic polymer degradation of oak barrel staves. Lost Spirits showed that its patented process creates chemical reactions in distilled spirits similar to those that take place in oak barrels over the course of decades. Davis, the inventor named on both patents, published data demonstrating that the new technology can nearly identically match the chemical signature of a 20-year-old rum, but do so in under a week’s time. Lost Spirits’ first technologically aged product, Colonial Inspired Rum, came out in 2014, winning recognition and gold medals at various spirits competitions. In 2016, Davis moved from his fantastical distillery in Monterrey (stills were handcrafted to look like dragons) to the Arts District in Los Angeles, where he created a distillery tour that was described as ‘Disneyland for Adults’. During COVID he moved the operation again, this time to Las Vegas, where he combined the distillery with an immersive, Vegas-style Cirque show. He even offered a 16-course, fine dining experience. In a letter to investors, Davis wrote “After 14 years in business, Lost Spirits Distillery will close its doors for good when it plays its final performance on April 29, 2024. While we were able to sustain the operational cost of the business last quarter, there is just no way to claw our way out of the immense debt accumulated in recent years. The debt burden accumulated from both COVID and the slow reopening after COVID has forced this decision to close.” When it closed at the end of last month, the show played over 1,000 performances in its Las Vegas incarnation alone, serving over 250,000 audience members and garnering rave reviews. https://www.lostspirits.net/
WRAY & NEPHEW
Wray & Nephew has conducted research that showed that one in five UK Black business owners have struggled to raise funds for their companies. As a result, Campari-owned Jamaican rum brand Wray & Nephew has announced a pledge to support UK Black founders and businesses. They created the Wray Forward program, which is now in its third year and has launched a partnership with Foundervine to build opportunities in underserved communities that help tomorrow’s leaders shape the future. By connecting today’s leaders with mission-led organizations, they aim to transform society by making innovation open to anyone, anywhere. Izzy Obeng, co-founder of Foundervine, said of the initiative: “Black founders face numerous limitations, including restricted access to capital, networks and opportunities. In 2024, we’re aiming to help more Black founders and entrepreneurs by breaking down these barriers and providing tailored support and resources. We’re delighted to be working with Wray & Nephew to equip Black founders with the tools and knowledge needed to navigate the entrepreneurial landscape successfully.” In addition to free-to-access expert-led workshops, the program has added new offerings for Black business owners, including: Networking Events- Gatherings where entrepreneurs can come together to connect, showcase their businesses and network with industry professionals.Pitch Nights: Within four different sessions, six founders will be selected and have the opportunity to pitch their ideas and growing businesses. Selected winners will have the chance to secure a prize of £3,000, £1,500 and £500.The 2024 Wray Forward program began on April 3rd , but will continue with workshop-led sessions until November.
https://wrayandnephew.ca/ https://www.foundervine.com/wray-forward
FORTIN RUM and UNION COMMERCIALE des VINS de FRANCE
Paraguayan rum distiller Fortin has signed an exclusive distribution contract with Union Commerciale des Vins de France (UCVF) to service the French market. The history of Fortin “little fort” is intimately linked to the heroic past of Paraguay, a country marked by its resilience and fortitude. Located in Piribebuy, site of historic battles during the War of the Triple Alliance, Fortin pays tribute to the bravery of its people through its name and its spirits. As a result of this newly founded partnership, Fortin is bringing its trilogy collection, Heróica, Epopeya and Guarani, to the European market. Heróica is a blend of five- to six-year-old rums aged in American oak casks that boasts ‘exotic fruit aromas and a creamy finish’. Fortin Epopeya is a five-year-old rum aged in American oak barrels and finished in orange liqueur casks, resulting in sweet notes of Paraguayan oranges and hints of vanilla on the palate. Guarani celebrates the marriage of indigenous and colonial influences and is finished in maté liqueur casks to create herbal notes with eucalyptus on the finish. All three expressions are offered at 40% ABV in 700ml bottles. Fortin will join other rums in UCVF’s portfolio: Authentico Nativo from Panama, Kong from Panama, Ron Piet from Panama, Neptune Rum from Barbados and Labourdonnais from Mauritius.
