Rum in the News
HOLMES CAY
If last year’s big rum release was Appleton’s Legend, a recreation of the famous Trader Vic favorite 17 Year Wray & Nephew, this year’s biggie has to be Holmes Cay Infinity. Unlike other special barrels that Eric Kaye has bought in the past, this cask is historic. It is an ‘infinity barrel’, a collection of leftover portions of other casks or bottles that are no longer needed for testing or review. The rums come from thirteen distilleries in seven countries. Five of the distilleries are no longer in operation. This is indeed, a once in a lifetime blend. The makeup of countries and distilleries is as follows:
- Guyana - 74% of the total blend. Includes rum from the Uitvlugt Estate, the Enmore Estate and the Diamond Distillery.
- Jamaica - 15% of the blend. Includes rum from Hampden Estate, the Long Pond Distillery and the Clarendon Distillery.
- Guadeloupe - 5% of the blend. Includes rum from the Montbello Distillery, the Gardel Distillery and Poisson Distillery.
- Trinidad - 3% of the blend. Includes rum from the Caroni Distillery.
- Barbados - 1% of the blend. Includes rum from the West Indies Rum Distillery.
- Venezuela - 1% of the blend, Includes rum from the Pampero Distillery.
- Brazil - 1% of the blend. Includes rum from Epris Distllery.
In 2003, when the blend was created, the rums ranged in age from unaged to twenty-seven years. Today, the rums are between twenty and forty-seven years old. Even more detail on the specific marques of the distilleries involved, and the history of those distilleries, is included in a 50-page book in the boxed set of the blend. The book gives a richly detailed account of exactly how this product ultimately came to be. There are only 100 boxed sets available, featuring a 700ml bottle and the book. There will also be sixty 200ml bottles in simpler packaging, without the book. https://www.holmescay.com/
MASTER OF MALT
The ZX Ventures, the growth and innovation division of beveridge giant AB InBev, has sold Master of Malt, Atom Brands and Maverick Drinks back to their founder, six years after acquiring the businesses. Justin Petszaft, the original and once again owner said “I never dared to dream that we’d one day be able to buy the business back, but a few weeks ago, completely out of the blue, we were offered the opportunity to do just that, and I’m proud to say that Master of Malt is once again fully independent and 100% founder-owned. It’s been a long journey, and we’ve learned a lot, but I still feel like it’s a journey which has only just begun. I could not be more excited about what’s next for Master of Malt, and I would like to ask for your help and support in continuing to build a company that we both want to be customers of.” Because of the buy back, Master of Malt can once again ship to twenty-six states in the US. Masters has a vast selection of rums, many from European independent bottlers that we do not see in the States. They also have a great sample program, offering 30ml bottles of over 250 different rums, including several Black Tot and Caroni releases. They also offer tasting sets and Advent Calendars. Oh, and they also carry whisky. https://www.masterofmalt.com/
KRAKEN
The Beast’s latest treasure has surfaced, a limited-edition flavor born of the maritime myths of the rugged Cornish coast. As legend has it, terrified smugglers, fearful of the curse of the mighty Kraken, stashed a trove of contraband in a remote cove, including crates of dark caramel and barrels of delicious Black Spiced Rum. Lost for centuries, these exotic riches were dashed together by time, and preserved amidst the cool breeze and crisp salt of the Cornish Sea. Modern adventurers recently retrieved this rare bounty of rum for fans of The Beast’s darkest delights and Kraken Black Spiced Rum Dark Caramel and Cornish Sea Salt Limited Edition is now available in the UK in 700ml bottles at 40% ABV. https://www.krakenrum.com/
SUGARFIELD SPIRITS
Sugarfield Spirits, producers of outstanding “Agricole-style” cane juice rum as well as molasses-based rums, announced its new Port Finished Single Barrel rum. Based in Louisiana, one of the largest sugar-producing states in the U.S., Sugarfield Spirits has a true focus on the impact of terroir in all aspects of the spirit-making process, using local ingredients that reflect the season, weather, land, and the distiller’s skill. “I got the idea to start Sugarfield Spirits during a visit to a family-owned distillery in Oregon devoted to bottling an expression of Pacific Northwest fruit,” says Thomas Soltau, founder of Sugarfield Spirits. “I was inspired to see what I could do with the agricultural products in Louisiana. My background in chemistry and as a neonatologist equipped me with the skills to test how to use local fruits to make delicious spirits. I worked through the LSU business incubator to create the business and hosted the Grand Opening in January 2020. We are focusing on rum in Louisiana as it is made with one of the largest products grown in the area. We are blessed with an abundance of sugarcane products from raw cane juice to raw cane sugar to blackstrap molasses. Using these natural ingredients to craft creative styles of rum is my passion.” Sugarfield Spirits Port Finished Single Barrel Rum is made from a blend of raw cane sugar and black strap molasses from Belle Rose, Louisiana, just across the Mississippi River from the distillery. It is bottles at 55.5% ABV.
