The Rum Lab
Topic: Visiting Edmundo B. Fernández Inc. (Ron Del Barrilito) with Luis Planas - VP & Master Blender
Guest Speaker: Luis Planas - VP & Master Blender
What You'll Learn: Many people talk about the wonderful experience they had at Hacienda Santa Ana the home of Edmundo B. Fernåndez Inc were Ron del Barrilito is elaborated. Luis Planas - VP & Master Blender will talk in depth about the brand and its history.
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Topic: Introduction to the International Sugarcane Spirits Awards
Guest Speaker: Ian Burrell, Cyrille Hugon, and Cyrille Mald
What You'll Learn:
The International Sugarcane Spirits Awards (ISS Awards) is a promising new competition aiming to become the world’s leading authority on sugarcane spirits. With leadership from Ian Burrell, Cyrille Hugon, and Cyrille Mald, the competition brings expertise from both the Paris and London Rum Festivals. Add in a global lineup of stellar judges, and rum brands and consumers can expect an honest evaluation of sugarcane spirits.
The judging panel consists of trusted authorities recognized for their depth of experience with rum and sugarcane spirits, including Dirk Becker, Isadora Bello Fornari, Lisette Davis, Emiliano Fernandez-Peña, John Gibbons, Jerry Gitany, Marco Graziano, Peter Holland, Suzanne Lone, Matt Pietrek, and others to be announced.
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Topic: Truth in Alcohol Labeling
Guest Speaker: Bailey Pryor - Founder & C.E.O
What You'll Learn: The Real McCoy 100 Proof Limited Edition is the FIRST alcohol brand in the United States to voluntarily list both Ingredients and Serving Facts on the bottle label. This information is verified by an independent 3rd party testing agency named BDAS in Lexington, KY. These labels are government approved by the TTB in the United States, signifying a milestone step toward real transparency in the beverage alcohol industry. “We think 3rd party verified transparency is key to building consumer confidence in beverage alcohol, especially in the premium rum sector. Hopefully other brands will join The Real McCoy rum in voluntarily disclosing their 3rd party verified Ingredients and Serving Facts. Consumer have a right to know whats in their favorite beverages, just like they do with their favorite foods.” - Bailey Pryor, Founder & CEO, The Real McCoy Rum.
About Bailey Pryor:
Inspired by real-life Prohibition-era rum-runner Bill McCoy, filmmaker Bailey Pryor launched The Real McCoy rum in 2013—the same year he won five Emmy Awards for the documentary he wrote and directed about Bill McCoy. During the making of the movie, Pryor decided to create a rum like the one McCoy smuggled from the Caribbean to New York in the 1920s. While many other bootleggers diluted their alcohol with turpentine or prune juice, McCoy’s rums were pure and uncut, earning them the moniker “The Real McCoy.”
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Topic: The life richness of Abuelo Rum
Guest Speaker: Hedi Berkaoui - Ron Abuelo Brand Ambassador
What You'll Learn: Hedi - Brand Ambassador will share why Ron Abuelo is the “CHOICE” for those who enjoy the best what life has to offer.
About Hedi Berkaoui
Proud of 15 years in the hospitality industry, I have started my career right after graduating in Hôtellerie & Restauration in France. Initially formed to be working as a Chef de Rang & Maitre d’Hôtel, I fell in love almost immediately with the world of Bartending and spirit mixing, from Barback for Buddha-Bar Paris to Brand Development Manager for Hi-Spirits in London. In 2017, I became part of the Ron Abuelo Family as Brand Ambassador of UK, France, Belgium, Luxembourg & Switzerland.
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Topic: The purpose of the Rhum Agricole Tour
Guest Speaker:
- Benoit Bail- Co-Founder of The Rhum Agricole Tour + La Confrérie du Rhum
- Christelle Trenov - US Brand Ambassador for H.S.E Rhum Agricole
- Suzanne Long - Founder of the Rum Academy
What You'll Learn: The Rhum Agricole Tour was created by Jerry Jitany and Benoit Bail as a way to introduce & promote a variety of Martinique Rhums to different consumers and professionals around the world. Suzanne Long is their partner in crime for activations that take place on the West Coast of the USA. Christelle is actually represents H.S.E Rhum. During the presentation we will learn more about the program and benefits its presented Rhum Agricole brands.
