Peruvian bartender Nando Córdova is one of the authoritative voices of rum in Latin America, and he speaks to us about this sugarcane spirit in Peru.
International Rum Day is celebrated every August 16th, to pay homage to this distilled beverage derived from the sugarcane, it’s byproduct, sugarcane juice, cane syrup, or molasses. Records indicate that by 1650, the first distilleries in Barbados were producing cane alcohol.
To understand rum, we must comprehend the colonies’ profiles inherited from the 17th century. Among the styles we should know are the French style, obtained from sugarcane juice that brings to the spirit fresh, vegetal, and sugarcane notes.
The British style is made from molasses and undergoes long fermentations to obtain higher esters and congeners in the rum. Spanish style, for example, distill fermented molasses in multi-column stills and are characterized by profiles of toasted oak, vanilla, and honey notes.
Rum is precisely what Nando Córdova has specialized in. With 24 years in the industry, he was recognized by the “International Rum Conference in Madrid” in 2016 as the best rum bartender among professionals promoting the mixology, consumption, and education of this sugarcane spirit.
IN THE KNOW: Nando also organizes rum tasting sessions, and is the owner of the cult rum bar specializing in Tiki & Tropical cocktails called “The Parrot Shadow, that in 2022 entered the list of the 50 Best Discovery.
“Thanks to Ron Abuelo and Panama Rum Fest, I will participate in a conversation on Rum Day. In this ‘Meet & Greet,’ we will share and reconnect with great friends from the industry. In addition, we will visit distilleries and sugarcane producers. There is a project underway, and I hope to share it soon,”
THE MARKET FROM NANDO’S PERSPECTIVE
According to the expert, one of the most consumed spirits in Peru is rum. Regarding brands, Ron Cartavio holds a 70% market share, leading the domestic market, and Ron Flor de Caña from Nicaragua leads the imported segment with a 48% share. In comparison, Ron Abuelo from Panama has seen a 22% growth in 2023 so far.
There are a little over 35 rum brands in the Peruvian market, mostly of Hispanic origin, representing 20% of imported distilled spirits, including liquors and RTDs (Ready-to-Drink beverages). 193,810 cases of 9 liters each were imported in the year’s first half.
The category’s value appreciation is improving, with premium rums aged between 12 and 25 years growing in this segment. In 2020, the total rum consumption was estimated to be $350 million, according to Euromonitor.
CHOOSING ACCORDING TO TASTE
To choose a rum, you need to consider personal preferences and tastes (sweet, semi-dry, or dry; light or with aromatic character). In the case of rums, before choosing one, I observe the following:
- Origin or source of the rum.
- Fermentation and distillation processes.
- Type of byproduct used for rum production.
- Type of barrel and aging duration.
- Whether it’s a special or limited edition.
- Alcohol percentage.
- Brand owner.
For this, it’s always good to research online, visit their website, or social media. However, the buying experience continues after choosing the rum; you must perform a brief organoleptic analysis to determine if it suits your taste.
- Use a clean and dry appropriate glass or cup.
- Visually, the rum shouldn’t be cloudy or have sediments.
- It should be darker, but this doesn’t necessarily indicate higher aging.
- It should have aromas characteristic of the chosen rum style.
- On the palate, it should be warm and friendly, not overly alcoholic or tasteless.
- It should have a medium or robust body, depending on the type of distillation and aging.
- It should have a prolonged finish, not too short. This means that even after you’ve consumed the rum, you can still perceive its aromas internally, either on the taste buds or in the aftertaste, it enhances the consumption experience.
- Always accompany your drinks with water.
“I invite you to come to The Parrot Shadow and enjoy rum with us. , you will findTiki & Tropical cocktails, as well as a selection of 230 different rum labels from around the world,”
IN THE KNOW: You can check Nando Córdova’s socials or visit The Parrot Shadow Rum Bar & Tiki Cocktails at 250 Santa Luisa St, San Isidro.
