Friday, July 29, 2011

Texas Retail Giant Spec’s To Move Into Dallas Market By Year End


(by Shanken News Daily) Houston, Texas-based retailer Spec’s Wines, Spirits & Finer Foods is planning to enter the Dallas market by year-end, according to a report in The Dallas Morning News. The paper quoted Spec’s vice president of marketing Lisa Rydman Key, who said the company is planning two to three Dallas stores for its initial entry and is currently in lease negotiations. Rydman Key added that Spec’s hopes to have at least one of those locations open by the end of 2011.

The move into Dallas will pit Spec’s—which does $500 million in annual sales—against the area’s current top retailer, Centennial Wine & Spirits, which is projecting $250 million in 2011 revenue and is also expanding. With formerly dry areas around Dallas—such as Trophy Club near Fort Worth and Lowry Crossing in Collin County—recently voting to go wet, the region is developing as a new battleground for beverage alcohol retailers. Kroger and 7-Eleven have upped their beverage alcohol activities in the market, and Trader Joe’s is also reportedly exploring a Dallas location.

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Florida’s ABC Fine Wine And Spirits Adapts To Changing Landscape In Securing Future Growth


(by Shanken News Daily) Orlando, Florida-based ABC Fine Wine & Spirits is the largest independent beverage alcohol retailer in the state. The 150-unit company dominated the Florida market until six years ago, when competition intensified from multi-state players like Total Wine & More and the Publix supermarket chain. But ABC has since adapted to the new retail landscape with aggressive pricing and a massive modernization plan that includes a new store design concept. Thirty ABC units will have been updated by this year’s holiday season. According to reliable industry sources, total revenues of the privately held ABC reached approximately $475 million last year. Shanken News Daily recently interviewed Charles Bailes, who is ABC’s chairman and CEO, and his brother Jess, who is executive vice president, to get an update on progress.

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Wednesday, July 27, 2011

Edwin H. Nielsen, great-grandson of Bacardi founder Don Facundo Bacardí Massó, passed away





(by Shanken News Daily) Edwin H. Nielsen, the great-grandson of Bacardi founder Don Facundo Bacardí Massó, passed away July 24 in Spain at the age of 93. Nielsen became vice president of Bacardi Imports, U.S. in 1963 and was later promoted to president. He’s credited with expanding the company into international markets and helping Bacardi become the largest-selling rum in the world. Nielsen became a director when Bacardi Ltd. was formed from five operating companies in 1992, and he retired from Bacardi in 2001.

Thursday, July 21, 2011

Appleton Estate Jamaica Rum appoints Brown-Forman exclusive distributor in Mexico


(by The Gleaner) J. Wray & Nephew Limited has announced that it has appointed Brown-Forman as the exclusive distributor of the Appleton Estate Jamaica Rum and Appleton Jamaica Rum brands in , as of July 1.

In making the announcement, Paul Henriques, managing director of J. Wray & Nephew Limited, noted that the company was excited to forge this new partnership with Brown-Forman, while expressing his gratitude to Casa Cuervo, the outgoing distributor for Appleton Jamaica Rum in Mexico.

"We are very excited at the prospect of working with the Brown-Forman team as we continue to build the Appleton Jamaica Rum brand in Mexico. Brown-Forman is an industry leader in Mexico, and Appleton Jamaica Rum is an excellent fit for its portfolio. Appleton has been well established in Mexico for many years, and we are confident that together we will continue to build on this strong foundation and take it to great heights.

"At the same time, I would like to thank the team at Casa Cuervo, our distributor in Mexico for over 20 years."

Click HERE for the complete story. Please visit us at The Rum Shop for all your rum-related needs, including purchasing rum on-line, rum recipes, rum tasting notes, rum event information and rum consulting services. "Got Rum?" Magazine is back in circulation, get your free copy HERE.

Wednesday, July 20, 2011

Blackwell Rum Names Its Exclusive U.S. Importer


(by Shanken News Daily) Jamaica’s Blackwell Fine Jamaican rum has named Domaine Select Wine Estates (DSWE) its exclusive U.S. importer. Joining DSWE’s Classic & Vintage Portfolio, Blackwell will begin rolling out in major U.S. markets this summer, retailing at $29.99 a 750-ml. In New York and New Jersey, DSWE’s Merchants wholesale division will distribute the brand. Distilled by J. Wray & Nephew at Appleton Estate, Blackwell Rum is the brainchild of music producer Chris Blackwell and advertising exec Richard Kirshenbaum, who has worked with major drinks brands including Hennessy, Dom Perignon, Grand Marnier and Guinness.

