TheRumLab Industry Newsletter | Week #28 of 2023
The Rum Lab
TheRumLab - Our main focus is Rum Education. We do so through our digital magazine, events, infographics, and more.
Rum Talk with:
KERY ALGAR
Founder/Distiller at Soltera Rum
TRL: Who is Keri Algar?
Fueled by tropical island rum bar dreams, Keri has single-handedly started a craft distillery to make rum in Australia under the flagship brand Soltera Rum. She uses traditional methods and a small copper pot still to handcraft spirits from local and sustainable molasses. Her award-winning products are a testament to her determination, passion, and the pursuit of excellence.
TRL: What does the rum mean to you? What made you fall in love with rum and when did it happen?
To me, rum means freedom, romance, and revelry. As quite a young woman in the Dominican Republic, I recall being on a flat-bottom lagoon boat with a tropical storm heading toward us. The crew handed out rum and cokes, cranked up the merengue, and instead of being afraid, everyone had a ball. I’ll never forget it. I took my first sip of a cuba libre on that trip. Wherever I travel, rum is enjoyed with delight, inspiring laughter, and dance. To me, that’s rum.
TRL: Three essential characteristics that define the rum according to your perspective.
That it is unadulterated with no additives post-distillation. That it evolves from nose to palate to finish, the longer and more varied that journey is the more interesting to me. That its source material is from sugarcane only.
TRL: What is the most important contribution you have made to the rum industry?
I don’t think I have yet! Oh, perhaps it’s that I’m Australia’s only solo-woman-operated rum distillery!
TRL: Benefits that the rum industry has given you.
I’ve learned a new, fascinating trade as a distiller–a magical alchemy that marries science and art.
TRL: What’s another thing you are passionate about besides rum? Why?
I am passionate about ocean sports (diving, snorkeling, surfing, spearfishing) and writing. I’ve made careers out of those two passions and now I’ve turned to rum. I think it’s a winning trifecta.
TRL: What is your favorite place for drinking rum?
A beachside rum bar, or my distillery when another craft distiller visits and offers me a sip from their bottle.
TRL: Favorite drink + Recipe.
Too many to choose from. At the moment, a bitter Mai Tai.
TRL: Why is it important to educate the rum consumer?
Rum has a variable reputation around the world. Here in Australia, it has a storied past, and its reputation is often in question. I’d love for everyone to know just how varied and versatile rum is as a spirit. How a quality sipping rum is just as extraordinary as a quality sipping whisky. I want people to understand the passion and pursuit of excellence that goes into producing a craft rum and to regard it as a thing of beauty.
TRL: Any tips to train the palate and taste a good premium rum?
To start with, eat bland food. Then, take your time. Take time between sips to discover new flavors and sensations. Lastly, try many different rums!
TRL: Who would like to meet in the rum industry? What would you say to him/her?
I’d like to meet a rum blogger that goes by the name of The Lone Caner. I’d like to sit with him and taste a selection of rums from around the world. I think I’d learn a lot and be exposed to an extraordinary variety of rums from around the world.
TRL: What are your next goals in the rum industry?
Making rum is the fun part, being in business is hard. Some days it requires a herculean effort to keep things moving forwards, especially as I do everything from the manufacturing, labelling, sales and marketing. If I can continue to slowly expand into the Australian market, I’ll be happy. I’m also addicted to barrels, so continually learning and experimenting with the aging process is also a goal.
TRL: Plans you have when you leave the rum industry.
?Set up a rum bar on a beach on a tropical island.
TRL: Why is the role of the bartender important in the rum industry?
It’s essential. Educating the market is critical for the appreciation of rum. Bartenders produce inventive and sometimes downright ingenious cocktails that shine a light on the rum category. They help make it an exciting time to be part of the rise of rum.
TRL: How can people learn more about you? Website? Social media page?
In demand: the growth of the global alcohol market
By Melita Kiely
July 10, 2023
The past few years have been difficult for spirits brands, but in many categories, and in various territories, growth is looming.
There’s a lot to wrap your head around when you recall the various geopolitical storms the spirits industry has had to weather over the past few years.
These include tariff wars between the US, the EU, and China; Brexit; closed borders during the Covid-19 pandemic; shuttered on-trade businesses also driven by Covid-19 regulations; the Russia-Ukraine war – and more.
The hangover from a number of these issues is still being felt in the spirits sector – but in the face of a challenging political and economic landscape, the past 12-18 months have signalled a period of rebounding for the trade.
Today, the global total beverage alcohol market is on an axis swing, as times and trends are changing.
“As geopolitical and economic turbulence impacts the market, alcohol drinkers are shifting their consumption behaviours,” noted Mark Meek, CEO, IWSR Drinks Market Analysis.
“The key trends that have underpinned the industry, such as premiumisation, will evolve as consumers respond to the increased cost-of-living crisis. The industry will, however, deliver pockets of significant value growth.”
The latest data from IWSR Drinks Market Analysis shows global beverage alcohol growth by volume slowed to around 1% in 2022, “and is likely to grow at around 1% per annum over the next five years” to 2027, Emily Neill, chief operations officer, research and operations at IWSR Drinks Market Analysis, said during a webinar on the company’s latest insights. “Value is forecast to grow by a more positive 2% year on year.”?
Looking at individual alcohol segments, beer had a buoyant 2022, growing by 3% compared with 2021.?
Wine had a more taxing 12 months, as its “structural decline” continued, with a 5% drop in volume sales. For spirits, the category’s performance was mixed. Taking all spirits into account – including national ones such as baijiu, shochu, arrack, and soju – global spirits volume consumption dropped by 2% in 2022 compared with 2021.
However, excluding national spirits, the global spirits category grew by 5% in volume, driven by whisky (8% volume growth 2021-2022), rum (up by 9%), and brandy (up by 6%).?
This offset a double-digit decline for Cognac (down by 10%) due to volume drops in its two key markets: the US and China. The latter is an interesting, if not disappointing, change of pace for Cognac in these markets – one that is unfortunately echoed across the wider spirits industry, according to IWSR’s latest intel.
