Rum in the News
MONTANYA DISTILLERS
Montanya Distillers officially fired up a substantial expansion of its rum distillery in Crested Butte, Colorado. The new and more sustainable distillery increases capacity up to 10 times its past production threshold. During the expansion process, Montanya founder and owner Karen Hoskin realized when spirits companies talk about sustainability, the implication is that an established way of doing things is worth sustaining. For women, people of color, and environmentalists, there isn’t much history worth celebrating or sustaining in the alcohol beverage industry. When Montanya set out to change prevailing systems, they looked beyond sustainability and found vitality. Their leadership calls this “vitalism,” which takes their team a significant step beyond sustainability. It describes their approach to changing the culture of the spirits industry and improving an environment that was problematic for many years. Montanya’s newly-launched distillery expansion (August 2022) radically rethought systems in all operations. A new tasting room (January 2022) evolved its business model and employment practices in Crested Butte, a seasonal ski town. According to Hoskin, “Montanya stabilized staff turnover and employee scarcity and implemented many improved daily practices: from how we source glass to how we biodigest waste, from how we pay our employees to how we chill fermentations, from how we capture and recirculate water to how we print our labels and recycle plastic film. We believe our approach is the future of the spirits industry.” https://www.montanyarum.com/
HAVANA CLUB
Havana Club Don Navarro has been created in tribute to the late José Pablo Navarro Campa, who received the title of ‘primer maestro del ron Cubano’ (first master of Cuban rum) in 2000. Under the leadership of Havana Club’s Primer Maestro Juan Carlos González, Maestros and Aspirantes from all over the island gathered at the Havana Club distillery to honor Don Navarro’s contribution to the Cuban rum tradition. Don Navarro devoted 50 years of his life to his passion for rum making, constantly learning, innovating and pushing boundaries, most significantly exemplified through his creation of Havana Club 7. Created from an assemblage of aged rums from Havana Club’s exclusive reserves, Havana Club Don Navarro contains some of the Centenario base which was created by Don Navarro himself more than four decades ago and gave birth to what is known today as extra aged rums. Anne Martin, Global Marketing Director for Havana Club, says: “It’s an honor to pay tribute to the father of Cuban rum as only we know how and enjoy it today with an extraordinary offering from the Havana Club cellars. When we welcomed all the Maestros to our San José Distillery, we remembered Don Navarro who used to say that ‘Rum is not born from a magical combination. It is a cultural heritage that is transmitted from Maestro to Maestro, from heart to heart, from Cuban to Cuban.” https://havana-club.com/
MOUNT GAY
Four new rums of note from Mount Gay:
Mount Gay Pot Still Master Blender Rum Collection - This year’s limited edition, crafted by Master Blender Trudiann Branker, uses only rums distilled in Mount Gay’s double retort pot stills. It celebrates the way Mount Gay originally made rum for about 200 years, from the distillery’s inception in 1703 until the early 1900s when a full copper Coffey column was introduced. It is bottled at 48% ABV. Trudiann Branker says “Mount Gay Pot Still Rum is paying homage to an original tradition.”
Mount Gay Andean Oak Cask Master Blender Rum Collection - For the fourth edition of the Master Blender Collection, Branker turned to Andean oak, a nontraditional 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. It is non-chill filtered and bottled at 48% ABV. “This release is a journey further into innovation for Mount Gay, a chance for me to be creative” says Branker.