Serralles In Tough Fight Over Puerto Rico Rum Rebates



(by Shanken News Daily) Diageo’s decision to move production of Captain Morgan from Puerto Rico to the U.S. Virgin Islands (USVI) continues to send ripples through the Caribbean rum industry. Diageo was enticed by the USVI’s offer to return much higher tax rebates than the company was receiving in Puerto Rico. The Diageo USVI distillery is now operational and is slated to handle all of Captain Morgan’s output by next year. In all, Puerto Rico lost 9 million cases of Captain Morgan annual production in the deal.

Puerto Rico has since reached new incentive agreements to keep Bacardi, as well as smaller player Club Caribe, on the island for the next 20 years. But one holdout is Destileria Serralles, Captain Morgan’s former Puerto Rican producer, which lost 70% of its volume when the Captain set sail for USVI. Thus far, negotiations between Serralles and Puerto Rico on a new incentive pact haven’t borne fruit.

Serralles complains that it’s being offered a far less favorable tax rebate than Bacardi, mainly because Puerto Rico is making a distinction between branded and bulk rum. Bacardi will receive 46% of tax revenue on its branded rum production (similar to Diageo’s deal with USVI) while Serralles is being offered only 25% on its bulk production. Serralles’ branded business is led by DonQ, but bulk production constitutes most of its business. Bacardi rum’s U.S. volume is 9.4 million cases, nearly all of which is produced in Puerto Rico. Bacardi’s Castillo rum brand, which depleted 940,000 cases in the U.S. last year, is also produced in Puerto Rico.

Click HERE for the complete story. Please visit us at The Rum Shop for all your rum-related needs, including purchasing rum on-line, rum recipes, rum tasting notes, rum event information and rum consulting services. "Got Rum?" Magazine is back in circulation, get your free copy HERE.

Monday, July 18, 2011

Portland bar news: Rum Club debuts Tuesday; Kask opens Friday (tonight)

(By Michael Russell, The Oregonian) When you own a bar as well received for both its cocktails and food as Beaker & Flask, what do you do next?

If you're owner Kevin Ludwig, you open a bar that's just a bar. Low light. Classic cocktails. Simple food; dishes that complement what you're drinking without stealing the spotlight.

Ludwig and partner Mike Shea (a former bar manager at the Doug Fir and Ludwig's best friend) have done just that. Their Rum Club is set to open Tuesday in a little wedge of a space at the top of the same block of Sandy Boulevard as Beaker & Flask.

"Rum Club is based on a bar we grew up in back in Pittsburgh, Penn., that Mike and I used to go to," Ludwig says. "It's going to be open during the day and it's going to be kind of dark."

Rum Club's focus will be on classic cocktails -- Ludwig is mining old Trader Vic's recipes for inspiration, but says the bar won't be Tiki-themed. "We'll have interesting classics that you haven't seen before, but we don't want to compete with Beaker," he says.

Click HERE for the complete story. Please visit us at The Rum Shop for all your rum-related needs, including purchasing rum on-line, rum recipes, rum tasting notes, rum event information and rum consulting services. "Got Rum?" Magazine is back in circulation, get your free copy HERE.

Wednesday, July 13, 2011

Rum cake at Anthony’s Pizza and Grill to be featured on Food Network





(By Amy Friedenberger , For the Mirror)Australian chef and frequent television host Curtis Stone tried Joyelle Scavone's rum cakes last year, but apparently they are still on his mind.

He even thinks they are one of the best things he's ever eaten.

Stone will tout Scavone's ScRUMptious gourmet rum cakes as his pick for "The Best Thing I Ever Ate" on an upcoming segment of the show on the Food Network. The network was in Altoona on Monday, shooting footage at Scavone's husband's restaurant, Anthony's Pizza and Grill, on Fourth Street in Altoona.

Each episode of "The Best Thing I Ever Ate," going into its sixth season, includes eight selections from culinary hosts and chefs that focus on a theme, such as guilty pleasures or burgers.