“If we look at the key growth markets for total beverage alcohol last year, what you see for China and the US, is we had significant volume drops last year – and actually, a more subdued and slightly negative outlook over the next five years in volume terms,” Neill explained.
IWSR believes India, Mexico and Brazil will take over from the US and China as volume-growth drivers.
“In volume terms last year, India and Mexico together accounted for over half of all volume growth, and I would expect it to grow over the next five year at quite a healthy rate,” Neill said, adding that Vietnam and South Africa were also “key growth markets” last year.
In India, for example, IWSR is seeing significant up-trading in the Indian whisky category, and from Indian whisky into Scotch and other whisky styles.
Premium Indian whisky sales will have grown sixfold between 2019 and 2027, IWSR noted.
Meanwhile, volume growth for whisky was up by 2% in the US, following substantial volume gains the previous year, confirming the ongoing demand for whisky across the country. It is forecast to continue to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4% between 2022 and 2027.
While volume might be down in the US and China, value sales are strong, and are expected to continue from 2022 to 2027.
“In value terms we still expect significant growth, at US$12 billion in the US, and in China nearly US$42bn [US$41.7bn],” Neill added, backing the ongoing premiumisation trend.
The 11% growth in total spirits by value in 2022 is further evidence to support this optimistic outlook.
In the US, agave-based spirits are forecast to continue driving sales in the country. From 2021 to 2022, agave spirits grew by 12% in volume in the US (and 13% overall).
From 2022 to 2027, this will “remain pronounced at a volume CAGR of 9%”, IWSR predicts, while the category remains on track to overtake vodka as the spirits leader by value in the US in 2023. IWSR attributed this success to the celebrity influence on the category – but did note there are early signs of a slowdown in the premiumisation trend.
Other categories that have also found huge favour in recent years, notably the ready-to-drink (RTD) segment, are also experiencing a growth slowdown. What was historically a 20%-plus volume CAGR category from 2018 to 2021 slowed to 2% volume growth in 2022.
This can be traced to a sharp deceleration in the US, which included a 10% volume decline in hard seltzers. On a global scale, the RTD segment is expected to grow by 3% in volume CAGR between 2022 and 2027, so demand does remain?
However, non-alcoholic ‘spirits’ have been touted as a category to watch, with a growth trajectory of a 7% volume CAGR from 2022 to 2027, when it is forecast to account for 2% of the total global beverage alcohol market.
But as new trials and tribulations squeeze consumers’ incomes – the ongoing energy crisis and rising inflation, to name two causes – some habits from the days of the Covid-19 pandemic are likely to continue influencing their behaviours.
Take the UK, for example: IWSR noted a third of alcohol drinkers would rather treat themselves to a better-quality drink at home than go out, a trend exacerbated by the increased costs of socialising outside of the home.
Neill did note, however, that trends suggest consumers are remaining loyal to their favourite brands, despite the squeeze on disposable incomes.
“A key strategy [from consumers] is just buying their regular brand when it’s on promotion, or buying the same brand in a larger format, or a multi-pack,” she added. “People are sticking with their regular brand, which supports what we’re seeing with premiumisation – that it’s ongoing, just at a slower rate.”
Rum-Bar Raises The Bar In Portland For Vibes Fest
Staff – 07/11/2023 – News Jamaicans.com
Witness the grand Portland clock tower, standing tall in the town square, as the yellow, black, and green emblem of the Rum-Bar Jamaica marquee marks the beginning of Rum-Bar’s Vibes Fest, the island-wide concert series that touched down in Port Antonio last Friday, June 23rd.
Christopher Williams, known as Bigga 5, Portland’s beloved DJ, towers over the crowd with his larger-than-life persona, yet always maintaining the perfect vibe. His electrifying presence ignites a sensation in the community, summoning the signature Rum-Bar dancers dressed in curve-hugging branded costumes and the 6ix Boss, his very own vibes-master, to the stage to move to the latest beats and warm up the crowd for the next act.
Enter entertainer and social media personality Keticia ‘TC’ Chatman, dressed in black tights, a sexy corset top, and an army camp jacket, commands the stage with her raspy voice and voluptuous figure. Initially, the crowd is shy, but throngs fill the square, captivated by TC’s mesmerizing presence. And, of course, no TC appearance is complete without dancing. Swedish vacationers Maria Beznja and 21Anna Nordstr?m cause a commotion as they join the stage and move to the latest Drift dance alongside TC.
The anticipation builds as 2000 strong fill the square, eagerly awaiting the rest of the lineup.
Kash Promise Move spills the tea on his Portland debut, fresh off his first-ever plane ride to the Bahamas. The crowd in Port Antonio was left shaken as he brought the heat with his electrifying performance of Bandulu, leaving everyone craving more. And now, the world waits with bated breath as he reveals his next move – a concert in the USA.
But wait, the anticipation doesn’t stop there. As the clock strikes midnight, the crowd erupts as Shane O takes the stage. With a white tee draped over his face, he starts singing acapella as he slowly walks onto the stage, leaving the audience in anticipation. Everyone in attendance witnesses his iconic performance of 7 Jacket, pulling out their phones to capture the moment for eternity. And when he drops his 2018 hit Partner Draw the 2022 Dark Room. Rum-Bar has raised the bar for this concert series as one patron described it ” was truly a moment that will go down in history.”
Captain Morgan unveils new Black Spiced rum
Phoebe Fraser – 07/06/2023 – FoodBev
Diageo has expanded its rum offering under the Captain Morgan brand with its latest launch, Captain Morgan Black Spiced.
The new spirit combines black spices – such as cloves, cinnamon and cassia – with the brand’s premium dark rum, creating a smooth spirit with notes of vanilla, black cherry and molasses caramel.
The final refinement is achieved by ageing the spirit in charred oak barrels.
Eleanor Morgan, Captain Morgan marketing manager at Diageo GB, said: “We are thrilled to unveil the latest addition to the Captain Morgan portfolio: This delicious rum based spirit is the result of our dedication to crafting exceptional spirits, that embody adventure and celebration. With its rich flavour and distinctive character, Captain Morgan Black Spiced is the perfect choice for those occasions that call for a truly unforgettable flavour.”