Mount Gay The Port Cask Expression Master Blender Rum Collection - For this year’s small-batch release, Branker used a blend of rums distilled in a traditional column still aged for 5 years in Tawny Port casks, together with rums double distilled in a copper pot still aged for 14 years in American whiskey casks and finished in Tawny Port casks for 1 year. The Port Cask Expression is non-chill filtered in order to preserve its rich aromas and precious natural color and is bottled at 55% ABV. Branker comments “Distilled in both traditional column and copper pot stills, and aged in American whiskey and Tawny Port Casks, this is a rich, multi-faceted rum”
Mount Gay Madeira Cask Expression Master Blender Rum Collection - For this year’s release, Branker looked to Madeira, the beautiful Portuguese island off the coast of Morocco, that has made an iconic fortified wine for more than 300 years. Using only column distilled rums, she placed the liquid in seasoned Madeira wine casks six years ago, carefully observing how the rum aged over time. The result is a velvety and generous blend that unfolds with every sip. The liquid has deep golden hues and the nose showcases pear, oak, grapefruit, vanilla, and butterscotch. On the palate, the bold column distilled rum is married with the subtlety of Madeira wine notes from the barrel, including honey, grapes, pear, citrus rind and dried fruit. The Master Blender Collection: The Madeira Cask Expression is bottled at 55% ABV and is non chill filtered. “Mount Gay Madeira Cask Expression is a velvety and generous blend that unfolds with every sip.” Branker says. https://www.mountgayrum.com/
ROYAL CANE CASK COMPANY
Sipping rums have never been more popular or more sought-after by collectors around the world, and The Royal Cane Cask Company has not just been at the forefront of that explosion, it’s been one of the drivers. This is a team of primed palates and savvy scouts who scour the globe in search of ultra-rare, old, and sometimes forgotten casks. As they journey from Jamaica to Japan, from Australia to Venezuela, from South America to the U.S., they operate with a clear directive: that each rum the company releases is limited to but a single cask. Total Wine, through their Concierge Service, is now offering a trio of Royal Cane’s finest, recent discoveries: a Foursquare 20 Year from 2002; a Clarendon 23 Year from 1999; and a Trinidad 22 Year from 2000. The first is a single cask Barbados rum from Foursquare Rum Distillery. This is one of the very few pot still rums that’s this old. After distillation, it was filled into an American white oak cask at the distillery, then shipped to the UK for further maturation in the historic old docks of Liverpool. This is a 20-year-aged, molasses-based rum bottled at 102 proof. Next is the Clarendon, a 102-proof, pot still Jamaican rum, aged in an American white oak cask for 19 years (19 tropical years, which are akin to 38 years of non-tropical aging). In 2018, it, too, traveled to Liverpool for an additional 4 years of maturation. Last is the 22-year-old rum from Trinidad Distillers Limited, renowned for their rich and flavorful column distillates. This is a molasses-based rum, 110 proof, that spent 15 years in American white oak at TDL before making the trip to Liverpool, where it aged an additional 7 years. https://www.royalcanerum.com/, https://concierge.totalwine.com/
HOLMES CAY
Holmes Cay has released two of the rarest single cask rum selections they have ever come across, the Fiji 2001 and the Barbados 2002 Pot Still editions for your holiday wish lists. They are true single casks, and only 192 bottles from one barrel of each Holmes Cay “Rarest” will be available. Holmes Cay wanted to give you the official word that they will be making their way to the states where we are distributed throughout November. To the best of their knowledge, The Fiji 2001 - 21 Year is the oldest Fiji rum ever released. It is an all molasses, 100% pot still rum, produced at South Pacific Distilleries, Fiji’s only rum distillery. Tropically aged for 2 years in an ex-bourbon cask, it then spent an additional 19 years in an ex-bourbon cask in the UK. It was then bottled in New York State at full barrel proof, or 53.8% alcohol by volume. The Barbados 2002 Pot Still edition is one of the rarest bottlings of distillate from Foursquare Rum Distillery, a 20 year-old single cask, 100% pure pot still mark. Distilled in Barbados and shipped unaged to the UK and casked in American oak ex-bourbon, it then spent 20 years aging in the UK. This edition is bottled at full barrel proof, or 51.1% alcohol by volume. The Barbados 2002 Pot Still edition is one of the rarest bottlings of distillate from Foursquare Rum Distillery, a 20 year-old single cask, 100% pure pot still mark. Distilled in Barbados and shipped unaged to the UK and casked in American oak ex-bourbon, it then spent 20 years aging in the UK. This edition is bottled at full barrel proof, or 51.1% alcohol by volume. Holmes Cay will be pouring and talking rum at several great events over the next few weeks.
