Co-founder and co-owner of Tortuga Rum Bar Nairobi: RON NAAR

TRL: Who is Ron Naar?

Born and bred in Haiti, I’m coming directly from the world’s leading rum-producing region. I’ve always loved rum, but it wasn’t until I got to travel to other countries that I realized how much rum was enrooted in my DNA and culture. Traveling and living abroad in countries where rum is only known through a very limited few specific brands, that we don’t have to name, was one of the main reasons for my partner and me to open Tortuga Rum Bar in Nairobi, Kenya’s 1st and only rum bar. This passion for rum also pushed me to join in on a great adventure and to be one of the main shareholders in the first Kenyan premium rum (coming out soon) – Bahari rum.

TRL: What does the rum mean for you?

Rum to me means being alive, being me…it speaks about my roots as it has been part of some of the darkest parts of the history of my nation and the Caribbean, but also part of the revolutions, search for freedom, and a rich part of who we are today. It is part of my culture as it is also very linked to Haitian Vodou, the Carnival, and all other types of celebrations. To me rum is more than just a spirit, it Is my way of life as this passion follows me everywhere I go.

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

I truly can’t remember the exact moment I fell in love with rum as if it has always been there and a part of my everyday life. I mean, even before having my first drink of it I already loved it. I recall being intrigued by those bottles which only the adults could drink from and the very distinctive smell of rum from a very early age as it was always there for every occasion. From people playing dominoes and card games outside in the neighborhood streets on a nice warm afternoon, watching football games, birthday parties, weddings, and all other types of celebrations one can think of.

One of the unforgettable and still very vivid memories from my early childhood is linked to rum. I clearly remember the sounds of the Carnival, with traditional marching bands coming from far, the unmistakable smell of rum and Kleren (Clairin) mixed with typical Haitian style banana fritters (beignets) filling the air everywhere and inviting you to just live and enjoy the moment. That always made me happy and I think this is exactly part of why I love rum so much. So to answer the question of “when did I fall in love with rum ?” I would say when was I ever not in love with it?

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

Aromatic complexity, intense when it comes to the tasting notes, and smooth on the finish. It should be an enjoyable experience.

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

I currently live in Kenya and so, am frustrated about not finding good/premium rum

when I first got there in 2017, I decided that there is no better place to launch my lifelong dream of mine of having a rum bar, than here – the most cosmopolitan capital in Eastern Africa. With my partner, Marta, we are now the proud owners of the first and only rum bar to date in Kenya as well as the entire Eastern African region.

Going beyond just being a rum bar, we also offer a full rum tasting experience taking the guests on a journey through the history of rum, educating them on the production and the different styles, and explaining what makes it the most versatile spirit. We share knowledge and educate everyone that walks through our doors about rum and showing that it’s more than just a spirit to mix in cocktails. I’ve also started getting involved more broadly in educating people in the F&B industry in Kenya on how to serve this wonderful spirit and also launched a private rum club.

Lastly, another contribution to the rum industry is also the partnership in the creation of the first Kenyan premium rum – Bahari rum – showing the world that great rum can also be produced in this region.

TRL: Benefits that the rum industry has given you.

To me, the main thing is about meeting the very passionate and dedicated people in the industry who share the same passion. Having people that you can share this experience with and discuss the journey, the history, innovations, and the future of the industry also contributes to father mutual personal growth.

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

I’m a very active individual who loves sports (playing and watching). I’ve played volleyball for a very long time for 1st division clubs back home and the National team. I still play for fun now both volleyball and football regularly.

I’m also very passionate about music as I’ve always been close to it and musicians since a very young age.

TRL: What is your favorite place for drinking rum?

Everywhere as long as it is rum!! But seriously this is a multiple-answer question. Being from the Caribbean, I of course enjoy having rum by the ocean, sitting in the shade of palm trees, just listening to the waves and breathing in the breeze, and just enjoying the moment. I also enjoy drinking rum at home, especially in good company (someone or people who also understand and enjoy rum). And finally, I also enjoy having rum while discovering a new rum bars everywhere I go.

TRL: Favorite drink + Recipe

Rum old fashioned. Classic recipe measurements but try different rums and a range of bitters.

