Which Rum Brands May Be Up for Sale?

A possible Pernod–Brown-Forman tie-up raises a bigger question: when portfolios overlap or turmoil hits, which rum brands stay—and which get sold?

Apr 6 • Matt Pietrek

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March 2026

Touring Appleton Estate in 1950

Step inside Appleton Estate in 1950. A rare Wray & Nephew brochure and archival photos reveal how Jamaican rum was made—from cane fields to pot stills.

Mar 9 • Matt Pietrek

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February 2026

France’s Largest Rum Maker Hides in Plain Sight

You know Saint-James and Negrita—but do you know the company behind them? Meet France’s largest rum maker, shaping the industry from Martinique to…

Feb 20 • Matt Pietrek

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Appleton Estate Rum: How the Brand Began

The little-known story behind Appleton Estate Special and how it marked the true beginning of Appleton Estate as a rum brand in the 1940s.

Feb 2 • Matt Pietrek

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January 2026

Parting the Fogg: Mister Fogg Navy Rum — Your Questions Answered

Your Mister Fogg Questions Answered: Sail N° 1 vs N° 2, availability, the blend, and much more.

Jan 5 • Matt Pietrek

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December 2025

Rum Wonk 2025 Wrapped - Top Five Stories, and Five You May Have Missed

From fermentation chemistry to forgotten tiki styles, pricing realities, and industry shakeups—my most-read (and most overlooked) Rum Wonk stories of…

Dec 30, 2025 • Matt Pietrek

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How a Rum Obsession Turned into a Publishing Business

Big changes at Wonk Press in 2025. New books, new approaches, and new countries—how we rebuilt the business behind the scenes.

Dec 16, 2025 • Matt Pietrek

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November 2025

This Man Saved the Royal Navy’s Rum Recipe

A forgotten notebook. A chance encounter. The Royal Navy’s rum recipe stayed secret—until now.

Nov 24, 2025 • Matt Pietrek

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Where Does Mount Gay’s New Silver Rum Fit In?

Mount Gay drops a new silver rum that's different than almost anything else on your shelf. What’s the scoop?

Nov 17, 2025 • Matt Pietrek

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Charles Tobias, Pusser's Rum Founder, Passes

Remembering Charles Tobias: naval aviator, adventurer, and the man who brought Pusser's rum and the Painkiller to the world.

Nov 6, 2025 • Matt Pietrek

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October 2025

Hurricane Melissa’s Impact on Jamaica’s Rum Makers

After Hurricane Melissa tore across Jamaica, the island’s rum makers face an uncertain road ahead. Here’s what we know so far—and what could come next.

Oct 30, 2025 • Matt Pietrek

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What’s the Story with Ron del Barrilito?

Unmasking Puerto Rico’s most debated rum. Is Ron del Barrilito flavored, legit, or even the island’s oldest? The truth might surprise you.

Oct 7, 2025 • Matt Pietrek

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