#rumfamily : Favourite all rounders-Rumcask
Next up in the #rumfamily series is the trio of awesome gents that make up Rumcask. We have always loved their enthusiasm and energy every time we meet them. More recently it has been nice to see them continue to grow as part of the Rum community and branch out from reviews and events which clearly demonstrates their passion.
Who is behind Rumcask?
It’s a trifecta of rumlove at RumCask HQ. Indy Anand, Chetan Ladwa and Jazz Singh!
Indy – Back in my first year at University I was introduced to Captain Morgan and Coke and my life would never be the same. I wanted to find other Rum to drink as I knew whisky was a massive category and started my search. I hope that search will never end as I discover more in the category.
Jaz – We swiftly returned to the UK and started the original entity that was Rumcask and began by getting cool Rums in and doing the classic Rum reviews. We soon changed the model to be an events based business and have (at last count) hosted over 40 events in the last two years! What’s a better way to understand the diversity and complexity of our category than by tasting 25 Rums for less than a bottle of reasonable Rum.
Indy – After getting almost everybody I know to sample and drink Rum from 2008 onwards, I always try to improve my knowledge of the category. From visiting distilleries, to going to multiple Rum festivals (in the UK and abroad), to completing my WSET 2 in Spirits, to just sitting with Rum family and listening, there’s always more to learn and many people willing to teach. From there I can echo whats been said by Jaz and Chet with the journey from enthusiasts to RumCask to Skylark Spirits.
Jaz – If it wasn’t for Diplomatica Reserva Exclusiva, I probably wouldn’t have gone through the Rum journey! Nowadays I still sip it as a one off during the night but soon come back to the true Jamaica funk bombs like US RumFire, S.B.S. Jamaica 2018 (DOK) or William George Rum!
Indy – Wray and Nephew. I remember being given it and feeling my mouth on fire back in 2009 and swearing off it for years. Now it’s one of my go to Rums for a mixer with coke. Or a solid overproof Daiquiri! How tastes change eh?
Jaz – The ability to be right on the pulse of what mainstream gin, Rum and whiskey consumers like, want and purchase. Sometimes we are all guilty of forgetting that Rum purists are only 1% of the Rum purchasing market!
Indy – Showcasing the spirit that I love to more people. Not just those who already drink Rum but to those who don’t by understanding their palate and hopefully recommending them something that changes their drinking world! That’s the aim. Make them see the Rum world is vast! (and delicious)
Jaz – Nothing at all! We have the best jobs in the world! Its not even a job anymore!
Indy – The end of an event. The highs that you experience during an event that make the hours zoom past quickly dissipate as you need to clear up. Brings you down to earth very quickly!
Jaz -Transparency! Transparency! Transparency! It is coming!
Indy – I have found more bartenders are growing passionate towards Rum. This leads to them educating the consumer when they talk to them and this has lead to more people trying and enjoying Rum. They have always been a key part in what people drink but its never been more evident to me as it is now.
Jaz – For me, its the small things! Yes, most businesses fail in the first year and we have been here three!
Indy – Being nominated and then making the final list for a Golden Barrel Award in 2018. Its been a lot of work behind the scenes that most people don’t see and it was such a surprise and humbling experience for us.
Jaz – Every year we tend to go to key members of the global Rum community and ask this exact question!
Indy – Ever? You know that’s not possible really. It changes depending on, well, everything! Some of my go to Rums at the moment are: Foursquare Criterion, Velier Antigua 2012, Compagnie Des Indes New Yarmouth 2005, Worthy Park Single Estate Reserve, Plantation Extreme No2 Guyana. This is purely molasses based though. If I opened this up to fresh cane, I’d be here all day!
Jaz – More consumer transparency, more consumer choice, the rise of Agricole and the rise of Rums from the new world (Outside of the classic Caribbean rum producers i.e. Indian Ocean Stills, Cape Verde and of course Madeira)
Indy – Honestly I think the struggle for clarity will still be in place. The powerful brands will stay opposed and the more craft and niche brands will keep fighting. However, I do feel a wider Rum selection will start appearing around the UK in bars and pubs etc by then, especially the fresh cane juice releases.