Atlantico Rum Introduces New Look

MIAMI, FL – Atlantico Rum, the award winning rum brand from the Dominican Republic, is introducing a bold new look. Inspired by classic ceramic tiles found throughout the Caribbean, the company has created a fresh, distinct design that clearly stands out from other rums.

“We love the Caribbean, particularly our home in the Dominican Republic. The people, food, culture and lifestyle are simply incredible. We wanted to find a way to capture the vibrancy and flavor of the Caribbean in our packaging while doing it in a classy way that is different than any other rum,” said Brandon Lieb, Atlantico’s Co-Founder.

“With our new look, we are communicating Atlantico’s hand crafted credentials, unique process and flavor notes while transporting the imagination as much as the palate,” said fellow Co-Founder Aleco Azqueta.

Atlantico sourced materials from all over the world in order to achieve its design goals. The bottles, produced in France, are rounded with a heavy glass base. The wood and cork closures come from Portugal and are debossed with an updated Atlantico logo. All labels come from Northern California and include tasting notes, raw material information, barrel types used, individual bottle numbers and the signatures of the two founders. The designs are the work of Los Angeles based luxury design firm M+.

“The Atlantico brand represents ‘a Passport to Paradise.’ We looked to bring that to life by combining a subtle guilloche pattern (similar to those found on passports) with Caribbean tile design elements. We are absolutely thrilled with the results and loved working on such a fun lifestyle brand,” said M+ Creative Director Cleo Murnane. “I couldn’ t be happier with the new design,”adds singer Enrique Iglesias, who is a partner in Atlantico, “it has a timeless, sexy look that captures the spirit of the Caribbean.”

Atlantico comes in three different styles: Atlantico Platino, (not a part of the packaging upsdate) a white rum that is finished in barrels that previously held Tempranillo wine; Atlantico Reserva, a solera style rum aged up to 15 years; and Atlantico Gran Reserva (formerly Private Cask), a blend of rums aged up to 25 years. All three types are available in 750ml.

About Atlantico Rum

Founded by Aleco Azqueta and Brandon Lieb in 2008, Atlantico has quickly become one of the most awarded rums on the market. The rums are all produced and bottled in the Dominican Republic and are available throughout the Caribbean, US, Mexico, Canada, Australia and Europe.

John Esposito Joins Real McCoy Spirits as Chairman

Real McCoy Spirits, the makers of the award-winning rum inspired by legendary Prohibition rum runner Bill McCoy, announces the appointment of distinguished industry veteran John Esposito as the company’s new chairman.

“With his significant leadership experience in the beverage alcohol industry, John is an invaluable addition to the Real McCoy team. He’s been involved with some of the greatest brands in beverage alcohol,” said Bailey Pryor, Real McCoy Spirits founder and CEO. “We are delighted to be working with John during this exciting period of growth.”

John Esposito brings 40 years of leadership experience in all three tiers of the distilled spirits industry to the role of Real McCoy Spirits chairman. Esposito has also served as CEO,High West Distillery; president, Stoli Group USA; CEO, Bacardi North America; president and CEO of Schieffelin & Somerset and Moet Hennessy USA; as well as president of one of the largest distributors in the country, Premier Beverage of Florida.

“I’m energized by the new wave of authentic brands created by unconventional leaps like Bailey’s,” said Esposito. “He and the team’s passion for crafting a high-quality, ethically-made product is right on trend with the contemporary consumer’s needs.”

In his role as chairman, Esposito is responsible for helping to build strategic relationships, find talented people to join the Real McCoy team and assist with sales and marketing advice.

About Real McCoy Spirits

Bill McCoy was the pioneer rum runner of the Prohibition era who became a household name for selling only the best quality unadulterated spirits, known as “The Real McCoy.”

While making a PBS documentary about McCoy, filmmaker Bailey Pryor was inspired to make a rum brand that matched the legend of “the Real McCoy”.

The Real McCoy is a small batch artisan spirit crafted by fourth general Master Distiller Richard Seale at the Foursquare Distillery in Barbados and uses only the finest blackstrap molasses and pure spring water. In McCoy’s Prohibition Tradition, the multi-award winning suite of 3, 5, and 12 year aged single blended rums are unadulterated – there are no added sweeteners or flavorings. The rums are produced in a rare combination of column and artisan pot stills, then authentically aged in heavy char American oak bourbon barrels. The Real McCoy is available in NY, IL, CA, CT, MA, NJ, FL, WI, GA, CO, TX and RI.

Appleton Estate Releases 25-yr-old Rum Celebrating World’s First Female Master Blender

In a year when the spotlight is shining on women more brightly than in recent memory,Appleton® Estate is proud to shine its light on a woman who has helped shape the spirits universe and defied expectations through a storied and remarkable career – Master Blender Joy Spence. Appleton Estate, the world’s leading Jamaican premium aged rumannounced the debut of its limited 25 Year–Old release in honor of Joy and her 20th Anniversary as Appleton Estate’s Master Blender.

Two decades ago, Spence shattered the spirits industry’s glass ceiling when she was appointed the world’s first female Master Blender – a title that few women share twenty years later. To commemorate Joy’s anniversary and pay homage to her years at Appleton Estate, the distillery is releasing “JOY,” its first 25-Year-Old Rum – a fitting tribute to the visionary who has spent much of her career perfecting it.

“For my anniversary blend, I simply set out to create the rum that I’d like to sip while watching the colors of my garden change in the warm glow of the Jamaican sunset,” said Master Blender Joy Spence. “It includes two rum marques, which are of particular sentimental significance to me: The first of these marques was laid down to age in 1981 – the year I joined the Appleton Estate team, and the second is my favorite marque of pot still rum. The final blend is a wonderful rum that I hope Appleton Estate fans will enjoy.”

These two distinct rums are the heart of the JOY Anniversary release, and are combined with other hand-selected marques of rum that perfectly complement the complex flavors of the aged liquid to create a blend that is impeccably balanced with subtle mellow oak notes. On the palate, JOY opens with Appleton Estate’s trademark delicate orange peel, leading into a delicious mix of ginger, spice, warm vanilla, butterscotch, and coffee, with lingering layers of almond and toasted oak. With an exceptionally smooth finish of brown sugar, the new release is sure to please all those that have the privilege of sipping it.

A CATEGORY POISED TO BECOME THE NEXT BIG THING

As the ultra-premium rum category experiences respectable growth at approximately 10 percent (Nielsen Data – 12/31.16), the Jamaican Rum segment has a unique opportunity to define and shape the category at large as it becomes a more compelling proposition with bartenders and consumers interested in aged spirits. In 2016, Appleton Estate – with Joy Spence at the helm – saw a surge in 9L case volume with 15 percent growth across its portfolio. With a range of expressions for different palates and price points, such as cocktail-centric spirits like Appleton Estate Reserve Blend and Appleton Estate Signature Blend to sipping rums, such as the Appleton Estate Rare Blend 12 Year Old and Appleton Estate 21 Year Old, these rums are part of the legacy of the Jamaican people. As Ms. Spence celebrates this milestone in her career, the “JOY” release is another example of the brand expanding its offerings to keep the rum category fresh and engaging.

