rum

Ya mon, buckle up for a rum revival story that’s pure Jamaican magic! Worthy Park Estate, nestled in the lush hills of Lluidas Vale, is straight-up dominating the Rum Renaissance like a boss. This powerhouse has been slinging consistent, top-shelf pot-still rums that are easy to find and impossible to forget – all while staying 100% pure and additive-free. Picture this: the distillery was on a long vacation from the 1960s until 2005, when they hit the reset button with a full glow-up and fired up the stills again. Talk about perfect timing – they basically predicted rum’s big comeback among spirit lovers worldwide! Soon, they dropped the fiery Rum-Bar overproof whites, started aging gems in barrels, and even supplied bulk rum to Europe, sparking killer independent bottlings that had everyone buzzing.

Now, get ready to geek out over two epic Worthy Park stunners that showcase the estate’s wild side: the Myrtle Bank 10 Year (a funky independent bottling aged in cooler Europe) and the Worthy Park Estate 2006 12 Year (their own tropical-aged beast, distilled right after the comeback). Both are unadulterated cask-strength dynamos from copper pot stills, but they flex different “marques” – secret recipes tweaking fermentation time and yeasts for varying ester levels (that magical funk measured in g/hL). The 2006 rocks the lighter Worthy Park marque (60-119 g/hL) with 12 years of hot Jamaican aging, turning it into a deep, spicy oak monster with vanilla, tannins, and subtle banana vibes – think elegant sophistication that punches like a rum twice its age. Meanwhile, Myrtle Bank cranks the Extra marque (360-800 g/hL) for explosive hogo: over-the-top pineapple, banana, and that head-turning funky punch where the fruit steals the show and wood plays backup!

As rum enters its glorious golden age, Worthy Park is reigning supreme – a true noble house of flavor, funk, and fun. Whether you’re sipping neat, mixing cocktails, or chasing that tropical vibe, these bottles prove why everyone’s falling hard for Jamaican pot-still magic. Raise a glass to the renaissance – cheers to more epic drams ahead!

More about Worthy Park Estate
Nestled in the lush, mountainous heart of Jamaica’s Lluidas Vale, Worthy Park Estate is a true rum lover’s paradise with over 350 years of spirited history! Since records show rum production kicking off as early as 1741—making it the oldest documented in Jamaica—this family-owned gem has been crafting authentic Jamaican funk from estate-grown sugarcane. As the island’s last remaining single-estate producer, everything happens on-site: from harvesting cane in fertile fields to distilling in traditional copper pot stills and aging in ex-bourbon barrels. The result? Bold, ester-rich rums bursting with tropical banana, pineapple, and spice notes that scream “Ya mon!” in every sip.

Worthy Park isn’t just historic—it’s award-winning and endlessly fun, snagging the prestigious IWSC Rum Producer of the Year trophy not once, but twice (in 2023 and 2025)! Expressions like the funky Rum-Bar Overproof, smooth Single Estate Reserve, and innovative finishes in wine casks keep racking up gold medals worldwide, proving that tradition plus a dash of modern magic equals pure liquid sunshine. Whether you’re touring the state-of-the-art distillery (complete with generous tastings) or mixing up a pineapple rum punch at home, Worthy Park delivers that irresistible Jamaican vibe: zero additives, full flavor, and a cheeky invitation to raise a glass and dance.
Address: Lluidas Vale, St. Catherine, Jamaica.
Website: https://worthyparkestate.com/

 

 

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Why is National Hot Buttered Rum Day on January 17th?
National Hot Buttered Rum Day is celebrated on January 17 likely because it falls in the heart of winter, a season when warm, comforting drinks are especially appealing. The timing makes it ideal for enjoying this classic hot cocktail, which has a rich history rooted in colonial America and pairs perfectly with cold weather. While the exact origin of the date is unclear, it aligns well with the seasonal demand for cozy beverages.

What is Hot Buttered Rum?
Hot buttered rum is a warm, comforting cocktail made with rum, butter, hot water or cider, a sweetener, and a blend of spices such as cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. This drink is especially beloved during the fall and winter months and has become a holiday season classic. Its origins in the United States trace back to colonial times, when many families crafted their own recipes. Early Americans even regarded rum as a source of nourishment and a tonic for strengthening the body.

Serious Eats Hot Buttered Rum Recipe
Ingredients
Batter:
4 ounces (1 stick) unsalted butter, room temperature
8 ounces brown sugar or demerara sugar (Sugar in the Raw)
1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
1/4 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground allspice

For each drink:
2 tablespoons batter, to taste
2 ounces dark rum
4 ounces boiling water
Ground nutmeg, for garnish

Directions
Cream the butter with the sugar in a stand mixer (or by hand with a wooden spoon) and add the spices. Keep refrigerated.
Add batter to a warm mug and pour in 2 ounces of boiling water. Stir to mix, add rum and the rest of the water, stir again. Garnish with fresh nutmeg.

