It’s time to rethink rum, and embrace the new renaissance of the spirit. With a spate of specialised small bars popping up around the city, throw away any preconceived notions and join the emerging league of rum connoisseurs . Since 2015 is the year of premiumisation according to many liquor industry publications, now is the perfect time to expand your high-end aged spirit appreciation.
The are several key factors that can be attributed to the rise of rum in Australia over the last 8 years. To begin with, it is important to note that Australia is one of the few places in the world where spirit based RTDs (ready-to-drink) outsell full-strength bottled spirits. The recent trend back towards bottled spirits coincided with the introduction of the Alcopop tax in 2008, which was designed to close a tax loophole which allowed RTDs to be tax disproportionally lower per alcohol unit than full strength spirits. Lastly in recent years, more and more new premium rum products have reached our fair shores, further swaying the tide of out-dated mass perceptions.
Made from sugarcane by-products (typically molasses), the majority of countries around the world produce their own version of rum, however the Caribbean is its undisputed home where over 80% of the world’s rum is produced. The rum trade has been intrinsically linked to the region since the 17th century due to the high volume of sugarcane grown on the islands, which was initially planted to help supply the insatiable demand for sugar in Europe at the time. Local rum production quickly spread via the British Royal Navy and soon a thriving export trade developed.
Pop culture has further helped dark spirits popularity in general, with the hit TV show Mad Men set in the world of adverting in New York 60s, showing characters frequently savouring a glass and in the office no less! Also, the growth in availability of spiced rums have also made the liquor attractive to a new generation of consumers offering more complex and approachable flavour.
To delve into the world of premium rum, begin with the Caribbean’s Angostura Rum. While most Australians think bitters when they hear the iconic brand name Angostura, the company is also one of the world’s leading producers of Premium Rum. Staples in the House of Angostura’s award-winning range include the 5 & 7 year old, the 1919 and the 1824. The only rum distillery based in Trinidad today, Angostura’s signature style stems from techniques including using only the highest quality molasses, proprietary culture of yeast, distillation through continuous stills & aging in charred oak first-fill bourbon casks.
The first release from Angostura’s limited edition premium rum series called the Cask Collection is No 1. With only 9600 bottles produced worldwide, this limited edition is a must for rum lovers. With a blend of 10-12 year old rums, further aged for 12 months in bourbon casks, its lofty aim of being the “smoothest blend in the world” is not far-fetched! This is luxury sipping rum that may convince you that premium rum is your new beverage of choice.
These days rum consumption in Australia is no longer relegated to being watered down with ubiquitous cola and enjoyed mainly by Queenslanders . Next time your find yourself looking for a new tipple to try, grab a premium rum bottle and as you’re sipping away, let the dark liquid capture your imagination while you plot world domination or just your next tropical holiday.
Angostura No.1 Cask Collection Limited Edition – $84.99
Exclusive to Fassina Liquor (Limited stock – available while stock lasts)
