Rum (R)evolution

Everyone enjoys a good tropical cocktail, whether at a tiki bar, on a Caribbean cruise, or at an island resort. Sweet and cold, but still refreshing. Rum is the true star of this lush liquid genre.

Despite its many variations, all rum can be traced back to sugarcane, which grows abundantly in tropical climates.

Rum has long been a renegade spirit, from pirates of old to prohibition rum-runners, perhaps befitting its relative lack of regulation.

Rum has remained a global favorite in many forms and formats, whether on the high seas or through back doors. Many brands retain a sense of adventure, whether through tattoos, barrels, canes, or pirate maps.

The term “rum” is neither country-specific nor a protected appellation. Almost every region or country with a spirits industry produces some form of rum. The undisputed center, however, remains in and around the Caribbean.

However, most people are unaware that fermenting raw sugarcane juice is a much older practice that was practiced in Asia millennia ago, particularly in the Indian subcontinent.

The Nepal belt was a dark rum pioneer, having access to the world’s most pristine water source, the Himalayas. Natural spices found in the region’s forests, wood, and an abundance of fresh sugarcane form the foundation of some of the world’s most popular rum companies.

And what a journey rum has taken!

Here’s everything that is happening right now in the industry:-

• Upscale Leads the Way

As with many other spirits categories, the real growth is in the higher-end segments, albeit not as vigorously as in whiskey and other categories. According to the Distilled Spirits Council, super-premium rum grew 2.9% last year.

• Cocktails are Key?

If you enjoy cocktails, you’ve probably heard of timeless classics like the Mojito, Pina Colada, Daiquiri, or Cuba Libre! If you’ve been to Nepal during the winter, you’re probably familiar with the Rum Punch. The Rum Old Fashioned, which substitutes rum for bourbon or rye, is one of the most popular drinks. What about TIKI? It’s an entire culture in and of itself!

• Fresh Sips

As the whiskey renaissance spreads into other markets, consumers are becoming more knowledgeable about barrel aging and “single-estate” rums. Many new products introduced in the last five years have been designed for sipping.

Sugar & Spice and everything nice!

With more emphasis on flavor than ever before, it is truly amazing to see the various blends and combinations that are gradually emerging – as well as the processes by which they are incorporated or blended into old rums.

Khukri rum from Nepal is a heritage rum that has seamlessly incorporated all of the characteristics of a modern rum. Try the spiced rum variant or the original Himalayan rum – both are of high quality and make excellent sipping cocktails!