https://www.sugarfieldspiritsla.com/
OXBOW RUM DISTILLERY
Oxbow Rum Distillery announced the release of False River Premium Dark Rum. This latest addition to the False River family captures the spirit of Louisiana’s rich cultural heritage while offering a bold take on classic Caribbean dark rum.
False River Premium Dark Rum is a tribute to the dynamic landscape and resilient people of Pointe Coupée Parish, where the Mississippi River’s historic shifts gave birth to the False River, a long, curved lake that stands as a testament to nature’s power. This rum embodies that same spirit of transformation, bringing together the finest Grade-A molasses from Louisiana with deep, complex flavors developed through aging in bourbon barrels. The final touch is a blend of dark caramel, which adds a luxurious finish that sets False River apart. Oxbow Rum Distillery produces two other small-batch rums under the False River category Spiced Rum and Barrel Aged Spiced Rum. https://www.oxbowrumdistillery.com/
BRUGAL
Brugal 1888 announced the launch of La Casa Brugal, an immersive pop-up experience designed to elevate every moment of connection and celebration. This exclusive tour will travel through the vibrant states of Florida and Texas, offering guests the opportunity to experience the very best of Brugal’s rich Dominican heritage at specially chosen locations, expertly complimenting each community’s local culture and occasions. Founded in 1888 by Don Andrés Brugal Montaner, Brugal has long been synonymous with quality and craftsmanship. La Casa Brugal offers guests a unique opportunity to step into Don Andrés Brugal’s Dominican country home, reimagined as a roving casa (house) where tradition meets modern elegance. At every stop, La Casa Brugal will transform into a vibrant Brugal 1888 Rum Bar, where expert mixologists craft classic cocktails with a Dominican twist, including the 1888 Rum Negroni, 1888 Rum Old Fashioned, and 1888 Rum Espresso Martini. Guests can also learn to drink rum like a Maestro, savoring and comparing the distinct flavor notes of Brugal 1888 and the complexities of its double-aging process. As fifth-generation Maestra Ronera Jassil Villanueva Quintana explains, “La Casa Brugal is about more than just showcasing our rum. It’s about bringing people together, celebrating life’s special moments, and enriching those moments with the very best of Brugal 1888. Each destination on our tour has been chosen to reflect the local culture, creating a unique experience that resonates with the community and creates a lasting relationship with the Brugal family.” https://www.brugal-rum.com/en
RUM STRIPE BY RED STRIPE
Heineken UK is expanding the Red Stripe brand in the UK with the introduction of their range of ready-to-drink rum cocktails, Rum Stripe by Red Stripe. Rum Stripe was successfully introduced in the States last year with a Rum Punch and a Mojito variant. The UK will get three flavors: Rum Punch, Cherry & Cranberry and Pineapple & Coconut. They will be packaged in 250ml single can formats at 7-5% ABV. The range aims to tap into Red Stripe’s Jamaican heritage by combining fruit juice with a double measure of Caribbean rum. All three SKUs are vegan-friendly, with no artificial flavors or colors. Katie Park, head of Beyond Beer at Heineken UK, comments: “We are thrilled to introduce Rum Stripe by Red Stripe in three creative flavor combinations which will allow UK consumers to ‘Taste the Tropics’. At Heineken UK, we have a strong track record of bringing category-leading innovation to the market, consistently evolving our portfolio of brands in line with market trends, and always keeping the consumer at the heart. This is exactly what we have set out to achieve with this launch. From a shopper perspective, seeing renowned brands move into new formats naturally inspires curiosity and excitement which, in turn, will help our retailer partners grow their sales and drive footfall.”
