Beachbum Berry, Potions of the Caribbean
Here comes the Sixth book of Jeffrey “Beachbum” Berry. A few months ago we reviewed Beachbum Berry Rem…
Rhum – from the Canefield to Cane Land
A couple of months ago, we (Rumporter) heard about the opening of a new distillery located in Baton Ro…
Baï: the only French Tiki ceramist, copied in every corner of the globe
While the name “Baï” may not immediately ring bells for you, bars and bartenders imitate her mug and t…
Meet “Tiki Maestro” Daniele Dalla Pola and hear about his new product
Daniele Dalla Pola has mixed tropical rum drinks from Miami to Singapore and has a true passion for the spirit. Now, you can find this talented Italian behind the bar at his own place, Nu Lounge, in Bologna.
Beachbum Berry Remixed: Go all out Tiki!
Historian and flagship of the current Tiki, we probably have Beachbum Berry to thank for this World return of the current Tiki. He is the author of Beachbum Berry's Grog Log (1998) and Intoxica! (2002), combining these two in 2009 in the Remixed which also contains many…
Smuggler’s Cove Cocktails Go Global with Virgin Atlantic
If you’re reading Rumporter, you’re probably already familiar with the name Martin Cate. After opening Smuggler’s Cove, an award-winning rum and tiki bar in San Fransisco, Cate continued to make an impressive mark on the global cocktail scene with a second bar, co-creation of the outstanding O.F.T.D.…
Elements Eight launches Republica Rum
Elements Eight have launched Republica, a brand-new addition to their range which sees them move beyond St Lucia for the first time.
Chairman’s Reserve Unveils Its New Packaging
In March 2016, Groupe Bernard Hayot announced their acquisition of St Lucia Distillers, and now with the news of this packaging update we are starting to see the signs of the new owner’s influence coming though
Joy Spence the Rum Diva from Jamaica
Last year, you celebrated your 35 years of career at Appleton Estate, and this year you are celebrating your 20 years as Master Blender.
Rhum Fest Awards 2017: The Winners!
Rhum Fest awards : This year, the organizers felt it important to consider the sugar content and have further sub-grouped the rums.
Rum Fest Paris: the complete program of Masterclasses
Rhum Fest Paris - Masterclasses: Ian Burrell, Guillaume Ferroni, Richard Seale, Jesús Bernad , Mario Navarro, Jaiker Soto , Simone Bodini, Matthieu Lange, Alex Bobi & Julie Mocquot
A brief history of rum in India
Interestingly, India’s connection with distillation goes back to at least 1500 years. While there have been many mythological references to sugar cane as an important crop in India, the accurate history of distillation seems to be uncertai
Mahiki Coconut Rum Liqueur
When Tiki Bars and Rums Brands Collide… Mahiki Coconut Rum Liqueur has been around for a long time and has been previously presented in several different ways.
Havana Club Tributo 2nd Edition
The second instalment of the Tributo Collection, a series of the finest rums from Havana Club’s aged reserves, was recently unveiled at the Cuban Habanos Festival and will have a limited release of 2,500 bottles globally.
Appleton Estate Joy Anniversary Blend
Gruppo Campari have released the Appleton Estate Joy Anniversary Blend, a 25-year-old limited edition rum, which celebrates Joy Spence’s 20th anniversary as Master Blender.
Old Man Rum Expressions No 1
October 2016… A unique rum was revealed to the world at the Boutique RumFest in London. An expression of rum that has a rather amazing providence, but is both extremely small batch and not released by a multinational drinks corporation.
Ferrand purchases WIRD – Exclusive Interview of Alexandre Gabriel
Alexandre, we’ve just learned that you (Maison Ferrand) have acquired the WIRD distillery in the north of Barbados. How did these negotiations happen and what motivated the purchase?
Breaking news : Ferrand purchases West Indies Rum Distilleries !
The rumour has been going around for some days and it is now official, Ferrand has finally won the Bid on the purchasing to WIRD in Barbados. This is a good news for most rum lovers. Here below is the copy of the official press release as we expect some…
Is Germany the future market for high-end rums ? Interview with Benoît Bail
Some people think that Germany is a future huge market for high-end rums (behind France), do you think they are correct?
« Rum is a domino lot at the fish village of Οιstins, a dram with a local fisherman » – Interview with Nikos Arvanitis
Hello Nikos. How are you today? Ηello, well, I’m still at the tropics here in the Caribbean, so I’m pretty good, thank you. Can you let our reader know more about you? What is your background? I’m from Greece as you might know he he, and…
Interview with the winner of the spanish Diplomático World Tournament
Selba Guersenzvaig is the winner of the spanish Diplomático World Tournament, one of the most prestigious and international cocktail competitions.
