Note: As a reminder, Rumcast Reserve bottles are officially available in stores and shipping from our online retailer! You can grab your bottles here: https://www.rumcast.com/reserve You can watch the video version of this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/RAJkBUrXzBY In this episode, we discussed something that we've somehow never dedicated a show to (but with a twist, of course): assembling a rum bar that would offer a beginner a complete view of the rum world. The twist, however, is that we have to do it in as few bottles as possible. Needless to say, it's a tough exercise! We debated how to define a beginner, catering to different spirits-experience levels, how to possibly represent a category as diverse as rum with just a handful or two of bottles, and a whole lot more. This is as much as episode for enthusiasts who often recommend rums to beginners as it is for folks who might consider themselves beginners. Have a listen, and let us know what you think! Cheers!

Did you know you can support The Rumcast on Patreon now and get bonus episodes, happy hours, and more? You can! Head to patreon.com/therumcast to check it out. You can now pre-order our first-ever Rumcast Reserve single cask releases online! Head to our online retailer to grab your bottles today: https://raisingglasses.com/product-category/spirits/rum/rumcast-reserve/

Did you know you can support The Rumcast on Patreon now and get bonus episodes, happy hours, and more? You can! Head to patreon.com/therumcast to check it out. You can watch the video version of this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/Wyrs9Wxq1Dc In this episode, we caught up with Robert Greaves, founder of Mhoba Rum, the South African cane juice rum distillery that's pumped out a steady supply of distinctive, high-octane ester bombs over the last several years. Robert's been on our list ever since we heard he not only founded the distillery, but also built most of it himself, from the pot stills to the sugarcane press. He also brought his distiller, Shaldon Engelbrecht, along for the ride, who's behind many of the distillery's current experiments in high ester rum production. Completing the guest triumvirate is Eric Kaye of Holmes Cay, who is bringing a handful of cool Mhoba releases to the U.S. right now, both under the distillery's label and his own. We discussed: What it was like to have Richard Seale try the rum in Mhoba's early days The unique process behind their "Select" unaged rum The influence of Martinique and Jamaican production styles on Mhoba Adventures in extended, high acid fermentations How their unique new high ester blend "The Shaldon" came to be The perils and potential of aging rum in peated whisky casks And much more! Related links: The Mhoba website: https://www.mhoba.com/ Rum Revelations' Mhoba travelogue (great pictures and details on the distillery): https://www.rumrevelations.com/post/distilling-dreams-a-journey-into-the-heart-of-mhoba-rum All the details on Holmes Cay's latest Mhoba bottles: https://www.holmescay.com/single-cask-editions/

Did you know you can support The Rumcast on Patreon now and get bonus episodes, happy hours, and more? You can! Head to patreon.com/therumcast to check it out. You can watch the video version of this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/Bt-nefLJKD4 We've tallied the votes and are ready to reveal the champion of the 4th annual Rumcast fantasy rum draft (along with the debut of a new hit rum-themed song from John Gulla — be sure to listen to the very end). Guest participant Arminder Randhawa of The Rum Revival joined us to break down the voting results for each category, which included a number of extremely close finishes and surprises. Was it a repeat victory for Arminder? A return to glory for former champion Will? A first-time breakthrough for John? Tune in to find out! After you've watched, let us know — were there any surprises to you? Injustices? Was a deserving winner crowned? Share your thoughts via email (host@rumcast.com) or social media!

Did you know you can support The Rumcast on Patreon now and get bonus episodes, happy hours, and more? You can! Head to patreon.com/therumcast to check it out. You can watch the video version of this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/Uz9Y5no2O0w In this episode, we take a deep dive into one of the iconic series of the rum world: Habitation Velier, Luca Gargano's collection of unique pot still rums from all corners of the globe. We start with a look back at a decade of Habitation releases and what's made the series such an enduring presence in the modern rum world. We then taste through the most recent 2025 releases, including a South African rum from Mhoba Distillery, their second release of Reunion's legendary HERR rum from Distillerie de Savanna, and a bottle from the now closed Renegade Distillery in Grenada. Finally, we throw out some of our own ideas for where the series could go next. What have been some of the standout Habitation Velier releases to you? Have thoughts on any of the releases we tasted? Send us an email or leave a comment on social to let us know! Show Links: Velier's Habitation Velier Page: https://www.velier.it/en/habitation-velier/3399-habitation-velier.html The Lone Caner's "Key Rums of the World" article on Habitation Velier: https://thelonecaner.com/key-rums-of-the-world-habitation-velier/

