By Rebecca Harris
The popularity of rum clubs has taken off across Australia, with branches now operating in Melbourne, Adelaide and Hobart.
The Hobart branch is the latest to open, with James France from Vanguard Luxury Brands hosting a Flor de Cana rum tasting at the New Sydney Hotel.
Twenty-five rum lovers gathered to taste the Flor de Cana range, including the 4-year-old gold, 7-year-old grand reserve and the Centenario 18 year old.
“We’re really pleased to see yet another rum club opening up,” France said. “It was also great to see such strong consumer interest in the club.”
The Melbourne and Adelaide clubs will both be hosting their monthly meetings tonight.
Pernod Ricard’s Ben Davidson will lead the Melbourne session at Golden Monkey, with a tasting of the Havana Club portfolio.
Over in Adelaide, rum-lovers will get the chance to sample the extremely rare Bacardi Reserva Limitada, with the evening hosted by Bacardi brand ambassador Loy Catada at cocktail bar Cushdy.
“Bacardi Reserva Limitada is so rare that it is only available in one place – from the the Casa Bacardi store in Cantano, Puerto Rico,” Catatda said. “It will be the first time I’ve tried it so I’m very excited.”