|
|
Diplomático rum presents 2013 World Cocktail Tour
May 21, 2013 at 5:15pm
Diplomático Rum of Venezuela today announced it will host its first ever World Cocktail Tour and bring 15 competition finalists to its home country.
 Nick Nistico and Darren Crawford of the United States will join competitors from Australia, Canada, Colombia, Czech Republic, Denmark, France, Germany, Italy, Singapore, Spain, Sweden, UK, and Venezuela.
The finals will be divided into four heats held in the finest bars and restaurants across the city of Barquisimeto.
Judges for this prestigious global event include Ago Perrone, Mixology Director of the prestigious Connaught bar hotel in London; Michael Mcllroy, former bartender at the famous Milk & Honey and now owner of Attaboy, both bars in New York; Geoffrey Canilao, former bartender of the legendary Employees Only Bar in New York and now Bar Manager at The Union in Copenhagen; and finally Hamish Smith, Deputy Editor of Drinks International Magazine...
read more --> |
|
International Rum Expert Panel announces 2013 rum tasting competition award winners
April 24, 2013 at 5:15am
Members of the International Rum Expert Panel completed their annual blind tasting competition at Miami Rum Fest recently. The results of the judges' evaluations have been announced today on their web site at www.RumXP.com.
This annual gathering of rum judges from around the world has become a greatly anticipated event by rum enthusiasts and rum brands from the Caribbean and beyond. In many cases, new emerging brands, small craft distillers and exotic expressions never before seen in the United States are being celebrated across the globe with their success in this forum.
"The rum judges were surprised and delighted to find a greater number of fine rums in their blind tasting session again this year," said RumXP organizer Robert V. Burr. "The trend toward better quality mixing rums for cocktails, more exquisite luxury sipping rums and greatly improved flavored and spiced rums continues. The RumXP judges evaluated more rums than ever before. The competition was tough, but these rum experts rose to the challenge and identified the best of the best of 2013."
In the Premium Rum category, the Best In Class Award went to Barcelo Imperial Anniversario 30 from the Dominican Republic. Additional Gold awards in this category went to Mt. Gay 1703 from Barbados, Debonaire 21 from Panama and Dictador XO Perpetual from Colombia.
In the Old Aged Rum category, the Best In Class Award went to Centenario 20 from Costa Rica. Additional Gold awards in this category went to Barcelo Imperial and Atlantico Private Cask from Dominican Republic, as well as Diplomatico Exclusiva and Occumare Grand Reserve from Venezuela.
In the Aged Rum category, the Best In Class Award went to Plantation Original Dark Rum from Trinidad. Additional Gold awards in this category went to DonQ Anejo from Puerto Rico, Occumare Anejo and Diplomatico Reserva from Venezuela as well as English Harbour 5 from Antigua.
In the Special Cask category, the Best In Class Award went to Dos Maderas 5+5 from Barbados, finished in wine and Sherry barrels in Spain. Additional Gold awards in this category went to Plantation Guatamela, Plantation Jamaica 2000 and Plantation Grenada 2003, each finished in Cognac barrels in France.
In the White Rum category, the Best In Class Award went to Papa's Pilar Blonde, a blend of rums from the Caribbean, Central America and Florida. Additional Gold awards in this category went to Plantation 3 Stars blend from Jamaica, Barbados and Trinidad, Wicked Dolphin from Florida, Guarijo Blanco from the Canary Islands and Diplomatico Blanco from Venezuela.
In the Gold Rum category, the Best In Class Award went to Tanduay from the Philippines. Additional Gold awards in this category went to Veroes of Venezuela, Guarijo Dorado from the Canary Islands and Wild Geese Gold from Jamaica.
In the Black or Navy Rum category, the Best In Class Award went to Izapa Negro of Mexico.
In the Spiced Rum category, the Best In Class Award went to Blackbeard Spiced Rum of Puerto Rico. Additional Gold awards in this category went to Shellback Spiced Rum from Barbados, Blackheart Spiced Rum from the U.S. Virgin Islands and Bacardi Oakheart Spice Rum from Puerto Rico.
In the Flavored Rum category, the Best In Class Award went to Debonaire Coffee from Panama. Additional Gold awards in this category went to Debonaire Honey from Panama, Izapa Chocolate from Mexico and Santa Teresa Orange Rum of Venezuela.
In the Overproof Rum category, the Best In Class Award went to Planation Overproof from Trinidad. An additional Gold award in this category went to Rum Fire of Jamaica.
In the Rhum Agricole category, the Best In Class Award went to R. St Barth from Guadeloupe.