Did you know you can support The Rumcast on Patreon now and get bonus episodes, happy hours, and more? You can! Head to patreon.com/therumcast to check it out. You can watch the video version of this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/EBEG8zlG7LY Note: We need your help to make the most of this episode! Go to rumcast.com/vote after listening to help determine the winner of this year's Fantasy Rum Draft. Thank you! For the fourth year in a row, we're back with our annual Rumcast Fantasy Rum Draft. In this annual competition, we compete head-to-head to “draft” rums from the selection of an online liquor store (or, in this year's case, TWO online liquor stores) for 10 different rum categories. The goal? To create the superior desert island rum bar. Following his big win last year, we were excited to welcome 2024 champion Arminder Randhawa from The Rum Revival back to defend his crown! We drafted our picks from the rum inventories currently available (as of 9-7-2025) at Burlington Wine and Spirits and Baytowne Wine and Spirits. The categories were: Unaged Lightly Aged (1-4 Years) Aged (5-13 Years) Long Aged (14+ Years) Cane Juice Unaged Cane Juice Aged (Any Length) Multi-Country Blend Non-Caribbean 100% Column 100% Pot After you listen, head to rumcast.com/vote to access the complete list of picks, along with a link to our Fantasy Rum Draft Command Center if you'd like to have a look.May the best team win!

Did you know you can support The Rumcast on Patreon now and get bonus episodes, happy hours, and more? You can! Head to patreon.com/therumcast to check it out. You can watch the video version of this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/KG-0I7-l_ng Today's the day! We’re revealing the identity of the second cask selection that will be featured in our upcoming Rumcast Reserve release. And since two reveals are more fun than one, we're also unveiling the finished (pending TTB approval) label design. In addition to the reveals, we also take you through the work that went into them — from the twists and turns designing our label to the debates we had when choosing from our top 8 casks at The Main Rum Company. We also make one final decision regarding the label live during the recording, after some spirited debate of course. Have a listen and let us know what you think of our choices! We're excited to hear your thoughts and any questions you have. Check out Boston Rum Week — coming up September 14-21: https://bostonrumweek.com/

Did you know you can support The Rumcast on Patreon now and get bonus episodes, happy hours, and more? You can! Head to patreon.com/therumcast to check it out. You can watch the video version of this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/OqHh-Jb1dr8 In this episode, we caught up with Dawn Davies, head buyer for The Whisky Exchange—one of the premier spirits stores in the UK. Dawn is a huge rum fan with an excellent palate (she's one of the very few Masters of Wine in the world), and her position at The Whisky Exchange gives her a fascinating perspective on the world of rum. You can watch the video version of the episode here. We discussed: What goes into managing a store selection that includes nearly 1,000 rum SKUs Balancing esoteric rum geek bottles with mass market selections Which rums should be on more store shelves right now Standouts from The Whisky Exchange's 5th annual Rum Show this past July What it takes to go through the grueling 5+ years long Master of Wine process How Dawn approaches tasting rums Revisiting The Whisky Exchange's rum classification system 6 years in Annoying label terminology And more! Relevant links mentioned in the episode: Follow Dawn on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dawndaviesmw/?hl=en The Whisky Exchange website: https://www.thewhiskyexchange.com/ The Whisky Exchange rum classification system: https://blog.thewhiskyexchange.com/2019/05/whisky-exchange-rum-classification/ The Whisky Exchange rum flavor camps: https://www.thewhiskyexchange.com/feature/rumbyflavour Check out Boston Rum Week — coming up September 14-21: https://bostonrumweek.com/

Did you know you can support The Rumcast on Patreon now and get bonus episodes, happy hours, and more? You can! Head to patreon.com/therumcast to check it out. You can watch the video version of this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/vT_KnPiDfEg After releasing Part 1 last week, we're back with the second installment of our guide to all Guyana rum. We kick off Part 2 with a discussion of DDL's influence on the modern rum landscape through its El Dorado releases and notable releases from independent bottlers. Next up, we confront the additives questions that have been associated with the distillery since the early 2010s. What have they said about their practice of aging with caramel in the barrel? What's the current status of the practice at the distillery? At the end, we close things out with a game of True or False with the Demerara Rum GI. What does the GI say about aging at origin? And sweetening Demerara rum? Tune in for all this and more, and catch up on Part 1 if you haven't already. We consulted a good amount of sources for this episode, which you can view at: https://www.rumcast.com/episodes/guyana-rum-guide-part-2

