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 • 

Matt Pietrek

14

3

September 2025

Jamaica Rum's 2024 GI Revisions Paused Per Court Order

A Jamaican court has put enforcement of Jamaica's 2024 rum GI revisions on hold, pending further hearings.

Sep 30 • 

Matt Pietrek

11

Equiano Rum - Dueling Ownership Bids

Dueling bids for the brand's assets and a founder’s exit —Equiano Rum battle spills into the spotlight.

Sep 5 • 

Matt Pietrek

10

3

Equiano Rum - What Happened?

Ian Burrell announced he’s no longer representing Equiano Rum. UK government filings tell more of the story, including a possible Uncle Nearest…

Sep 3 • 

Matt Pietrek

14

2

August 2025

Mai Tai Rum(s): Myths and Mistakes

The Great Mai Tai Rum Debate - Are we overthinking it? Some historical context provides guidance.

Aug 30 • 

Matt Pietrek

24

5

What Was London Dock Rum?

What was London Dock rum—and why did it matter just as much as the Navy’s daily tot? A chapter excerpt from The Rum Never Sets explains.

Aug 25 • 

Matt Pietrek

10

3

Jamaica Rum Styles Primer

“Jamaica rum” once said it all. Today, with every producer making styles from unaged to long-aged, it’s time to break down the substyles.

Aug 18 • 

Matt Pietrek

22

9

July 2025

The Rum Never Sets - The New Book on Royal Navy and London Dock Rum

Just released: The Rum Never Sets, a deep dive into Royal Navy & London dock rum by rum historian Matt Pietrek and Planteray Rum's Alexandre Gabriel.

Jul 21 • 

Matt Pietrek

14

3

Why does that Indie-Bottled Rum Cost $100?

Think independent rum bottlers make big profits? In reality, a $100 bottle yields a shockingly low profit to the brand. A new infographic shows why.

Jul 3 • 

Matt Pietrek

21

4

June 2025

Rum Additives - What Key Countries Allow

Rum additives are more complex than just sweetening. Discover why and explore the regulations of 24 rum-producing countries.

Jun 16 • 

Matt Pietrek

12

2

The Essential Tiki Rum Style That Disappeared

The meaning of “Martinique rum” completely changed between the 1950s and today. Martinique rhum agricole wasn’t readily available to consumers in the…

Jun 2 • 

Matt Pietrek

19

9

May 2025

When is a Column Still Not a Column Still?

Hybrid stills are often mislabeled as column stills, confusing consumers and competitions—true column stills enable continuous, not batch, distillation.

May 19 • 

Matt Pietrek

22

3