Click HERE for the complete story. Please visit us at The Rum Shop for all your rum-related needs, including purchasing rum on-line, rum recipes, rum tasting notes, rum event information and rum consulting services. "Got Rum?" Magazine is back in circulation, get your free copy HERE.

Bacardi Names New President For North America As Esposito Retires


(by Shanken News Daily) Bacardi Ltd. has named Robert Furniss-Roe as president of Bacardi North America, succeeding John Esposito, who is retiring. Furniss-Roe most recently was regional president of Latin America and vice president of global sales. He will be based in the company’s Americas headquarters in Coral Gables, Florida.

Since joining Bacardi in 1989, Furniss-Roe has held numerous marketing and management positions around the world, including in the U.S. market. Bacardi cited a number of Furniss-Roe’s achievements in his 20-plus years at the company, including driving strong growth in Russia, developing new markets such as India and heading up global marketing for several of Bacardi’s top brands.

Furniss-Roe’s previous titles at Bacardi include chief of staff at Bacardi Ltd., vice president of corporate responsibility, interim regional president of Europe, area director for Russia/CIS/Poland, vice president of global marketing and area director for Asia-Pacific, as well as senior marketing roles in Asia, France and the United States. Prior to joining Bacardi, Furniss-Roe held marketing positions with Dunhill and L’Oreal. “Robert possesses an extraordinary mix of industry knowledge, deep understanding of our company and entrepreneurial spirit in both global and regional marketplaces that will have tremendous impact in the North America region,” said Bacardi Ltd. president and CEO Séamus McBride.

With John Esposito’s retirement, the drinks industry loses one of leading figures of the late 20th and early 21st centuries. Few executives can boast the diversity of his experience. In more than three decades in the business, Esposito has worked as a retailer, distributor and supplier—serving with distinction at all three tiers of the industry.

Esposito literally grew up in the drinks business, hailing from a family of New York City liquor retailers. His first job was managing the family business. In 1977 he joined the Seagram Co. Ltd. and rose to become vice president and national sales manager of the Seagram Wine Co. In 1989, Esposito moved to W.A. Taylor & Co., the Miami-based unit of the old Allied Domecq, becoming vice president and director of sales. From there he entered the distribution tier as president of Charmer Sunbelt’s Florida unit, Premier Beverage Co.

In 1992, Esposito joined Schieffelin & Somerset (the former U.S. marketing joint venture between Diageo and LVMH) as senior vice president of national sales. Seven years later, he was named president and CEO. When Schieffelin & Somerset was dissolved in 2004 and became Moët Hennessy USA, Esposito was named president and CEO of the newly formed company. During this long period, he drove the portfolio—including Hennessy, Grand Marnier, Moët & Chandon and Veuve Clicquot—to unprecedented heights. Hennessy, for example, saw its volume triple from 1995 to 2005, rising from 745,000 cases to 2.1 million cases.

Esposito became president and chief executive of Bacardi USA in May 2006, as the parent company sought an executive with upscale brand marketing experience to drive a newly revitalized portfolio that included Grey Goose vodka, acquired two years previously. Under Esposito’s leadership, Grey Goose has retained leadership of its segment, even in the face of a tough on-premise scene of recent years. Innovation dramatically increased elsewhere at Bacardi, with the flagship rum brand’s flavor portfolio expanding dramatically. Bombay Sapphire, meanwhile, continues to spearhead gin’s role in the cocktail renaissance as it steams toward the million-case mark, while other brands including Dewar’s, Cazadores and Disaronno remain key players in their respective categories. Overall, Esposito played a major part in moving Bacardi into the modern drinks age, nurturing a balanced portfolio of rum, vodka, Scotch, Tequila and other products. At both Bacardi and Moet Hennessy, he helped spearhead the U.S. market’s premium spirits renaissance—which began nearly two decades ago and continues today.

Please visit us at The Rum Shop for all your rum-related needs, including purchasing rum on-line, rum recipes, rum tasting notes, rum event information and rum consulting services. "Got Rum?" Magazine is back in circulation, get your free copy HERE.

Monday, July 11, 2011

Brazilian sugar cane distilled rum to hit American shores

(by DBR Staff Writer) Cross Planet, an international trade company based in the US, has plans to introduce premium Brazilian sugar cane distilled rum, Cachaca Poesia, in the US markets by August.

