Hamilton 86 Ministry of Rum Collection Demerara River. Edward Hamilton is a well known figure in the rum world. His knowledge has been built up by sailing around the Caribbean islands and he has been an active writer, importer, rum-runner, brand owner and enthusiastic supporter of rum for a number of years. He runs the website and Facebook page Ministry of Rum, where has has gained the moniker Minister of Rum. He’s great friends with Capn Jimbo of the Rum Project.
Leatherback Rum Barrel Strength Special Reserve. This rum is produced at North of 7 Distillery. Which is a micro distillery in Ottawa, Canada it is ran by avid rock climbers Greg Lipin and Jody Miall. You may think that is a pretty odd thing to point about someone. However, the reason is they run a rock climbing training gym right across the road from their North of 7 Distillery. They divide their time between the two businesses.
Kill Devil Guyana Aged 11 Years – Port Ellen Finish. In all honesty, looking over my notes I thought I had reviewed more Guyanese rum from Kill Devil, than I actually have. It seems a lot of my Kill Devil reviews have been from Hampden Estate, Jamaica.
Anyway back to Guyana we are. This is another Single Cask and Cask Strength rum from Kill Devil. Kill Devil for those who aren’t in the know is the rum branch of Hunter Laing, who are more famous for their independent whisky bottlings.
Cachaca Reserva do Zito Ipe. Our journey through Brasil continues, with another cachaca this time from the north of Brasil.
The history of the Reserva do Zito begins in 1945, when José Rufino, known as “Zito”, fled the drought of the Piauí backlands and began working at an old sugar cane mill in the city of Passagem Franca, Maranhao. Over time Zito became the owner and began his quest to create artisanal cachaca.
Chairman’s Reserve Master’s Selection 2006 13 Year Old The Whisky Exchange Exclusive. I first noticed one of these Master’s Selection Chairman’s Reserve rums before Christmas 2019. I think it was exclusive bottling for a Belgian retailer, who’s name now escapes me.
Royal Mile Whiskies had one in stock and then I learnt that The Whisky Exchange were getting their own release, as well. Being a big fan of Chairman’s Reserve and St Lucia Distillers I have been looking forward to trying one of these rums.
The Equiano Rum Co Afro-Caribbean Rum. I first came across this rum at the Boutique Rumfest in London. For those not familiar with London Rumfest, on a Friday afternoon they open up what they call the Boutique Rumfest.
This Rumfest is open to the trade and journalists, bloggers etc. It allows new brands to showcase and promote their rums to an audience in a less hectic manner than is usually the case on Saturday and Sunday. It’s really an ideal time to make contacts and speak with people who may be able to help smaller brands.
BARBADOS DISTILLERS UNITE IN PUSH FOR A GI
Mount Gay, Foursquare and Saint Nicholas Abbey have jointly agreed on a Geographical Indication for Barbados Rum as prepared by the Barbados Industrial Development Corporation (BIDC) in consultation with its legal counsel. The three distillers are the largest bottlers of Barbados Rum and together hold over 90% of the island’s aged reserves.