https://www.redstripebeer.co.uk/
FLOR de CAÑA
The Spirit Business website reported that Flor de Caña is celebrating its 135th anniversary by opening immersive experience centers around the world. In celebration of its 135th anniversary, Flor de Caña has opened the doors to its highly anticipated experience centers in Madrid, Spain; Lima, Peru; Managua, Nicaragua; and Mexico City, Mexico. This innovative concept offers entertaining and unforgettable immersive experiences to its visitors, giving them the opportunity to discover the world of Flor de Caña through their own senses. Each Flor de Caña Experiencia venue is much more than a traditional store. It’s a unique space where spirits enthusiasts can interactively learn about the brand’s history and values since 1890, its natural aging process, its commitment to sustainability, and the various ways to enjoy this award-winning rum. Visitors can choose from a range of distinctive experiences, from five-senses tastings of Flor de Caña’s oldest expressions, serving rum directly from the barrel where it was aged, to fun cocktail-making classes and the creation of their own blend of rum in a personalized bottle. The opening of the Flor de Caña Experiencia concept globally underscores the brand’s commitment to bringing its rich 135-year family legacy and its exceptional portfolio of aged rums to a wider audience, ensuring that more people can discover and appreciate the brand’s unique qualities. https://www.flordecanaexperiencia.com/
SPIRIBAM
Spiribam is currently running an on-line promotion, offering collectors special bottlings from Rhum Clément, Rhum JM and Chairman’s Reserve. The promotion includes:
- Rhum Clément 2015 Pedro Ximenez Finish - aged for 4 years in ex-Bourbon American oak and finished for 1 year in ex-Pedro Ximenez Sherry barrels. Bottled in 2022.
- Rhum Clément 2015 Tequila Finish - aged for 4 years in ex-Bourbon American oak and finished for 1 year a reposado Tequila cask. Bottled in 2022.
- Rhum JM 2012 French Oak Finish #1212 - aged 9 years in French Oak. Bottled in 2022.
- Rhum JM 2015 Small Batch American Oak - aged 5 years in American Oak. Bottled in 2022
- Chairman’s Reserve 2011 Small Batch VD Brandy – aged 9 years in ex-Brandy barrels. Bottled in 2021.
- Chairman’s Reserve 2009 JD2/VD #0761 - aged 12 years in ex-Bourbon barrels. Bottled in 2022.
https://rhumclementusa.com/shop/https://rhumjmusa.com/shop/https://chairmansreserverum.com/us-e-shop/
BEENLIGH
Beenleigh invites you to celebrate 140 years of craftsmanship with the Beenleigh 140th Anniversary Edition. This exclusive rum is a tribute to Australia’s oldest continuously operating distillery. Crafted from the finest Queensland molasses, this limited-edition rum offers a rich palate of toasted caramel, oak, and spice, with a smooth, warming finish. Bottled at 40% ABV, it’s more than just a rum, it’s a piece of history. Only 1884 bottles ever produced. In other news, Beenleigh Rum is breaking new ground with the launch of its delicious Rum & Pineapple Crush ready-to-drink beverage. Crafted for convenience and maximum enjoyment, it’s as bright and bold as the Sunshine State itself. Made with Beenleigh’s handcrafted Australian white rum, a premium and incredibly smooth taste layered with notes of tropical vanilla and subtle spices, then blended with real pineapple juice; the result is a drink bursting with authentic, full-bodied flavor. “Our new Rum & Pineapple Crush is crafted to give Aussies a mini-vacation in every can, combining Beenleigh’s award-winning white rum with the juicy flavor of real pineapple. We’ve crafted a drink that promises a premium, full-flavored experience that’s perfect for any occasion,” said Will Sullivan, Beenleigh Rum Brand Manager. “In response to the booming RTD market, the Rum & Pineapple Crush delivers an unparalleled taste that’s perfect for hot days and balmy nights, proving that convenience doesn’t have to compromise quality; we crushed it with this one!” https://www.beenleighrum.com.au/
DEMERARA DISTILLERS
