Georgia Cities Approve Sunday Alcohol Sales

(this news brief was posted by Shanken News Daily on November 9, 2011) Numerous Georgia cities, including Atlanta, Savannah and Valdosta, have approved Sunday alcohol sales in stores. Statewide, approximately 120 of Georgia’s 694 cities and counties voted on the legislation yesterday, with a majority of metro Atlanta’s 51 jurisdictions approving the measure, according to early poll results. At least two cities—Palmetto and Forest Park—have blocked the initiative so far. Prior to yesterday’s vote, Georgia had been one of three states—alongside Indiana and Connecticut—that prohibited Sunday alcohol sales statewide.

Celebrate Halloween the Red Rum Way

Pernod Ricard USA In Innovation Drive With Malibu Red, Jameson Black Barrel

(this news brief was posted by Shanken News Daily on October 31, 2011) Pernod Ricard USA has unveiled two spirits innovations in recent days: Malibu Red, and Jameson Black Barrel. Malibu Red, slated to appear in the U.S. in early 2012, is a blend of coconut rum and silver Tequila. It was developed in collaboration with R&B singer and actor Ne-Yo, who will promote the new offering through a long-term partnership with Pernod. Malibu Red is 70-proof—higher than Malibu’s core 42-proof label. Its price hasn’t been released, but it will retail at a premium to the core brand’s $14 a 750-ml. Pernod expects Malibu Red to “expand Malibu usage year-round and into new occasions,” namely “nightclubs and high-energy accounts.” The company will back the new launch with TV, print, online and out-of-home ads, as well as exclusive multimedia content featuring Ne-Yo.

Malibu, which slid by around 70,000 cases in the U.S. market from 2007-2009, resumed growth last year (rising 1.9% to 1.64 million cases), and has seen continued revitalization so far this year, Pernod says. Global net sales for the brand were up 17% in the three months through September. (Malibu does about half of its global business in the U.S.)

Meanwhile, Pernod has introduced an upscale extension to its soaring Jameson Irish whiskey brand, Jameson Select Reserve Black Barrel. Black Barrel is blended from small-batch grain whiskey, triple-distilled on one occasion each year, matured in flame-charred Bourbon oak casks, and finally blended with single pot still Irish whiskey to create the final product, which sells for roughly $35 a bottle. Jameson, which now sells over 1 million cases in the U.S. annually—or 71% of its global total—continues to see torrid growth at the super-premium price tier, with U.S. net sales rising 53% in the recently completed third quarter.

Cockspur Rum Preparing for Halloween

Diageo Rolling Out New Dispensing System Across European Markets

(this news brief was posted by Shanken News Daily on October 28, 2011) Diageo is rolling out a new dispensing system across European markets for a ready-to-serve cocktail range featuring several brands in its portfolio. The Rapak technology featuring a bag-in-a-box serving system will allow bars to offer cocktails at more accessible price points. It also aims for convenience, as the bags are easily exchanged and fitted into the dispensing system. The bag-in-a-box offers 67 servings per pack and is available in Smirnoff Mojito, Pampero Mojito and Cacique Mojito. The new system will be featured in 12,000 bars and restaurants across 11 countries in Europe by the end of the year.

Distilled Spirits Council of the U.S. (DISCUS) Speaks Out Against a Proposal in Cook County, Illinois

(this news brief was posted by Shanken News Daily on October 27, 2011) The Distilled Spirits Council of the U.S. (DISCUS) is speaking out against a proposal in Cook County, Illinois to raise spirits taxes by 25%, calling it a job-killing measure for the local hospitality industry. Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle has proposed an increase of the county excise tax on spirits to $2.50 per gallon, up from the current $2.00 per gallon. According to DISCUS, the hospitality industry in Chicago is still down 13,000 jobs from when the recession began. The city has had three tax hikes in recent years—two city tax increases in 2005 and 2008, and one state excise tax increase in 2009—which have nearly doubled spirits taxes.

Massachusetts State Senate Passed an Amendment Allowing State Restaurants and Bars to Offer Happy Hour Drink Deals

(this news brief was posted by Shanken News Daily on October 27, 2011) The Massachusetts State Senate passed an amendment this month to a casino bill that would allow state restaurants and bars to offer happy hour drink deals, a practice outlawed in Massachusetts more than 25 years ago. The casino bill calls for construction of three casinos with the permission to serve discounted or free alcoholic beverages to patrons. The bill has yet to reach Massachusetts Governor Deval Patrick’s desk, as the Massachusetts House of Representative still must reconcile differences with the Senate.