On Saturday, November 5th, they will be hosting a rum tasting master class at the Caribbean Rum Awards in beautiful St. Barts. Then on Tuesday, November 8th, they will be at Esotico in Miami for a special Holmes Cay Rum Dinner and the unveiling of the new Holmes Cay Heritage Blend Esotico Edition. On Wednesday November 9th, they will hosting a special Happy Hour at Roasted Spirit in Clermont, FL. https://www.holmescay.com/
DON PAPA
Don Papa Rum, a rum from the Philippine island of Negros Occidental, has announced its newest expression: Don Papa Rye Aged Rum. This new bottling is distilled from local molasses on Negros and aged for four years in first-fill American rye casks. “Imagine a green, lush rye field on a beautiful Tennessee spring day merging with a warm tropical shower blowing in from the Philippine sea,” says Stephen Carroll, founder of Don Papa Rum. “This is the backdrop for Don Papa Rye Aged Rum, combining the intense granular spice notes of American Rye barrels and our very own black gold molasses rum, resulting in a beautifully balanced, silky smooth and complex new rum.” Borrowing from a tradition of high proof American whiskeys, the Rye Aged Rum is bottled at a bold 45% ABV. This unapologetic profile makes it as perfect in a Sazerac as it is on the rocks. https://www.donpaparum.com/
DIPLOMATICO
Brown‑Forman Corporation has announced that it has reached an agreement to purchase the Diplomático Rum brand and related assets from Destillers United Group S.L. (Spain). Upon completion of the transaction, Brown‑Forman will add the Diplomático Rum family of brands to its portfolio and acquire a production facility located in Panama. The Diplomático Rum family of brands is the No. 1 super- and ultra-premium rum and the No. 2 super-premium+ rum worldwide (IWSR, 2021). Super-premium+ rum has grown at an annual rate of 17% over the past five years, with rum accounting for approximately 8% of global spirits. “Diplomático Rum will join our expanding portfolio, giving Brown‑Forman a market leading entry into the fast-growing super-premium rum category. This aged rum brand has distinctive packaging, strong brand positioning, and is a delicious tasting spirit,” said Lawson Whiting, President and CEO, Brown‑Forman Corporation. “As part of this acquisition, we will welcome more than 100 new employees to Brown‑Forman.” Destillers United Group S.L. will continue to produce and age the unique, carefully-crafted, and complex Diplomático Rum in their original distillery at the foot of the Andes mountains. “We are proud to have pioneered and been instrumental in developing the super-premium+ rum category around the world. Diplomático Rum is ready to accelerate its growth with Brown‑Forman, one of the world’s most well-known spirits and wines companies,” stated Destillers United Group S.L., current owner of the Diplomático Rum brand. “We share a similar familial culture and know the brand will continue building on our legacy. We look forward to working together to bring Diplomático Rum to consumers around the world.” Diplomático Rum consists of three ranges of complex rums. The Traditional Range includes Planas, Mantuano, Reserva Exclusiva, and Selección de Familia. The Prestige Range includes Single Vintage and Diplomático Ambassador, both aged 12 years and finished in Spanish sherry casks. The Distillery Collection includes a range of three limited production bottlings that showcase the distillery’s unique distillation methods. www.ronDiplomático.com, https://www.brown-forman.com/
GOSLINGS
Goslings has partnered with Bermuda artists Nhuri Bashir and Domico Watson to create a limited edition Black Seal Rum bottle.” “Their mixed media approach combined photography of paint on canvas and icons pulled directly from vintage Goslings ads and bottle labels to create a colorful and one-of-a-kind collage.” The artists said, “The design is largely inspired by street art and pop art. Much like the Goslings Black Seal Rum brand, we wanted to bring together old and new and fuse them with a bold yet striking balance.” The Goslings spokesperson said, “We wanted to pair the work of art inside our bottle with a work of art on the bottle.” https://www.goslingsrum.com/
BOTRAN RUM
Botran Rum, the top selling aged rum in Guatemala, has reentered the U.S. market after a three-year hiatus revealing a fresh look and touting new certifications. Enrobed in striking new packaging with iconography inspired by Guatemala’s many natural resources, Botran’s revamped look is a complete departure from the brand’s earlier, more traditional appearance. “The brand refresh is meant to invite consumers to experience the colorful, joyful and vibrant side of Guatemala while better communicating Botran’s position as one of the top premium rums across the world” explained Ivan Valdez, Senior Global Brand Manager for Licores de Guatemala, the parent company of Botran Rum. “Our new vision is to fill every glass with the bright and vibrant spirit of Guatemalan rum.” Botran Rum is a single estate rum that is produced from two varieties of cane harvested between November and April in the fields of Retalhuleu located on the Pacific south