1、RUM DECEMBER 2024001 Cover DI Rum24.indd 1001 Cover DI Rum24.indd 119/11/2024 14:1819/11/2024 14:18This time last year rum seemed to be on the cusp of something very exciting.T e oracle that guides the hands of the multinational spirits groups seemed to think so,at least.Brown-Forman and Diageo each

2、 spent the GDP of an,admittedly tiny,island nation acquiring Diplomtico and Don Papa respectively,in deals that would likely raise more of an eyebrow if announced today.As it transpires,rum isnt immune to the spirits industrys wider struggles.Trends away from alcohol consumption and macroeconomic st

3、rife are turning people away from the category in its most valuable market I take a look at the US on page f ve.But its never all doom and gloom.For reasons to be optimistic,look no further than Clinton Cawoods insight into the categorys most forward-thinking innovators on page 22.Elsewhere,Shay Wat

4、erworth heads to the Dominican Republic via Madrid to catch up with Ron Matusalem as the brand celebrates 150 years(page 16),while I head to Scotland to speak to Calum Rae of Elizabeth Yard and get the lowdown on one of the newest(page 14).And if that doesnt raise the spirits,our local globetrotter

5、Tyler Zielinski can point you in the direction of a good,stif drink he rounds up the pick of the worlds rum cocktails on page 21.T e cautious optimism that tinted the previous DI Rum supplement has been replaced by a more sober assessment.T e never-ending march towards premiumisation has f nally rea

6、ched an obstacle and now producers must innovate and diversify if they are to be heading into 2026 in higher spirits.OLI DODDSUPPLEMENT EDITORA dif erent story to 2023EDITORIALEditorShay WBars Editor Hamish SWebsite Editor Oli Doddoli.doddagilemedia.co.ukDigital Marketing Executive Angel AReporter&E