Rum connoisseur interview of the week: ROBERT ELLIOTT The owner of Marauda Rum.

Published by
Jose Rafael Hoffmann

Rum connoisseur interview of the week:

ROBERT ELLIOTT

The owner of Marauda Rum.

1) Who is Robert Elliott?

In relation to the world of rum, I am an outsider. And despite my efforts that could change that I doubt they ever will.

I dove into rum with only an emotional connection. I didn’t know anyone involved with it in any capacity other than its consumption.

Being an outsider drives me to learn as much as I can about rum. RumXP’s members are invaluable resources in my quest for more knowledge. It also forces me to prove being worthy of a place in the world of rum and I try to do that with the rum I bring to market.

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

My achievements to date are my rums. I hope in time I can point to how they have made a difference in the rum industry.

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

At some point during my formative years, I acquired a perspective of what rum once was and what rum can be. Although I can point to a specific event I have memories that probably helped form my perspective; like chewing raw sugar cane and seeing a dilapidated building that once housed the works of a thriving sugar plantation.

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

There are many reasons why I want to continue doing the work I do. The biggest reason is my idea of what rum can be.

5) Favorite Drink + Recipe

My favorite drink is a cocktail a skilled bartender has been made with my rum.

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

5 years ago I asked this question to the head of marketing for one of the country’s biggest spirits distributors. He pulled a bottle of Cuban rum off his large shelf of spirits and said, “We are waiting for this.” I have to imagine that this will be by far the biggest factor in the rum industry over the next 5 years.

7) Share some (2-3) of your mentors and how they have helped you.

I rely heavily on an ever growing number of people for their advice and leadership. I am not sure I can just pick two or three as examples. I have learned that valuable advice and knowledge can come from unexpected sources so I do my best to meet and speak with as many people as possible.

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

Exhibiting Marauda Rum at the Miami Rum Festival.

Expanding Marauda Rum’s distribution to 5 more states.

Visiting a rum distillery I have not been to yet.

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

Website: www.marauda.com,

Facebook: @maraudarum

Instagram: @maraudarum

Jose Rafael Hoffmann

Creative Director and Concent Manager for EmpresasFH and Director of HOFFMANNdesign. Born and raised in Caracas, Venezuela, Mr. Hoffmann has been one of the most important designers for prestigious companies in South America, including Disney, Cartoon Network, Mattel among others.

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