In the Cachaça category of rums from Brazil, the Best In Class Award went to Novo Fogo Clear. Additional Gold awards in this category went to Novo Fogo Barreled and Poesia.
"The RumXP member judges congratulate all the winning entries in their 2013 tasting competition," said Burr. "These accolades reflect the work of outstanding master distillers, blenders and rum brands from around the world."
|
|
Kenny Chesney's Fishbowl Spirits LLC Launches Blue Chair Bay Rum
April 12, 2013 at 5:15pm
MFishbowl Spirits LLC, a new, independent spirits company wholly owned by country recording artist Kenny Chesney today announced the launch of premium spirits line, Blue Chair Bay Rum.
 Chesney founded Fishbowl Spirits to be the entity through which he fulfills his long-time dream of producing a spirit embodying his passion for the islands.
The project for the superstar is not a celebrity endorsement. After coming up with the idea for Blue Chair Bay Rum on the bow of his boat, Chesney decided that the only way to bring his vision to life was to do it himself. Chesney enlisted the help of FLO {thinkery}, a group of strategists that build business for big audiences, industry partner Savvy Drinks, and a team of seasoned spirits experts to help build the business from the ground up.
The result is a line of born-on-the-beach, premium-blended rums mellowed in casks on the Caribbean shores....
read more -->
|
|
Cruzan debuts new rum flavors
April 11, 2013 at 5:15pm
Two new additions to the award-winning line of Cruzan flavored rums from St. Croix in the US. Virgin Islands were announced today -- Key Lime Rum and Passion Fruit Rum. These spirits are made with natural flavors and cane sugar to create an exceptionally smooth, refreshing and authentic-tasting spirit.
 Handcrafted by Cruzan Master Distiller Gary Nelthropp, whose family has been making rum on the island of St. Croix for generations, all Cruzan rums are made from tropical rainwater and high-quality molasses using state-of-the-art distillation equipment and techniques.
Cruzan Key Lime Rum adds the sweet and tangy taste of key lime to its blend of fine rum, while Cruzan Passion Fruit Rum features the fresh flavor of passion fruit with peachy undertones and tropical hints of caramelized sugar.
Cruzan Key Lime and Cruzan Passion Fruit Rums are now available with a suggested retail price of $14.99 per 750ml bottle....
read more -->
|
|
Free DrinkSkool program offers online cocktail lessons
April 10, 2013 at 5:15pm
Spirits industry trainers are offering a free online educational program in which consumer cocktail enthusiasts can become a Certified Drinks Expert by studying lessons and successfully completing interactive tests.
 Award-winning beverage industry icons Dale DeGroff, Doug Frost, Steve Olson, F. Paul Pacult, Andy Seymour and David Wondrich, the founding members of spirits education company Beverage Alcohol Resource® LLC (B.A.R.) today announced that DrinkSkool, their consumer-oriented, on-line teaching program, is now operational.
Says B.A.R.® partner Doug Frost, "DrinkSkool is the cutting-edge, step-by-step on-line resource for cocktail creation and mixology methods. We designed and constructed DrinkSkool in such an approachable way that virtually anyone can become an accomplished maven of spirits and cocktails…even Dale and Paul."
Drinkskool is laid out in ten Lessons, starting with Lesson One: Mixology through to Lesson Ten: Preparing for the Certified Drinks Expert Examination.
Here are five key benefits that anyone can gain by "going" to DrinkSkool...
read more -->
|
|
Montanya Distillers receives prestigious award
April 6, 2013 at 5:15pm
Montanya Distillers of Crested Butte, Colorado was named Craft Distiller of the Year at the 10th Anniversary Conference of the American Distilling Institute, which concluded its four day conference on April 5 in Denver.  The gathering boasted record-breaking attendance with 900 people from all over the USA, representing more than 200 American distilleries and a number of hopeful start-ups.
The "Bubble Cap Award" is presented to the American distilling company that most exemplifies the values of the Institute and its distiller training programs -- excellence in process and products, transparency regarding methods, overall authenticity of approach, and sustained company growth...
read more -->
|
Celebrity rum seminars scheduled for Miami Rum Festival
April 4, 2013 at 5:15pm
Hosts of the Miami Rum Fest Grand Tasting events, held April 20-21 at the Doubletree Miami Airport Hotel Convention Center today announced a robust schedule of informative and entertaining rum-themed programs.
The annual gathering of experts and enthusiasts at the world's largest rum festival will feature a expanded roster of celebrity seminars presented by luminaries of the rum category from around the globe.
