Aged Rums Gain New Appeal and Market Share in the U.S

Aged Rums Gain New Appeal and Market Share in the U.S.



Move over cognac! According to a July 16 issue of Time Magazine, under "Global Business," more consumers are reaching for a bottle of aged rum to pour in their crystal snifters versus other aged spirits. Aged rums have new snob appeal among hip cocktail aficionados. Sales of high-end rums in the U.S. have increased 45 percent in the last three years to $287 million, according to the Distilled Spirits Council in Washington, DC.



That's good news for Puerto Rican producers, since local laws require that all Puerto Rican rum be aged a minimum of one year in charred white oak barrels. Seventy percent of all rum sold in the U.S. is from Puerto Rico. All of it is aged, as required by law.



"There is learning and growth going all around regarding spirits with much focus being on rum. For me, the essence of an aged rum is best enjoyed in a snifter. The maturing of rum brings out the complexity and beauty of the product. In the cooler months of the year here in New Orleans, I have guests that enjoy an aged rum much like many enjoy a fine cognac at the end of a meal," said Lu Brow, mixologist for New Orleans' Cafi Adelaide.



Puerto Rican rums can be aged as little as one year and as long as 15 years. Rums aged for one year are called "blanco" and are light in color. They are versatile and mix well with fresh juices or light sodas. Rums aged for at least two years are amber in color and have more body. These mix best with colas and ginger ale. Dark rums, ...