Rum Connoisseur

Interview Of The Week

CARLOS CARBALLO DORADO
Tasting Judge at International Rum Conference USA

 

1. Who is Carlos Carballo Dorado?

Hi, I’m Carlos, I was born in Madrid and I have been living here since then. I obtained the formation of Spirits Sommelier in the Curso Superior de Destilados / Cámara de Comercio de Madrid, later the title of Whisky Ambassador issued by BIIAB (British Institute of Innkeeping Awarding Board). I have been trained in mezcal, tequila and other distillates of agave (Centro Superior de Hostelería Mediterráneo), brandy from Jerez, cava, wines from Jerez, etc.

I belong to the AMS (Madrid Association of Sommeliers) and I work as a sommelier in different campaigns. At the same time, I run my tasting club “La Próxima Vez Será Diferente” in several places in Madrid. I have collaborated as a sommelier and tasting judge at the International Rum Congress in Madrid, as well as at the International Rum Conference 2019 (USA).

 

2. Biggest achievement you personally feel you have accomplished for the rum industry?

I don’t think I’ve done great things for the industry, but since my independence, I’m happy to have discovered quality spirits to many people. In my tasting club we have proposed different styles, talked about history and tasted excellent rums, and many times for a young and receptive audience.

3. What made you fall in love with rum and when did it happen?

I am in love with spirits in general, and of course, with rum in particular. I think that if you know its history, elaboration methods, and the different styles that you can find, it’s hard not to fall in love.

 

4. What is that thing that makes you want to continue in the rum industry?

I love what we do from my tasting club, and it is a pleasure to make proposals for people. I will keep on working on offering new spirits, pairings, etc. I believe that things have changed and the consumer looks for experiences, stories to tell, drinks that surprise him, and share all that with more people.

 

5. Favorite Drink + Recipe

Rum, whisky: usually neat.

 

6. Where do you see the rum industry today and in the next 5 years?

I think that the industry is immersed in a process of change, the general bet must be quality and concepts that will be very important in the future, are already appearing traceability, sustainability, ecological, the progressive decrease of sugar content is imminent, but then new challenges will come.

 

7. What do you think needs to happen to grow the premium category of rum?

It is hard to make a global analysis of the market. I have a vision within the European framework, and it surely has nothing to do with the current situation of the Rum Industry in India (for example).

From my point of view, the growth of premium categories may be slow, but it is inexorable.

 

8. Which rum would you recommend a person that?

• Sipping premium rum for the 1st time: my recommendation would be to allow you being advised, and to try different styles, countries and maturations until he finds his way.
• Likes Scotch whisky: it depends on the style of Scotch whisky that you like. If you like peated whisky from Islay or from the islands and coasts of Highlands, my recommendation would be “Trois Rivières Cuvée de L’Océan”, which we can consider maritime rum. If you prefer the fruit, vanilla and wood of the whiskies from Speyside, a good proposal would be “Flor de Caña 25”.
• Likes Bourbon: the Bourbon drinker usually appreciates the sweetness (typical of corn), the toasted notes and some spices. My proposal would be “Santaren”, very interesting spiced rum made in Spain.
• Likes Gin or Vodka: I imagine that this type of consumer seeks the presence of alcohol, neat or in a cocktail, this time my recommendation would be “Nine Leaves Clear”, the delicious Japanese white rum.
• Likes Cognac: “Plantation” in his “Single cask collection” has some references finished in Cognac barrels (Barbados 2007 …) or Pineau des Charentes (Trinidad 2009, Peru 2010) and in this consumer profile, I would also recommend “Sister Isles, Moscatel Cask Finished”.

 

9. Share some (2-3) of your mentors and how they have helped you?

– Álvaro Martínez: winemaker from the centennial winery Marqués de Riscal and adventure partner in my tasting club.

-Juan Carlos Manzano: senior professor of the Curso Superior de Destilados.

– Youssef Mrabet: a great connoisseur of the world of whisky and currently in the Emperor Group.

– Javier Herrera: world rum expert, teacher and director of the International Rum Congress (Madrid) and International Rum Conference (Usa)

 

10. What 3-5 things do you have in your bucket list for the next 12 month?

A lot of projects around all this we have talked about, some will come forward and others will not. Keep innovating with our proposals, and continue in the search for synergies with producers, bartenders, chefs, musicians, etc. We are not going to stop.

 

11. Any last words?

Enjoy with your drink, and enjoy also knowing how it is done, what is its story, who dedicated a song to it, who a poem.

 

12. How can people learn more about you? Website? Social Media Page?

You can find information about what I do through the hashtag #laproximavezseradiferente

Web: https://laproximavezseradiferente.wordpress.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/laproximavezseradiferente/