Cuello Distillery – Belize

After 60 years of quietly producing quality rum in Belize, Cuello Distilling begins to gain the recognition they deserve.  

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Distilling Tradition & Quality

Most people who visit Belize go for the fishing and diving, but you can hardly claim to know this beautiful country without sampling some of their rum.  Many tourists quickly discover One Barrel, a nice gold rum that is great in simple cocktails.  Their business team has done a great job of marketing and distribution over the years and their products are highly visible across the country.  But One Barrel is not the top selling rum in Belize, a lesser known brand lays claim to that distinction and takes a much more subtle approach to rum sales.  They simply let their products speak for themselves.

Cuello Distilling, based in the sleepy town of Orange Walk, has remained focused on creating quality spirits for several decades.  Their line of Caribbean Rum has been making inroads into the local rum and cocktail scene over the last 10 years and has become the top selling line in the country.

Cuello is a family-owned business with roots that go back 60 years in the country.  The family patriarch, Ignacio Cuello, started making strong rum back in the 1950s.  Over time he tweaked his recipe and methods while slowly perfecting his signature style.  Ten years later, the business-side of things developed under the leadership of Hilberto Cuello and the brand was under full-scale operation in the late 1960s.  They added several varieties of rum to the line along with other spirits to meet market demands.  The next generation of Cuellos took over in 2009 and have been pushing the brand’s distribution and visibility.

Cuello makes a very nice white and coconut rum, but their Caribbean Gold is among the best.  It is full of flavor with a subtle finish and is one of the very few young rums that works well as a sipper.  In country, this bottle goes for $3-4 a liter, no wonder it’s so popular.

Distribution is good, sales are up and the future looks bright for Cuello.  There’s talk of the brand entering the US market in the coming years and they will do well here.  We’ll be sure to report any developments about this traditional brand of Belizean rum and you’ll be the first to know when you can find it on the shelves of your local liquor shop.  Until then, you’ll just have to make a trip south of the border to score a bottle or two.

Brugal Especial Extra Dry

Brugal rolls out a cask-aged luxury white rum that is unlike anything else on the market.  Especial Extra Dry puts an interesting twist on classic cocktails.

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A cask-aged white rum that lives up to the dry Brugal house style, Brugal Extra Dry begs one to rethink their perception not only of white rum, but of rum in general. Brugal’s proprietary double-distillation technique creates a dry and clean spirit with fewer of the heavy alcohols that lend other rums their sweeter profiles.  This blend of rums – aged a minimum of two years up to five years in White American Oak casks – is triple charcoal filtered to achieve exquisite clarity and conjures a velvety mouthfeel as a result of an exceptional aging process.

Brugal Extra Dry’s one-of-a-kind dry character mixes for better, more balanced cocktails and can actually be enjoyed on the rocks.

Available in select markets across the U.S., Brugal Extra Dry Rum preserves the tradition, authenticity and quality for which Brugal is famous.  Its dry style is preferred by those who want to experience a different kind of rum, and by bartenders and mixologists as the perfect balance to the sweet mixers often paired with rum.

SRP:$19.99
ABV: 40% alc./vol.

PRODUCTION

The production of Brugal Rum starts with harvest of local 100% Dominican sugarcane crops that are cut by hand and then milled to produce molasses.

Upon arrival at the distillery, the molasses is combined with purified water and a proprietary yeast to initiate fermentation.  The fermented liquid, or wine, then goes through a double-distillation process that removes many of the heavy alcohols that give most other rums their characteristic sweetness.

The result is a cleaner, drier spirit.  The aging process takes place in the shadow of the mountains of Puerto Plata, where an inventory of over a quarter million select White American oak casks does its magic.  The portion of spirit lost to evaporation over time – called the “Angel’s Share” – is greater in the year-round heat and humidity of the Dominican Republic (9-12%) than, say, the climate of Scotland (2-4%).  The smoothness and character imparted by the wood takes place at a much faster rate here.

When the rum reaches maturity, the Brugal family’s Maestros Roneros, or “Rum Masters,” then select rums of varying ages to create the different blends that become each of the expressions in Brugal’s portfolio.

Following the blending process, the rums are married with purified artesian water during a resting period that heightens their smoothness. Every blending must be approved by a Maestro Ronero before bottling. After bottling, Brugal’s iconic nets are applied to each bottle by hand, on average, one every eight seconds.