https://www.ucvf.fr/marques/fortin-123
RUM CONDE de CUBA
Cuba News reported that an extra-aged artisanal rum from Conde de Cuba, Medialuna, was presented last month to honor the 205th anniversary of the founding of the former Fernandina de Jagua colony, now the central city of Cienfuegos. Among the attributes of this Special Edition Rum is that it was handcrafted and aged for more than a decade in barrels, which provide that well-defined touch of wood and nutty flavor. The bottle that contains it is inspired by the porron of water introduced by the Spaniards to the island of Cuba in 1492, and its elegance lies in the handmade elaboration, in addition to a label that reflects the entrance to the bay of Cienfuegos and the image of the Fortress of Our Lady of the Angels of Jagua. This rum is distilled, aged and bottled in the Sevilla factory, annexed to the Conde de Cuba winery, in the town of Amancio Rodriguez, in the western province of Las Tunas. On this occasion, the name of the rum dedicated to Cienfuegos refers to the title of Conde de Cuba, granted by King Ferdinand VII of Spain to Francisco de Vives y Planes, a Spanish military officer, governor, and captain general of Cuba between 1823 and 1832, who developed the sugar industry on the island. Medialuna, a reserve rum which has been aged for 15 years, is presented as an exclusive bottle in the form of a “C”, as in Cuba, Conde de Cuba and a half moon. http://www.condedecuba.com/en/conde-cuba-rum/
BACARDI
BACARDÍ rum announces pop superstar Camila Cabello as the new face of the brand, kicking off a multi-year partnership under the BACARDÍ global “Do What Moves You” platform. In her first-ever spirits collaboration, the multihyphenate artist stars in a sensational campaign spot set to her new song “I LUV IT,” now available on all major streaming platforms. This is the first single off her highly anticipated fourth album arriving this summer, C, XOXO. “I’m beyond excited to be partnering with BACARDÍ. I’ve always thought of BACARDÍ as the quintessential rum brand,” said Camila Cabello. “To me, BACARDÍ is synonymous with the spirit of the Caribbean and, of course, good cocktails and a great party. The campaign we worked on is unlike any project I’ve done before. I can’t wait for fans to experience it.” The BACARDÍ campaign is a celebration of the vibrant spirit of Cabello’s new music and the brand’s longstanding passion for bringing together community through movement and self-expression. The creative was captured by director Nicolás Méndez, Co-Founder of CANADA and a go-to director for international hitmakers including Rosalia, Travis Scott, and Tame Impala. His cinematic and irreverent vision, developed in partnership with BBDO New York, features the popstar moving to the beat of her infectious new track. Soundwaves from the song begin to pulsate from the radio onto the street, and eventually culminate in a joyous, communal block party complete with BACARDÍ cocktails. The choreography was brought to life by Marine Brutti, Jonathan Debrouwer, and Arthur Hare of (LA)HORDE, while Cabello’s bold new looks were created in collaboration with celebrity stylist Jared Ellner, makeup artist Ash K Holm, hairstylist Dimitris Giannetos, and nail artist Tom Bachik. The campaign celebrates Cabello’s fresh-new sound and style, unlike anything fans have seen before. Beyond the new creative, BACARDĺ will continue to support the star through the release of her new album with a series of upcoming events and performances across the world, all featuring the I LUV IT Punch. Co-created by Cabello herself, the drink is a delicious twist on a classic rum punch, pairing BACARDÍ Superior with some of her favorite ingredients, including passion fruit, lime, coconut water and St. Germain. “The BACARDÍ team is thrilled to partner with one of the biggest stars of today for our newest campaign,” said Roberto Ramirez Laverde, Global SVP of BACARDĺ Rum. “Our shared Caribbean heritage and love of music are the driving forces behind this multifaceted global collaboration. Camila Cabello’s electrifying energy matches perfectly with our brand DNA, which has always championed individuality and doing what moves you. This campaign is only the start—we can’t wait for the world to see just how she embodies the spirit of BACARDĺ.” www.BACARDI.com.
ON THE ROCKS PREMIUM COCKTAILS
On The Rocks Premium Cocktails, the bartender-developed, ready-to-serve cocktail brand, unveiled its latest addition, the Blue Hawaiian, a vibrant tropical cocktail. The Blue Hawaiian is available nationwide, just in time for summer for a limited time. Crafted to satisfy consumers’ desires for escapist flavors, this cocktail blends premium Cruzan® Rum and zesty orange notes of Blue Curacao with the flavors of toasted coconut, juicy pineapple, and a hint of paradise for a harmoniously balanced cocktail. Ideal for the approaching warmer months, simply pour over ice and enjoy, garnish with a slice of pineapple or a speared cherry for an extra tropical touch. “We know that summer is about getting out and creating those vacation vibes, and our new limited edition Blue Hawaiian cocktail is a great fit,” said Krista Kiisk, Marketing Director of On The Rocks at Beam Suntory. “With every On The Rocks cocktail, expertly created by a bartender, you can bring a delicious, perfectly balanced tropical taste that’s not too sweet, anywhere you go!”
www.ontherockscocktails.com
TANDUAY
Tanduay commemorates 170 years of mastery at rum-making with the launch of the Tanduay Heritage, a blend of rums matured through inter-island tropical aging. “Tanduay Heritage pays homage to our Spanish roots in rum-making, back to our founding in 1854, during the Spanish period in our history. It also represents the brand’s strive for excellence throughout the years as it is blended from Tanduay’s finest reserves from different parts of the country,” said Roy Sumang, Tanduay International Business Development Manager. While Tanduay Heritage is a Spanish-style rum, it is 100% crafted by Filipinos and was made in the country’s different islands. It is made from the reserved rums of Tanduay’s aging warehouses in Quiapo, Cabuyao, and Negros, and were column-distilled in Batangas and Negros. The molasses used in making Tanduay Heritage also came from Negros, and the reserved rums that went into it were aged up to 19 years in oak barrels that were once used for bourbon. For its packaging, Tanduay Heritage comes in an accordion-type gift box in black with streaks of gold, symbolizing a treasure that is being unveiled. Its bottle is also black and has a natural cork. Only 10,000 bottles of the Tanduay Heritage were made in a one-time production. It is available only until supplies last.
https://www.tanduay.com/
SAINT JAMES
Spirits Business reported that Saint James has issued an 18-year-old limited release. The new expression was distilled in 2004 before spending time in ex-bourbon barrels under the oversight of cellar master Marc Sassier. Saint James describes it as the “jewel” of its Old Rhum collection, which also includes 3-year, 12-year and 15-year statements.“This very old rum is the fruit of an exceptional aromatic concentration without topping-up, after eighteen years of aging in our cellars in the tropical climate of Sainte-Marie,” Sassier said, according to The Spirits Business. Unlike other picks in the Old Rhum catalog, Saint James 18 Year has been limited to just 2,000 bottles. Bottled at 43% ABV, the expression is said to balance “structured and full-bodied notes with fruity and finely spiced flavors.” Saint James traces its roots back to 1765, when Father Lefébure made the jump from sugar cane brandy to rum on the island of Martinique in the Eastern Caribbean. https://rhum-saintjames.com/en/