Among the presenters will be UK Rum Ambassador Ian Burrell from London, noted tiki author Jeff "Beachbum" Berry from New Orleans, Smuggler's Cove owner Martin Cate from San Francisco, Hemingway Cocktail Companion author Phil Greene of the Museum of the American Cocktail, Master Blender Alexandre Gabriel of Plantation Rum in France and noted spirits expert and international judge Bernhard Schåfer of Berlin...
read more -->
|
Avuá Cachaca debuts with aged and fresh expressions
April 1, 2013 at 5:15pm
Americans will soon get their first taste of Avuá, a premium Cachaça from Brazil that is available in two expressions -- Prata (unaged) and Amburana (wood aged).  The company today announced their new spirits will first be available in New York via entrepreneurs Nate Whitehouse and Pete Nevenglosky.
Cachaça is Brazil's signature spirit. Though often seen as akin to rum, Cachaça differentiates itself with a production process that includes fermenting cane juice, rather than molasses, and distilling to a lower proof than most modern column still distillates...
read more -->
|
Rum And Contemporary Cuisine ebook announced
March 31, 2013 at 5:15pm
Sarasota-based author Carlton Grooms today announced his forthcoming electronic book "Rum and Contemporary Cuisine," co-authored with Chef Geoffrey Blythe.  This interactive collection of rum-theme food and cocktail recipes for iPad includes 29 high definition video segments and 40 digital audio files, plus hyperactive links to various online resources.
The product will be available in pre-sale on April 1st from the Apple iBook store...
read more -->
|
Ask A Rum Expert at Miami Rum Festival
March 30, 2013 at 5:15pm
The Miami Rum Festival takes place in mid-April with hundreds of fine rums on display in a 40,000 square foot exhibit hall at the Doubletree Miami Airport Hotel. It's also an annual gathering of major proportions -- now a tradition -- for many of the world's most experienced rum experts.
 In addition to their blind tasting sessions in their RumXP competition, the judges of the International Rum Expert Panel today announced they will be on hand at the 2013 Miami Rum Fest Grand Tasting events on Saturday and Sunday, April 20-21 to field questions from consumers attending the event.
"Ask A Rum Expert" is a new feature of this annual cane spirit gathering. Participants will tap into the combined expertise of these notable rum hounds -- these world travelers and collectors of fine rums -- while browsing the isles to evaluate rum samples...
read more -->
|
Writers create International Rum Council group
March 28, 2013 at 5:15pm
 A group of spirits writers and rum judges have formed a unique coalition in order to promote their favorite spirit -- rum. The International Rum Council today announced the formation of their mutual alliance with the purpose of promoting, advocating and championing rum spirits by engaging consumers through events. They also intend to offer seminars and focus groups while creating original material on the topic...
read more -->
|
Top rum brands exhibiting at Miami Rum Festival
March 27, 2013 at 5:15pm
The list of leading rum brands exhibiting their spirits at Miami Rum Festival is growing. The fifth annual gathering of rum experts, professionals and enthusiasts coming to Miami in April will showcase many more products than previous years, according to festival organizers.
 More than 150 expressions are entered into the International Rum Expert Panel tasting competition April 16-18. A larger number of leading brands are choosing to support the event as prime exhibitors with expanded display space, including Diplomatico, Prichard's, Debonaire, Santa Teresa, Plantation, Papa's Pilar, Abuelo, Bacardi, Miami Club Rum, Serralles (DonQ) and the Rums of Puerto Rico.
"Leading brands are lining up to participate in our biggest showcase of great rum products," said festival organizer Robin Burr. "Luckily, our new expanded Doubletree hotel and convention center venue near the Miami Airport offers twice the space as last year's event...
read more -->
|
Doorly's 12 aged rum from Barbados
March 26, 2013 at 5:15pm
A superb aged rum from Barbados, blended and re-barreled in Port and Madeira wine casks, the Doorly's 12 expression delivers a complex and satisfying profile of authentic premium Bajan rum, featuring the image of a Spix's Macaw, a rare breed of tropical bird believed to be nearly extinct.
 The Doorly's brand rums, known for the iconic parrot images on the label, enjoy a good reputation among rum connoisseurs and enthusiasts. Created at Foursquare Distillery in Barbados by Richard Seale, this new expression offers a creative deviation on the finely crafted base spirit with a series of additional barrelings in seasoned casks previously used for fortified wines of Port and Madeira.