HISTORY

In the mid-19th century, Andrés Brugal Montaner – a Spanish citizen from Sitges who had emigrated to Santiago de Cuba – moved to the Dominican Republic and settled in Puerto Plata, where in 1888 he founded the company that carries his name: Brugal & Co.

Don Andrés’ expertise and rum-crafting skills were passed down through each successive generation of the Brugal family.

Currently, Brugal is run by the family’s fourth and fifth generation of Maestros Roneros. They are expert artisans who continue the tradition started in 1888 as personal guardians of the entire rum-making process. The Maestros Roneros painstakingly care for each and every stage of rum production before bestowing their personal seal of approval upon the final rums produced.

With an unexpectedly dry house style, Brugal rums stay true to the vision of founder Don Andres Brugal: to produce a rum of the finest quality by his own rules. In this pursuit, he created a distinctive rum unlike any other.

Dark ‘n Stormy In A Can

Another ready-to-drink cocktail is set to hit the market.  Gosling’s plans to launch their canned Dark ‘n Stormy in select cities this month.

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The national drink of Bermuda is coming to American shores ready to drink, in a stylish new 8.4 oz./250 ml can. A deliciously refreshing blend of Gosling’s Black Seal Rum and Gosling’s Stormy Ginger Beer, this is the authentic Dark ‘n Stormy cocktail created to be enjoyed directly out of the can.

“It’s the perfect addition to our family of products,” explained Malcolm Gosling, 7th generation President/CEO of the renowned Bermuda rum maker. “This is the perfect Dark ‘n Stormy delivered in a slender can with compelling graphics: making it appealing to the younger, trendsetting consumer. Additionally, the ready-to-drink Dark ‘n Stormy is also a convenient package for people on the go.”  

First introduced to the most demanding Dark n’ Stormy connoisseurs in the world—Bermudians—the ready-to-drink product was an instant hit. “It was encouraging to hear my fellow Bermudians say that this tastes like a perfectly made Dark ‘n Stormy. Sales on the island have been strong.”

Here in the U.S., the Dark ‘n Stormy cocktail has gained rapid popularity and the new canned version will accelerate that trend. The new drink comes in attractive 4-packs of 8.4 oz./250 ml cans and is 9% alcohol by volume (18 US Proof).

Gosling’s plans to launch this new ready to drink canned product in a few select markets/geographical areas with additional markets being added as the product rolls out toward eventual national distribution.

Gosling’s Brothers Ltd. Is Bermuda’s oldest business house. In 1806, Englishman William Gosling, sent his son James to sea, bound for Virginia with 10,000 pounds Sterling worth of wines and spirits. After ninety days on becalmed seas the charter on the good ship, Mercury, ran out and James was diverted to Bermuda, where James decided to open a wine and spirits shop.

Since 2004, seventh generation, E. Malcolm B. Gosling has been spearheading a major American expansion of the brand. Gosling’s offers three distinctive, award-winning products in its line: the flagship brand, Gosling’s Bermuda Black Seal Rum, Gosling’s Gold Bermuda Rum, and the ultra special Family Reserve Old Rum. 

SX Expands

Those unusual looking bottles of rum and cachaca are flying off the shelves!! SXLiquors is set for a major national and international expansion. Here’s more.

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SXLiquors, a unique startup company headquartered in Fort Lauderdale and launched in Miami, is expanding rapidly across Florida and plans to enter additional states and select international markets in the coming months.  The company this week dramatically expanded its footprint from 80 leading restaurants, nightclubs and liquor stores in South Florida to nearly 1,000 such distribution points all across the state. 

SXLiquors, which launched in June 2011, did so well in the limited South Florida market in which it was tested that Miami-based Southern Wine and Spirits fast-tracked the brand for mass distribution throughout the state.  Within the past two weeks, SXLiquors was rolled out in Tampa, Jacksonville, Miami and Orlando.

The trio of SXLiquors’ first spirits (a mint and lemon rum dubbed SXcalypso, a sweet lime and vanilla cachaca-style rum called SXsamba and a groundbreaking and award-winning honey and lemon infused tequila called SXchachacha) are now available on store shelves.  A range of additional products has already been developed, but not yet introduced.

Presented in head-turning bottles, SXLiquors’ spirits provide unforgettable taste and uncompromising quality. 

