From bars to bottle labels, the ‘Gunpowder Proof’ legend claims sailors tested rum with explosives. The historical truth? The Royal Navy strictly forbade any contact between rum and gunpowder. Discover how a single mistake with a candle caused the HMS César to explode in 1782, killing 450 people, and why real ‘proof’ was about safety, not fire.
When we think of premium rum, our minds usually drift to the Caribbean: Jamaica, Barbados, or Cuba. But what if I told you that one
For centuries, Viche was Colombia’s forbidden spirit—persecuted, stigmatized, and hidden in the Pacific jungle. Today, it stands as a symbol of legal triumph and cultural resistance. In this deep dive, we explore how master distiller Onésimo González Biojó navigated Colombia’s complex bureaucracy to secure Law 2158, transforming an ancestral “contraband” into a protected heritage. Discover the science behind its unique terroir, the ethics of its zero-waste production, and why this liquid revolution proves that true quality cannot be industrialized.
A pandemic detour, forgotten agricultural history, and two varieties of sugarcane. The story behind Alma Distillery and the unlikely return of cane to Sicily.
Explore Anna Ostrowski’s journey from Italian grappa to Guadeloupe agricole rum, examining AOC Martinique regulations, fermentation science, yeast isolation, high-ester production and Sicilian rum innovation.
Discover how Bahari Rum is redefining African spirits — from Kenya to South Africa — with transparent production, slow dilution techniques, and single-origin terroir. Meet Cyril Vellemain, former photojournalist turned rum pioneer, and Christian Vergier, the “Usain Bolt of spirits,” as they craft Africa’s first true rum collection — dry, unadulterated, and made for Africans first. Learn why slow dilution matters, how barrel aging transforms flavor, and why Africa is the next big thing in rum. Perfect for rum nerds, cocktail lovers, and ethical spirits enthusiasts.
In Michoacán, far from the global spotlight of tequila and mezcal, a centuries-old cane spirit continues to define its territory: Charanda. In this conversation with Miriam Paola Pacheco of Casa Tarasco, we explore the Denomination of Origin that protects it, the volcanic soils and high-altitude cane fields that shape it, and the diverse production methods — from Filipino-style stills to column distillation — that give Charanda its identity. A deep dive into Mexico’s other historic distillate, and why it deserves serious attention.
In this in-depth conversation with Laurent Cosson, Global Brand Director of Mount Gay, we explore how Barbados’ oldest distillery is reshaping the future of rum — from estate-grown sugar cane and Grade A molasses to high-ABV experimentation and the revival of a historic Coffey still. A story of terroir, sustainability, and the long game behind premium rum.
Discover River Antoine Distillery in Grenada, one of the Caribbean’s most traditional rum producers. Using a water-driven mill, naturally fermented sugar cane syrup, and wood-fired double retort pot stills, this historic distillery creates powerful high-proof rums deeply rooted in Grenadian culture and heritage.