A RUM VISIONARY AHEAD OF HER TIME

As a woman in a traditionally male dominated industry, Joy is nothing short of a pioneer. At a very young age, Joy fell in love with the field of Chemistry and dreamed of working in a field where she could bring that passion to life. After graduating with a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry and with a Master of Science in Analytical Chemistry – a rarity for a Jamaican woman at that time – she joined Appleton Estate in 1981 as Chief Chemist, and quickly became enthralled with the process of blending rum.

Over the next 16 years, under the expert guidance of then Master Blender, Owen Tulloch, Joy honed her sensory skills, developing an unrivalled palate and excellent sense of smell, until she herself was named Master Blender in 1997. Throughout her tenure, Joy has been decorated with a myriad of awards, starting with honorary doctorate degrees from both alma maters, and culminating with a national award from the Jamaican government for her contribution to the rum industry.  Both an artist and a scientist, Joy has spent the last twenty years creating some of the finest rums the world has ever tasted, and the “JOY” Anniversary Blend may be her greatest triumph yet.

In her 36 years with the distillery, Spence has spearheaded the brand’s legacy of quality, care and dedication. She is an industry pioneer with unparalleled skills at creating premium blended rums, which is in every bottle produced. This latest and exclusive honorary release is a reflection of a remarkably resilient and passionate woman who embodies grace, devotion, intelligence, perseverance, and, above all else, joy. Born in Jamaica, Joy enjoys cooking and gardening and is even renowned within her native country for creating her own face cream – yet another example of her skill blending the finest ingredients.

Appleton® Estate’s “Joy” Anniversary Blendis bottled at 90 proof (45% alc./vol.) and retails for an MSRP of$250.

About Appleton Estate Jamaica Rum

Nestled in the heart of Jamaica in the beautiful, lush Nassau Valley in the island’s famed Cockpit Country lies the Appleton Estate.  For over 265 years, the people at the Appleton Estate have crafted authentic, premium rums using time honored traditions that have been passed down from generation to generation.  From cane to cup, our critically acclaimed rums are created by the environment, ingredients, and practices that are unique to our estate.  Our unique terroir, with its ideal climate, fertile soil and topography, the natural spring that supplies our water for fermentation, through to distillation, ageing and blending all combine to produce rums that are delicious and alive, vivid and deep with complex flavors and aromas.

Appleton Estate’s core range offers three premium rums:  Appleton Estate Signature Blend, Appleton Estate Reserve Blend and Appleton Estate Rare Blend 12 Year Old.  In addition, Appleton Estate also has two ultra-premium rums:  Appleton Estate 21 Year Old Jamaica Rum and Appleton Estate 50 Year Old Jamaica Rum which is a limited edition 50 year old minimum age rum.

Appleton Estate has a deep and serious respect for the land and has undertaken several environmentally friendly initiatives, both at the Appleton Estate and at our headquarters in Kingston to ensure that our operations are green.

Twitter: @AppletonRumUSA

Instagram: AppletonEstateUSA

Facebook: AppletonEstate

About Campari America

Campari America is a wholly owned subsidiary of Davide Campari-Milano S.p.A. (Reuters CPRI.MI – Bloomberg CPR IM).  At the heart of Campari America are two legends in the American spirits industry.  The first, Skyy Spirits, was founded in San Francisco back in 1992 by the entrepreneur who invented iconic SKYY Vodka.  The second is the world-famous Wild Turkey Distillery in Lawrenceburg, Kentucky, where they have been making the world’s finest whiskies since the 1800’s.  Both companies were purchased by Davide Campari-Milano and together they form Campari America, which has built a portfolio unrivaled in its quality, innovation and style, making it a top choice among distributors, retailers and consumers.  Campari America manages Gruppo Campari’s portfolio in the US with such leading brands as SKYY® Vodka, SKYY Infusions®, Campari®, Aperol®, Wild Turkey® Straight Kentucky Bourbon, American Honey®, Russell’s Reserve®, Glen Grant® Single Malt Scotch Whisky, Forty Creek® Canadian Whisky, BULLDOG® Gin, Cabo Wabo® Tequila, Espolón® Tequila, Appleton® Estate Rum, Wray & Nephew® Rum, Coruba® Rum, Ouzo 12®, X-Rated® Fusion Liqueur®, Frangelico®, Cynar®, Averna®, Braulio®, Carolans Irish Cream®, Irish Mist® Liqueur and Jean-Marc XO Vodka®.

Campari America is headquartered in San Francisco, California.  More information on the company can be found atwww.campariamerica.com,www.facebook.com/campariamerica, Twitter: @CampariAmerica and www.camparigroup.com.  Please enjoy Campari America brands responsibly and in moderation.

Pusser’s Gunpowder Proof Rum to Launch in U.S.

  CHARLESTON, S.C. – Pusser’s Gunpowder Proof, the last rum issued by the modern British Royal Navy to its enlistees in 1970, will launch in seven U.S. markets July 31 to commemorate the 46th anniversary of Black Tot Day. Gunpowder Proof is an aged overproof expression at 54.5 percent which was the formula last used by the Admiralty. This follows a highly-successful introduction in Europe.

Pusser’s will introduce the rum to its Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, Texas, California, mid-Atlantic and Northeast markets with others to follow as the spirit gains traction. The overproof spirit is brandy-like and surprisingly smooth, easy to drink neat, in a snifter or in your favorite cocktail or as a floater to add additional spirit to any cocktail.

The unique component of Gunpowder Proof is rum distilled from vintage wooden pot stills, a process that provides a depth of flavor far beyond that of mass-produced rums distilled from “modern” semi-automatic metal column stills. The two existing wooden pot stills, first put in use in the early 1700s and located in Guyana’s Demerara River Valley, impregnate the rum with esters (naturally occurring organic flavoring compounds) far beyond those of any other rum. What results is a truly unique, award winning taste.

The name “Pusser’s” is nothing more than a corruption of the word “Purser,” the Royal Navy ship’s supply officer who retained the stocks of rum. Before hydrometers, the ship’s Purser would test rum strength by mixing a few grains of gunpowder with rum to see if it would ignite under the heat of a magnifying glass. If it did that was ‘proof’ the rum was “at strength,” if it was not, the Purser was threatened with bodily harm for “watering down” the rum.

“Gunpowder Proof is riding the wave of hand-crafted artisan spirits that are authentic and all-natural,” said Pusser’s CEO Gary Rogalski. “Forbes Magazine called the blend ‘the single malt of rum’ because of the painstaking batch process required to blend, bottle and bring the rum to market. We are all proud of our association in serving Liquid History to a strong and growing core of rum aficionados.”

The Admiralty formula, a unique blend of rums from Guyana and Trinidad, was ceded to the Company’s founder, Charles Tobias, in return for his promise to make annual contributions to the Sailor’s Tot Fund, now part of the Royal Navy and Marine Charitable Fund.

Pusser’s Gunpowder Proof has already won several awards in Europe including a Gold at the International Sprits Challenge, a Master’s and Gold medal in The Rum Masters Competition and Third Place for World’s Best Dark Rum in the World Rum Awards. It also won Gold for Best in Class for the Overproof category in the Rum XP awards at the recent Miami RumFest. This is in addition to the many other awards Pusser’s lower proof 3-year aged and 15-year aged spirits from the same stills have already won.