Diageo Sales Up 9% In First Quarter

(by Shanken News Daily) Diageo PLC posted an organic net sales increase of 9% in the three months through September, its fiscal first quarter, with all of its global operating regions showing growth of 5% or higher. Sales at the drinks giant’s North America unit were up 5% despite a 2% volume decline, as its U.S. product mix shifted to higher-priced items versus the same period last year (last year’s Q1 included the U.S. launch of accessibly-positioned Rökk vodka). Diageo said business in the wine category “remained weak” and that beer sales—where it recently unveiled a new offering, Guinness Black Lager—were roughly flat.

Meanwhile, results were solid across the rest of Diageo’s global business, with Europe rebounding to post 6% sales growth on the back of strong performances in Russia, Germany and the Nordic markets and an improvement in Spain, which at this time last year was in the midst of destocking. Latin America, boosted by a similar rebound in Venezuela, soared 30%, while Africa rose 9% (although South Africa struggled due to trading down activity). Johnnie Walker continued its standout performance in Asia Pacific, leading to a 14% sales increase for Diageo in that region, despite a slight slowdown in the Chinese economy during the period.

Diageo CEO Paul Walsh said the “fragile global economy” and a projected £35 million ($55m) negative exchange rate effect on operating profit over the course of the fiscal year pose hurdles. But he added that Diageo “continues to expect that net sales growth for the first half will improve on that delivered in fiscal 2011.” Pernod Ricard, Diageo’s closest rival across the global spirits market, unveils its first-quarter numbers tomorrow.

(by Shanken News Daily) Patrón Spirits has partnered with local player Aspri Spirits to enter India’s spirits market with its flaghip Tequila brand, as well as Ultimat vodka and Pyrat rum. Aspri, whose portfolio also includes Gruppo Campari and Distell brands among others, will distribute Patrón’s offerings in key cities like Mumbai, Delhi, Bangalore and Chennai, focusing on top restaurants, bars, clubs, hotels and premium retail locations.

Ultra-Premiums Are Fastest Growing Spirits Segment, According To Latest Nielsen Numbers

(by Shanken News Daily) Total spirits sales grew 3.2% by volume in the 52-week period ending September 17, 2011 to 57.6 million cases, according to the latest figures from Nielsen. Growth was even faster in dollars, up 3.8% to $8.35 billion. Ultra-premium spirits (average price of $35.38 a 750-ml. bottle) comprised less than 5% of overall volume but represented the fastest-growing segment in the 52-week period, up 11.7% by volume. Value-priced spirits (averaging $6.61 a bottle) showed the slowest growth, up 1.7%.

The 1.75-liter bottle was the biggest-selling size in Nielsen channels, but 750-ml. bottles showed the best growth—another sign that the market is continuing to premiumize even in an uncertain economy.

Based on the most recent four- and 13-week Nielsen periods, prepared cocktails were the fastest-growing spirits type by both volume and dollar sales. Skinnygirl Margarita led the growth charge during the key summer-selling season.

The fastest-growing spirits types by volume in the 52-week period were Irish whiskey (+21.5%), prepared cocktails (+15.2%), Cognac (+9.6%) and Tequila (+5.1%). Flavored vodkas (+17.1%) outperformed regular vodkas (+2.7%), and flavored rums (+4.5%) outperformed regular rums (-1.9%). Other declining types include gin (-1.9%), Scotch whisky (-1.1%) and non-Cognac brandy (-2.4%).

The Nielsen channels include food stores, drugstores, liquor stores and other select channels and account for 30% of the total U.S. spirits market by volume, as estimated by Impact.

Diageo Will Be Presenting Sponsor For Two ESPN Television Segments

(by Shanken News Daily) Diageo will be presenting sponsor for two ESPN television segments—“Around the Horn” and “Pardon the Interruption” and their corresponding programs on Spanish-language ESPN Deportes—beginning this month through September 2012, reports AdAge. The sponsorship will be highlighted on the programs as “Happy Hour.” Diageo will use the television time to spotlight its products, starting with Guinness Black Lager on ESPN and Captain Morgan Rum on Deportes. ESPN will also create a place on its website to feature clips from the two programs, also sponsored by Diageo. The company already sponsored “Pardon the Interruption” before it decided to make itself more noticeable on air. AdAge reports that Diageo spent around $21.7 million on ESPN’s platforms in 2010.

Texas Titan: Twin Liquors Now Up To 67 Units As In-State Expansion Continues Apace

(by Shanken News Daily) Austin-based Twin Liquors is one of Texas’s beverage alcohol retail giants. The 67-unit chain is run by the brother and sister team of David and Margaret Jabour, who serve as president and executive vice president of the 78-year-old business, which was founded by their grandfather and uncle shortly after Prohibition’s repeal. As third-generation owners, the Jabours take a long-term view, focusing on industry relationships and educating customers. Revenues aren’t made public, but reliable industry sources put Twin Liquors among the top three beverage alcohol retailers in Texas with annual sales of more than $200 million, behind only Houston-based Spec’s and Dallas-based Centennial. Shanken News Daily recently spoke to David and Margaret about trends in Texas, as well as their new interactive marketplace store concept.