Did you know you can support The Rumcast on Patreon now and get bonus episodes, happy hours, and more? You can! Head to patreon.com/therumcast to check it out. You can watch the video version of this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/jbOjSRja6Nc In the latest chapter in our Rumcast Guides series, we turn our eyes to Guyana and the legendary style of Demerara rum. As one of the world's most distinct, essential rum categories, this episode has been a long time coming. Whether you're new to the rums of Demerara Distillers Ltd. or a seasoned enjoyer, there's something in here for everyone. In Part 1, we set the stage by going over the factors that make Guyana's rums so unique, along with a brief timeline of rum production and a deep dive into the country's lone remaining distillery and its collection of historic stills. Part 2 will follow next week (with a focus on DDL's influence on modern rum, the additives question, and the Demerara Rum GI), so stay tuned! We consulted a good amount of sources for this episode, which you can view at: https://www.rumcast.com/episodes/guyana-rum-guide-part-1

Did you know you can support The Rumcast on Patreon now and get bonus episodes, happy hours, and more? You can! Head to patreon.com/therumcast to check it out. You can watch the video version of this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/BcE6Atm6iys In this episode, we sat down with Mike Gilmore, founder of Roaming Road Spirits, to go behind the scenes at one of the newest independent rum bottlers in the U.S. Roaming Road first got on our radar last year when they came out of the gate hot with an impressive slate of initial rum releases that included a memorable <>H Hampden rum, among others. With Roaming Road's second wave of releases now out (which we tasted through on a recent bonus episode), we figured now was the right time to get their full story. We chatted with Mike about: His journey from liquor store owner to rum bottler Why he thinks store barrel picks have gotten worse in recent years Why he travels thousands of miles to sample casks in person (rather than receiving samples by mail) His tasting process What he looks for in a great rum How he ended up bottling a 17-year-old rum from Spain (and details on where it came from) The impact of cask finishes And much more! You can learn more about Roaming Road on their website: https://roamingroadspirits.com This episode was sponsored by the Key West Rum Fest. You can get more info on their website: https://rumfestkeywest.com

Did you know you can support The Rumcast on Patreon now and get bonus episodes, happy hours, and more? You can! Head to patreon.com/therumcast to check it out. You can watch the video version of this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/mDPckM5pTDM In this episode, we sat down with Mike Gilmore, founder of Roaming Road Spirits, to go behind the scenes at one of the newest independent rum bottlers in the U.S. Roaming Road first got on our radar last year when they came out of the gate hot with an impressive slate of initial rum releases that included a memorable <>H Hampden rum, among others. With Roaming Road's second wave of releases now out (which we tasted through on a recent bonus episode), we figured now was the right time to get their full story. We chatted with Mike about: His journey from liquor store owner to rum bottler Why he thinks store barrel picks have gotten worse in recent years Why he travels thousands of miles to sample casks in person (rather than receiving samples by mail) His tasting process What he looks for in a great rum How he ended up bottling a 17-year-old rum from Spain (and details on where it came from) The impact of cask finishes And much more! You can learn more about Roaming Road on their website: https://roamingroadspirits.com This episode was sponsored by the Key West Rum Fest. You can get more info on their website: https://rumfestkeywest.com

Did you know you can support The Rumcast on Patreon now and get bonus episodes, happy hours, and more? You can! Head to patreon.com/therumcast to check it out. You can watch the video version of this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/ANxp9PZ2Ql4 It's finally time — we're revealing which rum we will be releasing for the Rumcast Single Cask Project (and our release date goal)! This is the cask we ultimately purchased from Main Rum Company following our in-person visit, where we sampled over 20 casks that originated from all over the world. We covered many of those casks in our previous Cask Project episode that took you inside our Main Rum visit: https://www.rumcast.com/episodes/main-rum-company-rumcast-cask-project This episode was sponsored by the Key West Rum Fest. You can get more info on their website: https://rumfestkeywest.com

Did you know you can support The Rumcast on Patreon now and get bonus episodes, happy hours, and more? You can! Head to patreon.com/therumcast to check it out. You can watch the video version of this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/MzKLBMBL8XE In this episode, we sat down with Oliver Chilton, the head blender at Black Tot Rum, to nerd out on all things blending—from their recently reformulated flagship blend, to their new solera blend, to their annual master blender's reserve releases, and beyond. We also got into a lot of in-the-works rum projects that we didn't know were coming down the pike. All of which are interesting. Oliver was a great hang and we learned a lot. We think you will too. You'll hear about: The rum Oliver was desperate to add to their Finest Caribbean blend (and why) How Oliver went from working at The Whisky Exchange to becoming a rum and whisky blender Their distillery project (and whether we might see rum coming from it) The coolest rare rums Oliver has had the chance to work with Misconceptions about sherry cask and solera maturation How solera casks different from typical ex-sherry casks used in aging rum Possible future releases And much more! You can get all the details on Black Tot’s blends at their website: https://blacktot.com

