Interview with Federico Shulz – Cartavio Rum Master Blender

Published by
Fede

Federico Shulz

Cartavio Rum Master Blender

1) Bucket List items for this year.

  1. To launch an amazing new expression of Ron Cartavio.
  2. Experiment with new blends of light and heavy rums.
  3. Continue working on 3 exciting new developments

2) Biggest achievement you personally feel you have accomplished for the rum industry.

In 1985 we started the project to build a rum factory in Lima, Peru; in 1994 the Peruvian State Mark stopped our operations and we lost 18,000 barrels containing some great rum. Today however, we not only recovered the industry but we have over 43,000 barrels and have made many technological contributions to the industry. One example is our Ron Cartavio XO, which uses an innovation with 100 liter barrels and a unique handling right up to bottling.

3) Favorite Drink + Recipe

The Mojito:
Several mint leaves (spearmint)
2 tablespoons sugar
3 cl. lemon juice
4 cl. white rum
Schweppes soda water

Method: 
In a Collins glass, we add the sugar, lemon juice and mint leaves (spearmint). Muddle to extract the flavor from the leaves. Then we add ice, rum and soda. Garnish with a sprig of mint.

4) Where do you see the rum industry today and in the next 5 years?

I personally see sustained growth in our industry in many countries, especially those that make good rum and find opportunities to break into new markets where they compete through quality and value.

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

  1. Mr. Ignacio Fierro Viña, President of the GIF Group (Grupo Iberoamericano de Fomento)
  2. Mr. Raul Morales Vargas, Plant Superintendent for Seagram’s of Costa Rica S.A.

6) Any last words?

A special greeting to all Master Blenders of the rum industry and an invitation to continue innovating in this art.
Fede

Born on the beautiful island of Puerto Rico, Federico is the founder of TheRumLab.com.

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