  About Pusser’s Rum

Pusser’s Rum is produced in strict accordance with Admiralty blending specifications last used by the Royal Navy for issue to its fleet, a tradition which began in 1655 when it first served rum as its spirit of choice, with extra “tots” being offered before and after some of the most infamous battles in history. In massive wood pot stills, approaching 300 years old, Pusser’s continues to produce liquid history without the aid of flavoring agents and is 100 percent natural. Pusser’s Rum is highly decorated and has taken several Gold Medals in the highly acclaimed International Wine & Spirits Festival and the San Francisco World Spirits Competition. Pusser’s Rum Limited is a British Virgin Island Company with administrative offices in Charleston, South Carolina. Its products are imported into the United States by Shaw-Ross International Importers.

For more information on Pusser’s Rum Ltd and its brands, please visit www.PussersRum.com.

First Vintage of Richland Rum’s 2016 Single Estate Released

RICHLAND, GA – December 2016 – Richland Rum celebrates the start of the Sugar Cane Harvesting Season on the second Saturday of each year with a limited production of Single Estate Georgia Agricole, made directly from the First Pressing of the 1st harvested cane of the 2016 crop. This Virgin Rum, handcrafted from fresh juice within hours after crushing cane stalks, highlights the terroir of our Georgia Grown Sugar Cane with distinct flavors and aromas imparted by the native soil, water from the Georgia Aquifer and the warm southern climate.

“The 2016 Vintage of our Single Estate Georgia Agricole has surprised us, after the record drought this year, with its fresh, floral and grassy notes over an earthy and dry base,” said Erik Vonk, Richland Estate’s proprietor. He continued: “The 2016 harvest demonstrates again that Georgia Terroir supports our commitment to handcrafting the Best Rum in America and allows us to strictly use fresh ingredients and all natural processes”

Celebration at Distillery

On Saturday, December 10th, representatives of the trade, as well as consumers, are invited to the Annual Celebration of the start of the Sugar Cane Harvesting Season at the Distillery in Richland. Guests can observe on-site Sugar Cane pressing and reduction of fresh cane juice demonstrations to ‘Almost Rum’ – the company’s pure cane syrup – using vintage equipment. Also, they are invited to tour the Distillery and offered a unique opportunity to taste the Virgin Agricole.

Release of 2016 Agricole scheduled for March 2017

The all manual production of Virgin Rum from the year’s first harvest is limited to a single batch which will yield no more than a few hundred cases. Once pressed, the fresh cane juice is immediately fermented and then distilled. The Virgin Rum is then allowed to rest for 60 – 90 days before bottling and scheduled for release to the Distillery’s Distributors in March 2017.

Single Estate Old Georgia Rum

Richland Rum is hand-crafted with pride and passion in Richland, GA, USA, using home-grown unrefined sugar cane syrup – not molasses – and water from the Georgia Aquifer as the only ingredients. Sourcing and processing of unrefined sugar cane syrup, slow fermentation, copper pot distilling in single day batches, aging in virgin American oak barrels and ultimately bottling, are all handled in-house, creating a rare, authentic Single Estate Rum. The all-natural Rum is not blended or mass-produced and does not contain preservatives, spices, taste enhancers, color agents or additives of any kind.

Richland Rum and the Rum Renaissance

“Rum thrived in America long before Whisky and Bourbon did. Fine quality, aged Rum made directly from unrefined Sugar Cane, not molasses, is complex, delicious and worth relishing slowly. Actually, in the early days Bourbons tried to emulate good Rums!” said Erik Vonk, the Richland Distilling Company’s founder and proprietor.

Vonk continued: “We are thrilled to see a Rum Renaissance and to rank among a very few Distilleries in America fully dedicated to handcrafting domestic, authentic Single Estate Rum, savored by Whisky and Bourbon fans, Cognac and Brandy connoisseurs and aficionados of aged spirits in general.”

About the Richland Distilling Company

The Richland Distilling Company and Richland Estate – where sugar cane is cultivated – are owned and operated by one family since 1999 and rank among very few producers solely dedicated to meticulously hand-crafting Single Estate Rum from pure, home-grown cane syrup in small, daily batches using artisan techniques and time-honored equipment.

The company’s core expression, Richland Single Estate Old Georgia Rum, copper pot distilled and aged in Virgin American White Oak Barrels, is consistently recognized for its exceptional quality and recipient of multiple National and International Awards.

Located in historic downtown Richland, Georgia, the Distillery is open to the public. www.richlandrum.com

Mount Gay Releases Limited Edition XO Cask Strength

–To celebrate the 50th Anniversary of Barbadian Independence, Mount Gay Distilleries, the makers of the world’s oldest rum which has been distilled, blended and bottled in Barbados since 1703, releases 3,000 bottles of XO Cask Strength, a limited-edition of its award-winning spirit XO.

The handcrafted XO Cask Strength edition embodies the essence of Barbados, with an aroma that personifies the island’s bold, but humble personality. From the inception of Mount Gay in 1703 to the historical day of independence in 1966 to now – Barbados and Mount Gay have continued to grow and strengthen together each year. Characterized by an elaborate and robust taste profile, XO Cask Strength symbolizes the rich culture and strong personality of both Mount Gay and its nation.

“This is our tribute to the spirit of Barbados, the original birthplace of rum, and the people that make this island so unique,” said Allen Smith, Master Blender. “To taste XO Cask Strength is to experience everything that fans love about XO, but it gives connoisseurs the special opportunity to enjoy the truest intensity of XO aromas straight from the casks.”

Acknowledged by renowned spirits experts as the gold standard for sipping rums since 1992, Mount Gay XO has won numerous awards including 3 consecutive Gold and Grand Gold awards from Monde Selection, Monde Selection’s coveted 2002 “High Quality” trophy and the 2003 Silver Medal at the International Spirits Challenge. Featuring a blend of the finest spirits matured for eight to 15 years, the rich, oaky taste of the rum is rounded out by notes of ripe banana and toasted almond, followed by vanilla and spice, to create a smooth, unforgettable finish.

Each bottle will come in a stunning keepsake wooden box with a beautifully designed booklet that will take readers through the history of rum’s inception in Barbados. A portion of the sales of every bottle sold will be donated to the Barbados Museum and Historical Society to support its efforts in conserving the significant and inspiring history and culture of Barbados.

This collector’s item will be available at select premium liquor and spirits stores in the United States, Barbados, United Kingdom, Belgium, France and Australia in November 2016. Offered in 750ml or 700ml bottles at 63 percent alcohol by volume (dependent on country), XO Cask Strength will sell for a suggested retail price of $185.

For more information, visit www.mountgayrum.com or follow us at @MountGayRum onFacebook and Instagram.

About Mount Gay:

Every great story begins with a time and a place.

A legal deed dated from 20th of February 1703 confirms the existence of a “pot still house” on our sugar cane Estate in Barbados, establishing us as the World’s oldest rum producer.

