November 2021 - Rum In the News

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                                         KO HANA RUM

Fresh from their farm and distillery in Kunia, Hawai’i, Kō Hana has created the Hawaiian Agricole Daiquiri Collection. Enjoy premium craft cocktails without bar tools, ingredients, clean up, or years of experience behind the bar. Simply serve these chilled or over ice. A perfect gift for the cocktail enthusiast in your life. The collection includes:

  • The Classic Daiquiri - The OG classic. A vibrant blend of rum, lime, and a kiss of sugar.
  • The Hemingway Daiquiri - Said to be Hemingway’s go to cocktail. Their version of this famous grapefruit daiquiri variation.
  • The Pineapple Daiquiri - A traditional Hawaiian expression that is both sweet and tropical.
  • The Lilikoi Daiquiri - Luscious and aromatic with a hint of tartness. "Lilikoi" is the Hawaiian word for passion fruit.

https://www.kohanarum.com

                                                MALIBU

Malibu has introduced Malibu Cocktails in a Can, a new range of refreshingly tasty and high-quality premium canned cocktails made with natural flavors and the brand’s signature real Caribbean rum. As the ready-to-drink category continues to grow year-over-year, Malibu Cocktails in a Can offer consumers the opportunity to bring their favorite drinks to any get-together, no matter the season. Available in Piña Colada and Strawberry Daiquiri, these convenient, on-the-go drinks provide fans with that great Malibu taste without the fuss. “We’re offering our consumers even more options within the growing ready-to-drink category, especially as they continue to meet with friends on-the-go, as well as outdoors, and are looking to bring their favorite cocktails along with them,” said Reshma Dhati, Brand Director of Marketing, Malibu, Pernod Ricard USA. “As the weather cools down, the new Malibu Cocktails in a Can let people sip in that sweet summer vibe (and our classic Caribbean rum) season to season, now in convenient ready-to-enjoy form.” Now available at retailers nationwide in 12oz cans, Malibu Cocktails in a Can have an ABV of 7%, perfect for bringing sunshine to your hangouts with friends any time of the year. Malibu’s Piña Colada Cocktails in a Can offer a taste of juicy pineapple balanced with sweet coconut flavor and smooth Caribbean rum. Malibu’s Strawberry Daiquiri Cocktails in a Can consist of juicy strawberries balanced with subtle lime flavor notes and smooth Caribbean rum. www.MalibuRumDrinks.com 

                               BARBANCOURT FOUNDATION

The Barbancourt Foundation, a non-profit organization spearheaded by the Rhum Barbancourt distillery, has named Haitian actor and philanthropist Jimmy Jean-Louis as its official ambassador. Since the late 1990s, the organization has worked actively to give back to the community through projects related to education, public health, environmental protection, culture, and support to the arts. In his new role, the award-winning Haitian actor will work to raise the visibility of the Barbancourt Foundation’s projects and how it is working to uplift its community and the population at large. “Jimmy Jean-Louis is a source of pride for all Haitians, an accomplished artist who showcases our heritage around the world. Through his own philanthropic work, he has a deep understanding of our mission to better the conditions of our community through education, health, arts, and sports. We are pleased to collaborate with him toward this common goal,” said Delphine Gardere, President of the Barbancourt Foundation. The organization is committed to giving back, having recently signed a five-year partnership with HELP (Haitian Education Leadership Program) to fund university scholarships for Haitian students. The Barbancourt Foundation was also at the forefront of the fight against the Covid-19 pandemic by working with Partners In Health to provide much-needed generators and x-ray machines to hospitals and health centers working around the clock to save lives. The Barbancourt Foundation is currently engaged in community development projects with the construction of new sports fields, computer labs, full-service health clinics and environmental protection through recycling initiatives. Jean-Louis said “I am very proud to collaborate with Barbancourt, known for its excellence and commitment to community. It is probably the most reputable brand of the country. Haïti, en avant”. Jean-Louis also serves as Haitian Ambassador at Large. www.barbancourt.net

