I am first and foremost a husband and father. I’ve have been happily (and I am one of the lucky ones who can truthfully say it) married for 30 years to the same woman, my wife Maureen (who happens to be a Registered Nurse going on 32 years and is therefore much more important than I am). I have three children, two who have grown up and flown the coop, and one who is about to embark on the adventure.

I am also an entrepreneur and businessman. I have owned and operated my Sports Memorabilia Store (Cardsharks Memorabilia Store) for 25 years which makes me a fiercely independent person. I probably would not be successful working for someone else.

Well down the list, I am a Spirit’s Writer. Although it is strictly a hobby, it is an activity which brings me a lot of enjoyment. I love (after the hustle of the day is done) spending about an hour every night tasting whichever spirits I happen to fancy in the privacy of my tasting room sanctuary. I write detailed tasting notes which eventually find their way into my reviews. These reviews are published on my website, The Rum Howler Blog which has been online since 2009.

This may sound strange, but I do not consider myself to be working for the rum industry. My role as Spirit Reviewer is to provide unbiased information to the consumers of rum. My biggest accomplishment in that regard is the popularity of my Spirit Review Website. I don’t pay anyone to provide me with comprehensive stats; but I think it speaks volumes that when the words ‘rum reviews’ are entered into your google browser, my website has for the past three years been ranked number 1. I do not advertise, or pay any SEO company to promote my website. My ranking is based purely on the number of persons who enjoy my content and seek out my reviews before they purchase a bottle of rum.

I fell in love with rum when I was looking for an outstanding bottle of whisky to share with my brother in law. He had done me the honor of opening a very special bottle of Whisky (Wiser’s 18 Year Old if you are interested) which he had purchased 25 years previously and was saving for a special occasion. That special occasion turned out to be the day my family came to visit and he spontaneously decided I was the one whom he wanted to share his special bottle with.

I was touched and decided to find a special bottle to share with him. While visiting a boutique Liquor store in Edmonton, the manager suggested that perhaps I sample a bottle of aged rum which he insisted would taste as marvelous as any whisky. He gave me a taste of Flor de Cana 7 Year Old Rum and I was so impressed, that I bought two bottles, Ever since then, I have maintained a firm affection for the cane spirit.

As indicated, I do not consider myself to be part of the rum industry. My day job is running my Sports Memorabilia business. That pays the bills. Writing about rum and other spirits is just a hobby.
Every day I open my store and talk to everyone who comes in about our favorite sports and our favorite athletes. Then in the evenings, when I get home, I unwind by tasting and writing about rum and other spirits which have been sent to me from all corners of the world. That is such a good life, who wouldn’t want to continue.
5. Favorite Drink + Recipe
I came up with this recipe several weeks ago and it has become a favored indulgence.
Aztec Rum Old Fashioned
2 oz Flor de Cana 12
1 tsp Bols Triple Sec
Fees Brothers Aztec Chocolate Bitters (dash or two)
Ice
Serve in a Rocks Glass

Today the Rum Industry is poised for a major shake-up. Several factors are at work, but one of the most important is the new economics of micro-distilleries. These small distilleries are popping up all over the world (we have at least 40 in Canada and the number is growing fast) and they are all experimenting like crazy. I know of at least 5 small distilleries making rum in Canada that did not even exist 3 years ago. I have tasted their rum, and it’s pretty good.

If this is happening in Canada, it must be happening all over the world, and it is not unique to rum; I believe the Micro-distilling revolution is going to change the spirits industry fundamentally.

With respect to rum, in about five years we should be seeing more clearly the impact of these small micro distillers. Many new brands of rum will be available to the consumer. In fact, rum will be a locally produced spirit in many countries.

The growth of the premium rum category is already inevitable. The efforts of companies like El Dorado, Appleton Estate, and For de Cana (and others of course) have already pushed the concept of premium aged rum (and premium white rums for that matter) far enough into the public consciousness that the category should grow on its own from here.

In addition, companies like Brugal have begun the next phase by taking a hard look at their barrel regime and maturation processes. Increasingly they (and other rum producers) are seeking out younger barrels to set their rums within, and the experimentation with exotic barrels is well underway.

a. Is sipping for the first time: Keeping it affordable – El Dorado 21 Year Old;
If Price is no object – Flor De Cana 25
b. Likes Scotch Whisky: Appleton Estate 12 Year Old
c. Likes Bourbon: Brugal 1888 (Ron Gran Reserva Familiar)
d. Likes Gin: Mount Gay Eclipse Silver
e. Likes Vodka: Stick to Vodka (Rum will have too much character and flavor for that person)
f. Likes Cognac: Ron Millonario XO Reserva Especial Rum

Jim Murray – Although I have never met Jim Murray his annual Whisky Bible had a huge influence on me. My style of spirit review, although not entirely consistent with his, was nonetheless constructed largely upon his shoulders. I owe a great debt of gratitude to Jim. Hopefully, we will cross paths so that I can thank him.

Davin De Kergommeaux – Davin is a well known Canadian Spirits Writer and Author of Canadian Whisky-The Portable Expert. Very early on in my efforts as a Spirit’s Writer Davin reached out to me to offer praise and encouragement. We have maintained a steadfast friendship and often share our thoughts on the spirit’s industry with each other.

Edward Hamilton – Ed is the owner of The Ministry of Rum which is perhaps the greatest single resource for information regarding the cane spirit in general and for researching rum brands and rum distilleries. Very early on when I started to write spirit reviews, Mr. Hamilton gave me a platform. Much of my early success in popularity was due to his willingness to share his community with me.

Building a new house: Wheelchair accessibility for my youngest son is a priority as is the outdoor garden for my wife. But it will also include a brand new and improved tasting room/library so I can continue to enjoy my hobby.

Tour as many of the new small micro-distilleries in Alberta as I can to see what innovation they are bringing.