The spirit is a lovely color of copper and amber. Big aromas of port and sherry, oak and bourbon dominate, followed by rich buttery notes with hints of fresh cane and a suggestion of banana. On the palate, a multi-note symphony of intricate and complex interaction between the bourbon and wine casks delivers a cognac-like experience with a velvet mouthfeel...
read more -->
|
Pop-Up rum shack in Antarctica benefits water conservation
March 24, 2013 at 5:15pm
Ian Burrell, Global Rum Ambassador and Founder of The Rum Experience and UK RumFest is heading to the Antarctic dessert, a forbidding region as far from the tropics as one might reach, to build the world's first pop-up rhum shack on the southernmost continent.  The event sheds light on the issue of fresh water, the most precious resource on earth.
Setting sail on the 25th of March, 2013, the expedition of forty crew will enjoy delicious libations from the balmy Caribbean region as temperatures could drop below -100F in a land almost entirely covered by ice sheets...
read more -->
|
Suburban Tiki Safari adventure returns
March 14, 2013 at 5:15pm
A special treat for tiki cocktail enthusiasts and history buffs, hosts of the Suburban Tiki Safari Part Deux today announced the event will take place May 18 starting at noon in the New York City area.  Hosted by with Tiki Anthropologist Adam Kolesar and Tiki Pirate Brian Miller, the inimitable host of Mondays with Miller at Goldbar, the event is a special feature of the 2013 Manhattan Cocktail Classic gathering in New York City May 17-21.
A limited number of tickets are now available for this special adventure -- a spirited bus ride through the outer boroughs complete with classic tropical libations -- to notable locations in search of authentic Tiki culture...
read more -->
|
Trade Day announced for 2013 Miami Rum Festival
February 26, 2013 at 5:15pm
The hosts of the 2013 Miami Rum Festival are today announcing their open invitation to members of the spirits and beverage trade for Rum Renaissance Trade Day, a private rum exhibition featuring a sampling of hundreds of rum products from the Caribbean and beyond.
 On Friday, April 19 from 3 to 7pm at the Doubletree by Hilton Miami Airport Hotel, festival organizers are offering complimentary admission to food and beverage managers, liquor store buyers, brand representatives, bartenders, sales associates, distributors, importers and other trade professionals.
"An important aspect of the Miami Rum Festival mission is to help educate our friends in the trade on the myriad expressions and styles of rum available for retail sale in South Florida. From the great sipping rums to the essential ingredients for creating fine cocktails, it's important for professionals to know their rums...
read more -->
|
2013 International Rum Expert tasting competition announced
February 25, 2013 at 5:15pm
Members of the International Rum Expert Panel (RumXP) today announced details of their 2013 blind tasting competition at the Miami Rum Festival, to be held at the Doubletree by Hilton Miami Airport Convention Center in mid-April.
More than two dozen of the world's most experienced rum judges will be sequestered in their tasting chambers at the hotel for three days, April 16-18, evaluating cane spirits which will be on exhibit at the world's largest rum festival April 19-21. In addition to the competition, the group gathers in Miami once a year for a week of special meetings, VIP parties and briefings on new and emerging products...
read more -->
|
Mount Gay announces Black Barrel rum on 310th anniversary
February 20, 2013 at 5:15pm
Mount Gay Rum, known as the "Rum that invented Rum," today announced the launch of Mount Gay Black Barrel in the U.S. market, a new marque proudly released in celebration of the brand's 310th anniversary.  With select availability nationwide beginning in April, Black Barrel reinforces the brand's craft, refinement, and unparalleled excellence since 1703.
Mount Gay rums from Barbados are made from a blend of single column and double copper pot distillates, matured in toasted oak barrels. The new Black Barrel expression contains a higher proportion of double distillates and, after hand selection by Master Blender Allen Smith, Black Barrel is the only marque finished in charred bourbon oak barrels. The result is a bold tasting rum with notes of pepper, spice and wood that provide remarkable body and fullness. On the nose, Black Barrel is a blend of fruit, oaky vanilla, and sweet caramel...
read more -->
|
RumChata liqueur reaches one million case mark
February 19, 2013 at 5:15pm
 In February, 2013, RumChata, a popular rum cream liqueur by Agave Loco Brands, announced it has reached a sales record of one million cases after three and a half years on the market.