The rum has been available in Brazil since 2007 and has reportedly won 'Best Cachaca' in the prestigious Concours Mondial de Bruxellas.Poesia, produced in the mountains of Serra da Mantiqueira in Minas Gerais, Brazil, has cane brake, carefully cut without being burnt up as the key ingredient.

The spirit is said to be distilled in pure copper containers and stored in neutral wooden barrels which eliminates contaminating agents and results in a highly refined taste that pleases the most discerning palate.Cross Planet chief administrative officer Noelle Adams said the company is very excited to bring the high quality product to market in the US.

Click HERE for the complete story. Please visit us at The Rum Shop for all your rum-related needs, including purchasing rum on-line, rum recipes, rum tasting notes, rum event information and rum consulting services. "Got Rum?" Magazine is back in circulation, get your free copy HERE.

Sunday, July 10, 2011

Milagro Cantina is hosting an Eastside Bartenders Association "Rum and Sun" Event

Milagro Cantina is hosting an Eastside Bartenders Association event, "Rum and Sun," on its patio, 2-4 p.m. It's free, but RSVP at eastsideba@gmail.com.

Milagro boasts a great bar and lounge space decorated with a metal "tequila tree." Colored glass lanterns of various sizes hang throughout the restaurant, including a glass pinata in the private dining area. Dishes are regional Mexican fare served in small plates, tacos and large entrees. There are traditional and ginger-caramel margaritas. Don't confuse "traditional" with "standard," though, because these libations are delicious and strong, nothing like the sugar water served in some other establishments. Summer crowds will love the vast outdoor seating available.

Please visit us at The Rum Shop for all your rum-related needs, including purchasing rum on-line, rum recipes, rum tasting notes, rum event information and rum consulting services. "Got Rum?" Magazine is back in circulation, get your free copy HERE.

Friday, July 08, 2011

Nevada distiller plans to combine whiskey and rum to produce "rumskey"

(By Conor Shine) George Racz’s distilling background is limited. His grandfather made fruit brandy on a small copper still in Transylvania when Racz was a child, and since then he has taken classes at another craft distillery in Washington.

The lack of experience has freed Racz to explore new and innovative recipes for his spirits. His seven-grain whiskey is made with more ingredients than any other whiskey in the country and he has plans to make a whiskey using 10 grains.

His latest idea, a distilled combination of rum and whiskey he calls "rumskey," would also be a first in the spirits business.

"Although we are the first distillery here in Nevada, we had to differentiate ourselves from other companies," distillery co-founder Katalin Racz said. "There is no point in making it the same as others."

Click HERE for the complete story. Please visit us at The Rum Shop for all your rum-related needs, including purchasing rum on-line, rum recipes, rum tasting notes, rum event information and rum consulting services. "Got Rum?" Magazine is back in circulation, get your free copy HERE.

Thursday, July 07, 2011

New rum distillery to open in central Puerto Rico

(By Danica Coto) SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico (AP) — A new rum distillery will open in a former pharmaceutical plant in central Puerto Rico, helping to offset the loss of Captain Morgan rum from the island, economic officials said Wednesday.

The Club Caribe LLC distillery is scheduled to open in early 2012 in the mountain town of Cidra and will produce 2 million gallons of rum its first year as part of a 20-year deal, said senior vice president Alberto Rivera.

The local company is affiliated to Cc1, a Puerto Rican company that distributes Coca-Cola products in the U.S. territory.

Club Caribe expects to employ 25 people and invest $10 million in machinery and equipment as it moves into the old GlaxoSmithKline factory.

"We're going to have a significant production of rum on a global level," said Jose Perez-Riera, Puerto Rico's economic development secretary.

The distillery eventually will produce up to 10 million gallons of rum, both to sell in bulk and as private labels including Club Caribe, a white rum; Black Roberts, a spiced rum; and Carlos Rum, a gold rum, Rivera said.

The company will target the U.S. mainland market.

Click HERE for the complete story. Please visit us at The Rum Shop for all your rum-related needs, including purchasing rum on-line, rum recipes, rum tasting notes, rum event information and rum consulting services. "Got Rum?" Magazine is back in circulation, get your free copy HERE.