Our distillery name honors the pioneering Sir John Gay who perfected the distinctive Mount Gay style.

Still today, only the finest sugar cane molasses and pure water filtered through the coral heart of the island are selected to create Mount Gay rums.

Perpetuating a long-standing Barbadian tradition for more than 310 years, Mount Gay rums are handcrafted from a blend of single column and double copper pot distillates and matured in toasted oak barrels, delivering aromatic, flavorful taste, body and refined character.

The Mount Gay portfolio includes the newly-launched Black Barrel, 1703 Old Cask Selection, Extra Old, Eclipse and Silver. Mount Gay is owned by Rémy-Cointreau SA.

Oakheart Genuine Spiced Rum Hits Shelves with New Signature Packaging

OAKHEART® Genuine Spiced Rum has “benched the Captain” again as a result of a U.S. national blind taste test that found it to be the best tasting spiced rum compared to Captain Morgan® Original Spiced Rum among consumers ages 21-34. The test was administered by the independent, third party research company, Radius Global Market Research LLC, 120 Fifth Avenue, New York, NY 10011.

This news follows the launch of last year’s “All in, All Heart” campaign which took aim at Captain Morgan. The bold campaign will continue, expanding targeted media efforts and promotions in the coming months, and mobilizing a program of consumer experiences across twelve key U.S. markets in tandem with top sporting events throughout the fall and winter seasons. Among the many exciting developments for the favored spiced rum, OAKHEART is also announcing that the brand will be packaged and positioned to stand alone from BACARDÍ®.

New Packaging 

Among the many exciting developments for the favored spiced rum, OAKHEART is letting consumers know that its product will stand alone from BACARDÍ, with new packaging that brings to life the authentic nature of the liquid meant for consumers to toast with their inner circle. The new OAKHEART packaging is designed to provide familiarity to the existing product, however the new direction is more classic and masculine in its style. The label now embodies both the OAKHEART brand and Americana spirit, with the new icon depicting a barrel with flames extending from each end over a pair of crossed axes – an homage to the charred American oak barrels in which OAKHEART is mellowed, and that are coopered in the American heartland.

“OAKHEART has emerged as a strong contender in the spiced rum category with its own strong identity,” said Nadine Iacocca, Brand Director, Rums for Bacardi in North America. “Created as a tribute to the closest of friends, ‘Heart’ pays homage to the bond between them, while ‘Oak’ is a salute to the strength of this bond. The positioning and new packaging is reflective of this spirit and will be brought to life through a U.S. advertising campaign running until December and experiential consumer activations beginning in October and running through March.”

The Brotherhood

 Timed around professional sporting events, and with the 21+ millennial male in mind, OAKHEART will challenge consumers as a Brotherhood to physical feats in key markets. Groups of friends will be asked to step up together to raise a flag mounted in a giant American oak barrel. If they succeed they will then be invited to “Take the Oakth,” initiating the team into the OAKHEART brotherhood by carving their name into the barrel, cementing their legacy and claiming victory as a pack. That barrel will then travel across the U.S. to subsequent events. The brand will also be teaming up with hometown heroes in select cities, kicking off in Philadelphia with the legendary former American football running back, Brian Westbrook, who will play host to the launch event and assist fans in the “Oakth” challenge on their paths to ultimate OAKHEART glory. Target markets include Pennsylvania, Michigan, Florida, Minnesota,California, Ohio, Wisconsin, Colorado, North Carolina, Illinois, Texas, and Indiana. These consumer events exemplify the “All in, All Heart” campaign that originally launched across four markets in 2015 with much success.

Marketing Campaign 

Advertising efforts will include targeted, localized tactics during key bonding occasions, tailgates, and sporting events in the digital, radio, social, and out-of-home landscapes. In addition to hyper-focused digital partnerships, consumers who are planning their weekend tailgates in key U.S. markets can expect a custom geo-targeted Snapchat filter from the brand, encouraging sports fans to stock up on OAKHEART for game day. Out-of-home will also focus on game days including mobile billboards and aerial banners in high-traffic areas with proximity to major stadiums. Additionally, the brand has partnered with Barstool Sports, a popular men’s satirical sports-focused, lifestyle blog, as the exclusive category partner for the Barstool Bar, where all Barstool video content and interviews with athletes are captured and shared with readers.

OAKHEART Genuine Spiced Rum is expertly crafted from heavily charred American oak barrels to give it a unique, smoky flavor before being filtered through charcoal, and then finished by adding a secret blend of spices. OAKHEART Spiced Rum is available nationwide starting at $14.99.

About OAKHEART® Genuine Spiced Rum

OAKHEART Genuine Spiced Rum was created as a toast to the closest of friends. The smooth and flavorful liquid is expertly crafted and aged for a minimum of one year in specially selected charred American Oak barrels to impart a hint of smokiness, then shaped through a secret blend of charcoals and finished by adding a secret blend of spices. The rum delivers the characteristics of oak barrel staves with the essence of bourbon or brandy, a hint of smoke from the charring process, background notes of dried fruit and heavy delivery of sweet creamy butterscotch. Notes of custard, maple and honey flavors coat the tongue and finishes with a touch of pepper.www.Oakheart.com

The OAKHEART Genuine Spiced Rum brand is part of the portfolio of Bacardi Limited, headquartered in Hamilton, Bermuda. Bacardi Limited refers to the Bacardi group of companies, including Bacardi International Limited.

Ron Barceló Launches Packaging Upgrade for Barceló Gran Añejo Rum

Ron Barceló, the globally renowned rum made in the Dominican Republic, has announced the U.S. launch of a packaging redesign for Barceló Gran Añejo Rum.  The change marks another step in the brand’s global initiative to continually reinvent itself by creating new offerings that generate consumer interest and trade excitement for the brand’s award winning rums.

The packaging upgrade comes as Barceló’s U.S. Importer, Shaw-Ross International Importers, looks to increase the availability of Barceló Gran Añejo amid the brand’s accelerating sales and the overall growth in the premium rum category.

The custom shape of the new 750 mL bottle of Barceló Gran Añejo stands taller and sleeker than the previous Gran Añejo bottle.   The look is more relevant and modern.   The noteworthy features of the new bottle are a stylish higher-quality closure, greater prominence for the brand’s embossed lion crest and a new design of the Barceló brand logo.  To increase visibility on store shelves and on back bars, the size of the Barceló brand logo and the size of the Gran Añejo descriptor have been increased.  Overall, the updated Gran Añejo package provides a better representation of the premium rum inside, which is not changing.

The new Barceló Gran Añejo package will begin rolling out at retail stores in the east coast markets of Florida, New Jersey and New York commencing November 2016.  By January 2017, the new Barceló Gran Añejo package will be available in all U.S. markets.

Mount Gay Unveils Volume Two In Its Limited-Edition Origin Series

Mount Gay Rum, the world’s oldest rum made in Barbados since 1703, is proud to present Origin Series: Volume Two, The Copper Stills Collection, the latest addition to its exclusive, limited-edition Origin Series.