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

There are so many reasons. In quite a lot of places I’ve been, rum maintains a not-so respectable reputation. It is still very much widely seen as a cocktail spirit and a guaranteed hangover drink often neglecting the high-quality sipping rums. The main reason behind each of those beliefs I think are:

It is seen as a cocktail spirit: This is fuelled by the fact that some major commercial brands just keep selling themselves as that while not putting enough emphasis even on their premium rums or rum education.

It is seen as a guaranteed hangover drink: One of the main reasons behind that is that the rum industry has been hit by a storm of not-so-decent drinks with the label of rum with some quite frankly of very poor quality. The lack of strict rum labeling and regulations around the production processes will continue to allow this to happen and indeed increase the next day’s guaranteed hangover reputation.

So it is very crucial to educate the customer to know exactly what they are looking for in a rum, to be able to navigate between the different styles, knowing that behind each of those styles lies a long history of traditions and culture. Consumers shall be able to also understand that the rum color doesn’t necessarily mean the rum is aged and white rum is young and is all the same. They should be able to make the difference between a premium rum and the rest.  

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

Drink more!!! …Of course to put it in a more serious tone is to continue doing more tastings with rums from different regions, diversify the styles of rum you are tasting or drinking, use proper glasses and also read more and increase your knowledge of rum.

Or just interact with like-minded people who can teach you how to properly taste and understand the spirit. Of course, as our palate is very much forged and influenced by what we grew up with and were exposed to, I would suggest keeping introducing yourself regularly to new aromas and tastes in what you eat and drink daily to help you widen your sensoria skills. And last but not least, take your time to appreciate the drink and be mindful!

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

Of course, rum alone can’t single-handedly solve all the problems related to a crisis in a country as complex as those can get, but it can surely contribute significantly. Taking my home country, for example, I would say that rum can contribute to sustainable development (on the economic, social, and environmental levels) if only all the actors from the political, scientific, and practitioners background can come together.

For the economic impact, rum production can of course contribute to job creation, trade opportunities, and tourism development.

On the social pillar, I see rum having an impact on supporting local communities and giving back to them through initiatives such as free education and lifelong learning programs and supporting local traditions and cultural events.

And finally, on the environmental pillar, I think like in many countries, rum can be supporting reforestation initiatives, local ocean conservation programs, and agricultural innovations by providing farmers with new varieties and adapting to climatic changes.

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

I think rum has already established its permanence in the industry, but of course, sustainable development can and should surely play a huge role in its future. Innovations sustainability should be incorporated into the DNA of the industry as we look into the future.

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

I wouldn’t say someone in particular. Of course, many great names in the industry come to mind, but for me, it is really about meeting the passionate people behind the industry. This would go from the most renowned connoisseurs, world experts, and master blenders to the field workers hand-cutting that sugarcane. It is all about sharing a great experience, hearing those stories and seeing things from different angles and perspectives, and learning from each and one of them.

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

Become a leading and known rum educator. Mentoring new and upcoming passionate rum enthusiasts. Leaving a mark in the industry in terms of innovations.

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

I think I’ll be in my grave (with a bottle of rum) when that happens… I have no plans of leaving this industry. Rum has been a part of my life for as long as I can remember and will keep being here until the end so leaving rum is not at all part of the plan.

But if it were to happen that I leave the industry before that time, I’ll be sipping rum somewhere by the ocean transmitting this passion and knowledge to the future generation and my kids. 

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

It is an important role in the sense that a bartender is one of the first persons that the common consumer interacts with and trusts for suggestions on the drinks. So, the more knowledgeable the bartenders are about spirits and rum in particular, the more they can transmit that knowledge and passion to the consumer. Bartenders can shift someone’s impression about a product and make clients fall in love with it much more easily. So, you can imagine that the more bartenders you would have with the necessary knowledge and pushing this spirit it can only be an advantage for the industry.

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

Don’t be afraid to get involved in the industry and put new ideas on the table. Read and learn about traditions when it comes to rum, respect them but don’t be afraid to bring the innovations that can launch the industry into the future.

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

https://www.instagram.com/ron_ambassador/

https://www.instagram.com/tortugarumbarnairobi/

https://www.instagram.com/bahari.rum/https://www.tortugarumbar.com/