Haitian rum brand Rhum Barbancourt had its London outing on Thursday 12 October at Laki Kane in north London as it launched into the UK market. The 160-year-old brand is 100% Haitian.
Founded by Dupré Barbancourt in 1862, the company has been making rum ever since and has now passed into the hands of Delphine Gardère, the current CEO. She took over from her father Thierry Gardère, who died suddenly in March 2017, and represents the fifth generation of Gardères involved with the business.
The proceedings on the night were simple, as industry guests, press, content creators and other invited individuals were all greeted with a Laki Kane cocktail as they entered the venue.
For some of us, there was a master class where Rhum Barbancourt’s export & international marketing manager, Francesca Eugene, took us through company’s history and invited us to taste the four versions of the rhum. These varied according to alcohol volume and the ageing process. Delphine Gardere then told us more about the brand’s history.
From a specially curated Rhum Barbancourt cocktail menu, we were treated to Laki Kane, Haiti Cherie, Bright and Breezy, HI’ TI’ Punch, Mr Vice and Quisqueya. This writer’s favourite was Laki Kane, which consisted of Rhum Barbancourt Haitian Proof, cupuassu and sapodilla syrup, coconut water, sugar cane juice, passionfruit syrup and lime.
The Spirit Cartel distributes Rhum Barbancourt, which is available in the following varieties: Rhum Barbancourt Haitian Proof, 55% Alc/Vol; Rhum Barbancourt 3 Star, 43% Alc/Vol; Rhum Barbancourt 5 Star, 43% Alc/Vol; and Rhum Barbancourt Estate Reserve, 43% Alc/Vol. All are made purely from sugar cane juice rather than molasses and is double-distilled.
More information can be found at spiritcartel.com.