                                        PAPA’S PILAR

Papa’s Pilar Rum has announced a new limited release, “Papa’s Pilar Rum Legacy Edition 2021.” The new offering features a blend of nine different, hand-selected rums from five sources, the Dominican Republic, Panama, Venezuela, Barbados and Florida. It undergoes Papa’s Pilar’s proprietary solera, with time in Bourbon barrels, Port wine casks and Spanish Oloroso Sherry casks, and time finishing in rye whiskey barrels and amontillado Sherry casks. Elegantly packaged, collectable and gift-worthy, it is the first in an annual series commemorating Hemingway’s legacy and is rolling out in select markets nationwide. The company also announced its “4-Pack Rum Tasting Set” limited release featuring 100ml “handheld” bottles of its flagship rums: Blonde Rum, Dark Rum and Sherry-Finished Rum, as well as its special release Bourbon Barrel-Finished Rum, with a first-of-its-kind, virtual Key West distillery guided tasting experience included. The Rum Tasting Set includes a tasting mat and a QR code leading to a proprietary, virtual tasting experience that takes place at the Papa’s Pilar Rum Distillery in the heart and soul of Key West, Fla. Rum enthusiasts can sip Papa’s Pilar while learning about the brand history, how the rum is made and how to highlight each expression with signature cocktails. “We are excited about the launch of our new Legacy Series, which will feature a whiskey-finished blend of rums. This style has emerged as a fan favorite over the years, with the 2021 edition celebrating a rye whiskey barrel and Sherry cask double solera finishing,” says Ron Call, Master Blender and Distiller, Papa’s Pilar Rum. “We are also proud to share our first-of-its-kind Rum Tasting Set that enables rum aficionados to experience a proprietary virtual tasting of our rums in the comfort of their own homes.” The Papa’s Pilar Rum brand is an homage to Ernest “Papa” Hemingway and his boat, the “Pilar.” The rums are crafted in close collaboration with the Hemingway estate, with the company’s distillery a stone’s throw from where Hemingway docked his beloved boat. They celebrate his legacy as a world-renowned author, hall of fame angler, big game hunter and epic storyteller who was always on the front lines of adventure and never a spectator. The family graciously donates the majority of its proceeds from the rums to causes that are close to Hemingway’s heart: adventure, literacy and conservation. https://www.papaspilar.com/ 

                                            ZAYA RUM

Zaya Rum has announced the launch of two new permanent core expressions, Zaya Cocobana and Zaya Alta Fuerza. Sourced from the Caribbean region, Zaya is a uniquely versatile aged rum that ignites the senses and evokes a feeling of discovery. With the launches of Zaya Cocobana and Alta Fuerza, Zaya Rum is expanding its portfolio for the first time. Zaya Cocobana is a blend of premium aged rums, including exotic notes of ripe banana, cocoa and hints of natural spices.  Zaya Alta Fuerza, meaning “High Force,” is an overproof blend of premium aged rums. A force of black pepper and spice are followed by hints of maple, with brown sugar and heat to finish. “While rum may not be considered a top-selling spirit yet, we’ve seen a rapid rise in sales, as demonstrated when rum sales rose 7% year-over-year in 2019, putting it well above other mainstream spirits like brandy, whiskey and vodka,” said Marcel Durand, Vice President of Marketing, Infinium Spirits, Zaya Rum’s importer. “Growth is up 8.35% in the premium, super premium and ultra-premium rum categories aided by the rising popularity of craft rum cocktails, as well as dedicated rum bars. We’re excited to add Zaya Cocobana and Alta Fuerza to the brand’s core lineup as we see it as an opportunity for Zaya to grow and succeed in the space.” https://www.zayarum.com

                                          RON ZACAPA

Diageo-owned rum brand Ron Zacapa has added a second expression to its Heavenly Cask collection. The first release in the series in April was Zacapa 23 La Doma, a blend of rums aged in American whiskey barrels, sherry barrels and Pedro Ximenez barrels. The new release is Zacapa 23 El Alma, a blend of aged reserve rums from six to 24 years old that have experienced additional aging in charred ex-American whiskey casks. Lorena Vásquez, Zacapa’s Master Blender, said: “Each of the Heavenly Cask collection celebrate one of the cask types that have been used to age Zacapa 23 by additionally aging and emphasizing the extraordinary taste sensations they individually create.” It will be available in select markets from November including: Italy, Spain, France, Germany, Switzerland, Benelux, Nordics, Czech Republic, Guatemala and Panama, among others. https://www.zacaparum.com/

