The photo above shows me alongside Richard Seale, proudly wearing my Guardians of Rum badge (on my right side).

 

“The Guardians of Rum is a movement conceived during the visit of Luca Gargano (Velier) and Richard Seale (Foursquare) with the Harris/Hussey Family at the iconic Hampden Estate in Jamaica in 2016.

Those who wear the badge are committed to preserving a place in today’s rum world for pure rum and traditional methods.

Do not ask for a badge.

Earn it.”

 

Guardians of Rum.

What we are about:

– Promoting artisanal over industrial scale – something already inherent the law of the EU for whisky and Brandy.
– Distinguishing traditional methods over modern (20th century) developments – the kind of changes forbidden in EU law for many other spirits but have occurred for better or worse in rum.
– Promoting transparent age statements over sleight of hand – something already required by law in the EU/USA but not enforced in rum.
– Promoting pure rum over doctored rum (added wine, flavourings etc) – something already required by EU law but poorly enforced.
– Celebrating rum’s diversity – but a diversity from the sugar cane not a suite of flavours in the hands of a “master blender.”

What we are NOT about:

– Arguing between countries about the ‘definition of rum’ – it is normal for spirits to have different definitions – e,g. American v Scotch Whisky – what is important is the law where it is sold and recognition of a GI where applicable.
– Demanding uniformity. The greatest diversity is found in the producers who adhere to all of the above principles.

 

Link to Facebook Guardians of Rum GROUP

Link to Facebook Guardians of Rum PAGE