Before coming into the spirits industry, I was working in a completely different world. I have a background in aeronautics and engineering and had a career in that industry before quitting everything to join the world of rum.
I’ve now been working in the spirits industry for 8 years, acquiring most of my experience in the US and France. I became the Mount Gay Rum Brand Director 3 years ago because I saw the potential for Mount Gay to become the leader of the fast growing, ultra-premium rum vertical.
Though I’ve only been in the rum industry for three years, I feel my team and I have made a great impact on the industry especially through education and consumer awareness.
Prior to joining the Mount Gay team, I worked in cognac for Remy Martin for over 5 years. During this time, I learned all about the very strict AOC regulations that relate to the processes leading to an exclusive and refined brown spirit. When I made my way into rum, I was shocked at the lack of guidelines regarding production method for rum and how the consumer perception of the spirit was associated with vacation, the beach, Caribbean, sweet taste, and low quality. After spending some time with Master Blender understanding the craft behind making of these rums, I made it my mission to educate the consumer and introduce them to our premium rums that can be enjoyed just as other refined brown spirits are.
I fell in love with a brand, not the category. Similar to others, one of my first experiences with rum was when I was a student drinking rum and coke, and I don’t have a great memories of enjoying the taste. But then, three years ago, I was introduced to Mount Gay Rum through a blind tasting. I could not believe it was a rum. It was so complex and flavorful. All my perceptions of rum were shattered.
The opportunity to lead the premiumization of the category and fact that we have a long way to go! What better role for the most authentic rum brand to lead this premiumization – I am excited every day to be a part of it.
The Traditional Daiquiri for its refreshing taste of sweet and sour.
Shake and strain into a martini cocktail glass. Just lime as garnish
Today, I see it as an undiscovered category. In 5 years, I see it becoming an essential part of your ultra-premium brown spirit repertoire with more and more consumers discovering its intrinsic sipping quality, versatility and enjoying it in classic cocktails such as the Old Fashioned and beyond.
In order to grow the premium category, I believe there needs to be set AOC standards put in place for aged rum in order to help consumers navigate the category, and more importantly, guarantee a level of quality.
Second is education. We need to further trade and consumer education focusing on the distillation and maturing process. Many people would be surprised to know that Mount Gay’s process is very similar to a whiskey or cognac. It has been made since 1703 in Barbados, the birthplace of rum:
Dreams don’t work unless you take actions.
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/doroth%C3%A9e-h%C3%A9riard-dubreuil-17244010/
Instagram: @dorotheehd
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