Bartender Consultor – Ulew Cocktail Bar and Warekegt, Founder: RAUL COJOLÓN

TRL: Who is Raul Cojolón?

I am a Guatemalan Bartender and consultant for bars, restaurants, liquor, and distilled spirits brands in my country. I am the director and founder of Ulew Cocktail Bar and Warekegt, an educational platform for bar aficionados.

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

For me, rum means development, opportunities, and projection to the world. I fall in love with this distillate when I learn about a new brand or attend events where rum is the protagonist.

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

– The place of origin

– the aging process by the choice of barrels, time, and height of aging.

– the raw material, which defines the category to position the Rum.

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

To open the gap to the cocktail bar with Rum in events and training organized in my country. Every day I educate the rum consumer’s palate and make them understand that rum is more than just rum and cola and that there are many possibilities to taste it.

TRL: Benefits that the rum industry has given you.

To travel outside of Guatemala to enjoy gastronomic events and add to my career the opportunity to be an ambassador of my country with the brands of Rum that are produced here.

TRL: What´s another thing you are passionate about, in addition to rum? Why?

Sharing with the community of new bartenders and the complicity that can be created with good communication with chefs and their gastronomic proposals. It is a good opportunity to exchange knowledge about rum.

TRL: What is your favorite place for drinking rum?

It is where you can learn more about rum and understand more about its characteristics.

TRL: Favorite drink + Recipe

Americano Cocktail

– 30ml de Vermouth Rosso

– 30ml de Campari Bitter un hielo macizo y splash de soda mineral

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

The education of our diners is important to encourage the consumption of local products and rum is part of the new proposals that are presented in each gastronomic dish.

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

Tasting a Rum is like meeting a person, the first sip is like eye contact, the second sip is like shaking hands or greeting the person and as we talk with this person, we get to know them with each sip of rum.

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

Rum is now a window of opportunity for everyone with the processes of production that involve and benefit many, however, believing in the people of the region and transmitting its magic would give more empowerment to many. It could speak with more property of each Rum produced in these countries.

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

Yes! The rum industry depends on natural resources, from sugar cane plantations to water. For this reason, we must be conscious of the use of resources if we want to continue enjoying the benefits of rum.

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

I would like to meet the Master Blenders and the people who preserve the magic during the rum-making process.

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

I would like to visit the different rum producing houses in the region.

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

I haven’t considered that moment yet. As long as I have the opportunity to be a bartender, I will be working directly or indirectly with the Rum industry. If that doesn’t happen, I will be a person who will appreciate and share Rum whenever I have the opportunity.

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

The bartender is the person who connects the producer and the consumer.  Although people can have rum in a bar and taste it as they prefer, communication at the bar will always be necessary to show different alternatives when tasting it or to discover its best-kept secrets.

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

Don’t give up! Always keep your spirits high and study everything you are passionate about. If you want to make a name for yourself, you must always work and keep yourself updated. 

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