Created by Master Blender Allen Smith, the small-batch release of tasting rums tells the story of two unique methods of distillation, Copper Pot and Copper Column. The pairing rums are identical in ingredients, fermentation and maturity, but differentiated by one thing – distillation. One rum is 100 percent distilled in a copper pot still and the other is 100 percent distilled in a copper column still.

“We created the Origin Series collections so that we could give rum drinkers the unique opportunity to experience rum by tasting the pure essence of the distinct distillation methods and a deeper understanding of how each part of the process can change the taste of rum entirely,” said Smith. “Copper Pot is a rich, intricate interpretation of signature Mount Gay aromatics, robust in flavor and body, while Copper Column is a delicate and mellow expression of our classic profile.”

While the Mount Gay flavor profile is typically achieved through the blending of both distillation styles, Volume Two was crafted to give consumers a deeper understanding of the subtleties imparted by each still to allow them to become a more informed rum drinker. The Copper Pot Rum features complex, interwoven notes of chocolate, coconut and almonds, while the Copper Column Rum is light-bodied with a short, crisp finish highlighted by floral and sweet fruit notes.

Rum aficionados can explore the different aromas and taste of the two rums side by side the Mount Gay way, neat or with a single cube.

Like Volume One of the Origin Series – which featured Virgin Cask and Charred Cask varieties – Volume Two will be presented in bespoke packaging as a 375ml pairing and comes with a detailed booklet that gives an overview of the creation of the two rums.

The collection will be available beginning October 2016 at premium liquor and spirits stores across the U.S, for a suggested retail price of $95.

For more information, visit www.mountgayrum.com or follow us at @MountGayRum onFacebook and Instagram.

About Mount Gay:

Every great story begins with a time and a place.A legal deed dated from 20th of February 1703 confirms the existence of a “pot still house” on our sugar cane Estate inBarbados, establishing us as the World’s oldest rum producer.

Our distillery name honors the pioneering Sir John Gay who perfected the distinctive Mount Gay style. Still today, only the finest sugar cane molasses and pure water filtered through the coral heart of the island are selected to create Mount Gay rums.

Perpetuating a long-standing Barbadian tradition for more than 310 years, Mount Gay rums are handcrafted from a blend of single column and double copper pot distillates and matured in toasted oak barrels, delivering aromatic, flavorful taste, body and refined character.

The Mount Gay portfolio includes the newly-launched Black Barrel, 1703 Old Cask Selection, Extra Old, Eclipse and Silver. Mount Gay is owned by Rémy-Cointreau SA.

For more information visit www.mountgay.com and www.facebook.com/mountgayrum.

Bayou Rum Celebrates National Rum Day with #MakeRumGreatAgain Sweepstakes

Winner will receive VIP trip and tour to discover the birthplace of America’s Rum

LACASSINE, LA – As National Rum Day approaches next week on Tuesday, August 16, Bayou Rum is celebrating with an end-of-summer social media sweepstakes. The brand’s new campaign, in partnership with Liquor.com, will award one lucky contestant a three-day Bayou Rum experience, featuring a VIP, behind-the-scenes tour of America’s largest, privately owned rum distillery.

To enter the contest, followers on Instagram and Twitter need to pick up an exclusive Bayou Rum National Rum Day coaster at a participating location, snap a rum cocktail photo with the pop-out gator, and tag @BayouRum and ?#‎MakeRumGreatAgain. The sweepstakes runs through Wednesday, August 31.

The winner will receive:

Roundtrip airfare for two

Room accommodations at The Golden Nugget, a 4-star luxury Hotel and Casino in Lake Charles, Louisiana

Tour of the largest privately distillery in the United States

Exclusive look at the gator trade industry

Founded in 2011 by brothers Tim and Trey Litel, alongside longtime friend Skip Cortese, Bayou Rum is handcrafted in traditional copper pot stills using fresh Louisiana sugarcane. The award-winning flavor has been recognized more than 80 times in tasting competitions across the globe. In January of 2016, New York-based Stoli Group® USA became the exclusive national distributor of the award-winning Bayou Rum and its family of America’s Rum®.

In addition to a state-of-the-art distillery, the 36,000 square-foot Bayou Rum property in Lacassine, Louisiana features a visitor center and gallery celebrating the state’s historic role as a sugar cane producer and rum distiller, a 109-year-old farmhouse, a tasting bar and a gift shop. Earlier this year, the Louisiana Travel Promotion Association named the distilleryLouisiana Attraction of the Year, solidifying its position as a premier travel destination in the Gulf South.

About Bayou™ Rum

Bayou Rum is America’s Rum® handcrafted from fresh Louisiana sugarcane for an award-winning flavor recognized more than 80 times in tasting competitions; distilled and bottled consistently with quality assurance at the largest private rum distillery in the USA. Bayou Select Rum is the finest expression of the Bayou Rum family consisting of Bayou Silver, Bayou Spiced, and Bayou Satsuma Rum Liqueur.

For more information, visit www.bayourum.com.

Stolen Spirits Releases Limited Edition Overproof Rum

Where there’s smoke… there’s fire. Stolen Spirits, creators of the world’s first smoked rum, is releasing an overproof rum, now available in key markets across the USA.

STOLEN discovered this juice at a historic, family-run distillery in Jamaica that’s over 250 years old, renowned for making some of the best heavy pot still rums in the world. It is the last of a 6-year aged, pot still rum made using hand harvested sugar cane grown by local farmers. The sugar cane mash is fermented using a proprietary yeast strand that is cultured in outdoor wood vats. The mash ferments for seven days in a selection of the distillery’s 50 different traditional cedar tanks. Utilizing mountain rain water collected by the estate’s own rain water retention system, the rum is distilled using very old, traditional pot stills… the same as those found in Scotland to make high flavor single malt whiskies. The distilled rum is then carefully matured in ex-whiskey barrels.

The result is a distinctively smooth 123 proof dark bronze rum with a flavor and profile that is nothing short of amazing. The nose is not the wet grass one might expect but rather offers a dose of white and black pepper spice married with charred oak and ripe banana. On the palate, there is a hint of charred vanilla along with notes of tangerine, banana, and pear. The rum has medium viscosity and lovely long legs, leaving a luscious light coat in your mouth.

“We consider ourselves to be extremely fortunate to have discovered this remarkable product. It’s rare to find a handcrafted rum of this proof and quality that’s been aged for six years,” said Samira Seiller, Global Managing Director of Stolen Spirits.

This is a limited release, with only 5000 cases of twelve x 375ml bottles. When it’s over, it’s over. And out.

About STOLEN http://www.thisisstolen.com

The STOLEN plot was hatched in 2010 when two rum-loving New Zealanders gave up the corporate grind to pursue their passion. They launched STOLEN out of their flat in Auckland, New Zealand, and introduced award-winning rums to Australia, New Zealand, and the US. STOLEN grew to a cult following of drinkers and bartenders from Auckland to Austin. Staying true to our craft, STOLEN unearths unique spirits of uncompromising quality that break with convention.