The Guyana Chronicle reported that Demerara Distillers Limited has launched the El Dorado Master Blender 2024 Special Edition Rum in celebration of its 12th year as the official spirit of the Caribbean Premium League (CPL). Aged for 12 years, much like El Dorado’s enduring partnership with CPL, this rum is a unique blend of carefully selected marques from the historical Port Mourant Double Wooden Pot Still, Versailles Single Wooden Pot Still, the Uitvlugt French Saville Still, and the Diamond Coffey Still. DDL’s Chairman Komal Samaroo noted: “As we mark our 12th year as the official spirit of the CPLT20, we are thrilled to unveil the El Dorado Master Blender Special Edition Rum. This limited edition represents more than a decade of collaborative spirit and dedication between El Dorado and the CPL, showcasing the unique heritage and flavors of our brand. This new rum blend is crafted with the finest aged marques from our historical stills, offering a taste experience as rich and diverse as the cricketing fans we unite. We are proud to celebrate this milestone with CPL, and our supporters, and we look forward to many more years of partnership and camaraderie.” The El Dorado Master Blender’s Special Edition 12-Year-Old Rum is now available for sale at local retail outlets in Guyana and all Duty-Free Shops. https://demeraradistillers.com/
RHUM DEPAZ
An interesting new release from Depaz is Cuvee Volutes, volutes being the French word for “spirals”, as in, the spirals of smoke that come while smoking a fine cigar. That is the point of this new expression; it is a rhum agricole explicitly designed for pairing with a cigar. The distillery behind this rum draws its essence from the legacy of Victor Depaz, a visionary who redefined the art of rum production. Depaz XO Cuvée Volutes is aged in three distinct phases, initially in Bourbon casks, followed by resting in new barrels before finishing in small oak barrels. Each stage of aging contributes to its depth of taste and velvety texture, making Depaz - XO Cuvée Volutes a perfect match for a perfect cigar. https://depaz.fr/
DRAGON DISTILLERY
Dragon Distillery, a pioneering craft distillery in Frederick Maryland, proudly announces the launch of its latest creation: CranZilla, a cranberry and Madagascar vanilla-infused rum that is set to elevate your cocktail experience. This new release, crafted with precision and artistry by founder and master distiller Mark Lambert, exemplifies Dragon Distillery’s dedication to producing unique, high-quality spirits. Hirad Yaldaei, COO and head distiller of Dragon Distillery, expressed his excitement about the new product: “CranZilla represents everything we stand for at Dragon Distillery, creativity, quality, and a deep connection to our local community. We’ve taken the familiar flavors of cranberry and vanilla and elevated them into something truly special. This is a rum that surprises you with every sip, and we can’t wait for people to experience it.” https://www.dragon-distillery.com/
TROPICAL VIBES
Tropical Vibes has just released its 5-Year Aged Dark Rum. This meticulously crafted spirit promises a luxurious and immersive taste experience, transporting you to a sun-soaked paradise with every sip. Tropical Vibes Dark Rum begins with the finest sugar cane, harvested at peak ripeness and pressed to extract fresh cane juice. This juice undergoes a careful fermentation process to capture its natural, bright essence. Distilled using traditional methods, the spirit retains light, floral notes. After aging for five years in oak barrels, the rum develops a refined complexity with hints of vanilla, tropical fruits, and delicate spices, culminating in a smooth and vibrant flavor profile. “Our new Dark Rum is a celebration of our dedication to quality and craftsmanship,” said Kim Jones, CEO of Tropical Vibes. “We have poured our passion into every step of the process, from selecting the finest ingredients to perfecting the aging process. The result is a rum that truly embodies the spirit of the tropics, offering a taste of paradise with every sip.” This launch is bolstered by a powerful partnership with Antheum Spirits and Tennessee Legend Distillery, known for their bold mountain flavors and exceptional craftsmanship. Located in Sevierville, Tennessee, Tennessee Legend Distillery brings a rich heritage and expertise in distillation, making this collaboration a natural fit. Their experience in producing high-quality spirits, including a diverse range of whiskeys and moonshines, ensures that the 5-Year Aged Dark Rum meets the highest standards of excellence. https://www.tropicalvibesrum.com