Wild Tiger launches the first Indian Spiced Rum
The recent release of an India Spiced Rum extends the range and wears a red fur coat to help distinguish it from its brother.
A new rum festival : Club Rum Amsterdam – Interview
The spring of rum seems to never to come to an end. As 2016 has been already very rich with the emergence of Manchester, Marseille and Athens as new rum reasons to travel, 2017 is keeping the pace. After Poland has just declared its flame for rum, Amsterdam managed to…
Artificial Intelligence’s rum : Interview with Ian Burrell
In an interesting move for the British rum market, Virgin Holiday has begun production of their own blend - ‘the Virgin Holiday Spirit’ - once again proving that rum is the ambassador of tourism. But of course busy Richard Branson and his team didn’t just follow the…
Meet Alexx Mouzouris, Don Q Global Ambassador
Following the launch of Don Q’s newest rum, Oak Barrel Spiced, we took a moment to speak with the brand’s Global Ambassador, Alexx Mouzouris. Find out a little bit more about this industry superstar as well as Don Q’s introduction of a more sophisticated spiced rum option.
Laodi: Laotian agricole rhum, the dream of Ikuzo Inoue
Did you know that modern day Laos is defined as a result of its historical status as a French protectorate (roughly from 1890 to 1970, or the period of Indochina Wars) and that more than 70% of the country is made up of mountains? Well, I didn’t...…
Rhum Fest Paris Poster Revealed plus Christmas Promo
Rhum Fest Paris 2017 …. and we’re off! With the big reveal of the event poster, the organizers have officially kicked off the 2017 campaign.
Portfolio: François Moll makes his mark in Martinique
We first met François Moll in 2014, and we now invite you to discover (or rediscover) his drawings in China ink.
Top Ten Rums between 80 and 150 Euros
With all the bottles the rhum world has to offer, it's hard to choose a real top ten. Taste varies from person to person and therefore this list is not definitive, but rather a reflection of rums that have been tested and approved by Rumporter in each…
Top 10 Rums between 60 and 80€
With all the bottles the rum world has to offer, it's hard to choose a real top ten. Taste varies from person to person and therefore this list is not definitive, but rather a reflection of rums that have been tested and approved by rumporter in each…
Top 10 rums between 40 and 60€
with all the bottles the rum world has to offer, it's hard to choose a real top ten. taste varies from person to person and therefore this list is not definitive, but rather a reflection of rums that have been tested and approved by rumporter in each…
Top 10 rums between 20 and 40€
With all the bottles the rum world has to offer, it's hard to choose a real top ten. Taste varies from person to person and therefore this list is not definitive, but rather a reflection of rums that have been tested and approved by Rumporter in each…
Seawolf, the first Scottish white rum
Seawolf is the first white distilled on Scottish soil. it is the result of a collaboration between Mike Aikman, Jason Scott (co-owner of Bramble, one of world’s 50 best bars according to drinks international) and the cofounder of vino wines, Gavin Ferguson. This trio is responsobile for…
Winter Caribbean: Joseph Akhavan modernises good old mulled wine
This drink now dominates ski slopes and Christmas markets. There are countless recipes in existence, but the principle remains the same; wine, spices and honey.
George Washington and Rum
This statement alone could almost be used to summarise rum trade in the 18th century on the American continent.
The Rum Advent Calendar
The Advent Calendar, a German tradition meant to calm children until Christmas morning, could now have an equally calming effect on adults...
Sean Muldoon of Dead Rabbit pursues his American Dream with Black Tail
In just a few years, this Irish barman conquered New York and on October 7th, The Dead Rabbit, his first big apple bar founded with acolyte Jack McGarry, took first place on the prestigious “The World’s 50 Best Bar” list. Today, this entrepreneur of mixology turns his…
Tito Cordero from Diplomatico: the ron with maestria
Tito Cordero, cellar master for the Venezuelan brand Diplomático, is one of the most talented “Maestro Ronero” or Master Rum Blenders of his generation, as can be seen from the numerous awards bestowed on his creations over the past decade. He played a strong role in the…
Meeting with Ian Burrell, the Global Rum Ambassador
Ian Burrell, the Global Rum Ambassador, it’s not necessary to introduce him. He agreed to give us a long interview where he talks about everything with all the freedom of a man who has built his independence. Historical Background Rumporter : Your background is very versatile (bartender, rap…
Vertical tastings of Saint James vintages at the distillery
Sainte-Marie (Martinique), July 2015. Set back from the road which leads us to the north-east of Martinique stand the red cliffs, which flush the Sainte-Marie bay purple. From the barrier beach which links the island and the islet, the Atlantic trade winds intensify and, along with them,…
An organic history of Cuba through the Bacardi saga – Interview Tom Gjelten
When we bought this book, we thought we were dealing with these hagiographic monographs paid for by brands, readings always enriching but to take with tweezers. Faulty mistake, we came upon a monument of erudition that reads like a historical novel. The author Tom Gjeten, an academic,…
Australia goes ‘agricole’ with Husk
When you hear “Australia” you instinctively think of the thousands of kangaroos and koalas, Indigenous and Uluru in the middle of the outback, the sails of the Sydney Opera House roof, Mark Richards if you surf or Israel Folau if you are more into rugby. Or maybe…
A suggestion for moving forward: “rhum traditionnel”
It is true that there is a lack of clarity concerning the amount of sugar in certain rums (which could soon be improved by nutritional information labels on spirits), and equally that one often imagines that rum producers use local sugarcane juice, or molasses from local sugar…
When is rum no longer rum? Alexandre Gabriel
To respond to this question directly, a rum stops being a rum if, when tasted, it no longer exhibits the characteristics of its base material, which is sugarcane, in any one of its different forms. This principle is key.