                                          FLOR de CAÑA

In the much-anticipated, virtual finale of Flor de Caña’s Sustainable Cocktail Challenge, Manachain Monaghan from the UK was crowned as the first global champion after competing against more than 30 top bartenders from around the world to create the most spectacular sustainable cocktail. Monaghan, owner of Below Stairs Bar, took the competition’s top honor with his original sustainable cocktail creation “Steamship”, a zero water-waste cocktail prepared with home-made cacao and lime bitters, coffee liqueur made from re-used Nicaraguan coffee beans and Fair-Trade certified sugar, drops of saline solution and Flor de Caña 12 Rum, served over a block of ice on a coaster made from dehydrated pear. “I wanted to create a beautiful cocktail that captured the essence of Nicaragua and proved that sustainability can be embraced behind the bar to improve the flavor and experience of our cocktails,” said Monaghan. As the first Global Champion of Flor de Caña’s Sustainable Cocktail Challenge, Monaghan was awarded the title of “Flor de Caña World’s Most Sustainable Bartender” and received US$10,000. In addition, his original cocktail will be promoted globally by the brand. Carlos Sierra from Colombia and Joe Ngui Wee Kwong from Malaysia earned the second and third spots in the competition, winning a prize of US$5,000 and US$2,500, respectively. The competition was judged by renowned industry personalities such as Salvatore Calabrese, “The Maestro” from The Donovan Bar in London; Julio Cabrera from Café La Trova in Miami; and Hannah Sharman-Cox and Siobhan Payne, co-owners and organizers of London Cocktail Week. Each cocktail was evaluated based on four criteria: sustainability component, flavor and appearance, creativity and its backstory and inspiration. “Monaghan fulfilled every expectation of the competition, his cocktail was absolutely amazing, he blew my mind. It’s incredible the amount of time and effort he dedicated to make sure that his cocktail was truly and totally sustainable,” said Calabrese. The competition challenged top bartenders from around the world to use sustainable ingredients to create amazing and delicious cocktails, made with sustainably produced Flor de Caña rum, a Carbon Neutral and Fair Trade certified brand. Given the success of the first edition, this original competition will return in 2022 as part of the brand’s sustainability program “Together for a Greener Future”. https://flordecana.com

                                         GOSLINGS

Gosling’s has launched a limited release aged rum, Flora Gold, in partnership with Bermudian triathlete Flora Duffy.  She won a gold medal at the 2020 Summer Olympics in Tokyo, Bermuda’s first Olympic gold medal. MS. Duffy signed 15 bottles, which were auctioned with all proceeds going to the Flora Fund, which supports aspiring Bermudian athletes. A company spokesperson said, “Goslings Flora Gold is released in celebration of Flora Duffy achieving the grand milestone of becoming the first Bermudian athlete to win an Olympic gold medal. This smooth blend of Aged Gold Bermuda Rum represents the sweet taste of victory after years of sacrifice and hard work. With her formation of The Flora Fund, Flora’s positive influence extends beyond the triathlon course. The Flora Fund supports aspiring Bermudian athletes achieve excellence. As Bermuda’s oldest business, Gosling’s Limited recognizes Flora’s dedication to the local Bermuda community by donating proceeds of Goslings Flora Gold to The Flora Fund.” Each bottle was hand dipped in black sealing wax, signed and numbered by Flora Duffy herself. The #15 was Flora’s “golden” number in Tokyo. On her way to the Women’s Briefing and Pontoon Draw, Christian Blummenfelt, a Norwegian male triathlete, advised, “Flora, pick 15, it is the shortest line, it’s the pontoon spot I selected!” Flora took Christian’s advice and chose the fifteenth pontoon spot as well. The next day Christian won the gold medal for men, and, as we all know, Flora won the women’s gold. https://www.goslingsrum.com/

