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