Did you know you can support The Rumcast on Patreon now and get bonus episodes, happy hours, and more? You can! Head to patreon.com/therumcast to check it out.

In this episode we get an inside look at the status and future of the Jamaica Rum GI (Geographic Indicator) with Christopher Gentles, general manager of the organization championing the GI (and doing other interesting things), Jamaica's Spirits Pool Association.

If you're a fan of Jamaican rum, this interview is a must-listen.

We discuss:

National Rums of Jamaica's legal challenge to the GI

What rum enthusiasts can expect to happen next

Why the GI is important to Jamaican rum

The debates over aging at origin and adding sugar

Creating a tasting panel for Jamaican rum marks

The evolution of the Jamaican rum category in recent years

And much more!

Note: After the recording of this episode, the Jamaica Gleaner reported that National Rums of Jamaica has accused other producers of Jamaican rum involved in the GI of anti-competitive practices and sought help from the Jamaica Fair Trading Commission.

If you want a deeper look at the Jamaica Rum GI, check out these articles:

Jamaica Observer: Court battle over ‘Jamaica rum’ unfortunate, says Jimmy Lawrence; NRJ argues litigation necessary as JIPO erred in GI designation

The Gleaner: New GI rum rules bar aging outside of Jamaica

Rum Wonk: Jamaica's Rum GI Changes - Overview and Analysis

Rum Revelations: Jamaica GI Rumblings with a French Twist

Click here to watch this episode on YouTube and subscribe to our channel!

Did you know you can support The Rumcast on Patreon now and get bonus episodes, happy hours, and more? You can! Head to patreon.com/therumcast to check it out.

In the second installment of our Rumcast Single Cask Project series, we decide on a name for the brand and debate bottle designs ahead of our trip to Main Rum Company at the end of January.

You can view the bottles in our bottles spreadsheet here.

Like we mention in the intro, if you or someone you know has label design skills and is interested in collaborating (and knows the rum world), send us an email at host@rumcast.com!

As a reminder, this episode is part of an ongoing series in which we take you along with us as we purchase a barrel of rum and do our first single cask release. If you missed Part 1, you can check it out here.

Click here to watch this episode on YouTube and subscribe to our channel!

Did you know you can support The Rumcast on Patreon now and get bonus episodes, happy hours, and more? You can! Head to patreon.com/therumcast to check it out.

Happy holidays and New Year (in advance), everyone!

In our fifth (!) annual Year in Review episode we take a look back at our favorite rums of the year in the following categories:

Unaged molasses rum

Unaged cane juice rum

Aged rum (5 years or less)

Aged rum (Over 5 years)

“New to me” rum

Best value rum

Most surprising rum

Overall rum

Plus, we each throw in picks for Distillery of the Year and Bottler of the Year, along with another round of "Am I the a**hole for being lower on this rum?" and another classic rum-themed holiday tune from John Gulla.

Have a listen, and let us know your favorites in these categories from the past year! Also, what did we miss? What were we too high or low on? We'd love to hear your takes.

The List (Spoilers Ahead!)

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Unaged Rum (Molasses):

Will: Pelée’s Fury Martinique Grand Arôme Rum from Raising Glasses

John: Pelée’s Fury Martinique Grand Arôme Rum from Raising Glasses

Unaged Rum (Cane Juice):

Will: Alambique Serrano — Cartier 30

John: Alambique Serrano — Cartier 30

Aged Rum (5 Years or Less):

Will: Hampden Estate Great House 2024

John: Ghana 2020 from Down Island Spirits

Aged Rum (Over 5 Years):

Will: Fiji 2012 Flag Series Rum from La Maison & Velier

John: Cambodia 2016 Flag Series Rum from La Maison & Velier

“New to Me” Rum:

Will: O Reizinho Limited Edition White Rum

John: The category of UK Rum

Value Rum:

Will: Shakara 12-Year

John: Shakara 12-Year

Most Surprising Rum:

Will: Unaged Rum from Line 44 Distillery

John: Ten To One Five Origin Select

“Am I the A**hole?" Rum:

Will: El Dorado High Ester Blend

John: El Dorado High Ester Blend

Overall Rum:

Will: Alambique Serrano Blend #3: Matadiablo

John: Fiji 2012 Flag Series Rum from La Maison & Velier

Distillery of the Year:

Will: Krassel Family Distillery (Alambique Serrano / Cañada)

John: Krassel Family Distillery (Alambique Serrano / Cañada)

Bottler of the Year:

Will: Raising Glasses

John: La Maison & Velier