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Topic: BIt takes guts to build a brand + event"
Guest Speaker:
- Pete Nevenglosky- Co-Founder of Avuá Cachaça & Tiki by the Sea
- Steva Casey - Managing Producer of Tiki by the Sea
What You'll Learn: One should admire Pete Nevenglosky entrepreneurship. He's the Co-Founder of Avuá Cachaça & Tiki by the Sea. If you read the news, Pete Nevenglosky is currently very active raising funds to keep his company growing. On the other hand, Steva Casey - Managing producer of Tiki by the Sea will join our meeting to talk about an event that continues impacting the beverage trade . industry
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Topic: Breaking Down Ron Barceló ONYX - Infographic
Guest Speaker: Otto Flores - Global Brand Ambassador
What You'll Learn: Using The Rum Lab's newest infographic (Knowledge about Ron Barceló ONYX ) as a guide, the Global Brand Ambassador Otto Flores will help viewers deepen their understanding of rum expression.
About Otto Flores:
A business professional with a vast expertise and master’s degree in Management and Productivity. Proactive and oriented towards analytical and strategic objectives with more than a decade of experience in various administrative areas.
Barceló Brand Ambassador by vocation; an aptitude developed and strengthened through studies conducted in areas such as oenology, sugar cane as a raw material, rums and spirits in general. Faithful prophet of the experience lived when tasting Barceló and a member of this prestigious brand since 2012.
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Topic: Picking Carol Homer-Caesar Brain as a Master Blender
Guest Speaker: Carol Homer-Caesar Brain
What You'll Learn: Every week, TheRumLab features a member of Women Leading Rum in our newsletter to thousands of rum aficionados. Now, you'll be able to ask each featured member questions live and learn from their experiences in rum! This week let's talk with Carol Homer-Caesar.
About Carol Homer-Caesar:
Master Blender, presently Ag Executive-Operations but substantive portfolio is Senior Manager- Quality Assurance, Blending & New Product Development. Joined Angostura Ltd. in 1995.
About Angostura Distillery:
Angostura is one of the Caribbean’s leading rum producers with a superb collection of rum brands and is the world’s market leader for bitters. These include rum brands like Angostura 1824, Angostura 1787, Angostura 1919, Angostura 7 year old rum, Angostura 5 year old, Angostura Reserva, Angostura Single Barrel, White Oak, Forres Park Puncheon, Fernandes Black Label, Royal Oak, and the Angostura AMARO, Angostura orange bitters, Angostura aromatic bitters and a signature beverage, Angostura Lemon Lime and Bitters. Angostura aromatic bitters has not been changed since the first bottle was introduced to the world in 1824.
Besides being a Royal Warrant holder to the Queen of England for its Angostura aromatic bitters, the company has successfully marketed its iconic bitters globally and has a geographic reach into 170 markets.
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Topic: Virtual Tour - Antigua Distillery + Conversations w/ Calbert Francis
Guest Speakers: Calbert Francis - USA Sales & Marketing Director
What You'll Learn: Calbert Francis is going to show us glimpse of the Antigua Distillery. I (Fede) haven't seen it, so I hope others that have or haven't join us. Calbert will also share more information about the current plans for their flagship rum - English Harbour Rum.
About Calbert Francis
Calbert Francis is a self taught bartender who moved through the ranks in the Hospitality Industry in Antigua. He graduated from Bartender to Mixologist, to Bar Supervisor then on to Bar Manager. Seeking a greater challenge he then moved into promotions for a local liquor distribution company (Premier Beverages) and just like his progression in the Hospitality Industry, his elevation continued as he moved from Promotions Coordinator into Sales, then Brand Management to his current position Sales and Marketing Manager for the Antigua Distillery Ltd with responsibility for the US Domestic and Duty Free markets.
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Time: 1pm PST / 4pm EST / 9pm BST
Topic: Sourcing Rum with E&A Scheer BV
Guest Speakers: Carsten Vlierboom (CEO) & Niels Benschop (COO)
What You'll Learn: Did you know many of the rums we buy are sourced from third party companies that purchase rum in bulk from distilleries all over the world? This has been practiced for centuries, and no company has been doing it longer than E&A Scheer in Amsterdam. During this livestream, you'll get a glimpse into E&A Scheer HQ, plus an in-depth conversation with Carsten Vlierboom (CEO & Master Blender) & Niels Benschop (COO).
