Rum Connoisseur
Interview of The Week

DANIEL VELIZ

Corporate Beverage Director Trader Vic’s Worldwide

 

1. Who is Daniel Veliz?

Daniel Veliz is a 23 year veteran of the hospitality and service industries. Born and raised in Las Vegas, Nevada, Daniel was introduced to the culinary world at Spago Las Vegas. It was there that he discovered his passion for food, beverage, and an insatiable appetite for learning. From fine dining to dive bars, from wine to rum, his journey has allowed him the opportunity to learn from notable chefs and beverage icons from all over the world. Never afraid of risk, change, or growth, Daniel has lived and developed programs in several cities around the US. He currently has the privilege to do this work on a global scale.

 

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

I honestly don’t feel that I have any rum industry achievements…yet. Though I will say I’m proud to be developing rum training that will soon be introduced to Trader Vic’s global staff this year.

 

3. What made you fall in love with rum and when did this happen?

Rum is nostalgic for me, coming from Cuban and Puerto Rican heritage. I remember my mother coming back from a trip to Puerto Rico with Ron del Barrilito wrapped and stuffed in her suitcase. I was probably 13 or so at the time and had no real appreciation for what I was tasting, but I loved that rum and still do to this day.

 

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

The history and importance of rum is something that fascinates me. The more I learn, the more I realize how crucial it has been to economies, nations, wars and there is so much more being uncovered. It had an ugly beginning on this side of the world and now seems to be seeing a new age of enlightenment. I can’t think of any other spirit that has impacted the world as much as rum. Nor can I think of a spirit that is as fun to drink.

 

5. Favorite drink and recipe.

This is always a hard question, especially with rum. I have to give two.

The original Mai Tai, not just because it’s my job, but because the first time I ever tasted a proper Mai Tai more than a decade ago, it was the only thing I wanted to drink. Recipe: Trader Vic’s original recipe

The Improved Daiquiri…with an over proof, funky, dundered rum. I drink a lot of these with Rum Fire from Jamaica or Paranubes from Oaxaca. There are several other rums including some agricoles I love in a daiquiri as well.

Recipe: 2 oz Rum Fire or Paranubes/ .75 fresh squeezed lime/ 2 teaspoons caster sugar

 

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

It’s an exciting time for rum and I see it as more than just the latest trend. The drinking consumer has become much savvier in the last 30 years. Historically misunderstood as a confusing spirit category for most it’s now becoming much more approachable- thanks to beverage writers, historians, and rum ambassadors. What once was thought to be an unpalatable thing you’d mix with fruit juice, is finally being appreciated for its diversity and nuance. I expect this growth to continue with the exceptional rum portfolios being curated in bars in the US and abroad.

 

7. What do you think needs to happen to grow the premium rum category?

Better rum programs in bars and trade education. There are obviously some very large brand names that are associated with rum and though they may represent a large percentage of the rum that is consumed, they fail to show how diverse rum styles can be and how beautiful some rums are when given the opportunity to mature. Having those options for guests to be exposed to is a start, but it must be followed up with education. We are putting together rum focused events, dinners with distillers, seminars…things that give our guests and our staff an opportunity to learn beyond the brand names they are familiar with.

 

8. 2-3 mentors and how they have helped you.

After 23 years in this industry the mentors are too many to list. So I’ll go back to my first mentor and hero, my mother. There aren’t words enough to relate how valuable the things she instilled in me have become and how they have helped me thus far in life, personal and professional. Resilient and positive just doesn’t do it justice, but it’s the example she set for her children. It’s the foundation of who I am and my approach to everything.

 

9. What 3-5 things do you have on your bucket list for the next 12 months?

Global rum education! Very excited about opening others minds to the world of rum.

Adding more stamps in my passport as I get to travel to accomplish this and visit all the Trader Vic’s worldwide.

Tasting and collecting hard to find, local rums along the way.

Adding a few more rum distillery visits.

Build my first custom motorcycle

 

10. Last Words…

Don’t be afraid to say “I don’t know”.

Ask questions!!!

Drink rum!!!

11. How can people learn more about you?

Instagram: barboydaniel

LinkdIn: Daniel Veliz Trader Vic’s Worldwide

Mail: daniel@tradervics.com