Môr-Ladron Spirits LTD – Production Technician & Brand Ambassador: SCOTT OSBORNE
For the past ten years I have been a senior multidisciplinary designer based in the UK. Offering a wealth of knowledge across the creative industries, specializing in art direction, graphic design, branding, advertising, motion, typography, illustration, color theory and directing.
As well as a keen surfer growing up by the ocean, I am also a classically trained painter in the 18th century British portraiture techniques, often taking commissions outside of work. Previously, I have travelled extensively throughout the world, and now often let my experiences inform and enrich my creative life.
Within the past year I have pursued my dream of running a rum business. I now run everything from design and sales to production for Môr-Ladron award winning rum. Learn more about Scott Osborne, in the next interview:
TRL: What does rum mean for you? What made you fall in love with rum and when did it happen?
The smell of rum has always been nostalgic to me as it was kept in the cupboard of the family home. From as early as I can remember I have been obsessed with pirates and their history. It was in these stories of old that I first heard of the likes of Blackbeard, Vane, Bellamy and of the commodity that fuelled the ‘New World’ back at the end of the 17th century. Pirates and rum have always been intrinsically entwined through the golden age of piracy and it was almost a given that I would grow to love the spirit.
Having grown up by the sea with the ocean becoming a big part of my life, and the infinite horizon always in sight, I was inspired to travel, and travel extensively I did. Although I have had wondrous experiences with rum in many places around the world, it was in Cuba about 15 years ago at a pop up bar in Havana where I had my first taste of a Mojito made with Matusalem Gran Reserva. That Mojito paired with the salsa music that hummed in the air became a visceral memory for me and I have loved rum ever since.
TRL: Characteristics Môr-Ladron Rum
According to my perspective the three characteristics which all of our rums possess would be unctuous, warming and smooth that can be experienced from opening to the finish.
TRL: What is the most important contribution you have made in the rum industry?
What I bring to the rum industry is a passion for the product as well as an abundance of knowledge about pirate history, Caribbean history and the story of rum from its early beginnings on the plantations to the prohibition era in America. I also bring a senior knowledge of design to the industry which is highly important in every brand if they want to get noticed in a highly competitive world.
TRL: Benefits the rum industry has given you?
Working within the rum industry has given me a much richer understanding of the production of rum. From aging to spicing I have learnt the delicacy of creating an award winning product. It has also been good to meet people with the same appreciation for quality rum as I do.
TRL: What’s another thing you are passionate about, in addition to rum? Why?
Aside from rum, my main passion is travelling. I have been lucky enough to travel more places than most people do in their lifetime or even heard of. Experiencing different cultures, beliefs and ways of life has grounded me and opened my eyes to the rich and important connection we have as a species. Travelling also accounts for a lot of the key memories and experiences in my life.
TRL: What is your favourite place for drinking rum?
One memory I recall from my travels during my time in Curaçao was a Venezuelan floating market in the harbour of the capital Willemstad. Venezuelan merchants would arrive daily with produce. At sunset this area would be bustling with music, good food and drink. If I could be anywhere drinking rum it would be back in that market late in the afternoon just before the golden hour.
TRL: Favourite drink + Recipe?
My favourite drink would probably be a Môr-Jito based on the Cuban classic using our original spiced rum.
Muddle lime juice, soft brown sugar and mint leaves together before adding Môr-Ladron original spiced rum and ice. Top up with soda water.
TRL: Any tips to train the palette and taste a good premium rum?
I think it’s really important to try as many different styles as possible. Think about what you are experiencing.
Smell, taste, texture, sweetness. Dissect the flavours over a period of time. The more rums you try the more you develop the skill differentiating quality rum from the average.
TRL: How can rum contribute to improving the crises in some countries?
Rum can be a big driving force in improving the economy and the state of living in developing countries as the popularity of rum continues to grow. Many of the developing countries are located in the warmer regions of the planet, perfectly apt for growing sugar and producing molasses. As long as fair trade between nations is maintained, countries in crises can start to rebuild and flourish.
Take Haiti for example; Blighted by disaster after disaster they have a history of cruel misfortune and yet are unbelievably resilient. During the despicable time oppressed by the French in the 18th century Haiti (Saint Domingue as it was known then) was the leading sugar producer on the planet. If the people of Haiti were helped to harness their land for sugar production once again they may produce some exquisite molasses and award winning rums.
TRL: Who would you like to meet in the rum Industry?
The person I would most like to meet in the rum industry would be Gayle Seale. The director of Môr-Ladron Dafydd Morris met her in Barbados while visiting the Doorly’s Distillery. The story that he told me was that he was so inspired after his visit that it gave him the idea to start his own rum brand. Môr-Ladron was born.
TRL: What are your next goals in the rum industry?
My next goals in the rum industry are to continue to grow the awareness and popularity of our award winning rum. I would also like to push it in the Caribbean with its rich history of rum and pirates. We use organic Cuban molasses in all of our rums which are then aged and spiced in Wales, UK. Being a true Atlantic product it would be fantastic to celebrate that around the Atlantic Ocean.
TRL: Plans when you leave the rum industry
When I leave the rum industry I plan to live on a boat in Panama with the sun on my face, the jungle on my doorstep and a cabinet full of rum.
TRL: Why is the role of a bartender important in the rum industry?
The role of a bartender is incredibly important. It is imperative that they understand flavours and how they work together to bring out the best of the rum used. Having a brand of rum on a shelf of a bar is a small aspect of the success of that particular rum. Firstly the bartender needs to understand the flavour profile of the rum from opening to finish so he can advise the consumer and perform the simplest of mixers. Beyond that the bartender needs to understand complex mixology so that the rum performs amongst a myriad of flavours.
TRL: What is your advice for new generations in the rum industry?
For the new generations coming up, the rum industry is a beautiful industry to get involved in, with a rich history which grew from the Atlantic ocean to the rest of the world. Strive for quality in your products and don’t settle for anything less. Enjoy it!
TRL: How can people learn more about you?
We are currently updating our website which should be live in the next couple of weeks so keep a lookout.
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