About Carsten Vlierboom
After graduating from one of the top Hotel Management Schools in the world, my destiny was to provide great service to guests staying at fine hotels, but my career took another path. Military service brought me to the Dutch Air Force, into logistics, and from there I moved into Pharmaceutical wholesale until a headhunter suggested my talents were needed with a family company they knew. I walked into E&A Scheer 25 years ago and found a great Rum company and the Spirits industry which has kept me smiling ever since. Now I get to provide users of bulk Rum with great service in supplying custom made Rum blends every day of my working life.
About Niels Benschop
A proud father of two who loves to balance my passion for food and drinks with an active lifestyle. As a food and spirit enthusiast, it is my worst fear is to run out of new taste and flavour experiences. Having worked in the food industry for most of my career, I now get the chance to work for an icon in the rum industry, E&A Scheer, as Chief Commercial Officer. As I am very new in the Rum world, I am eager to get to know the people, products, and stories that drive the business and of course try creating new history.
Pict by CocktailWonk
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Topic: Infographic - Learning about Auténtico Nativo Rum
Guest Speaker: Ricardo Gonzalez
What You'll Learn: Using The Rum Lab's newest infographic (Knowledge about Autentico Nativo Overproof Rum) as a guide,the founder of the brand Ricardo Rodriguez will help viewers deepen their understanding of rum expression.
Please click here to join our monthly subscription plan & view previous Livestream. Your help is highly appreciated.
Topic: Cuban Rum Moments Guest: Audrey Hands - Havana Club Global Brand Ambassador What You'll Learn: Every week, TheRumLab features a member of Women Leading Rum in our newsletter to thousands of rum aficionados. Now, you'll be able to ask each featured member questions live and learn from their experiences in rum! This week lets talk about Havana Club Cuban Rum About Audrey Hands Half French, half English, I grew up in London and started working in hospitality from the age of 15, gaining experience in this sector in London, Italy and Australia; I was fortunate to be able to combine my passions for travel (cultures & languages of the world) and bartending (working with ingredients and people at all times). After graduating in Hispanic and Portuguese studies in King’s College London, my interest grew vastly in Latin spirits, specializing in Rum and Tequila. My expertise was strengthened when I joined Pernod Ricard in 2014 as a brand ambassador in Australia, the following year I joined Havana Club International to work on the brand internationally. As Havana Club Global Brand Ambassador, I focus on building awareness of Cuban rum via communication, events and education, market planning and trade advocacy strategy. I´m working closely with bartenders and entrepreneurs in the industry, collaborating with bars around the world.
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Topic: Cane 101 - What is Rum Guest Speaker: Shannon Mustipher Brief: On April 8th The Rum Lab will release its newest Infographic "What is Rum". During the Live Stream, Shannon Mustipher will guide viewers about the basics of rum. About Shannon Mustipher:
Shannon Mustipher is an author, spirits educator, and expert on the topic of rum and cane spirits. Since 2014, she has helmed the bar program at Glady’s Caribbean in Brooklyn, and has poured cocktails in settings ranging from neighborhood pubs to Michelin restaurants.
In addition to working with spirits brands across a range of categories, she is one of the founders of Women Who Tiki, a roving tropical cocktail-centric pop up that features the talents of women bartenders in venues across the US.
Shannon’s writing, cocktail recipes, and opinions have been featured in a number of publications and media outlets, including Sevenfifty.com (Sevenfifty Drunks Innovators 2019), Imbibe Magazine (Imbibe 75 to Watch 2019), WNYC/NPR, The LA Times, Punch.com, GQ.com, Liquor.com, and New York Magazine.
Her first book, TIKI: Modern Tropical Cocktails (Rizzoli/Universe) was released in Spring 2019.