Did you know you can support The Rumcast on Patreon now and get bonus episodes, happy hours, and more? You can! Head to patreon.com/therumcast to check it out. You can watch the video version of this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/zAdfOpxwKz8 In this episode, we attempted a new mid-year exercise — picking 10 bottles each we think are the most talked about / anticipated releases of the year among rum enthusiasts, including bottles that have already hit shelves and some that are still on their way. The goal was not only to create a snapshot of what's popular with rum enthusiasts in 2025, but also to give you a handy list of bottles you may want to add to your list to try if you haven't already. After you've had a listen, send us an email or drop a comment on social to let us know — which releases are you most excited about this year? Which ones did we miss? We'd love to know! We've included the full lists below, so stop scrolling here if you want to be surprised! **Spoilers Below** . . . . . . . . . . . . . John's Top 10 List: 10. Holmes Cay Réunion Island Rum Traditionnel - Single Origin Edition #4 9. Black Tot Finest Caribbean (New Blend) 8. Dead Reckoning Vanuatu 83 Islands 7. Raising Glasses Full Circle Blend 6. Bedford Park Westerhall Grenada 27-Year 5. Alambique Serrano - Alambique de Cobre 4. Habitation Velier Hampden PM Spirits / Prestige-Ledroit Blend 3. Roaming Road Belize 18-Year 2. Renaissance Clouded Leopard 1. Alambique Serrano Vida Nativa Series #1: Pico Canoa Will's Top 10 List: 10. Black Tot Historic Solera Blend 9. Hampden 1753 8. Foursquare Exceptional Cask Selection: Mandamus 7. Papalin Jamaica High Ester 6. Renaissance Clouded Leopard 5. Mhoba Rum: The Shaldon 4. Bristol Classic Rum Jamaica DOK 2009 3. Hampden The Maverick 2. Alambique Serrano Vida Nativa Series #1: Pico Canoa 1. El Dorado High Ester Blend #2: PM/DHE

Did you know you can support The Rumcast on Patreon now and get bonus episodes, happy hours, and more? You can! Head to patreon.com/therumcast to check it out. You can watch the video version of this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/9x_Mxws69oY In this episode, we sat down with the founder and distiller behind one of the most interesting rum projects in the U.S. right now, Robyn Smith of rum et al., a chemical engineering PhD turned rum distiller. The premise behind Rum Et Al is simple but fascinating. Robyn started with a foundational, always-available rum she named Baseline. She's since released batches in which she introduces a "variable" to the Baseline recipe, such as dunder. This allows you to taste the exact differences that the variable brings to the flavor profile when tasted side by side. If you're a rum geek, it's a really cool tasting experience. During the episode, we discussed: How she went from chemical engineering PhD to rum distiller Her experience in R&D for Lost Spirits Distillery How rum et al. came to be All the nerdy rum production details The joys and challenges of being a one-woman operation Congeners vs. esters How ester measurements translate to flavor profile What we might see from her next And much more! Be sure to check out her YouTube channel, This Blog's Neat: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCQ2bgY9ccE7uPSHRdwmiP8A These videos about her rum et al. releases are a great place to start: How Baseline Was Made: https://youtu.be/b5XEGO3AJZw How Variable (Dunderclap) Was Made: https://youtu.be/NXyF7vwRJDk How Variable (Tailspin) Was Made: https://youtu.be/1s5Q6leDoXg Have you had a chance to try Robyn's rum? What stood out to you in the conversation? Let us know via email (host@rumcast.com) or social!

