FOUNDER at OUTCAST BRANDS LTD: JASON KIDD
TRL: Who is Jason Kidd?
Senior international drinks specialist turned small business founder in 2020. Outcast Brands is a premium Irish spirits company with brands in the rum and gin categories.
TRL: What does the rum mean to you? What made you fall in love with rum and when did it happen?
In Europe, rum has never been appreciated as a high-quality sipping liquid, it has always been viewed as a “party/cocktail” ingredient. Rums are now rightly being enjoyed and compared alongside high-end Scottish and Irish Whiskies.
TRL: Three essential characteristics that define the rum according to your perspective.
Origin, sugar distillate base, and aging process
TRL: What is the most important contribution you have made to the rum industry?
We launched a “World First” award-winning rum – Two Shores, an 8-year-old Panamanian Rum secondary aged in Ireland in mature whiskey casks.
TRL: What is your favorite place for drinking rum?
At a bar in a new city, I’ve not visited before
TRL: Favorite drink + Recipe:
Summer Old Fashioned.
– 50ml Two Shores Amarone Cask Finish
– 15ml Apricot Brandy
– Barspoon of Honey
– Dash of Apricot and Angostura Bitters
TRL: Why is it important to educate the rum consumer?
Because the category is so under-explored and there are so many styles to discover and enjoy!
TRL: Any tips to train the palate and taste a good premium rum?
There are no trade secrets – taste rums the same way you would any other spirit or wine. Think – Nose, Mouthfeel, Palate, Finish
TRL: Is the commitment to sustainable development the key to success for the permanence of the rum industry in the world? Why?
It could be! We are a sustainability-certified company with certificates from Origin Green, ENSO, and FSC.
TRL: Who would like to meet in the rum industry? What would you say to him/her?
Ian Burrell – The Global Rum Ambassador.I am lucky enough to have met him before and he is always a pleasure to speak to.
TRL: What are your next goals in the rum industry?
To continue to explore the boundaries of rum and expand our brand across key rum-drinking markets.
TRL: Plans you have when you leave the rum industry.
I haven’t planned that far ahead!
TRL: Why is the role of the bartender important in the rum industry?
Pivotal – probably the most important as they are 99% of the time the person consumers look to for advice/recommendations.
TRL: What is your advice for new generations in the rum industry?
There is a wide world of rum out there! Explore beyond the big-named household brands and traditional cocktails!
TRL: How can people learn more about you? Website? Social media page?
www.twoshoresrum.com