“I am 100 percent certain that 2012 will be a breakout year for our company,” said SXLiquors CEO David Knight.  “Strong sales in South Florida and the tremendous buzz that SXLiquors has generated show that our products resonate with consumers attracted to our unique brand of Miami cool and Latin sensuality.  The SX team and I are on a mission to make the world sexier, one sip at a time.”

SXLiquors will showcase its products Feb. 23-26 at The Food Network South Beach Wine & Food Festival in Miami Beach.  The company is unveiling its new products and other surprises at The Nightclub & Bar Convention and Trade Show in Las VegasMarch 12-14, 2012. 

Learn more at the SX website, become a fan on the SXFacebook page and follow SX on Twitter.

Tracking Down Viper Rum

What do you get when you combine high-octane white rum and a live snake? Viper Rum! I figured this was just a bit of Central American lore…wow, was I wrong.

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Most Central American countries claim a wide array of bizarre alcoholic potions and home grown concoctions.  Belize is no different.  After listening to endless rumor about a strange spirit called Viper Rum, I set out to find a bottle and get the details for myself.

Following a week-long chase, I finally tracked down Viper Rum in a small cantina in San Pedro, Belize.  The bartender explained that it is made by villagers in the mountainous region of the country and is indeed spiked with a live snake during the bottling process.  It was $10 a shot and the bottle was nearly empty, apparently someone is drinking this stuff.

The origin of this strange concoction is still a bit sketchy. Some will tell you that its roots are in the ancient Mayan culture where it was common to infuse medicinal potions with insects and reptile parts. It is said that live critters were added to these potions so the imbiber would take on their spirit after a drink. Others will say that Viper Rum is brewed up every year before tourist season to make a quick buck off of drunken gringos. I’m not sure which version is accurate, but I’ll chalk it up as one of the more bizarre rums that I’ve come across.

As you may have guessed, the taste of Viper Rum leaves much to be desired (think Wray & Nephew with a hint of reptile) but I paid my 10 bucks for the experience and feel that I surely lost a brain cell and taste bud in the process. Still, I plan to bring a bottle back to Rum Connection headquarters and temp our crew into a nip of this peculiar rum.

Have you sampled any strange spirits during your travels?  Be sure to tell us all about it!!  Cheers!

Certified American Rum

Railean Rum, a popular small-batch brand out of League City, Texas, becomes the first rum on the market to be “Made in USA” certified.  Check it out.

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Railean Distillers announced today that their portfolio of rum is the first to be Made in the USA Certified in accordance with the US Federal Trade Commission requirements under federal law.

Qualifying for the Made in USA Certified seal signifies that a manufactured product has gone through a rigorous supply chain audit and certification process to confirm compliance with US laws and regulations.

Railean recently received official notice of their successful completion of this audit process and received license to use the Made in USA seal of Certification. Consumers know that when they see this seal, the “The Made in USA” claim has been verified, tested and true.

“Americans are fed up with tax subsidies and bailouts of imported products making it hard for small American businesses to compete, and the rum industry is no exception,” said Kelly Railean, President and Founder. “With this elite certification, we are now able to differentiate our rum from every other imported rum on the market. Americans now have a choice between imported mass produced rum and higher quality Handcrafted American Rum. We are fully committed to providing products Made in the USA; thus providing jobs, fueling our American economy and aiding in the recovery of our economic system.”

Although additional costs are incurred to meet the stringent Made in USA regulations, a recent Gallup Poll found that 72% of Americans are paying heightened attention to the country of origin of products they buy and nearly 94% of Americans would pay more for foods grown or produced in country. American consumers want companies to adhere to strict US labor laws, OSHA safety standards, and EPA environmental regulations, and they want a guarantee of quality for raw materials, packaging and final product.

Railean Distillers was founded in 2005 in League City, Texas by Kelly Railean and is the only rum distillery to be certified with the Made in USA seal.

Rum meets R&B

Malibu and R&B music star Ne-Yo are set to take the drinking experience to a RED HOT new level with the launch of Malibu Red.

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Malibu announces a long-term partnership with chart-topping R&B singer and songwriter, film and television actor, Ne-Yo, to unveil Malibu Red, a groundbreaking new product innovation to appear on shelves in early 2012. A blend of smooth coconut rum and fiery silver tequila, Malibu Red will inspire taste buds worldwide and allow consumers, bartenders and the spirits industry at large to rethink the rum category – and brand partnerships.

