149: Our Top 8 Predictions & Questions for Rum in 2026

Note: As a reminder, Rumcast Reserve bottles are officially available in stores and shipping from our online retailer! You can grab your bottles here.You can watch the video version of this episode on YouTube.In this episode, we caught up with Alambique Serrano founder Jason Cox about his latest project, The Rums of Mexico — a wide ranging series of rums sourced from aguardienteros and distilleries across Oaxaca, Veracruz, and Jalisco.We recently shared our thoughts on these rums in a bonus episode, but this interview with Jason gave us a chance to learn much more about the stories behind the rums, including:How the project came aboutThe great (and not-so-great) rums Jason tried along the way to partnering with the 4 producers featured in these releasesWhy he sourced his first molasses-based rum, Melaza con Muck, for this seriesThe wild flavor profile of "Caldo"Each producer's backstoryThe inspiration behind the label artworkAging plansAnd more!Plus, we also caught up on all things Alambique Serrano and discussed what's next for the brand — including the upcoming second wave of Vida Nativa rums.You can learn more about The Rums of Mexico on their website.Have a listen and let us know your thoughts or questions!

Note: As a reminder, Rumcast Reserve bottles are officially available in stores and shipping from our online retailer! You can grab your bottles here.You can watch the video version of this episode on YouTube.This episode is something fun we've never done before: Kate Perry (La Maison & Velier) and Brett Kozinn (PM Spirits) presented us with 7 mystery samples that are all candidates for the next wave of Flag Series releases for the U.S. market. We tasted through them together, debated our favorites, and attempted to guess origins before the exciting reveals, all while discussing all the factors that go into selecting rums like this for release. It was a super fun experience, and a cool sneak peek at what's to come from La Maison & Velier. Give it a listen and let us know how we did! We'd also love to know which of these rums sounded the most intriguing to you. Send us an email or comment on social to let us know.

Note: As a reminder, Rumcast Reserve bottles are officially available in stores and shipping from our online retailer! You can grab your bottles here.You can watch the video version of this episode on YouTube.We're back with Part 2 of our conversation with Foursquare's Richard Seale and Ian Burrell, the Global Rum Ambassador.In this episode, we discussed common misconceptions of the Jamaica Rum GI, including a fascinating deep dive into the history of Jamaican rum aging overseas, media coverage of the story, and what might happen next.If you missed Part 1 on Richard and Ian's latest rum project, you can check it out here.You can listen to our previous episode on the Jamaica Rum GI with Christopher Gentles of the Spirits Pool Association here.

Note: As a reminder, Rumcast Reserve bottles are officially available in stores and shipping from our online retailer! You can grab your bottles here.You can watch the video version of this episode on YouTube.In this episode we sat down with the dynamic duo of Foursquare's Richard Seale and the Global Rum Ambassador himself, Ian Burrell, for a conversation that covered so much ground we broke it into two parts.In Part 1, we discuss their new project that's been years in the making, other collaborations on the horizon, the future of Foursquare's Exceptional Cask Selection series, and much more.Keep an eye out for Part 2 next week. Cheers!

Note: As a reminder, Rumcast Reserve bottles are officially available in stores and shipping from our online retailer! You can grab your bottles here.You can watch the video version of this episode on YouTube.It's time for our annual predictions for the rum world in 2026, but with a slight format twist. Rather than just making predictions, we also include the biggest rum-related questions on our minds as we head into another year.What rum predictions or questions do you have for the next 12 months? Hit us up via email or social and let us know!

Note: As a reminder, Rumcast Reserve bottles are officially available in stores and shipping from our online retailer! You can grab your bottles here.You can watch the video version of this episode on YouTube.It's time once again for our annual lookback at our favorite rums of the year! This time, we both select favorites from the following categories for 2025:Value rum"New to me" rumUnaged rumAged rumBlendSingle cask"Am I the asshole?" rumOverall rumBottler of the yearDistillery of the yearAs mentioned during the show, you can donate to the American Friends of Jamaica's Hurricane Melissa relief fund here: https://theafj.app.neoncrm.com/forms/afj-disaster-relief-fundTune in and let us know your own favorites from 2025!Thanks, as always, for listening and supporting the show throughout the year. We're looking forward to running it back with you in 2026.

Note: As a reminder, Rumcast Reserve bottles are officially available in stores and shipping from our online retailer! You can grab your bottles here.You can watch the video version of this episode on YouTube.In this episode we sat down with Trudiann Branker to go inside her role as master blender at one of the rum world's iconic distilleries, Mount Gay. After taking over for former master blender Allen Smith, Trudiann has played a huge role in shaping the current era of Mount Gay and Barbados rum, from reformulating traditional blends to charting a new course with the estate rum program.We discussed:The surprise conversation that led to her becoming master blenderWhat it was like to create new blends for XO, Black Barrel, and moreThe making of a Master Blender Collection rumThe balance between tradition and trying new thingsHer philosophy as a blenderMount Gay's production processThe future of the estate rum programHer table tennis skillsAnd much more!This was one of our favorite conversations of the year, so we're excited for you to hear it!You can get more details on the rums discussed in this episode on Mount Gay's website.Catch up on our past episodes with others from the Mount Gay universe:Dr. Frank Ward Talks Barbados Rum, Mount Gay, and MoreInside Mount Gay's Estate Rum & Agricultural Program with Jacklyn Broomes and Maggie Campbell

Note: As a reminder, Rumcast Reserve bottles are officially available in stores and shipping from our online retailer! You can grab your bottles here.You can watch the video version of this episode on YouTube.In this episode, we sat down with Pedro Ferreira, founder and distiller of O Reizinho, one of the jewels of Madeira's fascinating rum scene. While O Reizinho is one of the island's smallest distilleries, it's quickly earning a great reputation among enthusiasts for its distinctive cane juice rums.We talked to Pedro about:What sets Madeira rums apartEvolving his father's small distillery from a clandestine "friends and family" operation to a commercial producerThe unique challenges of cane cultivation in MadeiraWhat it's like to send your rums through the tasting panel that certifies Madeira rumThe pros and cons of operating a distillery from your own garageThe direct-fire Portuguese stills that craft O Reizinho's rumMadeira's quirky age statement rulesLocal rum cultureAnd more!If you're interested in learning more about Madeira rum, be sure to check out our Guide to Madeira Rum episode.

Note: As a reminder, Rumcast Reserve bottles are officially available in stores and shipping from our online retailer! You can grab your bottles here.You can watch the video version of this episode on YouTube.In this episode, we discussed something that we've somehow never dedicated a show to (but with a twist, of course): assembling a rum bar that would offer a beginner a complete view of the rum world.The twist, however, is that we have to do it in as few bottles as possible.Needless to say, it's a tough exercise! We debated how to define a beginner, catering to different spirits-experience levels, how to possibly represent a category as diverse as rum with just a handful or two of bottles, and a whole lot more.This is as much as episode for enthusiasts who often recommend rums to beginners as it is for folks who might consider themselves beginners. Have a listen, and let us know what you think!Cheers!

Did you know you can support The Rumcast on Patreon now and get bonus episodes, happy hours, and more? You can! Head to patreon.com/therumcast to check it out.You can now pre-order our first-ever Rumcast Reserve single cask releases online! Head to our online retailer to grab your bottles today.