WIRSPA Producers Celebrate CARICOM 50th Anniversary with Special Rum Blends
CARICOM Heads of Government got a special treat at their recent meeting in Guyana when the Saint Lucia Distillers Group presented the Heads with their new CARICOM 50th Anniversary Rum Blend. Attractively packaged under their Chairman’s Reserve Brand, the new expression honours the achievements of the Caribbean Community over the past 50 years.
A specially selected blend of twelve (12) year old rums from the distillery’s unique collection of pot and column rum stills, and aged in various oak casks, the rum also pays homage to the Caribbean rum industry, which also recently celebrated its 50th Anniversary as the West Indies Rum & Spirits Producers’ Association (WIRSPA).
The special anniversary blend is one of several being developed by members of WIRSPA to commemorate the Caribbean Community’s 50th anniversary. Two Barbadian Rum Producers are in the final stages of production for commemorative blends honouring the 50th Anniversary of CARICOM and will unveil these in the coming months. The presentation of these products to Heads of Government at their next meeting in July 2024 will mark a highlight of the region’s 50th anniversary commemoration, being celebrated over the past year.
The products being showcased by regional rum producers will be distributed to CARICOM, its member states and international representatives abroad, with limited quantities being available for sale in local markets.
Margaret Monplaisir, CEO of Saint Lucia Distillers Group said, “we are thrilled to be the first out of the gate with our 50th anniversary expression. This is a special blend to mark the occasion but also a recognition of how closely the industry has worked with regional governments to open export markets. This collaborative approach over many decades has enabled us to make a name for ourselves in the international market.”
She added, “I’m delighted to be making this contribution to the region both as head of Saint Lucia Distillers and as the first female chair of WIRSPA since its inception over 50 years ago.”