Wednesday, July 06, 2011

Pink Pigeon Spiced Rum Lands in the UK

(By Alan Lodge, the drinks business) The Indian Ocean Rum Company and Berry Bros. & Rudd Spirits have announced the UK launch of Pink Pigeon, the first super premium, spiced rum from the Island of Mauritius.

Distilled five times, Pink Pigeon– which db first revealed was in production earlier this year – is blended with hand-pollinated and hand-picked natural vanilla from Madagascar and Reunion Islands.

Alain Chatel, master blender, said: "My family have been producing the finest spirits for 200 years in both Reunion and Mauritius. I am very proud of what we have achieved with this Rum and am delighted to sign my name to every bottle."

Click HERE for the complete story. Please visit us at The Rum Shop for all your rum-related needs, including purchasing rum on-line, rum recipes, rum tasting notes, rum event information and rum consulting services. "Got Rum?" Magazine is back in circulation, get your free copy HERE.

M&C creates feature film to promote rum brand Havana Club

(By Ben Bold) M&C Saatchi Paris and its client Havana Club have created a feature film called '7 Days in Havana' about life in the Cuban capital city in 2011.

The film, which was co-financed by the Havana Club-owner Pernod Ricard, was shot in Havana during the spring.

Each of the seven parts was directed by big names from the film world, including actor Benicio Del Toro and directors Gaspar Noé and Laurent Cantet. Each film depicts a day of the week in Havana.

M&C Saatchi, which was responsible for producing the rum brand's 'Nothing compares to Havana' campaign, conceived the film in collaboration with production companies Fullhouse and Morena Films.

Distributor Wild Bunch International used this year's Cannes film festival to promote the 100-minute feature and managed to sign distribution deals. The film is currently entering post-production.

Click HERE for the complete story. Please visit us at The Rum Shop for all your rum-related needs, including purchasing rum on-line, rum recipes, rum tasting notes, rum event information and rum consulting services. "Got Rum?" Magazine is back in circulation, get your free copy HERE.

Tuesday, July 05, 2011

Bacardi Introduces Hand-Shaken Daiquiri

According to PRNewswire, Bacardi has introduced a new addition to its ready-to-serve portfolio, the Bacardi Classic Cocktails Hand Shaken Daiquiri. This pre-mixed cocktail minimizes preparation without sacrificing taste, simply "open and pour" to enjoy the ultimate daiquiri.

The Bacardi Classic Cocktails Hand Shaken Daiquiri is a contemporary rendition of the original Hand Shaken Daiquiri by Bacardi, a timeless classic in the world of cocktails. To create the perfect balance of flavors, this drink is prepared with Bacardi Superior Rum, tangy lime juice and sugar. The result is a perfectly balanced spirit that offers a consistent and reliable taste with each pour—garnish with a lime wedge for a cool cocktail that everyone will love.

To celebrate the launch, the brand has joined with actress, model and entrepreneur, Brooke Burke, to bring consumers fun and festive tips for home entertaining.

Click HERE for the complete story. Please visit us at The Rum Shop for all your rum-related needs, including purchasing rum on-line, rum recipes, rum tasting notes, rum event information and rum consulting services. "Got Rum?" Magazine is back in circulation, get your free copy HERE.

Monday, July 04, 2011

Red Rum's Red & Blue Hawaiian




Watermelon Rum Punch Recipe

(By Ashlie Hughes) If you are looking for a unique summer drink to serve at your next outdoor feast, then look no further–watermelon punch, with or without rum, is a perfect addition to any party.

When I first saw the recipe in the cookbook "1,000 Mexican Recipes" by Marge Poore, I couldn't wait to try it. Made with fresh fruit juices and served from a hollowed-out watermelon, could it get any better? Not only is the concoction refreshing, but the presentation itself is quite charming.

Watermelon Rum Punch (adapted from "1,000 Mexican Recipes")

Ingredients:

•1 watermelon
•1/2 cup simple syrup (or agave nectar)
•2 cups pineapple juice
•1 cup fresh orange juice
•1/2 cup fresh lime juice (I prefer using key limes)
•1 1/2 cups rum, or more!

Get the directions, along with the complete story HERE. Please visit us at The Rum Shop for all your rum-related needs, including purchasing rum on-line, rum recipes, rum tasting notes, rum event information and rum consulting services. "Got Rum?" Magazine is back in circulation, get your free copy HERE.