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.

Pernod Ricard USA Names Southern Wine & Spirits of Minnesota Its Exclusive Wine and Spirits Distributor

(by Shanken News Daily) Pernod Ricard USA has named Southern Wine & Spirits of Minnesota its exclusive wine distributor and preferred spirits distributor across the state (Pernod says it will also continue to work with other spirits distributors in the state). Pernod’s wine business was previously aligned with Wirtz Beverage Group in Minnesota. Southern now acts as the distributor for Pernod products in 27 states across the U.S. market. Southern entered Minnesota in 2010 via a joint venture with J.J. Taylor, one of the top U.S. beer wholesalers.

Beam Inc. Begins Trading on New York Stock Exchange

(by Shanken News Daily) Former Fortune Brands division Beam Inc. began trading as an independent company on the New York Stock Exchange October 4, 2011, completing its transformation into a stand-alone global spirits entity. Fortune Brands announced last April that it would operate as Beam Inc., following a decision to sell off its home and security and golf units to focus solely on spirits. Beam Inc. is the world’s fifth-largest spirits marketer, with a global volume of 33.5 million cases and annual sales of around $2.7 billion in 2010.

The Global Spirits Industry’s Top Players: Taking Stock After Years Of Consolidation

(by Shanken News Daily) Analyzing the effect of consolidation after a decade and a half of deal-making, Shanken News Daily sister publication Impact has ranked the world’s top spirits companies—and compared today’s numbers with those in 1995.

The biggest mover in the consolidation game has been Pernod Ricard, which was in the top 10 in 1995 but with a low profile. Much of Pernod’s 24-million-case business (compared to 97 million cases today) was in France, where its Ricard and Pastis 51 brands dominated. Back then, the world’s top two spirits companies were IDV (GrandMet) and United Distillers (Guinness), followed by Seagram and Allied Domecq, which was born in 1994 after the merger between Allied Lyons and Pedro Domecq.

Guinness and GrandMet merged in 1997 to form Diageo, creating a spirits portfolio of unparalleled power, led by Smirnoff, Johnnie Walker, and Baileys. While the Diageo deal reshaped the global spirits landscape, it foreshadowed three mega-deals that would transform the business even further. Pernod Ricard was involved in all of them. In 2001, Diageo and Pernod Ricard acquired Seagram’s spirits and wine business, several months after Seagram announced it would exit the business to focus on entertainment. The Seagram deal fortified Diageo’s already-formidable lineup, adding powerhouses like Captain Morgan and Crown Royal. But it remade Pernod Ricard, energizing its portfolio with big-name brands like Chivas Regal and Martell. Four years later Allied Domecq went on the block, and Pernod was there again, collaborating with Fortune Brands, whose Jim Beam Brands unit was aiming to diversify. That deal added Ballantine’s, Beefeater, Malibu and Kahlúa to the Pernod portfolio, while Beam got Sauza, Courvoisier, Canadian Club and Maker’s Mark, among others. In 2008, one of the industry’s crown jewels—Absolut vodka—was put on the block. Seeing Absolut as the missing piece in the portfolio, Pernod again paid up—this time without a partner, acquiring V&S for approximately $9 billion.

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.

Owsley Brown II Dies At 69

(by Shanken News Daily) Owsley Brown II, former chairman and CEO of Brown-Forman, died late Monday after a brief illness. He was 69. A great-grandson of Brown-Forman’s founder, Brown entered the family business in 1968, was appointed CEO in 1993, and, two years later, was named chairman. Under his leadership, the company was able to significantly expand the international presence of many of its brands—particularly Jack Daniel’s, Southern Comfort and Finlandia—as well as modernize its marketing approach. Brown retired from the role of CEO in 2005, withdrew as chairman in 2007, and left B-F’s board of directors in 2008.
In addition to his corporate roles, Brown was recognized for his philanthropic efforts. He served as fund chairman and president of the Greater Louisville Fund for the Arts, as well as a board member of several organizations, including the Actors Theatre of Louisville, River Fields, Inc., the J.B. Speed Art Museum, the Kentucky Center and The Partnership for Creative Economies. Brown is survived by his wife Christy, his three children Owsley III (Victoire), Brooke Barzun (Matthew) and Augusta Holland (Gill), and nine grandchildren. “Owsley was a personal friend to so many of us across the world, and we are all shocked and saddened by his premature death,” said Brown-Forman chief executive officer Paul Varga.