As the creative force of Malibu Red, Ne-Yo has been working closely with the brand to create an experience that weaves a narrative around the smooth taste of Malibu fused together with the fiery spark of tequila. The story of Malibu Red will unfold through exclusive music, performances, video and digital conversations. To wit, Ne-Yo has been instrumental in how Malibu Red will be introduced to the world, and his unique imprint will be evident once the story unfolds.

“From music to film and everything in between, Malibu and I have been working behind-the-scenes to create a rich experience for Malibu Red that allows me to naturally bring my story telling, acting, singing and dancing to the table,” Ne-Yo said. “Beginning with its smooth and fiery flavor fusion, through branded content, we will bring Malibu Red to life in a way that invites consumers to be creatively inspired by what is possible when you’re out with friends, ready for that night you’ll never forget.”

All summer long, when Malibu wasn’t infusing its laid back vibe into beaches and pool parties around the globe, the world’s favorite Caribbean rum with natural coconut flavor was with Ne-Yo working on Malibu Red. What resulted was a 70-proof blend of smooth Caribbean coconut rum and fiery silver tequila that will continue to expand Malibu usage year-round and into new occasions. The silver and red bottle, while still remaining loyal to its hero product, has a sophisticated, premium look – designed in conjunction with “The Gentleman” himself.

“Malibu Red is not just another celebrity-endorsed product,” Ian Crystal, Global Marketing Director, Malibu, said. “Turning the term partnership on its head, Ne-Yo has really served as the Creative Director of Malibu Red from beginning to end – lending his ‘smooth’ talents and creative vision to create a product experience — from flavor to film — that will push boundaries in the spirits category.”

Malibu Red is set to launch in March 2012, and will be supported by one of the brand’s largest global marketing initiatives – featuring TV, print, online and OOH advertising, digital and exclusive multi-media content, public relations, events, on- and off-premise sampling, point-of-sale merchandise and more. Available both in the on-premise and off-premise, Malibu Red will retail at a premium to Malibu, as it is designated to take the Malibu drinking occasion into nightclubs and high energy accounts.

Among the content to look forward to, Malibu and Ne-Yo completed a commercial shoot in Spain that will provide a variety of brand assets – from videos and short films to behind-the-scenes images. The shoot charts Ne-Yo’s creative interpretation of the product and its development. To round out the entertainment element of the campaign, Malibu Red will also be sponsoring Ne-Yo’s concert tour in 2012.

The Story of Denizen

It has been a great year for Denizen Rum.  They’ve scored a gold rating from the BTI and have a rebellious nature in a traditional industry.  Here’s their story.

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A White Rum For The Liberated Spirit

There’s a quiet side street in Amsterdam.  There’s not a lot of traffic and nothing particularly exceptional to set it apart.  But there we found some of the last practitioners of alchemy in the world.

They take relatively common ingredients and turn them into something remarkable.  They’re master blenders of rum and they’ve been doing it since the 1700’s when the bounty of the Caribbean crossed the trade routes in creaking sailing vessels, returning to the old world.

We challenged those master blenders to free the flavor that has been distilled out of rum by mass producers who were intent on dumbing down one of the world’s great spirits.

They took us to Trinidad, where they hand selected individual barrels of white rum, not to be used immediately, but to be aged for 5 more years, maturing, mellowing, and developing complexity in their oaken casks.

Then to Jamaica.  There, they selected 15 different types of pot still rum, the finest examples of this traditional Jamaican method they could find.

And finally they succeeded.  They drew on hundreds of years of experience and tradition to create Denizen.  A truly unique rum, one that refuses to fall prey to the bland, characterless taste of most white rums, or the overpowering taste of some dark rums.

So, who is this remarkable spirit for?  Take a look at the name.  The word Denizen is derived from the latin word Deintus, translated “from within.”  It was widely used between the 17th and 19th centuries to describe free spirited people who traveled around the world seeking new things and exploring new places.

And the “denizens” of the new millenium?  They’re the ones with the courage to find their own way, who refuse to accept life as they find it and insist on shaping it to their own vision.  These are the people for whom we undertook our quest.  For whom we developed a rum that pays homage to our Dutch, Trinidadian and Jamaican heritage, all of which have histories inspired by their Liberated Spirit.