Captain Morgan Black Spiced is the first new product to be launched by Captain Morgan since the brand introduced its limited-edition cherry vanilla rum in March last year.
The launch is the latest in a number of spirit line expansions by Diageo. In February, whisky brand Buchanan’s unveiled a new pineapple-flavoured whisky, and days before Diageo’s Bailey’s brand introduced a limited edition creamy mint-flavoured liqueur. The spirit giant also tapped into the no- and low-alcohol trend in April with the launch of an alcohol-free variant of its popular orange-flavoured spirit, Tanqueray Flor de Sevilla gin.
Old Grog, Watered Down Rum And The House That George Washington Built!
Augustus Iyengar – 07/07/2023 – Slurrp
?It was Old Grog himself, after the capture of Porto Bello, who introduced the concept of watered rum to these sailors, accustomed to a daily pint of the potent spirit. The wily Admiral, harboring a deep aversion to strong drink in all its forms and bemoaning its ill effects on the morals of his men, sought to curtail its consumption
?Mount Vernon, oh what a storied place! An American landmark of grandeur, a former plantation once graced by the presence of none other than George Washington himself, the esteemed Founding Father, commander of the Continental Army, and the very first president of the United States. Situated on the picturesque banks of the Potomac River in Fairfax County, Virginia, it basks in the glory of its southern proximity to Washington, D.C., and Alexandria, Virginia, while gazing across the river towards Prince George's County, Maryland.
The Washington family, as it happens, had a long history with the land. In the year 1674, they set their sights upon the area, acquiring a generous land grant of 5,000 acres from none other than Lord Thomas Culpeper, courtesy of a special dispensation from the one and only King Charles II of England. A peninsula in the majestic Potomac River was bestowed upon John Washington and his dear friend Nicholas Spencer. And although the grant called for an equal division of the land, fate had other plans, for this very land would one day become the splendid Mount Vernon we know today, in the hands of George Washington himself.
But where did the name Mount Vernon come from, you may ask? Ah, an intriguing tale it is! George Washington's half-brother, Lawrence, inherited the Little Hunting Creek Plantation from their father back in 1743. Lawrence, ever the enthusiast of British naval affairs, decided to honor his former commander, Admiral Edward Vernon, by bestowing upon the estate the name of Mount Vernon. It was a gesture of respect and admiration for the man with whom he had served during the Battle of Cartagena de Indias in 1741, amidst the turmoil of the War of Jenkins' Ear.Vice Admiral Vernon, a true force to be reckoned with, possessed a formidable reputation. Respected not only for his extraordinary valor in the heat of battle, but also for his unwavering support of his fellow sailors. His nickname, Old Grog, stemmed from his distinctive attire—a waterproof cloak crafted from grogram, a robust blend of silk, mohair, and wool. Such was the man known as Old Grog, a living testament to resilience and strength.
You see, it was Old Grog himself, after the capture of Porto Bello, who introduced the concept of watered rum to these sailors, accustomed to a daily pint of the potent spirit. The wily Admiral, harboring a deep aversion to strong drink in all its forms and bemoaning its ill effects on the morals of his men, sought to curtail its consumption. His intention, though reluctantly so, was to diminish the prevalence of fevers that had plagued previous Caribbean expeditions. But the doughty sailors, flushed with victory and warmed by the rum coursing through their veins, chose to view it quite differently. They raised their cups in a toast to Old Grog himself, and thus, the name "grog" became synonymous with this newfangled concoction.
Old Grog, that wily Admiral, forever etched his name in the annals of history. Surprising all, including those Spaniards at Porto Bello, he caught them unawares, leading to their surrender after a mere two days of fierce battle. When news of this triumph reached London, Admiral Vernon became the hero of the hour, a title he would hold for years to come. Yet, among the sailors of his valiant squadron, opinions on Old Grog were divided—some saw him as a hero, while others deemed him a blue-nosed cheat. The reason for this division? None other than their preference for rum, either neat or diluted with water.
You see, dear reader, after the capture of Porto Bello, Old Grog introduced watered rum to the men, much to their surprise and chagrin. Those sailors, accustomed to a daily pint of straight spirits, found themselves facing a diluted alternative. This was all part of Old Grog's grand plan, for he abhorred strong drink in any form and cursed its ill effects on his men's morals. Although he would have preferred to banish it entirely, he reluctantly acquiesced to the weaker concoction, hoping it would serve as a preventative measure against the fevers that had plagued previous expeditions to the Caribbean.
But the hearty sailors aboard his flagship, HMS Burjord, had a different perspective. Filled with the exhilaration of victory and warmed by the rum coursing through their veins, they raised their cups in a toast to Old Grog. And so, the peculiar name stuck, becoming synonymous with the newfound drink as well.
Before long, Grog's popularity spread throughout the Royal Navy, evolving into not just a tradition but a matter of law. Over the years, the quantity of the rum ration, as well as the ratio of rum to water in the mixture, gradually diminished. Presently, all men over the age of twenty are entitled to a daily tot of one-eighth of an imperial pint of rum, or approximately ounces. Petty officers may savor theirs neat, while other ratings receive it as grog, mixed with two parts of water to one of rum. Regardless of the variation, the ration must be consumed on the spot and may not be saved for a later indulgence. Those who opt not to partake may receive a pay compensation of three pence per day. Furthermore, it is strictly prohibited to sell or bestow one's ration upon another.
The customary daily ceremony for the distribution of grog commences with the resonant call of "Up Spirits" on the boatswain's pipe at six bells in the forenoon. At this signal, the Officer of the Day, the Master-at-Arms, the Supply Petty Officer, and the Butcher assemble at the entrance of the Spirit Room. The Master-at-Arms deftly unlocks the heavy padlocks, granting entry to the dimly lit room adorned with casks, carefully stowed "bung up and bilge free." The Butcher, skilled in the ways of the trade, taps a barrel, inserts a siphon pump into the bung hole, and meticulously draws off the day's total ration for the ship's company. Neat tots are then issued to the Petty Officers, while the remaining grog is transferred to a small cask known as a barrico (pronounced breaker). The barrico, firmly padlocked, is then entrusted to the watchful eye of a sentry, prominently placed by the grand oaken rum tub, its brass hoops gleaming and bearing the inscription, "The Queen—God bless her."