Topic: Angostura - Virtual Distillery Tour w/ Raymond Edwards Guest Speaker: Raymond Edwards - Chief Brand Educator Angostura Limited What You'll Learn: Raymon will take us a guided tour of Angostura Distillery. Learn what makes Angostura Distillery a global company & some of its product a bar staple brand. About Angostura Distillery: Angostura is one of the Caribbean’s leading rum producers with a superb collection of rum brands and is the world’s market leader for bitters. These include: rum brands like Angostura® 1824, Angostura® 1787, Angostura® 1919, Angostura® 7 year old rum, Angostura® 5 year old, Angostura® Reserva, Angostura® Single Barrel, White Oak, Forres Park Puncheon, Fernandes Black Label, Royal Oak, and the Angostura® AMARO, Angostura® orange bitters, Angostura® aromatic bitters and a signature beverage Angostura® Lemon Lime and Bitters. Angostura® aromatic bitters has not been changed since the first bottle was introduced to the world in 1824. Besides being a Royal Warrant holder to the Queen of England for its Angostura® aromatic bitters, the company has successfully marketed its iconic bitters globally and has a geographic reach into 170 markets.
Topic: Foursquare Rum Guest: Richard Seale Brief: Richard Seale shares interesting information about Foursquare Rum. About Richard: Richard Seale today is the master distiller and blender at both Foursquare Distiller & R. L. Seal based out of the island of Barbados. He is the great-grandson of the original Reginald Leon Seale who founded the company in 1926, making him the fourth generation to work in the family rum business. Foursquare Distillery presently produced the following rum: FourSquare Rum, Real McCoy, Old Brigand, Doorly’s, Rum 66, and R.L. Seale.
Topic: Behind the scenes at Flor de Caña. Brief: Mauricio Solorzano (Flor de Caña Global Brand Ambassador) talks about 4 key components of the Nicaraguense family company. Quick history facts: This story began 1875 when Alfredo Francisco Pellas Canessa, a young adventurer from Genoa, Italy, risked everything by leaving behind his family and the comforts of the old continent to travel to the exotic country of Nicaragua. Initially, he invested in a shorter and safer steam boat route through Nicaragua to transport passengers and goods from the East Coast of the US to the West Coast during the height of the California Gold Rush. The route was a huge success, but when news broke about the construction of the Panama Canal and the U.S. coast-to-coast railroad, Alfredo Francisco knew it was time to set out on a new adventure. In 1890, he found the perfect setting for the Flor de Caña distillery at the base of the San Cristóbal volcano, the tallest and most active volcano in Nicaragua. The fertility of its surrounding lands, the enriched water and the hot volcanic climate proved to be instrumental in forging the rum’s unique and distinguished character. Through its 130-year history, the brand, the company and the family have lived through a plane crash, a civil war, nationalizations, hyperinflation, fires, hurricanes, earthquakes and volcanic eruptions. Throughout all this, and against all odds, the company has also been able to remain a family business for five generations:
Only 3 in 10,000 family businesses make it to the 5th generation!
About: Mauricio Solorzano Born in Nicaragua in April 1964. Earned a degree in Public Relations in Costa Rica. Mauricio has worked for Flor de Caña Rum for more than 20 years and is currently the Global Brand Ambassador. This position has allowed him to represent the brand in more than 30 countries, introducing thousands to the world of super premium rums and sharing with pride the Flor de Caña story.
Self-starter, explorer, rum aficionado. Challenges drive me. I have been based in NY since summer 2019 to support HSE growth within the US. Even though I am only 23 years old, I have decided to enter the industry 5 years ago. I graduated from the wine and spirits management program at KEDGE business school in Bordeaux and have the WSET 3 in wine. I find in wine and spirit a certain type of unmeasured treasure – the beauty of transmission from a generation to another, the know-how and traditions combined with innovation. I also love how close spirit production and history are related. You learn about spirits, you learn about a country.
Industry Monday's - Join Federico Hernandez from TheRumLab as he deep dives (it's really shallow) around the world of Rum.. Topic: Starting a New Rum Brand Guest: Eric Kaye founder of Holmes Cay Rum About Eric: I’m a New Yorker and longtime rum aficionado. I have also been a producer and composer of music for film, TV and commercials for the past 25 years. In 2019, I created the US independent bottling company Holmes Cay with one simple premise: to seek out the world’s best rums and release them unadulterated and at cask strength. A devoted scuba diver for more than 30 years, I’ve traveled the world, having visited more than 100 countries. Throughout those travels, which included nearly every island in the Caribbean, I came across spectacular rums never seen in the States. In Europe too, I discovered other incredible Caribbean rums, many bottled at cask strength, and almost completely unknown back home. I wanted to bring these rums home and share them with American lovers of rum and fine spirits, and thus Holmes Cay was born.