These are the people for whom we created Denizen, a stake in the ground for everyone who believes that their cocktail should have integrity.  Character.  Even, dare we say it, soul.

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Amen!!  If you want to get some of that Denizen soul, swing by The Rum Bar in Key West tomorrow, November 3rd for a day of Denizen Rum and cocktails.  Cheers!

Centenario 7 Años

Following a rebranding of the entire line, Costa Rican distiller Ron Centenario releases their latest drop to rave reviews from loyal fans of the brand.

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Añejo Especial

Costa Rica is a bridge between the cultures of the Americas, a small piece of land surrounded by two oceans. Its huge biodiversity and tropical weather are one of a kind and a favorite among surfers and eco-tourists.

Like much of Central America and the Caribbean, rum is the traditional spirit of Costa Rica and is the preferred element in cocktails.  Locally made rum benefits from the sub-tropical climate and volcanic soil in the region.  It is ideal for the cultivation of sugar cane, and therefore the best crops are utilized for the production of their award winning rum: Centenario.

The well-balanced flavor of Centenario Añejo Especial 7 Años comes from the careful selection of used whisky barrels and precise blend of aged rums.  It is well known for its versatility and is the perfect rum for sipping and in premium cocktails. 

We’ve spent a few hours in the Rum Lab studying Centenario 7 and found that it is incredible in a long list of drinks.  We’ll be rolling out several of them right here over the next few weeks, but I still prefer to keep things uncomplicated and to the point.  2 ounces of Centenario 7 Años, 2 ounces of coconut water, ice and a squeeze of lime is just about perfect.

Centenario 7 Años retails for just 16.99, making it one of the best rums on the market in that price range.  If you want to get a taste of this fine Costa Rican rum, swing by the Rum Bar at 1117 Duval Street in Key West on November 4th.  We’ll have drink specials, door prizes and plenty of conversation about Centenario all afternoon.  Cheers!

A Taste of Denizen Rum

A blend of aged rum from Trinidad and pot still rum from Jamaica, Denizen is one of the most distinct and complex white rums on the market.  Here’s the scoop.

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The Noble Blend

Denizen is a rebellious blend of three different styles of rum from Trinidad and Jamaica that have been meticulously selected by master blenders in Amsterdam, whose company has been handcrafting Caribbean style rums dating back to the early 1700s when The Netherlands colonized much of the Caribbean.  

The rums included in the final blend primarily include charcoal filtered aged rum from the famed Angostura distillery in Trinidad that have been distilled in continuous column stills and aged up to 5 years in small American oak barrels to impart a rich and refined flavor.  A small component of fresh unaged Trinidadian rum has been combined with trace amounts of an intermediate blend of Jamaican pot still rums consisting of 15 different high ester rums sourced from the Hampden and New Yarmouth Distilleries, providing a firm backbone where the filtered aged rum can lay upon.  

The different production methodologies and cultures that have influenced the craftsmanship of Denizen give the product much more depth and complexity compared to common mixing rums that are thinner with more neutral flavors.  The result is a well-balanced, three dimensional, crystal clear rum that is sure to make cocktails shine.

Denizen is the initial product created by Citizen Spirits, LLC and first launched in the US during March 2010.  It is currently distributed in NY State through MHW LTD (www.mhwltd.com) but can be purchased online via www.drinkupny.com and delivered across the US where legal.  

Next Thursday, November 3rd, you can get a taste of Denizen at the Rum Bar at 1117 Duval St. in Key West, FL.  We’ll be featuring Denizen cocktails, talking Denizen and giving away Denizen door prizes all day long.  Swing by for a taste of this truly unique new white rum.  Cheers!! 

 

Wild Geese Rum Launch

Created specifically for the nightclub and cocktail bar scene, Wild Geese Golden Rum rolls out a new 5 year old Caribbean blend in the European market.  

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We discovered yet another interesting and recently launched rum at the German Rum Festival.  Wild Geese Golden is a blend of rums from Trinidad and Jamaica that has been designed specifically for cocktail mixing.  While some may assume that “mixing rums” are of inferior quality, Wild Geese is quite different.  It is a high end rum blended from quality stock and meant to have a distinct flavor profile for distinct cocktails.  Here’s more on this interesting new brand.