As the bugle sounds the Rum Call, five minutes before "Hands to Dinner" at noon, representatives from each Mess, armed with jugs or "fannies," approach the rum tub. Under the watchful gaze of the Officer of the Day, a ceremonial ritual unfolds. The requisite volume of water is precisely measured, ensuring its taste remains untainted by salt. With utmost care, it is poured into the rum tub. The barrico is then unlocked, and the rum is gently emptied into the tub. In a display befitting their roles, the Supply Petty Officer, bare to the elbow, stands opposite the Master-at-Arms and the Petty Officer of the Day. Each messman steps forward in turn, proudly declaring his mess number.
The Petty Officer of the Day, consulting his ledger, proclaims the number of tots to which the represented mess is entitled. With practiced grace, the Supply Petty Officer fills the appropriate measure with grog, pouring it into the mess fanny. One by one, the messmen receive their portions and return to their respective messes, serving it out to those deserving souls. Once all the messes have been served, any remnants in the rum tub are poured down the scuppers, much to the lamentation of the Officer of the Day.
As for the officers, who enjoy their own wine messes, they are not entitled to this daily ration, save for special occasions when "Splice the Main Brace" is ordered. This salty expression harkens back to the days of sailing ships, when the arduous and perilous task of splicing a new main yardarm brace—a weighty piece of rigging—merited the reward of a special issue of spirits. Today, "Splice the Main Brace" is signaled only by direct order of the reigning monarch, during visits to navy ships or stations, or to commemorate great victories, as was done on VE Day and VJ Day.
And so, dear reader, the tradition of grog lives on, its rich history interwoven with the customs and regulations of the Royal Navy. Let us raise a glass, filled with grog or any preferred libation, and toast to Old Grog, the eccentric Admiral who unwittingly sparked a lasting tradition, forever entwined with the seafaring souls who sail the vast and unpredictable seas.
Forty Creek? Raises a Glass to its Canadian Roots with Launch of Butter Tart Cream
Press Release – 07/11/2023 – Campari Group Canada
TORONTO, July 11, 2023 /CNW/ - Paying homage to its Canadian heritage, Forty Creek proudly presents the newest addition to its portfolio, Forty Creek Butter Tart Cream Liquor, inspired by the beloved and distinctly Canadian dessert.
?Joining Forty Creek's long list of award-winning products with a Silver Medal from the 2023 San Francisco World Spirits Competition, Forty Creek Butter Tart Cream Liquor is an exceptional spirit and a testament to the brand's commitment to crafting innovative spirits for whisky lovers across Canada. With unfolding flavours reminiscent of freshly baked brown sugar and cream, Forty Creek Butter Tart Cream offers an indulgent treat, evoking fond memories among Canadians.
"After the incredibly successful launch of Forty Creek Nanaimo Bar Cream in 2020, we know Canadians have a deep affinity for local desserts," says Forty Creek Master Blender Bill Ashburn. "Today, we're excited to unveil another spirit inspired by Canada, paying homage to the iconic butter tart, unearthing familiar memories for consumers nationwide."
Crafted with velvety-smooth, fresh dairy cream and bold, flavourful Forty Creek whisky, Forty Creek Butter Tart Cream offers a decadent harmony of taste and quality, best enjoyed neat, on the rocks or as a cream supplement to your favourite coffee.
To celebrate its latest launch and honour Canada's signature dessert, Forty Creek is excited to introduce a limited-edition merchandise collection in collaboration with sustainable apparel brand, Kotn Supply. The collection comprises a range of limited-edition sweatshirts not only inspired by the iconic butter tart but also designed for creating lasting memories at home, accompanied by a glass of Forty Creek Cream.?
"With so much cultural weight and heritage connected to the butter tart, this clothing line aims to add a similar sense of coziness and warmth to your loungewear collection," says apparel designer Kara Lynne Wark from Kotn Supply. "We see this exciting launch as a mélange of Canadiana that will bring a familiar comfort to Forty Creek lovers nationwide."
In Ontario, Forty Creek Butter Tart Cream retails for $32.75* and is available for sale at LCBO, Forty Creek Distillery in Grimsby and on?fortycreekwhisky.com. The product will become available across other provinces throughout the summer and fall.
The apparel collection will be available for purchase starting mid-August, only at FortyCreekWhisky.com and at the Forty Creek Distillery located in Grimsby, Ontario. Sign up here to be the first to find out when the collection officially drops.
For more information about Forty Creek Butter Tart Cream Liquor, visit FortyCreekWhisky.com or follow @wearefortycreek.
*Price varies by province/region.
About Campari Canada
Campari Canada is a wholly owned subsidiary of Davide Campari-Milano (Reuters CPRI.MI - Bloomberg CPR IM). At the heart of Campari Canada is Forty Creek? Canadian Whisky, renowned for its award-winning range of complex, yet approachable whiskies. Campari Canada manages Campari Group's portfolio in Canada with such leading brands as Forty Creek? Canadian Whisky, Appleton? Estate Rum, Grand Marnier?, Campari?, Aperol?, Wild Turkey? Kentucky Straight Bourbon, Espolón? Tequila, SKYY? Vodka and Wray & Nephew? Rum. Campari Canada is headquartered in Toronto's bourgeoning Liberty Village.
For more information:?www.camparigroup.com/en.
Please enjoy our brands responsibly.
SOURCE Campari Group Canada
For further information: For media inquiries: Chelsea Coubry-Forte, Hill+Knowlton Strategies,?[email protected]
Wild Turkey unveils Master’s Keep Voyage
Bradley Weir – 07/06/2023 – The Drinks Report
Wild Turkey, American bourbon brand, has announced the release of its annual limited-edition Master’s Keep Voyage.
