One of the rums that captivated my attention at Rumfest 2014 was a new entry: The Duppy Share. Launched this past July, The Duppy Share is an artful combination of three-year-old, 100% pot still Jamaican rum from the beautiful Worthy Park Estate and the warm, buttery finish of five-year-old rum from the famed Foursquare Distillery in Barbados. The result is a fine blend of bold, tropical fruit flavors in a golden, cask-aged rum that captures the spirit of the islands while representing the taste of the modern Caribbean. So smooth and delicious!
The Duppy Share is the brainchild of George Frost the youngest son of the late broadcaster Sir David Frost who spend many family holidays in the Caribbean and not only fell in love with the food, people, and culture but also the rum. He is joined in the business by start-up guru Jessica Swinfen who honed her craft at Innocent Drinks. Together, they founded The Westbourne Drinks Company in London and initially toyed with the idea of creating rum there. Smartly they abandoned that idea and set out on a quest to find the perfect rums that would form the basis for the artistic creation they had in mind. The two scoured distilleries around the world, discreetly gathering only the best samples and experimenting with several blends.
They would eventually strike gold back in the Caribbean – the spiritual home of rum – when they created a tasty combination using premium rums sourced from the renowned rum islands of Jamaica and Barbados. It should be noted that the name ‘Duppy Share’ refers to the dark spirits or ghosts which, according to Caribbean folklore, roam the dead of night to steal the best of the aging rum from the old oak barrels. Now with a brand name that is quite the conversation starter, George and Jessica are focused on developing this exciting new Caribbean rum The Duppy Share into an international brand.
The process of crafting this fine rum is a story of artistry embodied in a unique journey through the hands of several master producers whose skills bear the experience of several generations. First, the liquor is distilled in the Caribbean by fourth generation rum masters. Next, it is aged in old, American oak Bourbon barrels which gives it the delightful, golden tint and adds subtle oaky, caramel flavors. The superior flavor profile is then masterfully blended in Amsterdam, and bottled in London in a beautifully designed bottle that complements the premium taste of The Duppy Share blend. Clothed in a nostalgic label design that was inspired by 1930s travel posters, the bottle evokes the sophisticated essence of the Caribbean in the brand.
There are many ways to enjoy this exciting new Caribbean rum — whether it is served straight up or in a delicious cocktail like The Duffy Conqueror punch. Served over crushed ice, the ingredients include 50ml The Duffy Share, 25ml fresh lime juice, 30ml sugar syrup, a splash of Angostura bitters, and a dusting of grated nutmeg. This cocktail like their Jamaican punch is beyond delicious and is sure to awaken and please discriminating taste buds.