November 2025 100

It’s not every day that students get to learn about the hospitality industry firsthand inside a distillery, surrounded by the aromas of freshly fermented molasses and rows of aging barrels. Recently, students from the FIU Chaplin School of Hospitality & Tourism Management experienced just that during an educational trip to Puerto Rico, facilitated by the Bacardi Center of Excellence.

On this journey, the students discovered that rum is much more than just a beverage; it embodies a rich tapestry of history, culture, and innovation. Witnessing the entire process from fermentation to bottling revealed how tradition and modern technology converge to produce high-quality products. The global spirits industry is currently valued at $650 billion and is projected to grow to $780 billion by 2030, marking the significance of this field in terms of career opportunities.

The students’ first stop included San Juan Distillers in Puerto Rico’s capital. For many, this was their introduction to a smaller production facility. The owner, José R. Álvarez Reyes, alongside his son, provided an intimate look into their distilling process while sharing stories of their passion for craftsmanship and dedication to their heritage. Despite being a smaller operation with around 20 employees, the level of care in each bottle was evident and inspiring.

Next, the students visited Casa Bacardi, the largest rum distillery in the world, located in Cataño. As a well-known brand synonymous with rum, Bacardi offers a wealth of resources and support to FIU students through its partnerships aimed at enhancing education and promoting sustainability. During their time at Casa Bacardi, students toured the facility, exploring the labs where unique yeast strains are developed for their signature products, deepening their knowledge of rum production.

To cap off the trip, the group visited La Factoria, a renowned cocktail bar in Puerto Rico recognized on The World’s 50 Best Bars list. The vibrant atmosphere highlighted the fusion of creativity and culture, showcasing the bar’s ability to transform from a coffee shop in the morning to an energetic nightclub at night. The varied ambiance across its different rooms appeals to a diverse clientele, emphasizing thoughtful design and unique experiences.

This enriching experience highlights the significance of hands-on learning and cultural exploration within the hospitality program. The students did not merely study rum; they engaged with its history, its makers, and its essence. This journey into Puerto Rico reinforced valuable lessons about hospitality, focusing on storytelling, connection, and tradition that they will carry forward in their careers.

• FIU Chaplin School of Hospitality & Tourism Management
• Bacardi Center of Excellence
• Spirits Market Report

With a focus on Guatemalan heritage and innovation, Master Blender Lorena Vásquez plays a pivotal role in crafting Zacapa Rum, which is distinctively aged "Above The Clouds." The aging process occurs in high-altitude casks at 2,300 meters, deriving complexity from the volcanic soils of southern Guatemala where the sugar cane is grown.

Vásquez employs a solera system for aging, transferring the rum through various cask types—like American and European oak—that previously held whiskey, cognac, and sherry. This meticulous method allows for a blend of rums aged between 6 to 23 years, culminating in the flagship Zacapa No. 23, along with premium options like Zacapa XO, which utilizes additional aging techniques.

Beyond the rum itself, Vásquez emphasizes the importance of community engagement. The bottles are adorned with petate weaving, a skill that provides employment for over 700 women in local villages, helping to preserve traditional crafts while fostering economic independence.

Vásquez’s journey into the distilling world began unexpectedly. She studied chemistry and pharmacy, contrary to her father’s wishes for her to pursue medicine. Initially, she worked in quality control at a beer company before transitioning to Zacapa in 1984, where her passion for creating unique rum flourished.

Vásquez recalls her early experiences, noting the superior complexity of the rum distillate compared to other spirits, which spurred her drive for innovation. Through extensive research and travel, she advocated for longer aging processes and the acquisition of varied casks, changing the landscape of rum production in Guatemala.

The elevation plays a crucial role in flavor development. At high altitudes, reduced temperatures and lower oxygen levels slow the aging process, enriching the rum with nuanced colors and aromas. She describes this environment as a blend of "magic and chemistry," producing a more refined product.

When it comes to personal preferences, Vásquez enjoys Zacapa No. 23 in cocktails like an Old Fashioned or a Zacapa Espresso, whereas she savors the Zacapa XO straight, showcasing the rich flavor profiles unique to her creations.

The International Wine & Spirit Competition (IWSC) is renowned for its role as a respected authority in the beverage industry, showcasing the best of wine and spirits from around the globe. Among the most notable recognitions is the IWSC Honor Roll, which celebrates brands that demonstrate exceptional quality consistently over the years. For 2025, only two vodkas made it onto this elite list, highlighting their extraordinary craft and character.

Established in London in 1969, the IWSC evaluates categories from over 90 countries using blind-tasting methods to ensure impartial assessments. The competition’s "Top 50" project has recognized not just single standout bottles but producers whose consistent quality across their portfolios captivates judges. Vodkas must earn gold medals in three of the last five competitions to qualify for the Honor Roll, reflecting their reliability and craftsmanship. Out of thousands of entries, only 46 spirits met this high standard, and the two vodkas selected were Alberta Pure Vodka and Royal Mash Vodka.

Alberta Distillers’ Alberta Pure Vodka features a 40% ABV and is priced at $17 for a 750 ml bottle. Founded in Calgary, Alberta, in 1946, Alberta Distillers is known for its rye whiskey production and exceptional distillation techniques in extreme climates. Its Pure Vodka is made from 100% Canadian grains and glacier-fed spring water, showcasing a dedication to quality. The vodka is refined through multiple distillations and charcoal filtration, resulting in a clean aroma with hints of citrus and grain. It offers a smooth taste with notes of white pepper and a crisp, mineral finish, making it perfect for classic cocktails or enjoyed straight with caviar.