Plantation Pineapple Rum Wins Best New Product at 2016 Spirited Awards at Tales of the Cocktail

Plantation Pineapple Stiggins’ Fancy Rum was just named “Best New Product” at the 2016 Spirited Awards on Sat, July 23 at Tales of the Cocktail, a spirits and cocktail festival which this year was attended by more than 20,000 industry professionals and spirits enthusiasts. Maison Ferrand, the house that produces Plantation Rum, is the only company to receive this prestigious honor two times at Tales of the Cocktail. In 2012, Maison Ferrand won Best New Product for Pierre Ferrand 1840 Original Formula Cognac and in 2013, Pierre Ferrand Dry Curacao was a finalist for the same award.

Alexandre Gabriel, owner and cellar master of Maison Ferrand, is driven by a quest for excellence. The award honors the result of years of hard work. “These spirits are my life,” he says. “The fruit of a passion shared by a team that is on a mission. Our intense focus is perhaps what sets Pierre Ferrand, Plantation and Citadelle Gin apart from other spirits. I am grateful from the bottom of my heart to my entire team, as well as to the jury of Tales of the Cocktail for this wonderful distinction. Our mission is to amaze and bring pleasure through spirits of excellence and taste. We are a small but passionate team and the only company to receive top prize twice in the history of Tales of the Cocktail. Considering the level of competition this year, we receive this honor with great humility and are encouraged to continue the hard work. Indeed, we are currently working on new products that will surprise you all!”

The story of Plantation Pineapple Stiggins’ Fancy never included plans to market it. Indeed, it was a rum resulting from research that Alexandre Gabriel and his small team undertook along with his friend and oft-collaborator, David Wondrich. The two friends wished to create a pineapple rum, one similar to the favorite drink of Reverend Stiggins which is a character in Charles Dickens’ Pickwick Papers. Pineapple rum unfortunately disappeared in the late 19th century but by digging through old recipes and reinterpreting ingredients, Gabriel, Wondrich and the team ended up producing a special rum, named in honor of Reverend Stiggins, that they then shared with their friends at Tales of the Cocktail in New Orleans in 2014.

Gabriel explains how Stiggins’ Fancy came to be: “The pineapple rum experiment turned out delicious and we thought we would enjoy it, share it with our friends at Tales of the Cocktail and in New Orleans and then we would move on to other exciting experiments. We didn’t expect the overwhelming amount of praise from bartenders and aficionados who began to harass us to produce more. So we decided to make another batch and share it with even more friends and the rest is history.”

IMAGES/VIDEOS

This video featuring Gabriel and Wondrich reveals the work that goes into making Plantation Pineapple Rum: https://youtu.be/dYdei9uq6jo

High resolution bottle shot (photo credit: Maison Ferrand): https://www.dropbox.com/sh/lujno8m0kvtmdy1/AAAMBM5tQ7eHwaD4ZDcHyPvPa?dl=0

The 1824 Manhattan, made by Yannick Bucco, co proprietor of Willie Carter Sharpe bar in Montpellier, France: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0MwCqY7K9is&feature=youtu.be

Plantation Pineapple has also won “Best in Class” at the Miami Rum Festival 2015 and received a score of 94/100 by Drink Spirits magazine. Due to the seasonality of the special Queen Victoria pineapples used, Plantation Pineapple Rum is available as an annual limited edition item with delivery in April/May and July/August each year. Plantation Pineapple Stiggins’ Fancy Rum is available nationwide with a suggested retail price of $34.99/750ml.

TASTING NOTES, Plantation Pineapple Stiggins’ Fancy Rum (40% ABV/80 proof)

Delicious rich ho-go rum bouquet with a touch of smoke married with aromatic notes of tropical fruit, Pineapple, delicate citrus peel and a touch of clove. The palate reveals a full bodied rum with a satisfying mouth-feel of ripened banana, pineapple, with spices and a smoky finish. The term ho-go comes from the French term haut-gout, which means “high taste” and is used to describe rums showing a tremendous amount of flavors, due to long fermentation of the molasses and non-rectifying distillation in tiny pot stills.

ABOUT THE BEST NEW PRODUCT AWARD

The Spirited Awards title of “Best New Product” is particularly important because it is awarded by the most important event in its field, Tales of the Cocktail, a festival of educational seminars, events and tastings for the spirits community. This year is the 14th annual Tales, attracting no less than 20,000 bartenders and enthusiasts from around the world. This award recognizes the item that has made the most significant impact on the cocktail and bar industry in the past year. Up for consideration are cocktail ingredients (spirit, liqueur, tonic, bitters, syrup or garnish) that bartenders might use at home or at their bar for improved cocktail service. To be considered for this award, products must have been launched between April 1, 2015 and March 31, 2016 and must be available for purchase.

ABOUT MAISON FERRAND and PLANTATION RUM

Plantation Rum is produced by Maison Ferrand, one of the world’s premier boutique producer of fine spirits and the architect of the artisanal spirits movement. Maison Ferrand has offices and production premises at Château de Bonbonnet in Ars, France and its brands are distributed in more than 40 countries. The brands available in the U.S. include the award-winning: Pierre Ferrand Cognac, Citadelle Gin, Mathilde Liqueurs, Plantation Rum, Landy Cognac, Cerbois Armagnac and Daron Calvados. Deutsch Family Wine & Spirits is the importer of the aforementioned brands to the U.S. For more information about Maison Ferrand, visithttp://www.maisonferrand.com/ or on Facebook.

The award-winning Plantation Rum portfolio includes rums from: Barbados, Guyana, Jamaica, Panama, St. Lucia and Trinidad. They are available in fine restaurants, bars, lounges and liquor stores nationwide. For more information, visit www.plantationrum.com or www.facebook.com/PlantationRum.

Dented Brick Distillery’s Antelope Island Rum Launches in Utah

The State of Utah’s Department of Alcoholic Beverage control has accepted delivery of the first stocking order of Antelope Island Rum. The rum should be on store shelves this week. Distilled by Utah’s own Dented Brick Distillery, Antelope Island Rum exclusively uses Organic Green Cane Sugar and non-GMO molasses as its base.

“The rum category has seen significant growth over the past three years, specifically with bartenders and cocktail enthusiasts, so we made it our mission to create the right product that would satisfy their discerning palates,” said Marc Christensen, manager at Dented Brick.

“We know authentic rum flavor and taste come from innovating while honoring the history of rum and rum making. Firmly rooted in the tradition of the finest rums, we mash, ferment, and distill on site using only the highest quality ingredients – organic sugar cane, non-GMO molasses, aromatic yeast, and chemical free water from our artesian well, drilled by the original property owners, to make our Estate distilled craft spirit. From the expert manufacturing process to the quality organic and non-GMO ingredients, this liquid stands above other white rums on the market today. Dented Brick’s Antelope Island Rum is what the label says it is. No GNS. No chemicals or flavorings. Nothing but organic green cane sugar and non-GMO molasses.”

Dented Brick Antelope Island Rum will carry an MSRP in the US of $26.95 for a 750ml bottle.