Clément breaks the rum ceiling with the most expensive bottle in the world!
Clément and the House of Tournaire have come together to create a unique piece aimed both at (wealthy) rum fanatics as well as art collectors. The price? It hurts to even write it down: €100,000 !
Diplomático introduces two new rums : Mantuano and Planas
Diplomático introduces two new rums: we talked with José Rafael Ballesteros about the production of the famous rum brand.
Pacto Navio, a Cuban rum finished in Sauternes casks
In the rum corner at the last Whisky Live Paris, Pernod unveiled their latest creation, the Pacto Navio rum, in the presence of the famous Maestro Ronero Asbel Morales.
Oman: An oriental touch for Trois Rivières
The Martinican Rhum Agricole Trois Rivières is once again creating a buzz as the year draws to an end.
When is rum no longer rum? François Longueteau
When is rum no longer rum? To respond to the ritual question of 2016, François Longueteau decided to choose a positive angle and to spin it differently. His responds by saying “this is what rum is for me”.
Rhumbellion: round 2 of the competition from Trois Rivières Rhum Agricole
Boosted by the success of this first competition, which attracted 200 barmen from all over the globe, Trois Rivières is dusting off the shakers and launching the second edition. And we’re delighted!
Cocktail recipe : El Rey Albahaca de Diplomatico
For the summer 2016, Diplomático suggests El Rey Albahaca, a cocktail with a basil base created by their new Brand Ambassador Kevin Sueiro. A first creation from the 27 year old bartender, the son of a chef who went from medicine to the London and Monaco cocktail scenes.…
A very special tasting with three HSE rums from Martinique
We are stopping over on the shores of Martinique, where the coves and the sea are at times indistinguishable from one another. In a flood of light which seems almost artificially exaggerated, the sailboat whose table we are grouped around tugs on the anchor, the sails silent……
The JM Armagnac Cask Finish rhum comes out on top!
Good news for rum in general and French rhum in particular: following last year’s 7 year old Isauter from Réunion, it is J.M of Martinique who has most recently won the Spirits Selection 2016 Trophy at the awards held in Tequila, Mexico at the end of August.
The story of Havana Club: from its origins to an explosive success!
In less than a quarter of a century, Havana Club has become one of the three leading rum brands globally, just behind Bacardi and Captain Morgan, despite the American embargo that prevents it from entering the world’s largest rum market.
Tasting 2 Plantation Rums – Gems from the world of bars
Tasting 2 Plantation Rums: Plantation, Overproof O.F.T.D. – 69% & Plantation, Pineapple Original Dark Rum – 40%
When is rum no longer rum? Marc Sassier
Here, we are no longer witnessing the Marc Sassier of Saint James rums, Martinique, a true rum expert with a technical, historic and strictly regulatory approach: a real Occam’s razor!
The barmen’s view on Plantation Pineapple (3/3)
With all the enthusiasm created by Plantation Pineapple stinggin’s fancy, we had a lot of fun asking a group of french bartenders what they thought about the star product of 2016. we continue with Yannick Bucco of willie carter sharpe, a wonderful bar in Montpellier, inspired by…
The barmen’s view on Plantation Pineapple : 2/3 Nico de Soto
With all the enthusiasm created by Plantation Pineapple stinggin’s fancy, we had a lot of fun asking a group of french bartenders what they thought about the star product of 2016. We continue with the modest Nico de Soto, the founder of two renowned bars, in Paris…
The barmen’s view on Plantation Pineapple – 1/3 : Dirty Dick’s
With all the enthusiasm created by Plantation Pineapple stinggin’s fancy, we had a lot of fun asking a group of french bartenders what they thought about the star product of 2016. We’re kicking off with the so tiki duo, made up of scotty and guillaume of dirty…
When is rum no longer rum? Richard Seale
Richard Seale is undeniably one of the producers who is most present at exhibitions to defend his vision of rum against any alteration. Here he makes his position clear on some other points.
