Cuba's first and only Dry Spiced Rum sets the trend
Black Tears, Cuba’s Unique Dry Spiced, Joins Major Global Players
On Drinks International’s 2021 Trending Rums List
The Drinks International Annual Brands Report is one of the most eagerly awaited publications in the global drinks calendar, based on a survey of 100 of the world’s best bars by one of the world’s most regarded industry titles. And one new entry on its trending rums list stands out: Black Tears, Cuba’s first and only spiced. With a unique dry flavour profile and notes of coffee, cacao and Cuba’s signature aji dulce pepper, it is the only spiced product on the list.
Launched in 2019 and maintaining impressive growth despite the pandemic, Black Tears is already available in 30 countries, with more markets set to come on board in the first quarter of 2021. Crafted with Cuban rum in the island’s typical light, dry style, Black Tears was the first product from indie Cuban rum specialists The Island Rum Company, and takes its name from the island’s iconic Lagrimas Negras (Black Tears) song, an island favourite since 1929.
Drinks International’s trending list, the magazine explains, reflects “the brands customers are increasingly asking for, perhaps because of word of mouth or even on bartenders’ recommendations” in the world’s most influential bars. Brands that figure highly in the trending list often move onto the bestselling list in subsequent years as excitement and curiosity build, based on a drink’s popularity among the world’s top bars and bartenders.
“With just 9 grams of sugar per litre, while most spiced rums contain between 40 and 80 grams, Black Tears has created its very own niche within the rum category: dry spiced.” Says Adéle Robberstad, CEO of The Island Rum Company, “Black Tears’ Cuban heritage, Cuban production, and uniquely Cuban flavour profile lie at the heart of our success. I’m hugely proud not only of our team but of the global bartending influencers who have recommended us for this list.”
About Black Tears
Crafted with Cuban rum, Black Tears is Cuba’s first spiced and was the debut product from Cuban rum specialists The Island Rum Company. Inspired by the passion and style of modern Cuba, it has drawn plaudits from the world’s top bartenders. New York bartending legend Dale DeGroff describes Black Tears as “amazing”, while RumFest founder Ian Burrell says simply, “This is beautiful. This is a really great rum.”
About the Drinks International Annual Brands Report
Established in 1972, Drinks International is one of the most trusted and respected global drinks journals, delivering authoritative news and insights about the wine, beer and spirits market to drinks buyers around the world. The Drinks International Annual Brands Report, now in its 12th year, is a snapshot of the buying habit of 100 of the world’s best and most influential bars: the 2021 edition surveyed operators in 33 different countries. Besides Black Tears, the 2021 trending rums list featured Plantation, Bacardi, Diplomatico, Appleton Estate, Clairin, Ron Zacapa, Havana Club, Matusalem and El Dorado.
About The Island Rum Company
Inspired by a love for Cuba and its spirits, The Island Rum Company works to bring the island’s liquid treasures to a wider audience. The management team includes executive chairman Andrew Morgan, who managed the acquisitions of spirits businesses around the globe during a 27-year career with Diageo, and CEO Adéle Robberstad, who launched the heritage Cherry Heering brand into over 150 markets and sold it to De Kuyper Royal Distillers. Through a subsidiary, Island Brands SL, The Island Rum Company operates the first fully-integrated rum production joint venture with the Cuban government in almost 20 years, headed up by entrepreneur Enrique Arías. Besides Black Tears, the company controls the Vigia brand, a historic Cuban mark of quality, La Progresiva, a fine aged Cuban sipping rum, two plants, and over 7,500 barrels of aged rum.
Black Tears Rum Launch Party happened last month in China, get ready for the Tears to flow!
For more information, about Black Tears Rum in Asia-Pacific please contact info@nimbilityasia.com
For more information about the brand in other markets, please contact Adéle Robberstad (adele@itscuban.com).