Royal Mash Vodka, also at 40% ABV, is priced higher at $44 for a 750 ml bottle. Produced in Jersey, this vodka is crafted from the unique Jersey Royal potato, a crop protected by designations of origin, ensuring its quality. The vodka is distilled four times and non-chill-filtered, creating a product rich in nuances. On the nose, it offers a creamy grain aroma combined with hints of almond and citrus. Its palate features a blend of white pepper and cereal grains with a velvety finish, emphasizing its luxurious profile intended for sipping.

Considering these two vodkas side by side reveals the diversity within the vodka category, often overshadowed in the spirit world. Alberta Pure Vodka focuses on purity and refinement, whereas Royal Mash Vodka underscores the heritage and complexity of its raw ingredients. Both embody the characteristics that put them on the IWSC Honor Roll — a commitment to excellence that ensures they are regarded as among the finest vodkas available today.

If you’re a fan of rum and whisky, you’ll appreciate the practice of aging Scotch whisky in rum casks. Scotch must be matured in oak barrels for at least three years, and while American oak barrels are common, some distillers opt for barrels that previously held rum. This process introduces a unique array of flavors to the whisky, including notes of caramelized sugar, toasted vanilla, and tropical fruits.

Aging whisky in ex-rum barrels enhances its complexity and depth. Here are some standout recommendations if you’re looking to explore Scotch whiskies that have been finished or aged in rum casks:

• Dewar’s Caribbean Smooth Whisky
  This blended Scotch has spent at least 8 years maturing and is finished in Caribbean rum casks. It offers a complex profile with aromas of toasted vanilla and tropical fruits, complemented by flavors of ripe pineapple, sticky toffee, and chocolate. The finish is a warm blend of caramel and tropical notes.

• The Balvenie 14 Year Caribbean Cask
  A must-try, this whisky is aged for 14 years in traditional oak before being finished in casks that held a unique West Indian rum. The result is a flavorful mix featuring aromas of pineapple and butterscotch, with palette layers of orchard fruits and vanilla, culminating in a lengthy, sweet finish.

• Glen Scotia Double Cask Rum Finish
  This whisky undergoes a double maturation, first in ex-bourbon barrels and then in Guyanese Demerara rum barrels. It presents a delightful mix of salted caramel and brown sugar on the nose, while the palate showcases molasses cookies and baking spices, resulting in a long, warm finish.

For those aiming to add distinctive flavors to their home bar, these selections are exceptional examples of how rum cask finishing elevates the Scotch whisky experience.

India’s premium spirits market is getting a new entry with the launch of Shelter6, a vodka brand developed by popular musician Badshah in partnership with Cartel Bros, known for their successful whisky brands. Shelter6 has ambitious goals, aiming to capture 25% of India’s vodka market and achieve a valuation of ₹700 crore within three years.

The brand prioritizes quality, boasting a vodka distilled six times in Russia using glacial water from Saint Petersburg. Badshah emphasizes that the focus is not just on creating a world-class product but on delivering the best possible experience. He articulates a vision where Shelter6 becomes synonymous with enjoyable gatherings, stating, "If you don’t have a bottle of Shelter6 on your table or in your home bar, the party isn’t cool."

The premium spirits segment in India is rapidly expanding, driven by young consumers looking for better drinking experiences. Moksh Sani, Co-Founder of Cartel Bros, notes a significant opportunity in the vodka category due to the current lack of quality products that resonate with consumers’ desires. He believes Shelter6 can fill that gap, providing a high-quality product at a fair price, enhanced by Badshah’s star power.

Importantly, Shelter6 is not targeting a specific age group but aims to attract anyone who appreciates quality products. It currently has a presence in Maharashtra, with plans to expand to North and South India shortly. Over the next few months, Shelter6 aims to be available pan-India.

Additionally, the brand has already secured initial orders from the UAE and has plans to enter 7-8 markets globally, beginning with Singapore and Thailand.

Badshah explains the inspiration behind the name “Shelter,” attributing it to a sense of warmth and camaraderie he wishes to convey, while also embodying a hint of rebelliousness.

For more information, you can check Market Coverage and stay updated on Business News.

RACER has officially partnered with NEFT Vodka as the Official Spirit of the inaugural RACER Creator Awards, presented by Dunlop. NEFT Vodka, recognized for its premium quality and unique barrel packaging, will sponsor the post-awards reception. This event aims to bring together creators, industry leaders, and motorsports icons to celebrate excellence in automotive storytelling.

Taro Koki, the Executive Producer of the RACER Creator Awards, expressed excitement about the partnership, noting that NEFT Vodka’s creative spirit and dedication to craftsmanship align perfectly with the awards’ mission to honor innovators in the automotive and motorsports community.

Crafted in Austria with pure Alpine spring water and ancient rye grains, NEFT Vodka has gained popularity among both creators and enthusiasts. The collaboration emphasizes mutual values of authenticity, artistry, and excellence shared between NEFT Vodka and the vibrant creator community recognized by the RACER Creator Awards.

Jeff Mahony, CEO of NEFT Vodka, stated the importance of sponsoring the awards, highlighting how they celebrate innovation and inspire the next generation of creators within the automotive culture.

The RACER Creator Awards will honor achievements across 20 categories, ultimately culminating in a special Creator of the Year award. Winners will be determined through a combination of fan voting and a judging panel led by head judge, Jeff Zwart.

For more information about NEFT Vodka, visit NEFT Vodka.