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ST. LUCY, Barbados – Mount Gay, the world’s oldest continuously operating rum distillery with origins dating back to 1703 in Barbados, the birthplace of rum, marked a significant evolution in its storied legacy with a brand refresh in 2020. Drawing on over three centuries of expertise in traditional pot and column distillation, unique coral-filtered water, and premium molasses, Mount Gay enhanced transparency across its portfolio while honoring authentic Bajan rum traditions and paving the way for ongoing innovation under the guidance of Master Blender Trudiann Branker.

Appointed in 2019 as the first female Master Blender in both Mount Gay’s history and for Barbados, Trudiann Branker brought fresh perspective to the core expressions, refining blends to appeal to discerning enthusiasts while preserving the brand’s loyal following. For Mount Gay Black Barrel, she incorporated older rums aged three to seven years with a higher proportion of double-distilled pot still components, extending the signature finish in deeply charred bourbon casks to six months for bolder, more robust notes of spice, vanilla, and oak. Similarly, Mount Gay XO was enriched with a broader selection of rums aged five to 17 years in American whiskey, bourbon, and cognac casks, delivering heightened complexity with layers of tropical fruit, salted caramel, and elegant wood influences.

New bottling and updated labels across the core range—including Eclipse, Black Barrel, XO, and premium offerings like 1703 Master Select—provide greater insight into cask details, distillation styles, and tasting profiles, emphasizing Mount Gay’s commitment to education and discovery. This refreshed platform celebrates Barbados’ unrivaled terroir, the skilled artisans behind each blend, and the distillery’s enduring heritage. “I am proud to lead these advancements, blending inherited craftsmanship with forward-thinking innovation to showcase what makes Mount Gay truly exceptional,” said Trudiann Branker, Mount Gay Master Blender. Raphaël Grisoni, former Managing Director, added, “These thoughtful changes strengthen our position as a leader in premium rum, rooted in our people, land, and traditions.”

Since 2020, the updated Mount Gay Black Barrel and XO expressions have been available worldwide, continuing to captivate rum lovers with their refined profiles and versatility for sipping or mixing.

About Mount Gay:
Mount Gay Distillery, nestled in the northern parish of St. Lucy, Barbados, proudly holds the title of the world’s oldest continuously operating commercial rum producer, with documented origins dating back to a 1703 deed. Born on the island widely regarded as the birthplace of rum, the distillery’s legacy began on the Mount Gay Estate, where coral-filtered water from an ancient artesian well, premium molasses, and indigenous yeast combine to create its signature Bajan style. Renamed in honor of visionary manager Sir John Gay Alleyne in 1801 for his transformative contributions to quality and craftsmanship, Mount Gay has evolved over three centuries while preserving traditional pot and column distillation methods, now under the stewardship of Master Blender Trudiann Branker and owned by Rémy Cointreau.

The acclaimed Mount Gay portfolio showcases the depth and versatility of Barbadian rum, featuring timeless expressions like the smooth, floral Eclipse—ideal for classic cocktails—the bold and spiced Black Barrel with its charred bourbon cask finish, the refined XO blending rums up to 17 years old for notes of vanilla, fruit, and oak, and the prestigious 1703 Master Select crafted from rare reserves. Innovative limited editions, including the Master Blender Collection with unique cask finishes such as PX Sherry, Andean Oak, and Port, alongside the terroir-driven Single Estate Series, continue to push boundaries, delivering complex flavors of tropical fruit, spice, and elegance that make Mount Gay a beloved choice for sipping neat, mixing, or celebrating the spirit of Barbados worldwide.
Address: Mount Gay, St. Lucy, Barbados
Website: www.mountgayrum.com

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NEW YORK – Sailor Jerry Spiced Rum continues its ongoing partnership with the United Service Organizations (USO) with the release of a limited-edition commemorative bottle, in conjunction with their partnership and military appreciation month. To show support of the USO efforts, Sailor Jerry and Anchor Media are donating $150,000, adding to Sailor Jerry’s total contribution of $1,000,000 supporting the USO and other military organizations since 2016.

With a suggested retail value of $14.99, Sailor Jerry Spiced Rum’s limited-edition bottle wrap exemplifies Norman “Sailor Jerry” Collins spirit and the servicemen and women’s dedication to serving our country. The partnership is special to Sailor Jerry, as it pays homage to the brand’s namesake, Norman “Sailor Jerry” Collins who served in the Navy himself. Both blended and bottled in America, the limited-edition bottle is hitting the shelves before Memorial Day and will be available at national and local liquor stores across the U.S. all summer.

