Presents rum blend to President Dr. Ali, CARICOM SG, Dr. Barnett

DEMERARA Distillers Limited (DDL), under its renowned El Dorado Rum brand, presented a special CARICOM 50th Anniversary Special Blend to President of the Co-operative Republic of Guyana and CARICOM Chair, His Excellency Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali, and the CARICOM Secretary General (SG), Her Excellency Dr. Carla Barnett.

This presentation done on Tuesday is part of the commemorative activities marking the 50th anniversary of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM).
The West Indies Rum and Spirits Producers Association (WIRSPA) members collaborated to develop a unique rum to honour CARICOM’s achievements over the past 50 years. DDL, along with other producers from rum-producing CARICOM member states, will present their products to national governments throughout June.
DDL’s special blend is a unique combination from three heritage stills: the Uitvlugt French Savalle Still, the Diamond Coffey Still, and the Port Mourant Double Wooden Pot Still. The rum features rich notes of banana, honey, and cantaloupe melon, with leathery, cigar notes and vanilla undertones on the palate.

At the handover ceremony held at State House, DDL Chairman Komal Samaroo remarked, “This blend of three unique rums from three different stills creates an extraordinary blend. Similar to CARICOM, individually we are all great countries, but when meshed together, we become extraordinary.” Samaroo also emphasised the global recognition of Caribbean rum brands and urged producers not to become complacent.
President Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali highlighted the Caribbean’s long tradition of quality products, congratulating DDL for its continuous commitment to excellence. He noted that exports of bottled rum and spirits earned Guyana nearly $35 million, with bulk alcohol contributing $19.2 million in export revenue, underscoring the industry’s significant economic impact.

Following this presentation, a full set of thirteen rum expressions will be presented to CARICOM Heads of Government at their meeting in Grenada in July 2024. This regional presentation will be a highlight of CARICOM’s 50th-anniversary celebrations, showcasing the diversity of Caribbean rum and the region’s achievements over the past half-century.
CARICOM Secretary-General Dr. Carla Barnett emphasised the significance of rum in the region. “Our region holds some of the best distillers in the world, and the premium quality rum from Guyana has won international awards. Rum is deeply rooted in our history and has been a significant economic driver, contributing to foreign exchange, employment, and tourism.”

Rum is the Caribbean’s most renowned product, celebrated for its quality and premium status. The industry is a successful export sector closely linked to the region’s tourism, highlighting the achievements and contributions of Caribbean rum to the regional economy. The industry’s collaboration with regional governments has opened export markets, making Caribbean rum the most sought-after globally.

Demerara Rum has been DDL’s core business for the past three centuries. In the 17th century, over 300 distilleries in the region produced unique rums. Today, the expertise and heritage of those distilleries are preserved at DDL’s Diamond Distillery, the last remaining distillery in Guyana.
The event was attended by notable figures including Minister of Tourism Industry and Commerce, Oneidge Walrond; CARICOM ambassadors, and high commissioners from Trinidad and Tobago, Belize, and Suriname. Representatives from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Co-operation, CARICOM secretariat, and DDL’s executive and management teams were also present.
El Dorado Rums, crafted at the Diamond Distillery in Guyana, represent over 300 years of Caribbean rum heritage. Dating back to 1670, these rums are celebrated for their depth, complexity, and smoothness, embodying the pinnacle of craftsmanship in premium-aged rums.