Rum Connoisseur Interview of the Week JASSIL VILLANUEVA Master Rum Maker at Brugal
Rum Connoisseur
Interview of The Week:
JASSIL VILLANUEVA
Master Rum Maker at Brugal
1. Who is Jassil Villanueva?
Jassil Lucia Villanueva is one of Brugal’s Maestros Roneros. Jassil is a member of the fifth generation of the Brugal family and is the first woman to become a Master Rum Maker in Brugal & Company.
Jassil originally studied and gained a Master’s Degree in Business Administration before her sensory abilities were discovered by the family and she began her official training to become Brugal’s Maestra Ronera. Jassil has been part of Brugal from an early age, where she first learned all the details of rum production from the fourth generation of Brugal Maestros Roneros and her father who has worked in the company, before becoming a 5th generation Maestra Ronera in 2011.
2. What does the rum mean for you? What made you fall in love with rum and when did it happen?
I can’t say precisely. I grew up listening to my parents, my uncles and my family when they told the stories of Ron Brugal. Then I realized that I was also part of that legacy. Later, the fourth generation of rum masters noticed that I had the necessary skills and senses – my nose and palate – to be trained to become a Maestra Ronera. That is how my career began in the fascinating world that is producing one of the most international brands in the Dominican Republic.
At Brugal, we have succeeded in creating a sophisticated spirit, producing high quality distillates and rums that are admired worldwide. So when I see that someone admires the Dominican Republic and Domincan rum because it is the country of Brugal, I feel indescribable pride.
Being a Master Rum Maker has offered me a life full of travel, great friendships and unforgettable experiences. I always live and breath the incredible world that is Brugal, even when I am alone at home.
3. Three essential characteristics that define the rum according to your perspective.
In our Brugal rums, I would say the key characteristics of our rum are the inimitable quality, the sophisitcated woodiness and our well-balanced flavours. These are a result of many essential details, such as: the quality and purity of our unique spirit, the water from the springs in Puerto Plata, the unique climate of the region, our capacity to accommodate a great number of high quality casks in our aging warehouses and the skills and expertise passed down through five generations of Brugal family Maestros Roneros – secrets that are to this day still kept in the hands of the family rum masters.
4. What is the most important contribution you have made in the rum industry?
The spirits industry has opened its doors for women, and there are now many woman playing key roles in major brands. In an industry that was historically led by men, being the first female Master Rum Maker in the family after five generations and in the Dominican Republic is my greatest achievement and contribution. Brugal is a rum that is enjoyed all over the world so I feel proud of being part of a new generation of women who are industry leaders and are visibile, showing that there are no roles or industries where women cannot succeed. Everyone should have the opportunity to achieve their dreams.
5. Benefits that the rum industry has given you.
The rum industry has given me the opportunity to visit countries and cities all around the world to share my passion and love for rum and the industry. The knowledge and experience I’ve gained through my work and being part of the global Brugal family has allowed me to share and continue our family legacy – the work Brugal has been doing for five generations. I am grateful for the opportunity to continue this legacy.
6. What another thing you are passionate about, in addition to rum? Why?
My other passion is my family. While Brugal is my family, it is also important to me to spend time with my young family – sharing moments and getting to know new places and experience new things by their side.
7. What is your favorite place for drinking rum?
For me the important thing would not be the place, but the company.
8. Favorite drink + Recipe
DON NANO’S FAVOURITE
50 ml (or 1½ oz.) Brugal 1888 + Frozen Coconut water ice sphere (or cube)
Inspired by 4th Generation Maestro Ronero Don Fernando “Nano” José Ortega Brugal’s favourite way to drink Brugal, the coconut water pairs perfectly with the prominent wood influence in Brugal 1888 to deliver a simple yet mouth-watering serve that’s slightly sweetened and continues to evolve as the coconut ice melts.
9. Why is it important to educate the rum consumer?
Rum is such an interesting, exciting and diverse industry. From spirit distillation to aging techniques and blending expertise there is so much work and detail that goes into creating each unique rum. Each producer connects the different parts of the rum making process in their own unique way, so helping consumers to understand what makes each rum special is important to appreciate our industry and respect the craftsmanship that goes into each and every bottle.
For me, one of the best ways to get to know rum and become passionate about it is through a rum tasting. This will allow you to fully experience each rum and fall in love with the world behind each bottle.
10. Any tips to train the palate and taste a good premium rum?
Training your palate and expanding the flavours you can perceive really allows you to see and appreciate the full, and intricate, “picture” of each rum. The best way to train your palate is to walk through life with your sense of smell and taste in the forefront. Start with the things you enjoy and experience in your day-to-day life – coffee, tea, fruit, chocolate, nuts, spices. Take a moment to notice and appreciate the aromas and flavours. Once you are confident with these everyday flavours, start exploring flavours from other countries and cultures to broaden and expand your ‘library’. To taste a good premium rum I would pour it neat, let it open for a moment and then begin to explore what notes you can perceive on the nose and on the palate using the flavour library you have built.
11. Who would you like to meet in the rum industry? What would you say to him/her?
I would be interested in meeting other female Master Blenders or Rum Makers. It would be great to get to know each other better and share and exchange experiences.
12. What are your next goals in the rum industry?
I think there is still a long and exciting future ahead for the Rum industry and Brugal. We are continuously working on new and interesting projects and liquids that keep me busy. Let’s just say I am never bored! There are interesting things to do every day.
13. Plans you have when you leave the rum industry.
I can’t imagine a life outside of Brugal and the rum industry – being one of Brugal’s Maestros Roneros is a dream turned reality.
14. What is your advice for new generations in the rum industry?
One of the challenges for new generations in the rum industry is to keep the spirit of innovation and creativity that characterizes our industry alive and to continue sharing a passion and appreciation for the craft of rum making with the world.
For Brugal, our generation today (the 5th generation of Brugal Maestros Roneros) continue to work on developing new products for the years to come. The best contribution we can make is to add our own personal touch and continue to serve as role models and advocates for rum and the generations to come. That is the most important legacy we will leave.