From Avalon Group Inc., producers of The Wild Geese Irish Whiskey Collection, which has been voted ‘BEST IRISH WHISKEY’ three times, comes a brand new product that continues to tell the intrepid story of The Wild Geese.  Wild Geese Golden Rum is edgy, contemporary and its specially designed UV day-glow label is a must-have for nightclubs and bars.

The story of The Wild Geese

Even before the dramatic events that led to Patrick Sarsfield and The Wild Geese leaving Ireland in 1691, many Irish men and women were forced from their homeland, sent to the Caribbean and Americas to work on plantations.

Sent into darkness and exile, they did not flinch when faced with this unimaginable horror. Their story of courage has largely been untold until now. Determined to win freedom, those that escaped, blazed a trial across the endless blue as liberators and pirates of the Caribbean.

The Wild Geese Golden Rum tells their story:

From the heart of the Caribbean, from the very places this story unfolds, Avalon offers this fine rum. With the launch in domestic markets across Europe, the Avalon Group reaffirms the legend of The Wild Geese and tells the often overlooked but inspiring story of the Irish in the Caribbean.

Wherever you are in the world, if you are of Irish descent you are part of this story and entitled to call yourself ‘Wild Geese.’

TASTING NOTES

Nose: Very clean, with pronounced and aromatic spice.

Taste & Finish: Hint of butterscotch and tropical fruit on the palate. Slowly develops with apricot, light vanilla and cocoa notes, sustaining a powerful lingering finish with a touch of dried spice.

Bartenders from around the world will have a chance to try this new golden rum at the Berlin Bar Convent and the Berlin Rum Fest.  The results were very positive.

To learn more about The Wild Geese Golden Rum, check out their website and follow them on Facebook and Twitter.


The Art of Brugal 1888

Brugal combines the perfect balance of ‘time, passion and experience’ to create 1888, one of the best rums to hit the market this year.  Here’s more.

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The expertise and rum-crafting skills of the Brugal family have been passed down through generations of Maestros Roneros, Rum Masters, who worked for years, under the strictest secrecy, to produce an exceptional liquid: Brugal 1888.  In Brugal 1888, both experience and tradition in making the best rums have been exquisitely combined to match the sophisticated tastes of current consumers.  The result is a unique rum, with a contemporary style and a great personality. Undoubtedly, a world class rum.

Brugal 1888 is the perfect blend of time, passion and experience of five generations of Maestros Roneros. Its artisanal crafting commences with a double distillation, followed by a careful selection of the best rums that undergo a double aging process.  During the initial stages, it is vital for these rums to be aged in medium roasted American white oak casks (quercus alba), and subsequently to continue the aging process in European oak casks (quercus robur) that have previously been used for aging Sherry wines.

The wooden casks are a key element in differentiating Brugal 1888 from other rums as they are either hand-crafted or hand-picked under the guidance of George Espie, The Macallan Master of Wood.  

Another of the keys to the unique nature of Brugal 1888 is the specific arrangement of the casks where the rums are aged, a technique used exclusively in making 1888.  In this case, the casks are placed horizontally during the aging process, so that the liquid is in permanent contact with the wood, ensuring that the rum takes on highly specific characteristics of color, aroma and taste. Brugal & Co. has a cellar exclusively designed for housing casks placed horizontally, grouped together into batches of 68 units, giving a maximum of 14,000 bottles.  

Brugal has made premium quality rums since 1888 when it was founded by Don Andres Brugal in the Dominican Republic.  His vision and experience has been passed on through five generations of the Brugal family, whose members have become part of a saga of expert artisans in the production of the finest rum, generation after generation. In fact, the Maestros Roneros are not only members of the Brugal Family legacy but also personal guardians of the entire rum making process. The Meastroa Roneros painstakingly care for each and every stage of rum production before bestowing their personal seal of approval upon the final and exquisite results. 

Today, Brugal Rum is the #3 rum in the world in terms of volume.  Its strong presence in the industrial development of the Dominican Republic, covering a widely diversified, dynamic, and consolidated range, is unmatched and is currently one of the most emblematic brands of its geographical surroundings.  