"The great taste of RumChata continued to grow in popularity over the holiday season, resulting in more than one million RumChata bottles being shipped in just the past three months," said Tom Maas, RumChata Founder and Master Blender. It was only a year ago that RumChata shipped the one millionth bottle...
read more -->
|
Angostura Global Cocktail Challenge crowns 2013 winner
February 13, 2013 at 5:15pm
 At the annual gathering of world cocktail champions in Port of Spain, Trinidad, Angostura Aromatic Bitters today announced the winner of their 2013 Angostura Global Cocktail Championship. Among dozens of top competitors from many countries, local Trinidadian Daniyel Jones took top honors, along with a $10,000 prize and the opportunity to represent the band as an ambassador for one year...
read more -->
|
Papa's Pilar rum evokes spirit of Hemingway adventure
February 10, 2013 at 5:15pm
Inspired by Ernest Hemingway's appetite for adventure, industry icons have announced two new expressions of aged rum. Named for Papa's Pilar, the iconic yacht that served as his beloved vessel, here is a pair of spirits that faithfully reflect his adventurous spirit, his nautical muse and his irrepressible desire to challenge the untamed natural world.
 Papa would be proud.
Perhaps the most celebrated rugged individualist and popular author of his time, Hemingway lived a life in perpetual motion, traveling the world and studying his fellow man at leisure, enjoying the local libations, interacting in a hearty loquacious manner with all he happened upon. He was engaged in life to the fullest. He was never a spectator.
This legendary and illustrious life was the inspiration for his epic works of popular literature.
Papa's Pilar Dark and Blonde rums have been inspired by his grand adventures on land and at sea. While Hemingway was a man of many passions, he was united with his one true constant in 1934. Pilar was a 38-foot Wheeler Playmate, a swashbuckler's yacht with a sleek black hull and a 75-horse Chrysler for serious cruising. She became his steadfast and loyal companion, traveling with him from one port of call to the next. He took this beloved boat to Bimini and all along the Cuban coast, seeking solitude, order, and the connection to the sea that was so vital to his craft.
And Hemingway famously enjoyed his rum. He delighted in great cocktails prepared by the best bartenders using the freshest local ingredients.
At long last, two fine rums have emerged to honor his legacy and reflect his passion, developed by the Hemingway Rum Company.
Papa's Pilar Blonde Rum is a surprisingly luscious light rum, not quite white in color. Blonde and beautiful it is -- as it stands alone with rich and gutsy tones of burnt caramel, citrus and smooth vanilla leading to a creamy tropical bouquet, presenting sultry spices and a unique warmth that separates it from the crowd.
Epic is an apt description for the Papa's Pilar Aged Solera 24 Dark Rum, offering bold flavors of Crème brûlée, rich vanilla, grandmother's baking spices and roasted coffee, accented by a hint of bourbon and sherry with a very long finish that leads one right back to the tasting glass. This unique blend of rums from the Caribbean, Central America and Florida reflects the myriad cultures, terroir and traditions of the dauntless traveler...
read more -->
|
Real McCoy Rum hearkens colorful prohibition era
January 31, 2013 at 2:15pm
Inspired by Bill McCoy, the legendary rum runner who set the standard for quality, honesty and reliability among his nefarious peers during the dark days of American prohibition, the Real McCoy Spirits corporation of Mystic, Connecticut today announced their Real McCoy rum -- an authentic, boutique crafted spirit of genuine character.
 Bailey Pryor researched, developed and produced a documentary about the Real McCoy of the roaring twenties for PBS. His feature film script has been purchased by Universal Studios and Bailey is going to the Oscars to celebrate the overwhelming interest his documentary has generated.
During the process of documenting the life and legend of William McCoy, Bailey became inspired to develop a cane spirit worthy of the man who set the standards of high quality during the golden era of rum runners. He contracted another legendary figure in the rum world, Richard Seale of Four Square distillery in Barbados, to craft an authentic rum blend that would have made Bill McCoy proud.
The resulting product -- The Real McCoy Rum -- will debut in early 2013 in U.S. select markets with a commitment to respect and honor the legacy of its namesake. Plans for speakeasy parties and "McCoy's Crew" posters and handouts are underway...
read more -->
|
Louisiana Spirits announces Bayou Rum brand
January 15, 2013 at 3:15pm
Louisiana Spirits today announced that Bayou will be the brand name of the new rum produced at their new modern facilities in Lacassine, Louisiana, to be distributed state-wide by Republic National Distributing Company.
 The company will produce Bayou Rum from local Louisiana sugar cane at their 22 acre facility which encompasses a tasting bar and gift shop for the public. The property also features a renovated historical 1903 farmhouse, ponds surrounded by Louisiana cypress trees, and a sugarcane field.
We're really excited about Bayou Rum and we look forward to the 'inaugural toast' with the citizens of Louisiana!" said Trey Litel, President of Louisiana Spirits...
read more -->
|
| 2012
2011
|
|
