From Chemical Engineer to Master Blender:The Story of Liza Cordero

With more than two decades at Destilería Serrallés, Liza Cordero has built a remarkable career driven by passion, innovation, and dedication to the art of rum making. Cordero is a Chemical Engineer who graduated from the University of Puerto Rico, Mayaguez Campus, in 1994. Throughout her career, she has worked in different companies, such as the petrochemical and biotech industries. However, in 2001, she wanted a change, something different. This is when Serralles appeared in her life. Since then, she has been in charge of the Fermentation and Distillation Operations. 

In 2012, she was promoted to Process Director, adding the Wastewater Operations to her previous responsibilities. And now, as the Master Blender since November 2021, she has the amazing responsibility of creating new and innovative products that will captivate the attention of customers. In this exclusive interview with TheRumLab, Liza shares the experiences that transformed her professional journey, her commitment to education and sustainability within the rum industry, and the creativity involved in developing exceptional blends. Her story is one of perseverance, leadership, and a deep respect for the culture and future of Puerto Rican rum.

TRL: What does rum mean to you? What made you fall in love with rum, and when did it happen?

Although rum has always been part of Puerto Rican culture, my love for it grew when I began working in the industry. And how did I get here? After I decided to make a change in my life, I wanted to do something different.

I started my chemical engineering career working for different industries, but after 7 years, I started looking for a change, a new challenge, something outside what is considered to be a normal career path for any chemical engineer. That is when an opportunity at Destileria Serralles appeared in my life. I did not hesitate to accept the challenge of working for the best distillery in Puerto Rico, producing the best and most authentic Puerto Rican rum. This decision has been the best one I have ever made! Twenty-three years have already passed, and I am hoping for many more to come. Working in the rum industry has made my life complete; rum defines me and what I am truly passionate about. It has allowed me to be part of something special, to be creative, and most of all, to be part of the history of making Don Q Rum.

TRL: Three essential characteristics that define rum according to your perspective.

• Personality

• Consistency

• It has to create an experience when tasted.

TRL: What is the most important contribution you have made to the rum industry?

Educating consumers on what is involved in producing a rum of excellent quality. I offer them many details about rum processing that sometimes are not discussed and often go unspoken.

TRL: Benefits that the rum industry has given you I have grown tremendously, both personally and professionally, thanks to this industry. I have

faced many rewarding challenges, each one bringing many valuable learning experiences. The rum industry continues to grow, driven by innovation, and this brings many opportunities for learning and professional growth.

I have also had the honor and privilege of meeting many wonderful and passionate people within this business. I feel proud to be part of an industry that has warmly welcomed what I bring as an experienced professional and now Master Blender, and that truly values what Serralles rums have to offer to the world.

TRL: What’s another thing you are passionate about besides rum? Why?

I am passionate about guiding and mentoring the next generation of professionals, particularly students studying engineering and related disciplines.

It is incredibly rewarding to speak with them about this industry and witness how their passion, sense of responsibility, and commitment grow. I can see it in their faces! For me, it is very important to share my experiences and emphasize the value of passion, strong ethics, and dedication in everything they do. These are the true keys to success.

TRL: What is your favorite place for drinking rum?

Anywhere there is wonderful music and good friends. Don Q is the best rum for creating memorable moments!

TRL: Favorite drink + Recipe

Any of our Don Q premium rums used in an unusual cocktail that a mixologist wishes to create. It cannot be part of the cocktail menu! I am sure that each one will come with a great story and an excellent experience.

TRL: Why is it important to educate the rum consumer?

There are a lot of misconceptions about rum. Some examples are that rum is sweet, that this industry is not regulated, the different types of rum, and the aging required for a rum to qualify as Puerto Rican rum, etc. We have the responsibility to change this perspective.

We need to provide our customers with information about how rum is made, the importance of aging and the transformation we are able to achieve throughout this unique process, what is involved in blending, and what differentiates one rum from another. The way we can achieve this

is by being transparent about how we make rum. There are rules in this industry, and we need to use them as guidelines for best practices. In this way, we will continue to elevate this category.

TRL: Any tips to train the palate and taste a good premium rum?

Enjoy the experience from the very beginning. Start by opening the bottle and sensing the aroma that instantly comes out of it. Pour a small amount into a glass and start moving the rum around, admiring its texture and color. Then continue to appreciate the aromas that the rum offers, doing it several times because a distinct character will always emerge and surprise you.

Finally, drink a small amount, let it play and fill your mouth, close your eyes before swallowing slowly, and enjoy!

TRL: How can rum contribute to improving the crisis in some countries?

Definitely in agricultural-related matters. Molasses demand continues to grow, and we need more countries to grow sugar cane following sustainable practices in order to have this raw material available.

TRL: Is the commitment to sustainable development the key to success for the permanence of the rum industry in the world? Why?

Having a sustainable operation is a must for this industry. Rum manufacturing relies on nature and the environment for its existence. Our raw material availability depends on how the environment reacts after many years in which we took it for granted. Therefore, we must implement practices that respect what nature allows us to have.

At Destilería Serralles, we have been working on reducing greenhouse gases by installing solar panels, which generate about 3 MW, and a turbine that generates approximately 500 kW. This represents about 60% of the plant’s consumption. We have also reduced the use of fossil fuels by burning alcohol in the boiler.

In addition, we have worked on changing packing materials to reduce hazardous waste disposal. Currently, we are working on several efforts to recycle a vast number of water effluent streams back into the front end of our water processing plant to decrease raw water usage in our process. In this way, we protect our natural water resources. Also, our effluent is biologically treated in our anaerobic and aerobic digesters prior to being discharged into our irrigation field.

TRL: Who would you like to meet in the rum industry? What would you say to him/her?

I would like to meet every woman who is currently elevating this category. It would be an honor. I would tell them that we have also made this industry ours, that our contribution is being valued more every day, and that this is thanks to our commitment, sense of responsibility, dedication,

and most of all, our passion and desire to offer an excellent product to our customers.

We have proven that we are motivated by our innate need to always make a difference, by intuition, and most of all, by proving that we can achieve everything we set our minds and hearts to.

TRL: What are your next goals in the rum industry?

To continue developing new and innovative products that follow the current trends toward premium rums and cocktails, which is the emerging culture nowadays, while always honoring the traditional way of making rum and the heritage of the Serralles Family. Customers enjoy different tastes in rum, something unique that can also be enjoyed in a good cocktail.

TRL: Plans you have when you leave the rum industry.

That is a good question. I have not thought about that yet. I am enjoying what I am doing right now. I want to be part of this industry for as long as life allows me to be.

TRL: Why is the role of the bartender important in the rum industry?

Because their creativity and success are the best confirmation that our products offer the desired profile, taste, and aroma they need for their creations. Rum is the base of their masterpieces! They are the best educators in the rum industry.

TRL: What is your advice for new generations in the rum industry?

Embrace everything that happens in your life — every moment, every minute, every situation. Every challenge has its purpose and its lesson. Persevere in what you want to achieve and trust yourself.

Also, learn from others because every person has something to teach you. Honoring your values will guide you through your personal and professional life. Always pay attention to what the market is telling you through its trends, and remember that creating an excellent product requires a lot of patience, dedication, and commitment.

TRL: How can people learn more about you? Website? Social media page?

● https://www.instagram.com/lizona71/

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