Antelope Island, the inspiration for our rum, is in the southern part of the Great Salt Lake. Rum generally requires an Island or a Pirate for inspiration, and our own local island provides plenty of history and characters for inspiration. In 1845, Kit Carson and John C. Fremont were the first non-natives to visit what is known today as Antelope Island State Park. This Great Salt Lake island is home to the Fielding Garr Ranch, where the 1848 homestead is not only the state’s oldest Anglo-American building still on its original foundation, but is also the oldest building continuously lived in for the longest amount of time. Located near the Dented Brick Distillery, the island is home to numerous pronghorn, for which it was named and, at one point in its ranching history, imported a Bison herd of 12 when there were fewer than 1,000 bison left in all of North America. Since then, the island’s herd has grown to around 600 head and is one of the oldest publicly owned bison herds in the United States. The herd is also recognized as a heritage breed, with desirable traits important to maintaining foundation stock.

Pronghorn and bighorn sheep were reintroduced to the island in the ’90s to restore the populations of the island’s original wildlife, which include mule deer, coyote, and numerous species of birds and waterfowl. For a number of years, the waterfowl population even included a pink flamingo that had escaped from a nearby zoo.

Today bricks from the well-driller’s original home represent the Dented Brick Distillery brand and are a part of the distillery, creating the juxtaposition of history and technology, the history of craft spirit and the improved technological components of today’s distilleries. The hi-tech tools of the trade are the 28-foot tall Vendome Copper Still, stainless steel fermentation tanks, temperature gauges, and pumps – but it still takes the passion and skills of our head distiller to produce the exceptional small batch taste of Antelope Island Rum – white rum in the finest rum tradition.

From the beginning, the 14,000 square foot building was designed and built to be a distillery, set up to meet the coming demand for high quality, competitively priced, Estate produced craft spirits. The initial design will produce up to 3000 9L cases a month, but future capacity expansion has been integrated into the plans. Dented Brick Distillery can support large domestic and international distribution supply chains.

Kirk & Sweeney 12 Year Old Rum Review

Name: Kirk & Sweeney 12 Year Rum

ABV: 40%

Proof: 80

Nose: Butterscotch, Oak, Vanilla

Palate: Butterscotch, Honey, Cedar

Finish: Moderate with a thick molasses mouthfeel and maple syrup, vanilla, and honey throughout that lingers for a bit before slowly fading.

Overall: On the nose I was greeted with notes of butterscotch, vanilla, and oak. At first sip I was greeted with a noticeable butterscotch flavor upfront with some honey and cedar flavors on the backend. There were also some additional wood and earthy flavors mixed in which provided a bit of a twist. The finish was moderate with maple syrup, vanilla, and honey flavors throughout which seemed to linger for just the right amount of time before slowly fading away. The mouthfeel was thick with this rum with a molasses or syrup texture. I sipped this one neat and on the rocks and I enjoyed it both ways. Overall, this is a nice sipping rum. To me it was a nice go to after a meal as the flavors reminded me of a dessert. This Dominican Rum is packaged in a beautiful bottle with an old world map on the side. For about $40 a bottle this is one rum that you will want to have on your shelf.

Zaya 12 Year Old Rum Review

Name: Zaya 12 year Old Rum

ABV: 40%

Proof: 80

Nose: Vanilla, Molasses, Almonds, Cinnamon

Palate: Vanilla, Allspice, Tobacco, Oranges

Finish: Moderate with vanilla and almonds throughout and a slight burn at the end

Overall: On the nose it is vanilla up front with some notes of molasses, almonds, and cinnamon. At first sip I was greeted with a nice vanilla flavor up front much like the aroma of this rum, the flavors of allspice and robust tobacco followed, opened up room for a nice citrus flavor to come in, mainly oranges. The finish was moderate with vanilla and almonds prominent and a slight burn at the end. This rum can easily be a sipper but it does just as well in a cocktail. I had the pleasure of trying this in a dark and stormy and thought it really hit the spot on a hot day. Overall, this is a great rum for sipping neat or making cocktails. It won’t break the bank and it it’s flavor profile is simple and straightforward. At around $35 a bottle, it is priced right in my opinion.

Havana Club Puerto Rican Rum Unveils Añejo Clásico and “The Golden Age, Aged Well” Campaign

New, dark rum variant will stand alongside HAVANA CLUB Añejo Blanco with new packaging

Coral Gables, Fla. June 1, 2016 – Marking two decades of U.S. presence and celebrating the peak of Cuba’s cultural resurgence, HAVANA CLUB™ Puerto Rican rum is rolling out an exciting national market expansion. The expansion features new bottle packaging, the introduction of a dark rum variant, HAVANA CLUB Añejo Clásico, to complement the existing HAVANA CLUB Añejo Blanco offering, and the launch of a new brand campaign titled “The Golden Age, Aged Well.” The HAVANA CLUB Añejo Clásico will make its debut in Florida this June, with expansion continuing throughout the United States this summer.

Following the distribution in Florida, both rums will rollout nationally in Colorado, Georgia, Illinois, New Jersey, Nevada, New York, Pennsylvania and Texas beginning in July and August. The remaining states will start to see HAVANA CLUB in their local liquor stores and high-end restaurants in September.

HAVANA CLUB rum is based on the original recipe created by the Arechabala family in Cuba in 1934, capturing the exuberant spirit of the Golden Age in Havana, a period of time that spanned from the 1920s, when people flocked to the island during prohibition, through the 1950s when everything stylish and glamorous reigned supreme. HAVANA CLUB rums are premium, aged rums, distilled and finely crafted in Puerto Rico, comprised of HAVANA CLUB Añejo Blanco and HAVANA CLUB Añejo Clásico.

As an ode to the family that produced rum for generations, the crest on every bottle is a reminder of the brand’s gilded origins. Further celebrating the rums’ Cuban historical heritage and the decadence of the island’s best-known era, HAVANA CLUB rums will feature brand new packaging design inspired by the brand’s rich history and original packaging to stay true to the brand’s foundation. The sleek, yet timeless-feeling, bottles feature a center seal which has been prominently featured on packaging and advertising since the brands inception in 1934. The crest, created by the Arechabala family, is surrounded by hand-lettered typography reminiscent of this lively, bygone time period.

Enjoyed by visitors to Cuba from across the globe between 1934 and 1960, the original HAVANA CLUB was a widely beloved rum and it was Ramon Arechabala himself, great-grandson of the brand’s founder Jose Arechabala, who personally transcribed the recipe that was sold to Bacardi as part of the agreement between the two family companies.

“This is the ultimate convergence of two Cuban families in exile coming together to continue the legacy of this incredible brand and introduce it to a new generation,” said Fabio Di Giammarco, global vice president of rums for Bacardi. “We are thrilled to launch HAVANA CLUB Añejo Clásico and share it, alongside HAVANA CLUB Añejo Blanco, with the support of the ‘The Golden Age, Aged Well’ creative campaign, which highlights the stunning Cuban historical period during which this rum was most revered. It is an honor that the Arechabala family has entrusted us to continue their family’s legacy and have no doubt that we’ll be able to bring to life all the things that made it a legendary brand.”

To create HAVANA CLUB Añejo Clásico, the rum begins with bases that are mellowed in oak casks between one to three years, before being chosen for selective filtration and blending. Upon blending, the Master Blenders return the rum to oak casks for a second mellowing period of at least three months for additional smoothness. The result is a golden liquid with robust notes of sweet fruits akin to pineapple and apricot, complemented by oaky notes with hints of almond and vanilla.

