February 2013 – Papa’s Pilar™, a new super-premium rum inspired by Ernest Hemingway’s spirit of adventure that’s hell-bent on returning rum to its gutsy roots, will be introduced in Florida beginning this week. The inaugural Dark & Blonde varieties are born from the finest rums of the Caribbean, Central America and the U.S.A. and then solera aged and blended in a unique process here in the states.
Papa’s Pilar is meant to rekindle a sense of adventure in us all and replace the Hawaiian shirts and umbrella drinks with which rum has become associated. “Papa” as Ernest Hemingway was known, was possibly the world’s greatest adventurer. Papa’s Pilar was crafted to be near that same adventure, accompanying rum enthusiasts as they sink their teeth into life. Named for his muse and one true constant, Pilar is the vessel that allowed America’s literary giant to reach beyond the shoreline, feast on life and remind us to never be a spectator.
BOLD. WELL-TRAVELED. DEEPLY NUANCED.
Papa’s Pilar Dark and Blonde are born of the finest rums and pay homage to Hemingway’s exploits on land and sea, respectively. Each is hand-selected from ports-of-call throughout the Caribbean, Central America and the U.S.A. for their age and distinct character. Once brought to the U.S.A., the Papa’s Pilar team of Master Blenders artfully marry the rums in a unique solera aging and blending process, using American Oak Bourbon barrels, Port Wine casks, and Spanish Sherry casks.
Papa’s Pilar Dark is a bold and complex rum. At 86-proof, it is both pot and column stilled and boasts hand-selected rums up to 24 years old, and a long, velvety finish. Papa’s Pilar Blonde is a crisp and nuanced rum, which includes column stilled aged rums 3-5 years old. At 84-proof, it has a layered and exceptionally smooth finish.
Leading the creation expedition is rum importer and supplier Jay Maltby, known best for his executive roles at Bacardi USA, Cruzan Rum, and IncuBrands LLC. He is joined by Richard Seale, a 4thgeneration Barbados Rum Distiller who is well recognized in the rum community for both his boundary breaking and R.L. Seale rums; and Lincoln Henderson, a seasoned bourbon innovator and a friend of Papa’s Pilar, who was enlisted to advise on formula creation.
“Papa’s Pilar is the only rum supplier utilizing a solera that contains rums of various ages and sources of supply – each unique in their own right,” said Jay Maltby, lead master blender, Papa’s Pilar. “This exclusive process creates a one of kind liquid that is singular in its creation and final product.”
Every aspect of Papa’s Pilar is thoughtful and purposeful. The distinct bottle evokes Papa’s exploits through a form factor reminiscent of an iconic WWII canteen. The etched compass closure reflects that same sense of adventure on either land or sea, and the chain link makes it practical for any excursion. The lion heads represent nobility while the Rooster on the Medallion pays homage to Key West, an island where Hemingway and his boat Pilar once resided and remain celebrated fixtures within the community.
“Papa’s Pilar is a complex rum with bold, robust flavor and real integrity, said Robert Burr, rum expert and editor of Rob’s Rum Guide. “I’m honored to be among the first to sample this masterpiece from a best-in-breed blending team and eager to pass along the story and a very strong recommendation.”
Beginning in March, Papa’s Pilar rums will be available in 750ml bottles in both on- and off-premise accounts in Florida – Key West, Miami and Ft. Lauderdale as of March 1, and Tampa, Orlando, Jacksonville later in the month. The suggested retail price of the Dark and Blonde are $39.99 and $29.99, respectively. Prices may vary by market.
Papa’s Pilar was developed in conjunction with Ernest Hemingway’s estate. The Hemingway family will donate 100 percent of their royalty profits to organizations that embody the likes of adventure, literacy, and conservation, causes dear to Hemingway and his heirs. Later this month, for example, the Family will make a $30,000 donation to the International Game Fish Association (IGFA) in Dania, Florida, a highly reputable worldwide organization that embodies many of Ernest Hemingway’s core values, from sport and adventure to protection of natural resources. As one of the founding members and a member of the IGFA Hall of Fame, Hemingway contributed greatly to the sport – while marrying his passions for angling and writing. Papa’s Pilar will also work with local charitable foundations that serve Hemingway’s legacy and underscore the true spirit of adventure.
“We worked closely with the Hemingway family to ensure the brand and product captured Hemingway’s true essence,” said Lindsey Kops, brand manager, Papa’s Pilar. “Today, we raise a glass to this exciting new adventure and to arguably the world’s greatest adventurer who inspired us all to never be a spectator.”
For more information, please visit www.papaspilar.com “like” us on facebook http://www.facebook.com/PapasPilarRum and follow us on twitter @PapasPilar
About Hemingway Rum Company, LLC
Hemingway Rum Company, LLC is a distilled spirits company based in Florida that’s dedicated to producing super-premium multi-sourced solera blended artisanal rums. The Company’s inaugural offerings are Papa’s Pilar™ Dark and Blonde rums, incepted and crafted by a seasoned team of best-in-class partners.The Company encourages consumers of legal drinking age to Live Courageously and Drink Responsibly and proudly supports local organizations that serve Ernest Hemingway’s adventurous, literary and conservational legacy. Papa’s Pilar™ is a proud member of the Distilled Spirits Council of the United States (DISCUS).