Crafted by master distiller Eddie Russell in a first time collaboration with Dr. Joy Spence, the expression is bottled at 106 proof and matured in Jamaican rum casks, marking the first rum cask finish in the history of Wild Turkey.
The 10-year-old is the latest in the Master’s Keep series, which first launched in 2015, with the intention of pushing boundaries in the traditions of bourbon-making.
Commenting on the release, Russell said: "Every year, we look forward to the release of Master's Keep as an opportunity to rethink what our bourbon can be. Creating Master's Keep Voyage in collaboration with Dr. Joy Spence was a real privilege, and I think our shared passion for telling a story through our spirits comes through in this one-of-a-kind whiskey."
Spence added: "With Voyage, we set out to develop a spirit that allows the notes of the rum and bourbon to work in harmony. By aging Eddie's hand-selected batch of 10-year-old bourbon in the finest casks we have at Appleton Estate, we were able to achieve a new level of flavour that gives whiskey and bourbon lovers a new way to enjoy their favourite drinks."
Master’s Keep Voyage will be available nationally at select retailers beginning in July, at an SRP of $275 for a 750ml bottle.
7 Indian rums for your bar
Muralik – 07/08/2023 – Money Control
On World Rum Day, an introduction to dark and white rums beyond Old Monk and Bacardi.
To a lot of people in India, rum translates to Old Monk. But over the last two-odd years, a bunch of small-batch rums have appeared on the shelves. On World Rum Day, we get you acquainted with the best of the lot.
Mesma Barrel-Aged Rum
If you are in Goa anytime soon, do yourself a favour and pick up a bottle of Mesma. The rum is the latest offering from Stilldistilling Spirits, which also makes Maka Zai rum. Mesma, though, is different because it is barrel-aged – in ex-bourbon casks – for about five years. Mesma makes for a lovely, aromatic sipping rum and could work really well, in, say, a Dark Daiquiri. It is crisp, just the right amount of light, and has a lovely mouthfeel. The limited-edition release is only available in Goa.
Rs 3,600
Plantation Rum
You never really go wrong with a Plantation Rum. Owned by French brand Maison Ferrand, the rum was launched in India last year by Goa-based Third Eye Distillery. On offer is Plantation 3 Stars, a white rum that is blended from aged and unaged rums from Barbados, Trinidad and Jamaica, and the Plantation Original Dark, which is made of rums that are aged and blended in the Caribbean and then double aged in France.
Rs 3,400/Rs 3,500, in Mumbai
Camikara Rum
In April this year, Camikara Rum became the first Indian rum to bag a gold at the International Wine and Spirits Competition. The limited-edition rum, which shone in the 11- to 15-year category, is India’s first pure cane juice rum, and the IWSC judges had many nice things to say about it. The rhum agricol-ish Camikara is produced by Piccadily Distilleries, which also produces Indri whisky, and has been matured for 12 years in American oak casks. If you’ve never gone down the rhum agricole route, Camikara is as good a place as any to start.
Rs 5,800, in Haryana
Segredo Aldeia
Aman Thadani’s Segredo Aldeia was among the early craft rum launches along with Stilldistilling’s Maka Zai. Thadani runs the Goa-based, family-run Fullarton Distillery which also makes Woodburns whisky and Pumori Gin. The rum, named after a mythical village in Portuguese Goa, is available in white and a coffee-forward, sweetish cafe variant.
Rs 2,800/Rs 3050, in Mumbai
Pitbull Rum
Former alco-bev industry professionals Kalpesh Parekh and Karishma Chandy always thought that there was a gap in the market for a rum that was more premium than Old Monk but still pretty much affordable. Pitbull is their attempt to fill that gap. The rum is made in Aurangabad with sugarcane molasses and blended with barrel aged spirits. It has no added sugar.
Rs 800, Mumbai and Pune.
Rock Paper Rum
Lalit Kalani’s family has been in the business of distilling rum for ages – they once supplied rum to the Armed Forces. With Rock Paper, Kalani is dipping his toes into the small-batch space. Rock Paper rum is available in two variants: a triple-distilled golden Indian Spiced Rum and a woody, sweet Coastal White Rum.
Rs 1,500/Rs 1350
Short Story White Rum
Third Eye Distillery’s Short Story rum is part of their new portfolio of white spirits, and an attempt to create benchmarks for the region. The rum is made by blending molasses rum with three different rums from the Caribbean – a high ester Jamaican rum and cask-aged Dominican and Trinidadian rums.
Rs 1,950.
Castle Distillery launches first rum line, Judge Jenkins, on World Rum Day
Staff?– 07/10/2023 – News From Wales
Award-winning Hensol
The UK’s only distillery located within a castle has launched its first line of rum, named after a former resident of the castle itself. Award-winning Hensol Castle Distillery, based in Wales, is expanding its range outside of the gin market, launching with two flavours of ‘Judge Jenkins’ rum on World Rum Day, 8th July 2023.
After the continued success of its award-winning gins, Hensol Castle Distillery is entering the rum market with the launch of its new Judge Jenkins range, with two flavours available: Spiced Rum (40% ABV) and Maraschino Cherry Spiced Rum (37.5% ABV). The two new bottles will be available to purchase direct from the Hensol Castle Distillery website from World Rum Day on 8th July 2023.
Distilled in the cellars of the 400-year-old castle, the Judge Jenkins rum range will be available to both on- and off-trade and can be purchased by consumers directly through the Hensol Castle Distillery website. With an RRP of ￡30 per 70cl bottle, the rum will be sold alongside the distillery’s award-winning gins.
What makes the Spiced Rum different to most others on the market is that it’s made using the same process the distillery team use to make gin. A three-times distilled Caribbean base rum is once again distilled, along with vanilla, fresh lime & orange peel, spiced berries, cinnamon, nutmeg and Cocoa beans. The four-times distilled rum is then expertly blended and oxygenated with the purest Welsh water.