                                          BACARDI

Bacardi Limited announced it has donated $10,000 to The Flora Fund to help aspiring Bermudian athletes achieve excellence in sport. Bacardi has had a long history of supporting sporting events in Bermuda, having hosted the Bacardi 8k for 12 years, in which Flora has participated, and as a sponsor of the 2018, 2019 and 2021 ITU World Triathlon Series. This donation will be another way for the company to continue to support the local community of athletes striving to achieve their full potential. Doug Mello, Managing Director of Bacardi International Limited, said: “Bacardi has been a family-owned company for seven generations and has nearly 160 years of history. We understand the importance of building a legacy and establishing foundations that will serve as the bedrock for those that come after us. We are proud of Flora’s achievements as Bermuda’s first Olympic Gold Medalist and equally proud that she has established a fund that aims to enable aspiring youth to achieve excellence in sport. These funds are for the next generation, and we hope that it will help others to achieve greatness and continue to build on the legacy Flora has started. ”Flora and her husband did a ride-by stop at the Bacardi Global Headquarters on Pitts Bay Road, where they were greeted by staff and were presented with the donation. Following remarks from Managing Director Douglas Mello, a cheers to Flora resounded across the grounds as they toasted with Bacardi’s specially created Flora Gold cocktail. Mr. Mello said: “We are hopeful that the World Triathlon Sprint and Relay Championships will be rescheduled next year where Bacardi plans to have a strong showing of support. We are excited to watch Flora dominate the competition again and hope that other young local athletes are inspired by her achievements and will benefit from her success.” https://www.bacardi.com/

                                      MOUNT GAY RUM

Mount Gay Rum, the world’s oldest running rum distillery dating back to 1703, announced the release of its newest expression as part of the Master Blender Collection: Andean Oak Cask, the fourth limited-edition in the exclusive series that celebrates over 300 years of expertise and innovation. Created as a celebration of Mount Gay’s heritage and tradition in rum making, The Master Blender Collection is released to showcase Mount Gay’s expertise and passion for innovation. The annual limited-edition series debuted in 2018 with the release of XO: The Peat Smoke Expression, created by former Master Blender Allen Smith. In the years following, current Master Blender Trudiann Branker released award winning expressions including ‘Pot Still Rum’ in 2019 and ‘The Port Cask Expression’ in 2020. For the 2021 small-batch release, Branker turned to Andean Oak, a non-traditional wood choice, to explore another layer of aromatic complexity. The casks were used for 11 months to finish the ageing of a single batch of rums distilled twice in traditional copper pot still and aged 14 years in ex-Bourbon casks. Branker’s innovation began once she had discovered that virgin Andean Oak Casks had never been used in any previous Mount Gay Rum expressions. Over the course of 11 months, she carefully nurtured a specially selected batch of rum until she reached a beautiful marriage of flavors and aromas imparted on the liquid by this unique oak tree, the only oak native to South America. Standing at nearly 82 feet tall, Andean oak trees are found across the mountainous ranges of 18 departments of the Colombian Andes at an altitude ranging from 1,000-3,200m. “I was inspired by the incredible feedback we had following my release of The Port Cask Expression and I wanted to push my boundaries further,” remarked Master Blender Trudiann Branker. “Using a totally new cask paired with a traditional pot still rum created something entirely new, bold and layered that I think rum enthusiasts around the world will thoroughly enjoy.”. https://www.mountgayrum.com/

                                         PLANTATION

Team Ferrand is very proud to announce the opening of the world’s first floating cellar, imagined and built for aging rum and cognac in truly unique conditions. The 1948 Freycinet barge was completely restored and equipped by Maison Ferrand to house approximately 1,500 custom 30-liter barrels. She dropped anchor on the banks of the Seine, in Issy les Moulineaux (92), ready to embark on an adventure full of experiments and experiences! The floating cellar is a special place where lovers of fine spirits can acquire their very own barrels and customize them as they wish. Margaux Lespinasse, Project Manager & Private Cask Manager announced “We are setting out on an unusual, innovative and never-before-seen journey, offering everyone the possibility of customizing their own barrel of rum or cognac, and following its evolution as it matures in its floating cellar on our boat. Barge 166 will be a haven dedicated to our community of Private Cask Owners.” Maison Ferrand offers everyone the opportunity to own of one or more casks and join the crew of Private Cask Owners on Barge 166. Owners can choose a type of barrel as well as the spirits they wish to age in it, from a selection of delicious Plantation rums and Ferrand cognacs. They will then have the opportunity to visit the barge for tastings, follow the evolution of the selected spirit and decide when it will be bottled. Each step is accompanied by the expert counsel of Ms. Lespinasse. https://maisonferrand.com/