Rum Connoisseur Interview of The Week DAN DEHART Grander Panama Rum CEO DeHart Spirits LLC
Rum Connoisseur
Interview of The Week
DAN DEHART
Grander Panama Rum
CEO DeHart Spirits LLC
1. Who is Dan Dehart?
I am a Kentuckian now living in Florida whose love for bourbon influenced the creation of Grander Rum. I grew up in Kentucky and have always admired the tradition and artistry that goes into creating Bourbon. However, it was when I moved to Florida where I began exploring “sipping” rums and learning that I could drink rum just like I drank bourbon – neat, over ice or in a great cocktail. This is also when I became educated on the differences between bourbon and rum. The obvious differences are the ingredients and aging but the not so obvious (at least for me) is the use of additives. I then decided to create a rum that spoke to me – aged in bourbon barrels, bottled at 45% ABV and not using additives (sugar, coloring or flavoring). With the support of my wife Jill and our three kids, I left the corporate world and partnered with a talented team in Panama to create something …. Grander.
2. Biggest accomplishment for the rum industry?
Convincing an individual to disregard any ill perceptions they may have of rum and try Grander. It is priceless to witness an unsuspecting individual react so positively after trying a fine rum.
3. How did you fell in love with rum?
The year was 2001 when Jill and I went sailing in the British Virgin Islands. The company we chartered our boat from gave us a bottle of aged, premium rum. At that point, I had resolved myself to strictly bourbon and was shocked, after trying this rum, that I could drink it like bourbon and I enjoyed it!
4. What is the think that makes you want to continue in the rum industry?
Knowing that there are many folks across the USA who have yet to realize that they will love fine rum.
5. Favorite Drink?
I must give three answers and of course it all includes Grander!
#1 choice is Grander Rum neat.
#2 Grander Old Fashioned.
2 oz Grander Rum
¼ oz simple syrup
2 dashes orange bitters
Stir ingredients over ice and strain over large ice cube. Garnish with an orange peel.
#3 Grander Blackberry Basil.
2 oz Grander Rum
¾ oz blackberry basil syrup
1 oz fresh lemon juice
Shake ingredients and serve over ice with a dash or two of Fernet (or Angostura bitters).
Blackberry basil syrup (it’s an investment, but well worth the effort): In a food processor, blend 2 cups of blackberries (can substitute with raspberries), 25 basil leaves and 2 cups of sugar. Separately, add 2 cups of water to saucepan and bring to boil. Slowly pour the blackberry, basil and sugar mixture into boiling water and let reduce. Cool, strain and bottle the syrup. Store syrup in refrigerator when not in use.
6. Which rum would you recommend a person that:
Santa Teresa 1796b. Likes Scotch Whisky:
Grander Rum 8 Year Old Single Barrel at cask strength. We bottle this from one barrel, uncut and unfiltered. Each barrel is unique and the flavor profile is mouth watering!c. Likes Bourbon:
Grander Rum 8 Year Old. Aged in bourbon barrels and bottled at 90 proof. Interestingly, people who love bourbon love this as well as people who don’t love bourbon.
d. Like Gin or Vodka:
Oh boy… I honestly don’t know but I will suggest Brugal Especial Extra Dry because Ian Carrey says so.
e. Likes Cognac:
Grander Rum 12 Year. Also aged in bourbon barrels and bottled at 90 proof. Some barrels are sherry seasoned which adds a nice additional layer that is quite exquisite!
7. Where do you see the rum industry today and in the next 5 years?
I am a firm believer the focus will be on the premium category where we will see continued growth as more people are introduced to fine rums.
8. What do you think needs to happen to grow the premium category of rum?
It’s all about the consumer.
The first step is getting US consumers to try premium rum. Most just don’t understand how elegant and wonderful fine rum can be and are generally blown away once they taste.
The second step is the need for suppliers to be more transparent. Consumers who typically seek premium spirits have a thirst for knowledge on how a spirit is produced, aged, etc. They want to learn about the spirit they fall in love with and we need to give them that.
9. Share some (2-3) of your mentors and how they have helped you.
James Herrick – An Englishman who, unknowingly and probably against his better judgment, planted the seed in my head that I can do this.
Kate Latts – A Kentuckian, who has more on her plate than most, yet always seems to find time to answer my questions.
Jill DeHart – Without her support for my crazy ideas, this would never be.
10. What 3-5 things do you have in your bucket list for the next 12 month?
1. Spend more time with my family.
2. Celebrate my mother’s 80th
3. Introduce as many individuals to a premium rum…mainly Grander!
11. Any last words?
Wherever your adventures take you, reach for something Grander and you will be rewarded.
12. How can people learn more about you? Website? Social Media Page?
@granderrum or www.granderrum.com