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Similarly, to make the Maraschino Cherry Spiced Rum, the above process is followed, with the additional of natural Maraschino & Morello Cherries, as well as a little sugar to level out the tartness.
Judge David Jenkins, after which the new rum is named, was the grandson of Richard Jenkins, who built and resided in Hensol Castle in the late 17th century with his family. Born at Hensol in 1582 and following in the fervent footsteps of his royalist grandfather and father, the Judge was a man of great force and character, gaining the nicknames “Heart of Oak” and “the pillar of the law” in his time.
His story sees him described as a scholar, a gentleman, a man of honour and of discerning taste. His story is mired in revolution and revolt, of imprisonment and hope and it is in the spirit of those things that Hensol Castle Distillery decided to create the Judge Jenkins rums to celebrate his life and all that he accomplished.
Imprisoned in 1645 at the Tower of London during the British Civil Wars, when disputes between the Crown and Parliament came to a head, he didn’t see freedom until the restoration of King Charles II in 1660.?He retired back to Hensol Castle where he became a patron of the Welsh Bards and eventually died in December 1663.?He is remembered as a controversial and powerful man who created many laws which are still being followed to this day.
The UK rum market is the third largest in the world, according to a report by Campari Group UK; and data from CGA by Neilsen IQ revealed in 2022 that rum sales in the UK surpassed the ￡1bn.?Sales of flavoured and spiced varieties of rum were shown to have taken around three fifths of the rum market.
Chris Leeke, Managing Director of?www.hensolcastledistillery.com, said:
“Judge Jenkins is woven into the tapestry of Hensol Castle’s history and what better way to honour the legend himself than by creating a fiery spirit with his namesake. Since launching, we have made great strides in the gin market, achieving many awards and accolades, and felt it was now the perfect time to expand our range and offer our customers a high quality, delicious rum. It is such a versatile spirit that has seen phenomenal growth over the last few years and it makes sense for us to go on this journey.”
Hensol Castle Distillery has the capacity to bottle up to five+ million bottles of spirits per annum. In the relatively short time since the distillery launched in 2019, its own three Hensol Castle gins have won numerous gold medals, including Best in Country at this year’s World Gin Awards plus an additional 15 gold medals won for contract bottling clients in 2023.
Mojito: Sip into summer bliss with this timeless classic
Staff?– 07/11/2023 –?Online Khabar
Summer throughout the world is synonymous with cocktails. But one cocktail, in particular, is the epitome of summer – the mojito.
This cocktail made with white rum has captivated everyone around the world. Originating in the streets of Cuba, this cocktail has travelled the world. Many bartenders in the country and abroad feel that the mojito stands as a cocktail that embodies the spirit of relaxation and sophistication.
It is a timeless classic that will live on for generations thanks to the bend of lime, mint, rum and soda. But crafty bartenders can do more with this drink. Some have created their own versions of the drink by incorporating different ingredients, herbs and fruits.
Whether sipped on a tropical beach or enjoyed in a busy bar in Kathmandu on a Friday, the taste of this classic is the same.
As temperatures rise in Kathmandu, this is the drink that you should opt for as it revitalises and invigorates the body and soul.
Here are some facts about this age-old cocktail:
Where is its origin?
The exact origin of this cocktail is unclear, but it is believed to have originated in Cuba in the late 1800s.
How should it be served?
A mojito is typically served in a highball glass filled with ice and garnished with a sprig of mint and lime wedges.
Why is it important to use Rum instead of Vodka in a traditional mojito?
People may confuse the mojito as a vodka-based drink. However, the classic recipe of the mojito uses White Rum as the base spirit, as the flavour profile of the cocktail is significantly different when made with White Rum instead of Vodka. The White Rum adds a unique sweetness and complexity to the drink, while the vodka is more neutral in flavour.
What type of Rum is used in it?
Light or White Rum is typically used in a mojito. In Nepal you can get Khukri White Rum; Nepal’s one and only White Rum with delicate notes of tropical fruits, rich nutty undertones and a creamy character thus making it the perfect ingredient for a delightfully refreshing mojito.
What food pairs well with it?
The refreshing taste of a mojito pairs well with light and flavorful dishes such as seafood, salads, and grilled vegetables.
How to make a mojito:
Ingredients: White Rum, Mint leaves, Lime, White Sugar, Soda
Step 1: Place some mint leaves and one live wedge in a tall sturdy glass. Crush the mint leaves using a muddler.
Step 2: Add some more lime wedges and sugar syrup (or white sugar) and muddle some more.
Step 3: Fill the glass with ice. (Crushed ice is better)
Step 4: Add 30 ml white rum.
Step 5: Top the glass off with soda water.
Step 6: Garnish with mint leaves and lime wedge on top.
Note: You can make a non-alcoholic version of the drink. All you need to do is not add White Rum.
Drinks off the beaten track to help celebrate World Rum Day
Daniel Smith?– 07/11/2023 – Cheshire Live
Day was launched in 2019 by Paul Jackson, spirits writer and editor of World Rum Guide
Today is World Rum Day - the annual, global celebration of rum and distilleries. Launched in 2019 by Paul Jackson, spirits writer and editor of World Rum Guide, it has become the focal point of a series of occasions at the start of July, including National Mojito Day, National Pi?a Colada Day and National Daiquiri Day.
Here is a selection of rums off the beaten track you might be inspired to pick up...
Foursquare 13 Year Old: ￡74.95
The sixth release from the consistently Award-Winning Foursquare Distillery in Barbados - highly regarded, and highly collectable. A Single Blended Rum (to quote the Gargano Classification): literally a blend of pot still and column still marques produced at the distillery, pre-blended before maturation.
Rumbullion!: ￡38.95
Rumbullion! is a cockle-warming spiced concoction, based on the kind of rich, full-bodied rums the seafaring fraternity would have enjoyed centuries ago. At the core of the blend is high-proof Caribbean rum, to which was added Madagascan vanilla and zesty orange peel finished with a handful of cassia and cloves and just a hint of cardamom.