Brugal 1888 Rum Launch Event

(from Socially Superlative) On Wednesday evening, September 21st, 2011, a select few guests were invited to attend the launch of Brugal 1888, the newest release from the World’s Most Refined Rum. Brugal 1888 is a luxury rum from the Dominican Republic and is also the #3 rum in the world in terms of volume. Guests were able to taste and enjoy various cocktails mixed by several mixologists using Brugal 1888.

The private invite was held at Ink48 Hotel at Press Lounge located on the rooftop of the hotel. Unfortunately, it happened to be raining that night, but that did not stop the event one bit as guests mingled outside enjoying the New York skyline and listening to the beats from the DJ who provided music for the event. Guests were also treated to an array of hors d’oeuvres and a special buffet set aside of various cheeses, salads, and jumbo cocktail shrimp.

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.

Impact’s “Hot Prospects” Rank U.S. Market’s Most Promising Wine And Spirits Brands

(by Shanken News Daily) Shanken News Daily sister publication Impact Newsletter has chosen its latest crop of “Hot Prospects”—the U.S. market’s most promising wine and spirits growth brands. The winners must have annual depletions of at least 50,000 cases and no more than 200,000 cases, while having achieved at least 15% growth in 2010 and solid progress in the two years prior to that.

A total of 72 brands are on this year’s list, 28 of which sold more than 100,000 cases. Several are likely to pass the 200,000-case threshold and enter Impact “Hot Brand” territory by year-end—including Beam Inc.’s Red Stag, Kendall-Jackson’s Murphy-Goode and Royal Wine Corp.’s Bartenura.

In addition to Red Stag, spirits Hot Prospects over the 100,000-case mark include DonQ rum (Serrallés USA), RonDiaz (Crosby Lake Spirits), Wild Turkey American Honey liqueur (Skyy Spirits), Russian Standard Original vodka (Russian Standard USA), Familia Camarena Tequila (Gallo), Pearl vodka (Luxco), Milagro Tequila (William Grant & Sons USA), Ruskova vodka (AnSon Imports) and Hendrick’s gin (William Grant & Sons USA). A further 11 spirits Hot Prospects winners were at less than 100,000 cases.

In wine, Hot Prospects at more than 100,000 cases include Bandit (Rebel Wine Co./Trinchero), Pacific Rim (Banfi), Noble Vines (DFV Wines), Redtree (Cecchetti Wine Co.), Little Black Dress (Excelsior Wine Co.), Middle Sister (Canopy Management), Newman’s Own (Rebel Wine Co./Trinchero), HobNob (WJ Deutsch & Sons), Cantine Riondo (Riondo USA), Don Miguel Gascon (Gallo), Down Under Cellars (Bronco), Matua Valley (Treasury Wine Estates Americas), Catena (Winebow), New Age (Quintessential Wines), Fünf (Schmitt Söhne) and Lunetta Prosecco (Palm Bay International). Some 33 wine brands under 100,000 cases also achieved Hot Prospect status.

Brand competitors, distributors and retailers will be watching closely to see whether these Hot Prospects can maintain momentum over the course of the next several years to become big-volume brands. A complete list and a report on the 2010 Hot Prospect winners will be published in Impact’s October 1&15 issue.

Indie Spirits Entrepreneurs Gather in Chicago on September 28th, 2011

Over 100 Indie Spirits and Over 60 Exhibitors at Inaugural Chicago Indie Spirits Expo

Distilled events is proud to announce the first Chicago Independent Spirits Expo. Since its inception, the Independent Spirits Expo has showcased an eclectic group of limited production, high quality spirits in a casual informative setting. In addition to giving attendees the opportunity to sample an amazing variety of unique and genre-redefining spirits, the Expo offers attendees a rare opportunity to meet the distillers, owners, importers, and entrepreneurs responsible for bringing these terrific products to market. The Expo’s guests include consumers, members of the trade and the press.

The Indy Sprits Expo’s director, Dave Schmier, says: “The goal of the expo has always been to provide a forum where the small entrepreneur can showcase their spirits.” The selection of spirits at The Indy Spirits Expo will cover a full spectrum of the best and the newest brands in the marketplace: from a variety of vodkas and gins to cognacs and absinthes.

With the growing micro-distillery movement in the US, domestically crafted products are strongly represented by brands from across the country as well as the burgeoning mid-west distilling movement. The Independent Spirits Expo has been a tool for small brand owners to expand their audiences for the past five years. This is the first time the Expo has been presented in Chicago and local producer Marty Duffy using his extensive work in the local spirits world to bring together many new distillers and Independent spirits brands along with the bar and restaurant trade in order to make the Chicago Independent Spirits Expo a key event in the local spirits scene.