Each bottle of HAVANA CLUB Añejo Blanco is created with only the finest sugarcane molasses and is double aged in oak barrels while the Caribbean climate of Puerto Rico works its magic. The premium rum is made with bases that are aged for a single year, before selective filtration and blending. After they are blended, the Master Blenders return the rum to oak casks for a second aging period of at least two months. The result is a silver liquid with sweet notes reminiscent of tropical fruits and floral notes.

“Our family could not be happier that Bacardi is launching HAVANA CLUB Añejo Clásico, which is based on the original recipe created by the Arechabala family in 1934,” said Jose Arechabala, a great-grandson of founder Jose Arechabala Aldama. “Our families knew each other before we were both exiled from Cuba, and with Bacardi being the premiere rum company in the world, it’s only fitting that they continue our legacy by paying proper homage to the capital city of Cuba, a place we once called home.”

Along with the new product and packaging, the brand is also introducing a new creative ad campaign, “The Golden Age, Aged Well,” which evokes the glamorous, effervescent feeling of the Golden Era in Cuba and pays tribute to the historical Cuban Golden Age heritage of HAVANA CLUB. Tag lines for the ad campaign include “The Freedom, The Decadence, The Dazzle, The Glamour. If Only Someone Had Bottled It,” “Even A Revolution Couldn’t Topple The Rum,” and “Always True To Its Rumba Loving Soul.”

With a focus on Miami, Atlanta, Chicago, Dallas, Houston, San Antonio, Denver, Las Vegas, New York City, and Philadelphia, the advertising campaign will be executed through programmatic buying to distribute high-impact and native media including custom videos and cocktail education, reaching a sophisticated consumer through private marketplaces, geo-based spot and digital radio and mobile location. Out-of-Home advertising will be implemented throughout Miami, Fla.

HAVANA CLUB Añejo Blanco has a suggested retail price of $19.99 and HAVANA CLUB Añejo Clásico for $21.99. The ultimate addition to any serve,HAVANA CLUB Añejo Blanco’s signature cocktails include the Canchanchara and Havana Especial, while HAVANA CLUB Añejo Clásico boasts the Rum Mule and 1934 as its go-to recipes. For more information, please visit www.havanaclubus.com.

About HAVANA CLUB Rums

HAVANA CLUB rum is based on the original recipe created by the Arechabala family in Cuba in 1934. The recipe was personally transcribed by Ramon Arechabala and given to Bacardi as part of the agreement between the two family companies. In 1995, with the Arechabalas’ agreement, Bacardi re-launched HAVANA CLUB in the United States. HAVANA CLUB is comprised of HAVANA CLUB Añejo Blanco and the newly released HAVANA CLUB Añejo Clásico, two ultra-smooth, premium, aged rums, distilled and finely crafted in Puerto Rico.www.havanaclubus.com

The HAVANA CLUB brand is part of the portfolio of Bacardi Limited, headquartered in Hamilton, Bermuda. Bacardi Limited refers to the Bacardi group of companies, including Bacardi International Limited.

Campari America Introduces The Baron Samedi Spiced Rum

Campari America Introduces Intriguing New Story to the Category

SAN FRANCISCO (June 2, 2016) – Campari America introduces a new deviously delightful addition to its award-winning rum portfolio – The Baron Samedi® Spiced Rum – named for the Haitian guardian of all things enchantingly dark and otherworldly. Bursting with flavor, the 90-proof spirit is now available in select US markets nationwide.

Known to be raucous and unruly, the Baron Samedi is one of the most notorious Vodou figures and has existed in the Haitian Vodou culture since the 18th century. He is pictured as tall, dark and handsome, wearing a black top hat and black tuxedo. Frequently, he is called on for healing those near death, as only the Baron can shepherd an individual’s spirit into the realm of the dead. His drink of choice? Rum.

Featuring Caribbean column still rum enhanced with Jamaican pot still rum, The Baron Samedi features natural ingredients including vanilla, cocoa, cinnamon, clove, and our signature spice, vetiver – a grass native to Haiti that lends a fantastic woody and earthy flavor to the product. The rum is smooth and rich, and was specifically blended to be paired with traditional mixers such as cola or ginger beer, or enjoyed as a shot.

The standout packaging features 13 unique hand-illustrated elements with the portrait of Baron Samedi being the 14th element – inspired by his Caribbean home, the label is abstract, mysterious, and multifaceted – an intriguing puzzle you can’t help but be enticed by. The illustration of a spotted breasted frog, native to Haiti, is revealed on the inside of the front label as the rum is consumed. The closure features Vodou Veve inspired adornments.

“The Baron Samedi delivers an exceptional liquid and tells a different backstory to the nautical themes that dominate the spiced rum category today,” said Christine Moll, Marketing Director for Rums at Campari America. “The compelling story, standout packaging, and delicious liquid complements our premium rum portfolio, which also includes the award winning Appleton® EstateJamaica Rum and Wray & Nephew® White Overproof Rum brands.”

The Baron Samedi joins a spiced rum category that doubled in size globally from 2000 to 2010 (source: IWSR), and a premium rum segment that demonstrates increasing volume levels and continued growth by the category’s top brands. The Baron Samedi Spiced Rum will be available in Colorado, Georgia, Indiana, Louisiana, Massachusetts, Michigan, Missouri, South Carolina, Tennessee and Wisconsin. The price point for a 750ml bottle is $21.99.

About Campari America

Campari America is a wholly owned subsidiary of Davide Campari-Milano S.p.A. (Reuters CPRI.MI – Bloomberg CPR IM). At the heart of Campari America are two legends in the American spirits industry. The first, Skyy Spirits, was founded in San Francisco back in 1992 by the entrepreneur who invented iconic SKYY Vodka. The second is the world-famous Wild Turkey Distillery in Lawrenceburg, Kentucky, where they have been making the world’s finest whiskies since the 1800’s. Both companies were purchased by Davide Campari-Milano and together they form Campari America, which has built a portfolio unrivaled in its quality, innovation and style, making it a top choice among distributors, retailers and consumers. Campari America manages Gruppo Campari’s portfolio in the US with such leading brands as SKYY® Vodka, SKYY Infusions®, Campari®, Aperol®, Wild Turkey® Straight Kentucky Bourbon, American Honey®, Russell’s Reserve®, Glen Grant® Single Malt Scotch Whisky, Forty Creek® CanadianWhisky, Cabo Wabo® Tequila, Espolón® Tequila, Appleton® Estate Rum, Wray & Nephew® Rum, Coruba® Rum, Ouzo 12®, X-Rated® Fusion Liqueur®, Frangelico®, Cynar®, Averna®, Braulio®, Carolans Irish Cream®, Irish Mist® Liqueur, Sagatiba® Cachaça and Jean-Marc XO Vodka®. Campari America is also the exclusive US distributor of BULLDOG® Gin.

Campari America is headquartered in San Francisco, California. More information on the company can be found at www.campariamerica.com, www.facebook.com/campariamerica, Twitter: @CampariAmerica and www.camparigroup.com. Please enjoy Campari America brands responsibly and in moderation.