Secret Distillery #9 Fiji 20 Year Old: ￡99.95
A rare bottling from Fiji is from a mystery producer, but has been tipped to be really well received. Heavy pot still Rum produced from molasses. Very distinctive in style. Matured for twenty years in ex-bourbon cask, American white oak. It spends the majority of time in Fiji, with a short spell in the UK prior to bottling.
Depth Charge Spiced Rum: ￡23.95
The spiced rum packs a big, powerful flavour profile, having been made with a base of Caribbean rum, a selection of spices and helpings of lime and mandarin at its core. The name comes from an ancient seafaring tale, where there was once a formidable sailor who encountered a fierce mythological sea monster.
Signature Blend #2: ￡30.95
The second Signature Blend from That Boutique-y Rum Company is made from a combination of particularly rich Guyanese rum and some funky Jamaican rums, resulting in a flavour profile you'll want to return to again and again. Luckily, you'll be able to do so, as the Signature Blend series will be continuous releases from the Boutique-y bunch.
Goslings Gold Rum: ￡26.45
A balanced blend of pot still and continuous still distillates, the majority of which have been aged around five years. Goslings Gold is a great easy-drinking Bermudan rum, suitable for mixing in cocktails or drinking straight over ice with a slice of lime.
Signature Blend #1: ￡25.95
The first Signature Blend from That Boutique-y Rum Company. Developed with Pete Holland (of off The Floating Rum Shack fame), this treat is made with a combination of unaged rum from Martinique and some bold dark rum from Jamaica. It makes a great Daiquiri!
New rum dedicated to Whitby RNLI's lifesaving history launched
Duncan Atkins – 07/04/2023 – The Carborough News
Whitby Distillery has officially launched its Dark Spiced Rum in celebration of the dedication and courage of the RNLI volunteers who have been saving lives around the UK's seas and coastline since 1824.
Trainee crew member Luke Pentith was inspired to create the rum in partnership with the RNLI after signing up as a volunteer last year.
Luke, who owns Whitby Distillery with his wife Jess, is donating 10% from the sale of each bottle to the RNLI.
Luke said: “The RNLI is a charity we have always admired.
"I joined the crew as a trainee last year and seeing first-hand the dedication and passion my crew mates have for their role is what inspired us to create the product.
“As the flavour profile of the Dark spiced rum progressed, Whitby Distillery invited several off-duty RNLI crew members to the distillery to help them perfect the recipe and flavour.
“The outcome is a Rum with oodles of coastal flavours including sea buckthorn and pepper dulse as well as cassia bark and cloves.
"The rum is laid to rest in a Madeira cask.
"This dark spiced rum has rich fruit overtones, molasses, and treacle murmurs.
“With the introduction of the new Shannon Lifeboat to the Whitby RNLI station we recognised the level of ongoing support that is needed to keep the station running.”
The drink has already been popular – the first batch of Dark Spiced Rum has almost sold out within 24 hours, but the good news was a second cask was almost ready for bottling so the distillery wouldn’t be out of stock for long.
The bottle features the RNLI logo, as well as important safety messages such as float to live, a message which can make the difference between life and death.
It also features, on the seal, an image of Henry Freeman, the only surviving crew member in the great lifeboat disaster of 1861.
The crew launched five times to rescue stricken vessels, but on their sixth launch, tragedy struck.
A freak wave hit the lifeboat, which capsized, and all but one of the crew were lost.
Freeman survived because he was wearing a new design of cork lifejacket.
Flurry of spirit launches raises competition in alcobev sector
Varuni Khosla?– 07/10/2023 – Livemint
New Delhi: The Indian alcoholic beverage market is experiencing intensifying rivalry spurred by the launch of several new spirits.
In the past week alone and since April this year, companies such as Radico Khaitan, Allied Blenders & Distillers Ltd, and Khemani Distilleries Pvt. Ltd have introduced multiple spirits across categories such as whisky, gin, and rum. Industry executives say that the main impetus behind this surge of innovation is a mix of stiff competition and growing consumer acceptance of Indian brands.
For instance, in August, TRDP Group, the maker of Mario biscuits and Raj Niwas pan masala, will launch its premium vodka brand under group company NeuWorld Spirits Pvt. Ltd.
Meanwhile, riding on the success of its gin, Jaisalmer, Radico Khaitan has launched a new gin, ‘Happiness in a Bottle’, which is being initially retailed in Rajasthan, and is expected to cost between ?2,000 and ?2,200 a bottle, depending on the state it is being sold in.
“Some years ago, nobody in the world believed we could make world class beverages. Look at where we are now. We are now making products to reckon with, which are successful. We expect this gin to be profitable and to cross the one million case mark in a very short period of time because this product will create a segment of its own," Amar Sinha, chief operating officer at Radico Khaitan told Mint.
Others are taking the special edition route to test waters. This May, Stilldistilling Spirits India, which owns Goa-based Maka Zai rum, launched a limited-release barrel aged rare rum Mesma. The same month, Stranger & Sons gin maker, Third Eye Distillery Holdings, expanded its dark rum portfolio, adding five new variants.
The new spirit additions make sense keeping in mind that volume consumption in India’s total spirits market topped pre-covid levels of 2019 in 2022. There was a 20% rise in volume from 2019 to 2020 but a 23% jump in volume consumption from 2021 to 2022, said British beverage alcohol data and insights firm, IWSR.
Jason Holway, a market analyst at IWSR, said this could be because earlier ‘imported’ used to be synonymous with premium. But now Indian consumers are proud and happy to acknowledge that local companies can deliver on quality—and at lower prices, as there are no import duties and that premium local brands are evident across all categories.
Organizations are taking the cue in a growth market and launching multiple brands. Officer’s Choice blended scotch whisky, for instance, has launched a special edition, bottled-in-origin product from Blairmhor Distillers, Scotland.
“Some will succeed and many will fail in this jostle for consumers in a very tightly regulated trade with a limited number of stores. But it will mean there will be a wide array of choices, better quality and innovation, which are great things to have in a market," said Bikram Basu, COO, marketing sales and strategy for Allied Blenders and Distillers.