coast of the country. Once harvested, the estate uses the first press of sugarcane, also known as ‘virgin sugar cane honey,’ for a slow, discontinuous fermentation with pineapple yeast that lasts between 100 – 120 hours before it is expertly distilled in copper sectioned stills at the San Andrés Villaseca Distillery. Once complete, the distillate makes the journey to 2300 meters above sea level to Casa Botran in the Quetzaltenango Highlands where the rums slowly age at an average temperature of 14˚C. The high-altitude maturation is complemented by Botran’s proprietary Dynamic Ageing System, which was adapted by the Botran brothers from the solera system. Rather than a traditional solera pyramid, Botran stacks their vintages in columns. Each column features different types of casks to keep the process dynamic and amplify the flavors. As the rums are blended, the casks are repositioned, and the process is repeated. Over time, Botran’s younger rums take on the bold flavors and distinct personalities of the more mature rums in the column. The rums are blended and looked after by Botran’s three Master Blenders: Magda López, Master Blender and Ageing Facility Manager; Yazmín Chapeton, Master Blender and Head of Manufacturing & Blends andLeslie Taracena, Master Blender and Blend Researcher & Coordinator. https://botranrum.com/
RUM ADVENT CALENDARS
I always thought the Rum Advent Calendars would make the perfect Holiday gift for that rum enthusiast on your list. Unfortunately, few make it to the United States. For our lucky friends overseas, here are a few choices:
The Spirit Company and Masters of Malt offers the Drinks by the Dram Rum Advent Calendar with 24 different, handmade 30mL wax-sealed drams, including Angostura Rum “1919”, Flor de Caña 18, Mauritius 9 Year Old 2010, Berry Bros and Rudd, Plantation XO Barbados 20th Anniversary, Don Q Añejo, Discarded Banana Peel Rum, Santiago de Cuba 11 Years Old, Diplomático Mantuano, Diplomático Seleccion De Familia, Gosling’s Black Seal, Copall, White Rum, Matusalem 15 Gran Reserva, Diablesse Clementine Spiced Rum, MarlinSpike Rum, Don Papa Small Batch Rum, Takamaka Grankaz, Ron Zacapa Centenario Sistema Solera 23, Ron Pampero Aniversario, Wing Walker Rum, Brugal 1888 Ron Gran Reserva Familiar, Equiano Rum, Worthy Park Single Estate Reserve, 8Track Spiced Rum, and BlackTot Rum. I am told that The Whiskey Shop can ship to the US. https://thespiritco.com/ https://www.masterofmalt.com/, https://www.whiskyshop.com/advent-calendars
The Whisky Exchange offers the 24 Days of Rum Advent Calendar 2022 Edition with 24 rums from 24 countries, two glasses and full tasting notes. Website did not disclose the rums included. https://www.thewhiskyexchange.com/
For something different, look at La Route Des Rhums’s Rhum Advent Calendar featuring 24 agricole rums from Martinique, Guadeloupe and Marie Galante. Rhum brands include Trois Rivieres, Papa Rouyo, Clement, Saint James. La Favorite, Rhum Bielle, Longueteau, Montbelloe, Distillerie Severin, Rhum JM, Rhum Bologne, Reimonenq, Rhum J, Bally, Rhum HBS, La Mauny, Rhum Chantas Comte, Heritiers Madkaud, Papillon, Damoiseau, La Confaerie du Rhum, Opportune and Bais Des Tresors. Samples are 20mL. For lovers of sweet and fruity rums, they also offer L’arrange Des Alchimistes, the Advent Calendar of Arrange Rums. Arranged rum is a rum preparation in which various ingredients such as leaves, fruits, seeds, barks or sweets have been macerated in rum. Indeed, every day until Christmas, you can taste a different fruit rum. Samples are 40mL, except December 24th, which id 100mL. Lastly, they offer a boxed collection called Rums of the World Box #2, featuring rums from Mauritius, Belize, Jamaica, Barbados and Fiji. www.laroutedesrhums.com
The Rum Company offers Rum Advent Calendar of 24 British rums, including Salford Dark Spiced Rum, Grumblebee Honey Spiced Rum, Norfolk Rum, Chocolate Orange Liqueur, Mainbrace Navy Strength Rum, Beckforf’s White Pearl Coconut Rum, Eighty-Six Friends Honey Spiced Rum, Pirates’ Grog Smokey Ginger Spiced Rum, Barti Spiced Rum, Old Sun Rum, Lytham Toffee Apple Rum, Wooly’s Coffee Rum Liqueur, Two Drifters Signature Rum, Beckford’s ‘Folly’ Caramel Rum and Hygge Spiced Rum, All samples are 50mL. https://www.therum.company/
USA TODAY 10 BEST Craft RUM DISTILLERIES
USA Today’s 10 Best Readers’ Choice Awards highlight the best of the best in contests covering categories such as destinations, food and drink, hotels, and things to do. Nominees in all categories are chosen editorially by a panel of experts. Readers can vote once per category, per day. This year’s Top 10 Craft Rum Distilleries were:
No. 10: Smoky Quartz Distillery - Seabrook, New Hampshire; No. 9: Regalo de Vida - Elgin, Arizona; No. 8: Echo Spirits Distilling Co. - Columbus, Ohio; No. 7: Cardinal Spirits - Bloomington, Indiana; No. 6: KoHana Distillers - Kunia Camp, Hawaii; No. 5: Wicked Dolphin - Cape Coral, Florida; No. 4: Koloa Rum Company - Lihue, Hawaii; No. 3: Muddy River Distillery - Belmont, North Carolina; No. 2: Plank Road Distillery - Plymouth, Wisconsin; and No. 1: Lyon Rum - St. Michaels, Maryland. https://www.10best.com/
