Rum is still categorized as the party spirit with advertisements of Pool Parties, Captains & Sea Monsters. The consumer still expects it to be cheap. It’s slowly changing with education and the thirst for knowledge by the consumer. Rum will be where bourbon is now in 5 years. There will be an understanding of the aging & art it takes to make really exceptional rum. I know that at Serralles USA we will be doing our best to get it there in less than 5 years.

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

1. The first wasn’t a mentor but something that was said to me. My first foray into being a supplier, was that I started my own company and I imported real Australian beer. My biggest account was Outback Steakhouse and I got a call from one of the executive team. He said “we really like you, everyone answers the phone when everything is good. You answer the phone when things are not good and you make them right.”  I’ve lived by that to this day.
2. My boss at Serralles USA, John Eason. I met him 4 years ago at Tales of the Cocktail and have wanted to work for him ever since. He finally called 18 months ago. We have completely opposite management styles, but I learn constantly from him. Whether it’s one on one, a conference room or an auditorium, I watch, listen, learn and incorporate it into my own style.

Gran Anejo, Snifter and a Glace Ice Sphere

7) About David Duran

https://www.linkedin.com/in/daviddduran