Additionally, the Chicago Indie Spirits Expo features a pre-show industry roundtable discussion. The roundtable is sponsored by The Beverage Testing Institute, The American Spirits Exchange, Phoenix Packaging and media partners Food Industry News and The Tasting Panel.

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.

Introducing Seven Fathoms ~ Handcrafted, Small Batch, Premium Rum from the Cayman Islands

Experience the Depths of Seven Fathoms Rum™ ~ A Wave of Artisan Innovation
Seven Fathoms Premium Rum is a handcrafted, artisanal premium rum that is distilled locally in small batches exclusively in the Cayman Islands. Unlike any other rum, Seven Fathoms is matured under water at a depth of seven fathoms (42 feet). This unique and innovative maturing technique creates superior characteristics and complexity. Seven Fathoms is a distinctive spirit made by meticulously aging the rum underwater in the pristine Caribbean seas giving Seven Fathoms a depth of flavor and smoothness that is incomparable. Seven Fathoms 80 proof rum, is limited production premium rum, created in individually numbered batches.

Seven Fathoms is handcrafted by Master Distillers Nelson Dilbert and Walker Romanica at the Cayman Island Distilleries adjacent to the cruise terminal in Georgetown, Grand Cayman. Seven Fathoms is distilled using a Christian Carl copper pot still. The company uses locally grown organic sugar cane, which is grown on a farm at the East End of the island. Once distilled, the rum is pumped into used Jim Beam barrels and then taken out to a secret location offshore of Grand Cayman. Here, the rum is placed for aging at a depth of 42 feet, or seven fathoms, under the water. The gentle motion of the waves and the alternating pressure of the water during the rising and ebbing tides helps push the rum deep into the pores of the oak barrels, extracting all of the rich oak and bourbon flavors from the wood, creating a complex rum with extraordinary depth of character and flavor.

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.

Pernod Ricard USA will Introduce Malibu Rum Winter, a Limited Edition to be Available from October through December at $13.99 a Bottle

(by Shanken News Daily) Continuing the seasonal spirits extension theme it’s employed with Beefeater gin (Beefeater summer and winter-themed special editions appeared last year), Pernod Ricard USA will introduce Malibu Rum Winter, a limited edition to be available from October through December at $13.99 a bottle. Malibu Winter is a blend of Caribbean rum with real coconut flakes suspended in the liquid which, when consumed, dissolve slowly in the mouth. Brand manager Sheila Senhouse says Malibu Winter will “attract current and new consumers to the brand by offering a unique drinking experience during this non-traditional Malibu consumption season.” After sliding by 65,000 cases in the U.S. from 2007 through 2009, Malibu righted the ship in 2010, increasing 1.9% to 1.635 million cases, according to Impact Databank.

BarHappy Officially Launches Its Website and iPhone App

(By Shanken News Daily) BarHappy — a free resource to help consumers find food, drink and other entertainment deals in their city—has officially launched its website, www.barhappy.com, and iPhone mobile app. BarHappy’s database comprises more than 15,000 venues across 18 cities, including Boston, Chicago, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, New York and Washington D.C. The interface allows users to search across many criteria, such as the kind of deals they’re looking for, the neighborhood and the venue type. Businesses keep up with their own profile pages in real time so deals and information are current, and registered users can earn rewards by giving them ratings.

Bacardi USA Introducing the “OakHeart Challenge”

(by Shanken News Daily) Bacardi USA is introducing the “OakHeart Challenge,” a series of simultaneous nationwide bar events designed to support the launch of Bacardi OakHeart, on September 15. Through the program, Bacardi aims to get more than 25,000 consumers to sample the new extension on the same day, at the same time. Bars in several key markets, including Arkansas, Delaware, Florida, Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, New York, Nevada, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Washington D.C. and Wisconsin, will be hosting OakHeart Challenge events. Rolled out in the U.S. earlier this month, Bacardi OakHeart is a 70-proof, spiced blend of Bacardi Superior and Gold priced at around $12.99-$15.99 a 750-ml that aims to take on rival Diageo’s Captain Morgan in the spiced rum segment.

Mount Gay Goes Nautical

(Photo above: Mount Gay Rum honors their sailing legacy with the launch of a nautical themed limited edition bottle to be sold at duty free shops in select countries)

(by The Rum Connection) Mount Gay Rum has been associated with the sailing community for over three centuries. This year, to honor the brand’s commitment to the world of sailing and the rich history from which it stems, Mount Gay has created the “Nautical Limited Edition” representing the beginning of a nautical series featuring maritime signal flags.