Brugal 1888 Facts

  • Aged: Master blending of only the finest rums aged 5-14 years. Aged in medium toasted American white oak casks followed by a second maturation in first-filled Sherry oak casks.
  • Flavor palate:  Smooth, full bodied, with a notable finish of toffee caramel, wood and licorice.  Leaves a sweet, lingering and sublime aftertaste which denotes perfection.
  • Nose:  An exquisite scented bouquet.  Some spicy notes, hints of chocolate, roasted coffee beans and hints of cinnamon and dried fruits.
  • Color:  In the light, it stands out for its dark amber, bright, clean color.
  • Suggested serving:  A complex rum, with vibrant nuances, to be sipped on its own, with ice or in the most surprising cocktails.
  • Pricing: $49.99


Mount Gay Goes Nautical

Mount Gay Rum honors their sailing legacy with the launch of a nautical themed limited edition bottle to be sold at duty free shops in select countries.

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Mount Gay Rum has been associated with the sailing community for over three centuries. This year, to honor the brand’s commitment to the world of sailing and the rich history from which it stems, Mount Gay has created the “Nautical Limited Edition” representing the beginning of a nautical series featuring maritime signal flags.     

This collectable bottle of Mount Gay Eclipse Rum features the nautical flag design of the letter “M” and is designed to be enjoyed on board or wherever rum lovers celebrate the sailing legacy of the brand. 

The Mount Gay Rum Eclipse Nautical Limited Edition “M” design is released this month in various global travel retail locations such as in Australia, New Zealand, Spain, France, Germany and the UK, and also on board Brittany Ferries and P&O, priced at parity with the standard Mount Gay Eclipse Rum. 

This limited edition will also be exhibited at TFWA World Exhibition in Cannes 19th to 23rd September (Marine Village Foyer 1A).   

Founded in 1703, Mount Gay Rum became an integral part of the sailing community when sailors would bring back a cask of rum as proof of their passage across the Atlantic to Europe from the New World.

Within the last century, the Mount Gay Rum commitment to competitive regattas, events and sponsorships within the sailing world has earned considerable brand loyalty, so much so that the Mount Gay “Red Cap,” presented only to sailors who complete a race, has become a revered trophy symbolizing victory and camaraderie.   

Sailing Spoken Here, an online community, was launched by Mount Gay Rum this year, designed to appeal to all ranks of boater, allowing sailors to celebrate every facet and skill of the sport, and connect with fellow enthusiasts.  

 

‘Havana Club’ Fight Continues

The U.S. Court of Appeals dealt Havana Club a serious blow last week when they ruled in favor of Bacardi in their ongoing trademark case.

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Pernod Ricard USA pledged to continue to fight against a competitor’s use of the “Havana Club” name in the United States for non-Cuban rum following last week’s controversial ruling by a three-judge panel of the US Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit. The panel refused to block Bacardi from using the “Havana Club” name in the United States to sell its non-Cuban spirit despite evidence that the name misleads consumers into believing that Bacardi’s “Havana Club” rum comes from Cuba.

Significantly, the panel noted that this decision does not give Bacardi any trademark rights in the “Havana Club” name. In that connection, the panel acknowledged that the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office has refused Bacardi’s attempt to register various Havana trademarks (such as Havana Select, Old Havana and Havana Primo) because those marks would deceive purchasers into believing that the rum came from Cuba.

In 2006 Bacardi began to distribute in small quantities in the United States its own spirit under the “Havana Club” label. Yet, the Bacardi bottle contains rum made in Puerto Rico and not in Cuba, as the name implies.

For more than 15 years, millions of cases of authentic Cuban rum have been marketed outside the United States under the name “Havana Club” by a joint venture between Pernod Ricard S.A. and Corporación Cuba Ron. In the United States, the joint venture’s “Havana Club” rum cannot be sold because of the embargo on Cuban products.

Ian FitzSimons, General Counsel of Pernod Ricard, said, “We disagree with the court’s decision, which is unfair to consumers in the United States who are being deceived by a product labelled “Havana” which has no connection whatsoever with Cuba. It is important to note that this decision does not grant any right in the ‘Havana Club’ trademark to Bacardi. We are determined to continue to fight for fair competition in the United States market where ownership of the ‘Havana Club’ trademark dates back to 1976.”

Pernod Ricard USA’s parent company, the French wine and spirits distributor Pernod Ricard S.A., is a partner in the Havana Club joint venture that has always successfully defended its ownership of the “Havana Club” trademark in over 120 countries where the Cuban rum is registered and commercialized. The extremely successful sale of Cuban “Havana Club” rum in the rest of the world is unaffected by the decision.