Did you know you can support The Rumcast on Patreon now and get bonus episodes, happy hours, and more? You can! Head to patreon.com/therumcast to check it out. You can watch the video version of this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/3NEXgQJSdgY Sometimes we get in the mood to do something a little crazy, and this episode is one of those times. After the debut of the latest musical number from John Gulla (don't miss this one), we spend 60 minutes putting a big dent in our backlog of rum samples by tasting and sharing rapidfire thoughts on 10 interesting rums each, for a total of 20. We set a timer for two minutes and 30 seconds for each sample, leaving ourselves some extra time at the end to discuss our favorites, what we learned from the exercise, and more. From recent releases like Papalin Jamaica High Ester Blend, to classics like Rhum Bielle Blanc, to up-and-coming producers like Taiwan's Renaissance Distillery and Australia's Mt. Uncle Distillery (including an Australian agave cask finish??), to recently closed distilleries like Japan's Nine Leaves, to soon-to-be-released rums that we saved as surprises — the range is wide and vast, just like the category of rum and John's vocal range. You can check out the complete list of rums below, or just dive right into the episode! After you've listened, let us know — have you tried any of these rums? If so, what did you think of them? Cheers! Complete List of Rums Sampled: Oxbow Rhum Louisiane 2022 Harvest (United States) Uruapan Cana Cristalina Single Agricola (Mexico) Below the Salt L'Ardois JaQ (Nova Scotia) Velier Nine Leaves 2023 Last Drops (Japan) Botran Rare Blend - Italian Wine Cask (Guatemala) Grander Toasted Oak Small Batch (Panama) Rum & Cane - Asia Pacific XO (Fiji / Indonesia Blend) Mt. Uncle Iridium X (Australia) Crooked Island Rum - Waterman (Jamaica / Dominican Republic Blend) Mt. Uncle Iridium X Agave Cask Edition (Australia) Dràm Mòr Single Cask - Secret Distillery 7-Year (Mauritius) Foursquare Magisterium (Barbados) Rhum Bielle Blanc (Marie Galante, Guadeloupe) Papalin Jamaica High Ester (Jamaica) Renaissance 2018 Pedro Ximenez Sherry Cask (Taiwan) Raising Glasses Full Circle Blend (8 Countries) 4 Surprise Rums (3 of which haven't been released yet)

Did you know you can support The Rumcast on Patreon now and get bonus episodes, happy hours, and more? You can! Head to patreon.com/therumcast to check it out. You can watch the video version of this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/j3DyrseUg08 If you keep up with rum releases it's been pretty hard to ignore the arrival of Alambique Serrano's Vida Nativa series — 5 limited release bottles from the Oaxacan cane juice rum producer that feature a wide range of interesting cask types, different stills, and distinct flavor profiles (watermelon cucumber water?). In this episode, we tasted through 4 out of the 5 bottles, plus the new 3-year blend that's designed to be their first always available release. Along the way we debated our favorites, discussed a possible early favorite rum of the year, revealed John's secret connection to a beloved pop music icon, and much more. We cover the specs of each release during the show, but if you'd like to follow along, the Alambique Serrano website has all the details here: https://www.alambiqueserrano.com/vida-nativa1 Have a listen and let us know what you think of these rums if you've been able to taste them!

Did you know you can support The Rumcast on Patreon now and get bonus episodes, happy hours, and more? You can! Head to patreon.com/therumcast to check it out. You can watch the video version of this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/vIGY1T80zIw In this episode, we invited Grander founder Dan DeHart on the show to break down the making of an atypical new unaged rum called Cane Harvest. Unlike the vast majority of rums that come out of Panama, this rum is made of 100% heavy column rum that typically only serves as a blending component with lighter-bodied rums. It's a fascinating glimpse at a type of rum we don't often get to experience on its own. You can watch the video version of this episode here. We talked to Dan about: How an idea to recreate the defunct Caña Brava rum led to this much different rum The source of the rum (hint: it's not from Las Cabras, the distillery where Grander has sourced all of its other rums to date) What makes this heavy style of column still rum different Whether we'll see an aged version of this rum How Grander has evolved over the last 5 years Most successful and most unsuccessful secondary maturations And much more!

Did you know you can support The Rumcast on Patreon now and get bonus episodes, happy hours, and more? You can! Head to patreon.com/therumcast to check it out. You can watch the video version of this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/5zegq3Mv0NY In this episode, after a quick discussion of potential bottles for our Rumcast Single Cask Project, we dive into all things charanda with Miriam Pacheco, the general manager of Uruapan Charanda. If you're familiar with the aguardientes de caña from the Mexican state of Oaxaca, think of charanda like their cousin from the state of Michoacán — a similar Mexican cane spirit that is often made from fresh sugarcane juice, but can also be made from molasses or piloncillo. Once among the hundreds of charanda producers in the state, Uruapan is now one of only two or three remaining. Miriam talked us through the distillery's 100+ year history, including: What separates charanda from other Mexican cane spirits Why they put "rum" in quotation marks on their label Why the number of charanda producers has dwindled over the years The range of distillates they produce from their collection of pot and column stills Their newer line of single cane varietal rums What you might find aging in their warehouse of 400+ casks And much more! As we've said before, there's no shortage of interesting cane spirits coming out of Mexico these days. Uruapan is definitely one of them. Check out these links to learn more: Uruapan Charanda website: https://charandaartesanal.com/ Imbibe article on charanda: https://imbibemagazine.com/charanda/ The Rumcast Guide to Mexican Rum: https://www.rumcast.com/episodes/mexican-rum-guide