This collectable bottle of Mount Gay Eclipse Rum features the nautical flag design of the letter “M” and is designed to be enjoyed on board or wherever rum lovers celebrate the sailing legacy of the brand.

The Mount Gay Rum Eclipse Nautical Limited Edition “M” design is released this month in various global travel retail locations such as in Australia, New Zealand, Spain, France, Germany and the UK, and also on board Brittany Ferries and P&O, priced at parity with the standard Mount Gay Eclipse Rum.

This limited edition will also be exhibited at TFWA World Exhibition in Cannes 19th to 23rd September (Marine Village Foyer 1A).

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.

Rum Is the Answer, What Was the Question?

(Photo above: Yo ho ho and 111 bottles of rum. Soaking in the sights at the Rum Bar in Phoenix)

(by Dawson Fearnow with Phoenix New Times) You'd think if you owned a bar exclusively dedicated to rum, you'd be happy to hear that the world's oldest spirit was suddenly très-trendy. Well, not so much if you're Dwayne Allen, co-owner of the Rum Bar in downtown Phoenix. In fact, this generally-genial Jamaican native was downright perturbed at the suggestion that this sugar cane-based spirit is being called trendy.

"Rum is in our blood, my friend," Allen tells me when I phone. "It's been around long before other such alcohols and spirits and is synonymous with the island lifestyle. There's nothing trendy about what we are doing at the Rum Bar," he says in his distinctly friendly-yet-deadly-serious tone. "You'd better get down here and let me show you what rum's all about."
So let's set sail to this rum-soaked tropical paradise in the heart of the urban jungle. Just be sure to leave behind your images of hangovers past, fueled by popsicle-colored daiquiris and cheap dark or spiced rums, which are often made from lower quality Grade C molasses and have "terrible flavor," according to Allen. (We're looking at you, Captain Morgan.)

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.

Bottoms Up: Three Favorite Phoenix Rum Cocktails

(Photo above: The Dark & Stormy cocktail at J&G Steakhouse is the perfect late-summer cooler)

(by Dawson Fearnow with Phoenix New Times) Crisp, citrus-y and mixed liberally with ice, a nice tropical tipple is the perfect late-summer cooler. Here are three Valley bars serving up great rum cocktails.

1. The Dark & Stormy at the J&G Steakhouse at The Phoenician

J&G's serves up a delectable Dark & Stormy made with Goslings Black Seal Rum, John D. Taylor's Velvet Falernum, Stewart's Ginger Beer and fresh lime juice.

2. The Mai-Tai at Hula's Modern Tiki This classic Mai-Tai is made with Appleton Estate special gold rum, pineapple juice, orange Curacao, orgeat syrup and lime juice.

Suck down your third cocktail after the jump.

3. Rustyfarian at Citizen Public House

The Rustyfarian is an award-winning cocktail crafted with Zacapa dark rum, Drambuie, a medley of orange, lemon and lime juices--all garnished with lemon-lime zest.

Beam To Start Trading As Standalone October 4

(by Shanken News Daily) Fortune Brands’ board has approved final plans to spin off the company’s home and security products business by October 3, allowing it to begin operating as a pure-play spirits company trading publicly under the name Beam Inc. on October 4. Fortune Brands will receive a cash dividend of $500 million from the home and security unit prior to the spin-off, which remains subject to SEC and New York Stock Exchange approvals.

The separation of Beam from Fortune’s other former businesses has led to speculation that Beam brands like Jim Beam, Sauza, Courvoisier, Maker’s Mark and others could become acquisition targets, but Beam, which has ramped up its marketing spend by double-digits over the past year and a half—resulting in record sales in the three months through June, and a 14% increase to $1.38 billion in the first half of 2011—appears intent on remaining an independent player.

Binny’s Beverage Depot Of Chicago Continues Aggressive Expansion

(by Shanken News Daily)Binny’s Beverage Depot owner Michael Binstein plans to open two new stores this year in the greater Chicago market. In the last four years alone, he has expanded his beverage alcohol retail business from 19 to 25 stores, and now ranks as the leading independent retailer in Illinois. Binstein recently spoke with Shanken News Daily about his business, which will surpass $250 million in revenues in its fiscal year ending July 31.

SND: In the last four years, you’ve expanded from 19 stores to 25 stores, mostly through acquisition during a very difficult economy. Has your investment paid off?

Binstein: The honest answer is that the investment is paying off. Time is the ultimate test, and one needs a certain amount of humility. But there’s not a single acquisition, store opening or expansion of our model that I would take back.

SND: How has Binny’s been affected by the downturn in the economy?

