Rum Connoiseur Interview of the Week

CAMPER ENGLISH
Internationally recognized Cocktail expert, writer, journalist, trendsetter/finder and legendary blogger.

1) Who is Camper English?

Camper English is a cocktails and spirits writer based in San Francisco. He covers things like new products and trends but has a special interest in the science and technology of cocktails and spirits production. He’s visited over 130 distilleries in more than 20 countries.

2) What made you fall in love with rum and when did it happen?

I guess I’ve fallen in love with rum a couple of times, when first trying quality aged rums, and when visiting Martinique. Mixing rums have always been there, but it’s the sipping rums that get me excited.

3) The biggest achievement you personally feel you have accomplished for the rum industry.

I figured out how to make crystal clear ice at home, so everyone can have their rum (or anything else) on a big sexy cube.
http://www.alcademics.com/ice.html

4) What is that thing that makes you want to continue in the rum industry?

The geeks are taking over! I am excited as other writers are going deep into the science and secrets of rum production, and I’m happy to sit back and read it.

5) Favorite Drink + Recipe

Mai Tai
2 parts aged rum
1 part lime juice
1/2 part brandy-based orange curacao
1/2 part Small Hand Foods orgeat
garnished with a mint sprig

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

Today the nerds are exposing the untruths in the rum industry and driving us toward an attention to sugar in rum and to transparency. I think the big brands are going to have to change their products (or more likely phase out some and phase in others) in the next few years.

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

Wayne Curtis is my #1 distillery trip buddy and proves you can write beautifully about anything if you’re good enough.

When in doubt about something very technical, Maggie Campbell of Privateer Rum probably knows.

Jennifer Colliau not only makes the best commercial orgeat, she is ridiculously thorough in her various research projects and always full of surprises.

8) What 3-5 things do you have on your bucket list for the next 12 month?

I’d like to nail down a book deal or two to help me focus on a single topic, to get to New York for some bar hopping, and I’d like to play with the new Spinzall centrifuge that just came out.

9) How can people learn more about you? Website? Social Media Page?

Alcademics.com
@alcademics on Twitter and Instagram