DANIELE DALLA POLA: Tiki Mixologist & Rum Enthusiast

Daniele Dalla Pola is a rum enthusiast, tiki fanatic, and a sophisticated connoisseur of exotic drinks. He is in love with the authentic tiki culture, having immersed himself personally and professionally in the lifestyle for decades.

Inspired by tiki history, beauty, symbolism, and mythology, he has always paid tribute to tiki via cocktails, cuisine, and now my tropical bar and lounge Esotico Miami.

Learn more about Daniele Dalla Pola, Tiki Mixologist & Rum Enthusiast, in the next interview:

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

Simply put, rum is love. It’s a spirit that touches your soul with its immense flavor and rich history. I drink it, I work with it, it’s my business – It’s my life. I fell in love with rum my first time behind a bar at 17 (it’s legal to drink at 17 in Italy). Once I started educating myself on mixology is when the love story began.

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

I prefer dry, medium-aged, and easily mixable. I mix a lot, so when a rum mixes well it has the potential for more creativity and changes a drink completely.

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

I have created a lot of original rum cocktails and have inspired a lot of young bartenders to find their niche, be more creative, and push limits.

TRL: Benefits that the rum industry has given you.

Traveling the world doing what I love.

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

Tiki culture in general is magical and has defined my life and journey. Plus, always drink rum of course!

TRL: What is your favorite place for drinking rum?

The next bar!

TRL: Favorite drink + Recipe

My all-time favorite is the Esotico Rum Cup: A simple recipe that can be made with any rum you like or a blend, fresh lime juice, spiced ginger orgeat ( a sort of simplified Falernum ) and a couple of dashes of Bitters.

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

At Esotico we currently have over 325 rums to choose from. The reason our bar is so big is actually so people can walk behind the bar and check all the rum collection. That’s why we feel it’s important to educate people as much as possible on the nuances of different rums so customers not only spend their money correctly but also find what type of rum drinker they are.

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

I know that early morning tastings are the best !!

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

Well, I’m certainly not political, but the industry providing thousands of jobs to those in need is a good start.

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

Most definitely, almost every brand is working to make sustainable rum using natural products in one way or another.

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

I feel like I know everybody already, but I’d love to see them all again soon! But honestly, if I could meet anybody ever, I wish I could have met Don the Beachcomber. I’d love to ask him how come up with the inspiration for his famous cocktails that he called Rum Rhapsody

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

Finally had 365 rums at Esotico and started a Rum-A-Day club. This year I will launch a craft RTD Cocktails brand. Very important, also find an importer and distributor for my own brand ALAMEA for the U.S. market.

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

Keep mixing and drinking rum of course!

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

Because bartenders are the ones who power this industry. They are essential in educating and introducing rum to new connoisseurs every day.

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

Keep spreading the rum love. Experiment as much as possible and respect the quality. Try to be more sustainable in all aspects of your trade. And of course, support the bar

 industry and keep the spirit alive

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

Check out my latest creations at www.Esoticomiami.com and keep up with the cocktail craziness on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/esoticomiami/ https://www.instagram.com/danieledallapola/ and Facebook https://www.facebook.com/esoticomiami/ https://www.facebook.com/daniele.d.pola