Binstein: The best time to run into a market is when everyone is running for the exit doors. I think we’re contrarians by nature. Our most dramatic growth has occurred since the Cassandras and the pundits sounded the death knell for our economy in general and our industry in particular. Then there’s the fact that when you sign 99-year leases, which we do as a matter of practice when we can’t buy our own property, you’d better be prepared to ride out the business cycles that will always be a part of life. You can’t be a summer soldier and be in business. We monitor certain things every day, and one of them is customer count. The number of people actually walking through our front doors has been showing double-digit growth. Market share is healthy and growing. Sales have been helping growth, but all things considered, I think customer count is the single most important vital sign for all three tiers of our industry—not just for retail and not just for Binny’s.

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.

Beam Global Spirits & Wine, Inc. Appoints Debora Boyda as General Manager of the Mixables Category Business Team

(by Shanken News Daily) Beam Global Spirits & Wine, Inc. has appointed Debora Boyda as general manager of the Mixables Category Business Team, which includes the company’s vodka, rum, Tequila and premix cocktail business. She succeeds and will report to Pryce Greenow, who has been promoted to vice president, group general manager at Beam. Before joining Beam, Boyda served as co-founder and president of Interplay Ideas, a Chicago-based strategic innovation consultancy. Previously, she served as vice president of marketing at Miller Brewing Co., and prior to that, spent nearly 20 years in key positions at ad agencies such as Ogilvy & Mather and Leo Burnett Worldwide, Inc. Beam’s Mixables division is led by Sauza Tequila and Cruzan rum, while the recently acquired Skinnygirl cocktail line continues to enjoy rapid growth.

Diageo Rides Premium Progress To 3% U.S. Sales Growth For FY

(by Shanken News Daily) Despite continuing economic headwinds, Diageo rode improved operating margin driven by cost cuts and a marketing push behind its key brands to solid sales growth in the U.S. market in its fiscal full year, ended June 30. U.S. net spirits sales for the global drinks giant came in up 4% on an organic basis, led by a strong performance at the premium end by brands like Cîroc, Crown Royal Black, Buchanan’s and the silver and super-premium variants of Jose Cuervo.

Diageo’s U.S. spirits volume held steady over period, as Smirnoff, Johnnie Walker, Captain Morgan, Ketel One and Tanqueray were all either flat or down across the group’s North American region, resulting in a loss of share in vodka and rum. But those results were offset by torrid growth for Cîroc, which more than doubled in size, and Buchanan’s, which grew 37% by volume. Guinness’s 3% volume gain drove a 1% rise in Diageo’s North American beer volume overall, while its wine (-4%) and RTD (-3%) businesses struggled. (Diageo has moved to restructure its U.S. wine business of late, most recently selling Edna Valley Vineyard to E&J Gallo in June.) Total organic net sales growth for Diageo NA came in up 3% to £3.3 billion ($4.7b).

“While overall consumer confidence remains subdued we have seen some recovery and, importantly for our business, this recovery has been stronger in the premium, and especially the super-premium, segments,” said Ivan Menezes, president, Diageo North America. Menezes credited a 7% rise in marketing spend, mostly behind key brands like Cîroc, Ketel One, Smirnoff and the Cuervo silver variants with buttressing sales.

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With DonQ On The Rise, Serrallés USA Eyes Wider Portfolio

(by Shanken News Daily) Up to now, Puerto Rican rum maker Destilería Serrallés has derived the lion’s share of its business from its contract production of Diageo’s Captain Morgan. But with the Captain’s production being moved entirely to the U.S. Virgin Islands by next year, Serrallés is set to lose around 70% of its volume. Accordingly, the company is now shifting gears and investing to drive sales of its own rum brand, DonQ, in the U.S. market through its Serrallés USA unit. With that effort proceeding, Serrallés is also now eyeing partnerships and new brand introductions to broaden its U.S. portfolio.
A well-known brand in its domestic market of Puerto Rico, the DonQ rum range has made impressive progress since entering the U.S. market just three years ago. The brand rose 61% by volume in each of the past two years to reach 190,000 cases in 2010, according to Impact Databank. The DonQ line-up includes Cristal, Gold and Anejo offerings ($12.99-$15.99 a 750-ml.), an ultra-premium Gran Anejo ($59.99) and a range of flavored rums ($13.99) featuring Limón, Coco, Mojito and the newly introduced Pasión (passion fruit).
For 2011, Serrallés expects DonQ to hit more than 210,000 cases, and has set a longer-term goal of reaching 1 million cases, according to John Eason, vice president, national sales manager for Serrallés USA. “The time is really ripe for a firm number-two player in the silver popular rum category,” he says, noting the relative lack of meaningful competition in the segment compared with other spirits categories. “In rum, and silver rum in particular, it’s always been Bacardi. We definitely think there’s an opportunity to make a challenge and take some share in the category.”