He added that at present, government and excise is centered only around revenue increase from traditional and time-tested products.
But this must change to let more companies enter the fray, both to innovate and boost revenue flows from newer sources over time.
While several new spirits like these are well received in many markets, distribution has conventionally been a big challenge for most new entrants. Excise is a state subject and availability of brands can be very challenging due to the distribution network.
Cities like Delhi have faced a huge challenge in recent months due to its excise policy changing over multiple times. Sales growth in national capital is trending down, reaching a negative range, the Confederation of Indian Alcoholic Beverage Companies (CIABC) said in a recent report.
It, however, pointed out that share of Indian products in this segment rose from 18% in FY22 to 20% in FY23, indicating faster growth for homegrown products, compared to imported ones.
World Rum Day 2023: 4 Versatile Tropical Rum-Based Cocktails You Need To Try This Weekend
Shreeja Bjattacharya?– 07/07/2023 – News18
?The weekend is here and it is also World Rum Day, therefore one has to do something special to commemorate both facts. Today is truly the ideal day to recreate the sunny vibes of a tropical getaway by mixing up an array of delicious beach-style cocktails at home, as you celebrate the timeless Caribbean history of rum. You can invite your friends over and host a lovely get-together too.
Here are a few delicious and easy-to-make rum-based tropical cocktails that will let you unwind, and enjoy the relaxed vibes of this hot summer’s weekend-
Hotel Nacional
Ingredients:
60ml?OCHO RUM
22.5ml Pineapple Juice
7.5ml Lime Juice
7.5ml Simple Syrup
15ml Apricot Liqueur
Methods:
Combine the ingredients in a cocktail shaker filled with ice
Shake vigorously
Fine strain into a coupe glass
Garnish with a pineapple leave or a lime wheel
Frozen Pina Colada
Ingredients:
50ml BACARDí CARTA BLANCA
37.5ml Coconut Water
37.5ml Pineapple Juice
1 Cup Ice
Methods:
Combine all ingredients in a blender
Add 1 cup of ice and blend until a slushy consistency forms
Serve in a highball glass
Garnish with a pineapple wedge and a cherry flag
Classic Mojito
Ingredients:
50ml White Rum
25ml Lime Juice
12 Mint Leaves
2 Tsp Extra Fine Sugar
25ml Soda Water
1 Sprig Of Fresh Mint
Steps:
Squeeze the lime wedges in a glass, gently press together the lime and the sugar
Crush the mint into the glass with a bar spoon to release the oil
Half-fill the glass with crushed ice and add the WHITE RUM & churn
Top up with crushed ice and soda water. Garnish with a sprig of mint.
?
Frozen Strawberry Daiquiri
Ingredients:
50ml White rum
25ml Lime Juice
25ml Simple Syrup
4 Sliced Strawberries
1 Cup Crushed Ice
Steps:
Combine all the ingredients together
Add a cup of crushed ice & blend a slushy consistency forms
Serve in individual highball glasses.
Which one are you the most excited to try out?
5 rooftop bars in San Diego shaking up tiki drinks
Amber Coakley?– 07/05/2023 –?Fox5 San Diego
?SAN DIEGO — With warmer weather and longer days filled with sunshine, many would agree it’s “tiki time” in San Diego.
Summertime vibes have locals and tourists alike thirsty for drinks with Hawaiian backdrops and Polynesian flavors.
The good news is there are several San Diego-area spots serving up rum concoctions and spiked punch, all while offering a breezy rooftop view.
10 of the best rooftop bars in San Diego
Here are five rooftop bars in the county shaking up tiki drinks frothed with fruity flavors.
Cococabana
This Caribbean-style cocktail bar is located in the coastal beach town of Oceanside. Guests can take in sights of the Pacific Ocean while trying one of their many tiki drinks. One option includes the Caribe Welcome, which is made with a house rum blend, coconut water, apricot brandy, coconut cream, coconut water and fresh lime. Or there’s the Swedish Bikini Team, which is made with a house rum blend, strawberry, cucumber, coconut and lemon.
Coco Maya
This Yucatan-inspired rooftop bar and restaurant in Little Italy shakes up fruit forward drinks with agave, citrus and spices. While sitting in the sun or under the stars, guests can sip on their Gring Groni, a coconut oil washed pineapple infused with rum, bananarol and cocchi di torino. Another tiki-syle option is the Coco Maya Coctel, which is made with a house rum blend, passionfruit, coconut cream and pina orange cordial.
Mister A’s
This rooftop bar offers cityscape views of bustling San Diego, with an elevated lounge area and patio made for sipping tiki drinks. Head on over to Bankers Hill neighborhood to try their cocktail called Come Away With Me, which is shaken with saison dark rum, Aperol, dry curacao, papaya, Szechuan peppercorn, lime, almond orgeat and topped with tiki bitters. Or there’s the Shoulder Shrub that’s made with vodka, coconut infused rum, Campari, lemon, strawberry and basil shrub.
The Nolen
This downtown rooftop bar and lounge sits atop the Courtyard by Marriott San Diego Gaslamp Hotel. With hovering views of America’s Finest City, Petco Park and the Coronado Bridge, this open-air space has tiki drinks on the menu ready for sipping. Dubbed the Ohashi, the cocktail is made with dark rum, pineapple juice, Aperol, lime juice and orgeat. There’s also the local inspired Padre Punch with white rum, dark rum, pineapple, orange juice, lime and orgeat.
Catania
Perched atop La Plaza Center in La Jolla, this coastal Italian spot serves up wood-fired pizzas and as it turns out — a tiki drink. While taking in views of the Pacific Ocean, let the bartender shake up their fruity, Caribbean Islands-tasting drink known as the Lipari. This drink is made with coconut rum, orange liqueur, Italicus, lime and absinthe.
You don’t have to fly to a far-off exotic destination to enjoy “tiki time” with all these fruity flavors shaking up rooftops across the San Diego County. Cheers!
Until the next newsletter!
Federico Hernández - The Rum Lab