Ten
years ago, blended Scotch whisky was described as an “old man’s drink”. It was viewed with a mix of suspicion and contempt by the
glitterati. Now it’s so fashionable
that even David Beckham is associating himself with it. 10 years ago the only rum deal to be done
was for light or white rums. Today,
big bold dark rums are back in vogue. All
spirits categories, the most surprising renaissance has been dark rums. Rum is in a unique position in that, while
other spirits are overwhelmingly dark, light or white, rum can be all
three. Throw in category
distractions such as spiced and flavored rums; you have the most versatile
spirit categories ever. 
“Our view is that the
general outlook for rum has never been so good,” he says. “In each of our
markets, lights are turning to green, with a surging interest from
professionals and individuals, and more especially for premium and ultra-premium
aged rums.” There is more and
more interest in the premium range of fine dark rums and more and more
producers creating expressions for this growing interest. In talking with many of the better master
blenders and distillers, I find that there is little interest but the public in
new standard white rums, but rather premium quality rums in the white, gold,
and dark expressions.
As a purchaser of rums
for the Rum Bar in Key West, I find it easier to sell the premium and ultra-premium
lines than the lesser expressions. In
the past seven or eight years this is beginning to be more and more noticeable. The days of dark rums an coke or some other disguising
mix are disappearing in a hurry, being replaced by “dark rum neat or with maybe
a cube or two of ice.
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| Tito Cordero with Diplomatico Single Vintage |
There have been a good
number of very interesting single vintage and single estate rums appearing on
the market these days. These are all
very nice sippers, and rums that really are becoming popular with the rum
lovers from everywhere. Rum’s
long history from the days of being called “kill devil” because of its horrid taste
and burn, to today when it is one of the finest tasting dark spirits
around. Rum has few rules and the creativity
of the producers has led to very unique flavor profiles that seem to find a
palate for every one of them.
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