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Castle Brands Inc. Announces a 21% Increase in Net Sales

(by Shanken News Daily) New York-based Castle Brands Inc. has announced a 21% increase in net sales to $7.4 million for its fiscal 2012 first quarter, ended June 30. Bolstered by Gosling’s Rum, Pallini Limoncello and Boru vodka’s U.S. growth, group volume rose 19% to more than 70,000 cases. Net losses for the quarter, however, grew 21.7% to just under $2.1 million, as operating losses fell slightly, from $1.7 million to $1.3 million. Castle Brands president and CEO Richard Lampden said the company would continue to streamline operations and reduce overhead and distribution costs, with the “full benefits of these cost savings efforts to be recognized in the current fiscal year.”

Diageo Launching Campaign for Its Captain Morgan Brand

(by Shanken News Daily) Diageo is launching a new multi-media promotional campaign for its Captain Morgan brand starting this month and ending in October. “The Captain’s Island” campaign will run mostly through the brand’s Facebook page, giving fans a chance to win a trip to a Caribbean island and $15,000. Actress Mena Suvari will help promote the campaign, which will also include television and Internet ads across 13 different markets—the U.S., Canada, U.K., Ireland, Germany, Austria, Czech Republic, Denmark, Russia, Argentina, Mexico, Peru and Costa Rica. This campaign follows on the heels of the “To Life, Love and Loot” ad effort announced by the brand in May, featuring commercials filmed by movie director Tom Hooper.

Southern Wine & Spirits Appoints Kirt Clemens As Senior Vice-President For Its North American Spirits & Wine Brokerage Division (NASW)

(by Shanken News Daily) Southern Wine & Spirits has appointed Kirt Clemens svp, eastern region, for its North American Spirits & Wine Brokerage division (NASW), effective August 1. Clemens was previously vice president-general sales manager for Southern’s Mid-Atlantic division, based in Raleigh, a position he held for five years. In his new role he’ll report to NASW evp-general manager Robert Swartz. NASW is the Southern Wine & Spirits division handling Diageo and Moët Hennessy brands across the 18 control states.

After Record Second Quarter, Beam Says It Will Step Up Brand Investment

(by Shanken News Daily) Beam Global Spirits & Wine enjoyed record sales of $703 million, up 11%, in the three months through June, and says it intends to continue aggressively upping its spend behind key brands in the second half of 2011. For the first half of the year, Beam’s net sales increased by 14% to $1.38 billion, while operating income before charges rose 12% to $299 million.
“Our investments in innovation and brand building are paying off, and we’re further stepping up our brand investment as a result,” said Bruce Carbonari, chairman and CEO of Beam parent Fortune Brands. “Jim Beam accelerated its momentum in the quarter, Maker’s Mark continued its double-digit growth, and Skinnygirl (acquired in March) has become the fastest-growing spirits brand in America.” Carbonari said profits are expected to lag behind sales growth in the third quarter as Beam’s promotional spend continues to rise by double-digits, before “normalizing to a relatively constant run rate as a percentage of sales” in the fourth quarter.

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Pernod Ricard Suffers Another Setback in its Duel with Bacardi Ltd. Over the U.S. Trademark to Havana Club Rum

(by Shanken News Daily) Pernod Ricard has suffered another setback in its duel with Bacardi Ltd. over the U.S. trademark to Havana Club rum. The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit today upheld a 2010 decision by a U.S. District Court in Delaware that found no significant risk of consumer confusion as to whether Bacardi’s Puerto Rico-produced Havana Club brand—sold in the U.S. in small quantities—is made in Cuba. “No reasonable interpretation of the label as a whole could lead to the conclusion that it is false or misleading,” said U.S. Circuit Judge Kent Jordan. Pernod says it will now “consider its options” in the ongoing trademark battle. Pernod general counsel Ian FitzSimons said, “It’s important to note that this decision does not grant any right in the ‘Havana Club’ trademark to Bacardi. We’re determined to continue to fight for fair competition in the United States market where ownership of the ‘Havana Club’ trademark dates back to 1976.”

Pernod Ricard names Jérôme Cottin-Bizonne managing director of Havana Club International

(by Shanken News Daily) Pernod Ricard has named Jérôme Cottin-Bizonne managing director of Havana Club International, effective December 1. Currently serving as Pernod’s audit and business development director, Cottin-Bizonne will replace Marc Beuve-Mery and report directly to Thierry Billot, Pernod’s managing director, brands. Beuve-Mery, a longtime Pernod executive, will take up a new role within the company, to be announced later.

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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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.

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."

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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."

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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.

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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."

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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.

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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.

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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.