When is rum no longer rum? Od Underwood
This is the question which was posed by Ian Burrell during a conference and debate at Tales of the Cocktails in New Orleans.
When is rum no longer rum? – Olivier Couacaud
Case file - The great debate on the redefinition of rum : Olivier Couacaud – Commercial Director of the Rhumerie de Chamarel, Mauritius
When is rhum no longer rhum? Hervé Damoiseau
This is the question which will be posed by Ian Burrell during a conference/debate at Tales of the Cocktails in New Orleans. For our summer series, we have chosen to give the floor to those who make rum. We will ask each of them the same questions…
Tasting 3 Trois Rivières Single Casks
Tasting 3 Trois Rivières Single Casks: Trois Rivières Single Cask 2004 ex-Bourbon barrels, Single Cask 2006 & Cask Strength 2006.
Tasting the Damoiseau 2008 Subprime and the 1995 Cask Strength
In Guadeloupe between the gentle Corneille ravines and the translucent waters of Autre-Bord, stands the Bellevue-Damoiseau distillery, the last rhum agricole distillery in Grande-Terre.
HSE Confrérie du rhum 2007 Tasting with Cyr. Mald
This week, the HSE Confrérie du Rhum with Cyrille Mald. It is at the base of La Maugée, between Gros-Morne and Saint-Joseph, that the HSE architectural complex was built.
JM Rhums: the quintessence
Despite coming from the smallest distillery in Martinique, J.M, rhums are certainly amongst the most reputed and probably the favourite vieux rhums of Martinique. The explanation is quite simple: it is a truly exemplary model of the production of Rhum Agricole in the French Antilles! A sole…
Meet Cyrille Lawson the Black Sheriff of HSE Rhums
Cyril Lawson has been the Commercial Director for HSE rums for 20 years and has accompanied this emblematic brand through its journey for registered designation of origin, becoming one of its formidable ambassadors
Trois Rivières: from the plantation to the still
Thanks to Rhum, this little Martinique hamlet has become famous around the world - even if its distillery has been out of action since 2004. But the 120 ha plantation still provides its sugarcane juice, and the two distillation columns are still active on the Riviere-Pilote site,…
Gourmet pairings with HSE rhums and Frères Lauzéa chocolates
A Martinique marriage with a thousand and one exotic flavours to discover, if you haven’t already, for your end of year celebrations! HSE rhum and the chocolatiers Frères Lauzéa are two emblematic figures in Martinique today, lauded for their dynamism and innovation in their respective…
An upmarket move for Maison La Mauny
Whilst in 2014 the BBS group decided to review the Trois Rivières range and, to our great pleasure, this year they have decided to revisit the products of the recently renamed Maison La Mauny.
HSE, a touch of port to complete the World Cask Finishes
HSE has just completed its range of World Cask Finishes with a something new and very on-trend: a rhum aged in a Porto cask.
Is sweetened rum still rum?
Many rums originating from countries outside of the European Union are beginning to occupy an increasing share of the European and French rum markets. While the white rum market may now seem close to saturation, the aged rum market is expanding, and it’s a safe bet that…
Traditional Rum vs. “Marketing” Rum
Currently experiencing an unprecedented popularity on a global scale, rum and vodka can both be produced in different geographic zones.
Meet Grégoire Guéden (Clément rums, J.M)
I think rum’s time has finally come Rumporter: It is the springtime of rhum agricole at the moment. New products are popping up everywhere. You must be pleased, after having worked in this world for 10 years. GG: There is definitely real excitement in the rum sector…
Interview with Nathalie Guillier-Tual (La Mauny, Trois Rivières)
Since the BBS group (La Mauny, Trois Rivières) was taken over by Chevrillon in 2012, there has been a real transformation of the rhum agricole industry, which is orienting itself more and more towards the production of aged spirits.
Meet Hervé Damoiseau of Damoiseau Rums
An emblem of Guadeloupe, Damoiseau has experienced entrepreneurial success on a local, national and international scale.
Interview with Emmanuel Becheau of JM rums
Cyrille Hugon: How long have you been working for J.M? Emmanuel Becheau : I began my professional career at Héritiers Crassous de Médeuil in July 1997 where I worked as the Commercial Director until 2002 (when the company was taken over by GBH, the Groupe Brenard Hayot). Following…
Rum Bars: Trailer Happiness
Perhaps it’s not surprising that one of the best rum bars that London has to offer would be found in an area that has a strong Caribbean influence.
Interview with Marc Sassier of Saint James…
Having previously worked for the “Syndicat de Défense” of the Martinique AOC, this oenologist is now responsible for production at the Saint James distillery. He is recognised as being one of the most experienced technical authorities in agricultural rum production. His expertise is such that he chairs…
