Sponsored Feature with BRUGAL
As the Scottish sun finally made an appearance, SLTN chatted to Brugal’s UK brand ambassador, Georgia Balson, about why the rum is the ideal ingredient for sunny day cocktails.
Dark spirits, generally, are often seen as ‘colder weather’ drinks, but rum tends to buck that trend. What is it about rum that you think makes it more of a ‘year-round’ spirit?
“I think rum has always been seen as a versatile spirit with countless applications, particularly in the dark rum space. With a focus on the raw ingredient – in the case of Brugal, 100% Dominican sugar cane molasses – dark rum typically retains a hint of natural sweetness and tropical, fruity notes that make it perfect for refreshing summer serves.
“Alongside this, dark rum also carries deeper, spicier, more warming flavours like toasted oak, vanilla and dried fruits. These qualities are essential to spirit-forward serves such as a Manhattan, that are more typically enjoyed in the cooler months. Dark rum strikes a rare balance between depth and versatility – it’s rich yet smooth, deep yet bright, classic yet adaptable. Complex enough for winter yet refreshing enough for summer!
“In fact, dark rum is woven into traditions and holidays around the world, from our home in the Dominican Republic, to places such as Africa, Polynesia and of course here in Europe – reinforcing its year-long appeal.
“It’s an exciting time for rum as a whole; insights show that the ultra-premium dark rum category is expected to grow ahead of all other spirits. A key trend driving this is that people are consuming less but purchasing higher quality spirits, and that’s created an interesting space for Brugal to play in.”
Why is Brugal such an ideal rum for mixing into cocktails?
“One of the many beautiful things about Brugal rums is that though each expression is elegant and refined enough to be enjoyed neat, they are characterful and complex in a way that adds a twist of wonder to any cocktail.
“The quality of Brugal today pays homage to the honed skills and exquisite innovation distilled down through five generations of passionate Maestros Roneros. Our pioneering cask mastery, including double ageing our Brugal 1888 in both ex-bourbon American oak casks and ex-Oloroso sherry European oak casks, creates a rum with layers of complexity that make for refined, refreshing drinks.
“Our rums elevate spirit-forward cocktails like an Old Fashioned or Negroni, while their low dosage and characterful profile makes them an ideal base for well-balanced tropical cocktails too.
“Consumers in the ultra-premium space have stepped away from overly sweet cocktails, favouring those that are drier in style and hero the spirit itself, and for them Brugal plays a valuable role when elevating a classic.”
Some bartenders and operators might be wary of putting a super-premium product in a cocktail. Should a super-premium product such as Andres Brugal be used in cocktails, or are these products better suited to enjoying neat?
“Personally, I believe everyone has the right to enjoy their drinks however they choose. That said, ultra-prestige spirits like Andres Brugal 02 are rich in nuance, each sip imbued with subtle aromas and layers of flavour that can only be accessed in full when enjoyed neat.
“With just 416 decanters available worldwide, Andres Brugal is certainly made to be savoured, however I have no doubt that a skilled bartender could craft an exquisite cocktail specifically highlighting those unique qualities.
“With a delicate touch, even the most refined spirits can transform into a luxury cocktail experience that enhances rather than overshadows. But to truly appreciate the depth and complexity, particularly where Brugal rums are concerned, I’d always recommend experiencing it neat, or with a few drops of water – at least to start!”
Could you provide a couple of examples of Brugal cocktails you are particularly fond of?
“A go-to for me would be a Rum Negroni, made with Brugal Coleccion Visionaria 02 – it’s the perfect cocktail for a summer evening spent with friends. The subtle hints of coffee and warm spice add new depth to the timeless classic. When creating the perfect Espresso Martini, Brugal 1888 is unrivalled, though our Old Fashioned-style Maestro’s Welcome – made with coconut syrup and coffee bitters – comes in as a close second.
“And, when I’m looking for something extra special, a Brugal Maestro Reserva Manhattan is a real showstopper – especially with the added flair of a miso fat wash!”
Do you have a particularly fond memory of drinking rum? If so where were you, what were you drinking and what made the occasion special?
“I’m always of the opinion that occasions are made special though the people they are shared with, and the opportunities to connect. For instance, I’ll always cherish the moment I was first introduced to Brugal – ten years ago, on a trip to the Dominican Republic before my career in hospitality had even begun.
“During my trip, I connected with locals through my (now very patchy) ability to speak the local language. One of them proudly invited us to their hometown to meet their family, and upon meeting us, the first thing his mother did was bring out a bottle of Brugal. She insisted that we share a glass of what she referred to as ‘a symbol of the Dominicans’.
“Her pride in sharing this with us, and the symbolism of it was truly unforgettable. Now that I am working with the brand and understand how deeply connected we are to our place and its people, it feels like that moment has come full circle.”
What are some of the key things bartenders should know about Brugal?
“Where to begin? If I had to leave you with my key takeaways of Brugal, I would start with our depth of history and heritage through inherited and learnt skills from our five generations of Maestros Roneros over the past 137 years.
“Secondly, our pioneering cask toasting techniques showcasing our cask mastery, resulting in creating richer and more complex rums, and paving the way for progress and innovation within the broader rum category.
“And lastly, we can’t forget our Dominican Republic home, where exceptional climates, ingredients and most importantly our people, have enabled us to craft our outstanding rum over the past decade.
“Brugal is truly leading the way in ultra-premium rum today, providing the depth and complexity for neat serves, as well as the perfect foundation for well-balanced cocktail creation. Its versatility makes it a win-win for bartenders.”
