BERLIN, Germany – Chosen as this year’s country of honour at Bar Convent Berlin, Mauritius will be bringing its rum diversity to Berlin from 7 to 9 October. For 2019, the Kühlhaus will be transformed into the “House of Rum”, with exhibitors from the island including: Grays & Co, L’exil Ltee C/O Rhumerie De Chamarel, Litchquor, House of Lords, the Oxenham Craft Distillery, the Rhumerie Des Mascareignes and the Stirling Export House, providing tastings and imparting knowledge about the varieties of Mauritian rum.
Global Rum Ambassador, Ian Burrell comments “For you to understand a rum you must understand where and how it is made, so I’m excited that visitors will be able to taste a variety of styles from Mauritius, and that its rich rum history will be showcased.”
Mauritius and Rum
In Mauritius, “Every local festivity at which alcohol is consumed is basically a rum festival“, according to Dr. Sukhbirr Puri of the Mauritian House of Lords Beverages Limited. The rum tradition in Mauritius is rooted in its sugar cane cultivation, dated back to the 17th century when the Dutch first brought sugar cane to the island. Today, sugar plantations extend all over the country, and now many of the sugar producers make rum.
The fast-growing industry already has 14 rum suppliers, including six distilleries producing more than 32 rum brands. It is one of the few countries to produce both traditional and agricole rum from fresh sugar cane syrup. The island is also home to a wide variety of rums flavoured with fruit, spices or local coffee.
The quality of the rum in Mauritius is appreciated on an international scale, and the island exports its rum to over 30 countries, including the Netherlands, Great Britain, France, Madagascar and the Seychelles.
BCB and Mauritius The House of Lords Beverages Limited will exhibit at this year’s BCB, showcasing its wide-variety of Mauritian spirits. Managing Director, Dr. Sukhbirr Puri comments “We always think outside the box to develop innovative spirits with flavours that connoisseurs appreciate”.
With a long history in the sugar cane business, craft-focused Distillerie de Labourdonnais will also exhibit at this year’s BCB. Many of its products will be available for tasting by BCB visitors including its column-distilled white rum, Classic Gold and Spiced Gold Rum, a Single Cask and XO Vintage Rum and the fusion series encompassing six different flavours.
“We will also bring an all-new rum to BCB, which has aged in cognac barrels for two years and was then flavoured with vanilla for several months”, comments General Manager Mickaël Derunes.
Stirling Export House Rum – exclusively produced and bottled in Mauritius – is exported worldwide to Europe, Canada, Hong Kong, Dubai and Malaysia. Company Director Yogen Bacha comments, “At BCB we will showcase our award-winning Tilambic XS 151 Aged Overproof Rum, our Green Island Superior Light Rum and the Green Island Spiced Gold – the two most famous brands in Mauritius.
Visitors can also look forward to the Flamboyant Oak Aged – a very balanced and delicate rum, that can be drunk any time.”
Litchquor’s popular Gold of Mauritius Dark Rum will be the main focus of the company’s appearance at BCB. “We will also present our “Rom Club” selection which is designed more for cocktails,” explains Managing Director Frederic Bestel.
The Mauritius Rom Club includes four products that mirror the diversity and wealth of the island with its natural fragrances, exotic aromas and delicious dishes. Other products such as a rum-based liqueur are under development.