“We are honored to continue our partnership with the USO, to serve as a Force Behind the Forces® and to show support to the troops who serve our country,” said Josh Hayes, Sailor Jerry Spiced Rum Senior Brand Manager. “The limited-edition bottle wrap is a bold representation of Collins’ iconic flash artwork and is a must-have collectible for any Sailor Jerry fan.”

The USO partnership reflects a special passion point for Sailor Jerry Spiced Rum, which was created to honor the late Norman “Sailor Jerry” Collins. Collins was born January 14, 1911, and quickly found his aptitude for tattooing while traveling the country. After a stint in the Navy, Collins made World War II-era Honolulu his home and continued honing his skills as a tattoo artist. Sailors on shore leave in Honolulu would wait in line for hours outside Collins’ Hotel Street tattoo shop to be inked by the master himself. Collins greatly influenced the tattoo world through groundbreaking innovations.

“We are thankful to continue our partnership with Sailor Jerry Spiced Rum and have been excited to see the partnership grow year after year,” said Chad Hartman, USO Vice President, Development and Corporate Alliances. “The Sailor Jerry team has helped us to host great events that express our appreciation for our troops and the company also helps rally other military supporters to give thanks and give back to service members and their families.”

The connection between Sailor Jerry Spiced Rum and the USO started in 2016, when Sailor Jerry partnered with Fleet Week New York, throwing a party on U.S.S. Intrepid to toast the troops. Since then, Sailor Jerry has invited celebrities such as Norman Reedus, Glen Powell, and Alabama Shakes to toast the troops at Fleet Week events in New York, Los Angeles, and San Francisco. The brand took this opportunity to raise awareness and funds for military organizations that help the servicemen and women who sacrifice their lives for our country every day. Since then, Sailor Jerry has been able to raise $1,000,000 for military organizations and will be donating the largest amount yet to the USO with $150,000 this year.

To learn more about Sailor Jerry Spiced Rum’s Fleet Week activities, visit www.sailorjerry.com.

To learn more about the USO partnership and limited-edition bottle, head to https://sailorjerry.com/en/uso/.

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HOLLAND, Michigan — In 2019, New Holland Spirits made home bartending a cinch when they released their ready-to-drink Rum Punch. Fans immediately took to the delicious blend of Freshwater Rum mixed with passionfruit, orange, pineapple, and coconut flavors, and now, after taking home best in class at this year’s American Distillers Institute (ADI) awards, Rum Punch has the accolades to back the hype.

Founder and President Brett Vanderkamp expressed pride in receiving this prestigious award for New Holland Rum Punch. “Winning Best-In-Class at ADI is an incredible honor and is a testament to the hard work and talent of our distilling team,” Vanderkamp said.

The team’s hard work paid off in other categories too, with a gold medal for their Beer Barrel Bourbon, a silver for the Barrel Aged Knickerbocker Gin and a bronze for Lake Life Vodka. A bronze for their ready-to-drink Blueberry Gin Lemonade also proved that New Holland’s canned cocktail line is no fluke. For brand manager Adam Dickerson, the secrets to their success are quality and inclusivity.

“At New Holland, we do our best to make something for every person and every palate, anyway we can,” Dickerson said. “The New Holland Rum Punch has enough complex rum flavor for a rum critic to enjoy but is balanced with the fruit, making it very refreshing and approachable.”

In addition to the Rum Punch and Blueberry Gin Lemonade, the Gin Mule rounds out New Holland’s canned cocktail lineup, but as the market for these products grows, expect New Holland’s portfolio to do the same.

Next in line is Blackberry Bramble, a canned cocktail made with New Holland’s Lake Life Vodka, blackberry, and lemon fruit flavors. It arrives May 1, signaling the beginning of warmer season, and it should provide the perfect summer beverage for those who don’t want to fuss with a muddler and Boston Shaker.

“Our ready-to-drink cocktails are a fantastic way to experience our handmade spirits with the convenience of a pre-made cocktail,” Vanderkamp said.

To find cans, check your local Michigan retailer, including Meijer.

About New Holland Spirits
In early 2002, New Holland Brewing Co-Founder & President Brett VanderKamp visited the Caribbean with the intention of enjoying sun, sand, and waves. Instead, he found world-class rum, and a lifelong obsession with fine craft spirits was born. He returned to Holland, MI with a mission: to create spirits that live up to his artful way of life and to share them with the world. For more information, visit their website.

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