October 2015
Europe Special: Diplomático Rum and its ambassadors had a successful tour
In October, Diplomático Rum participated in a series of major events in Europe, with three important figures representing the brand: the Master Distiller, Tito Cordero; the brand ambassador, Sai Hamsala, and the Denominación de Origen Controlada (DOC) Rum of Venezuela (governing authority of Venezuelan Rum).
Tito Cordero: Master of knowledge and experience in rum making
Diplomático Rum’s Master Distiller, Tito Cordero, completed a successful tour of Europe, where he participated in various events to strengthen the brand’s presence. Primarily consisting of marketing events and Master Classes, the tour targeted consumers, bartenders, industry representatives and media.
The tour began in Oslo, with a series of master classes, and tastings. These events took place in restaurants around the city, including the Grefsenkollen, whose structure dates back to 1926 and has been recognized in the Michelin guide, or Fru K Hotel The Thief, where a special dinner with three exquisite dishes were served and paired with three Diplomático Rum cocktails.
Belgium was the second stop, where Tito gave a Master Class in Brussels’ Habano House and participated in the Festival of Rum in Casino, an attractive and old building recognized for its architecture. He was also present at the rum festival in the city of Spa, in the Diplomático Rum booth and Ron de Venezuela booth, teaching master classes for guests. .
Later, London was home to various activities including participation in the London Rum Fest, a Master Class at the University of Rum, and another for Square Meal magazine.
In Dublin, Tito conducted a Master Class at the Westbury Hotel and The Liquor Room, to mark the official launch of Diplomático Rum in Ireland. From there he moved on to Prague, where he conducted interviews with Czech media, attended a private event with various clients in the Asian Temple restaurant, and made visits to prestigious bars and restaurants. The tour concluded in Bratislava, with the launch of Diplomático and a Master Class at the Lemon Tree restaurant.
The tour was very successful for Tito Cordero, as well as presence and promotion of the brand in high profile events. He shared his philosophy and gave a deep understanding of the characteristics of Diplomático Rum in a market with a broad culture in distillates. .
Sai Hamsala: Ambassador of creativity and talent in cocktail creations
Sai Hamsala, winner of the 2015 Diplomático World Tournament (DWT) and new ambassador for Diplomático Rum, toured Europe this past October, showcasing his talent in preparing cocktails in the most prestigious European bars and accompanied by DWT finalists.
The tour began in Spain with a guest bartending event at the 1862 Dry Bar in Madrid, where he collaborated with Javier Vicuña, the finalist from Spain. Sai continued to Germany with two full days of events at the Bar Convent Berlin, and alternating with two guest bartending events: one at the Crowne Plaza, and another at the Ritz Carlton Hotel.
The guest bartending continued in Copenhagen in Holmens Kanal Cocktail Bar, and in Amsterdam in Porem, the bar of the Dutch finalist Remco Babay, followed by Door 74, where he met Timo Janse. In Paris, Sai shared the bars of Beaucoup and Le Perchoir with Ben Tyler, French finalist.
For Sai Hamsala, it was a very enriching experience, both professionally and personally, and certainly an unforgettable first impression of Europe.
DOC Ron de Venezuela: Guarantors of Venezuelan rum’s quality and tradition
Diplomático was also touring Europe as part of the Ron de Venezuela family. This initiative by the DOC mainly sought to bring together the best brands in Venezuelan rum, in order to promote quality and tradition throughout the world.
On a tour of nine cities, Diplomático was able to strengthen its position in a market that highly values premium rums, starting with the Italian Rum Fest in Rome. Diplomático then participated in the 2015 Milano Expo with a series of tastings and cocktails creations.
In Berlin, where the brand is known as Botucal, it was present in two major events: the German Rum Fest, in the Ron de Venezuela booth and in the lounge with cocktails of the brand; and the Bar Convent Berlin, one of the most important festivals in the industry, in which the stand for Ron de Venezuela was among the most visited.
The tour continued in Dusseldorf and at Spa (Belgium), at the Salon du Rhum, both through Ron de Venezuela. Diplomático participated in the tasting with its prestigious line: Single Vintage and Ambassador, both were in high demand and received excellent feedback.
The DOC Ron de Venezuela showcases also took place in Brussels, at the Belga Queen restaurant. There, Diplomático Ambassador was promoted as an ultra premium rum for pairing with a good cigar. The next stop was Warsaw, in the Sky Bar at the Marriot Hotel, with a call made by the Venezuelan Embassy, including customers, distributors, and industry personalities.
The tour also took Diplomático to Budapest, an excellent place for its great nightlife and cultural movement. And finally it concluded at the London Rum Fest where rum from Venezuela also excelled.
