Rum Connoisseur
Interview of The Week

EUGENE NYAUNDI MANG’ERERE

African Rum Guild

1) Who is Eugene Nyaundi Mang’erere?

Eugene Nyaundi Mang’erere is a gentleman passionate and enthusiastic about seeing the culture of rum grow in Africa.Having the chance to be introduced to rum by the former Bacardi ambassador Kingkline Ojal a mentor and friend through his cocktail serves my love for it was initially drawn from this and it has been growing in the recent years.

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

I have always enjoyed rum, however, my love for rum became much more serious when I was exposed to its flavor nuances and differences through sampling the different rums through Africa Rum Guild’s CEO Vicqui Mwanzi who exposed me to the intricacies of rum in 2016.

 

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

To be able to raise awareness of Agricole rhum in Kenya and to continuously share my thoughts on pairing rum with food or cooking with rum.

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

The ability to know that my region Africa is the next biggest market for rum players and the fact that I play a role in it gives me the confidence through contributing through Africa rum guild.

5) Favorite Drink + Recipe

Grilled pineapple daiquiri
45 ml of Wray and Nephew
20 ml of grilled pineapple puree
10 ml of lemon puree
shake stir and serve in a glass with pineapple mint infused Wray and Nephew.

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

In the next 5 years, I see the rum industry taking its roots to Africa and through ARG cementing relationships for growth and exposure to the continent with the help of my team. I also more players take rum pairing and cooking with rum seriously.

7) Share some of your mentors and how they have helped you.

Vicqui Mwanzi has taught me everything about identifying and promoting the education of rum. Matt Pietrek has helped me understand the science and the legal dispositions of rum, and Samia Joan has been very helpful with various training and in promoting rum training in Kenya.

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

To attend at least 2 or three rum festivals
To visit at least 3 distilleries or rum-producing nations
To share my thoughts on pairing and cooking with rum

9) Any final words?

It would be great to see the partners foster partnerships in boosting rum education and cocktail competitions in Africa through Africa rum guild and sharing this with African professionals. I look to spread and share the love of rum for and to other professionals in Africa.

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

Instagram: elixir_of _taste, africanrumguild
Facebook: Africa Rum Guild, Bartenders Association of Kenya and Nyaundi Mang’erere
http://orgasmiceatouts.blogspot.co.ke/2017/12/the-guide-to-rum-and-food-pairing.html