Rum Connoisseur Interview of the Week LIAM COSTELLO Master Distiller and Master Blender for Rum Co. of Fiji
Rum Connoisseur
Interview of The Week:
LIAM COSTELLO
CEO @ Spirits Consulting Group
1. Who is Liam Costello?
I have been involved in the drinks industry for 42 years covering all segments from Production/Sales/Marketing/Education/Product Development starting as a Glassy in a pub in Brisbane Australia before I was even old enough to pour a beer legally.
2. Biggest achievement you personally feel you have accomplished for the rum industry.
The creation of a serious range of Rums for the Rum Co. of Fiji and a real story that goes with each and every one of our Rums.
3. What made you fall in love with rum and when did it happen?
40 years ago I arrived at work on my first day at Beenleigh Rum south of Brisbane and an old man handed me a 64 page exercise book and said I should read it as it was how you make Rum and I should read it now because he was leaving that day!! Lucky for me I was 20 years old so I already knew everything or at least I thought I did. Had the book been handed to me today now I would be seriously worried? That was when I started my life in Rum.
4. What is that thing that makes you want to continue in the rum industry?
The people, the products, the education and learning. The fun and enjoyment when you see a consumer’s face light up when they try your rum for the first time and say they never expected it to taste so good.
5. Favorite Drink + Recipe
My favorite drink is the next one someone buys for me. I try everything so I am not just pinned down to one thing I like them all some more than others but ready to try everything.
6. Where do you see the rum industry today and in the next 5 years?
I hope that we are becoming more honest and serious about the products we create and the stories become more credible and real and not contrived like another pirate or made up mythical something or rather. In 5 years I would love to see honesty and integrity in our products and our world rum brands.
7. What do you think needs to happen to grow the premium category of rum?
Crafting real products with skill and time making sure they are balanced and flavour some and interesting and drinkable. I am working on versatility so that each of my Rums can be consumed Neat, mixed with your favorite mixer or in a cocktail.
8. Which rum would you recommend a person that: From my range of rums
- Sipping a premium rum for the 1st time: our Ratu 10YO White Rum
- Likes Scotch Whisky: our Lautoka 16YO Dark Rum
- Likes Bourbon: our Ratu 5YO Dark Rum
- Likes Gin or Vodka: our 2YO White Rum
- Likes Cognac: our 20YO Sleeping Giant Dark Rum
9. Share some (2-3) of your mentors and how they have helped you.
Philip Shaw Head Winemaker at Rosemount Estate wines back in the 1990’s he taught me about the Shape of Flavour and Flavour Profiles.
10. What 3-5 things do you have in your bucket list for the next 12 month?
Breathe life into our Rums for Export in the USA/UK
11. Any last words?
Learn all you can about what you do now you have learnt it. Try it and keep on trying sometimes you will make mistakes but learn from them and keep on trying, Stay to the end, once you start something see it through, last but not least care… care a little see what happens care a lot and watch the miracle.
