Rum Connoisseur
Interview of The Week

STEPHANIE JORDAN

Beverage Consultant at Drinking Out Loud

 

1. Who is Stephanie Jordan?

From London to Bogota, with a sip of Burgundy in between, Stephanie Jordan is the creator and professional powerhouse behind Drinking Out Loud – the luxury wine and spirits consultancy. Born in London to a British mother and Colombian father and raised in the Burgundy wine region of France, Stephanie had a unique cultural upbringing that sparked her passion for the drinks & hospitality industry. It also gave her the added bonus of having not one, but three native languages: English, Spanish and French. After graduating from business school, the Franco-Anglo-Colombian embarked on an 8-year stint at Diageo, the global drinks giant.

She started out on their graduate scheme in Madrid, where she held various roles across customer marketing and account management before joining the education & advocacy team – the role that really ignited her passion for fine drinking. Her years in the advocacy team saw Stephanie train hundreds of bartenders around the world, launch a bartender academy at the Chamber of Commerce of Madrid and roll out the Diageo World Class Competition to multiple countries.

Embracing her Colombian heritage, she then made the brave move from drinks giant to start-up, when she took the helm as Global Sales & Advocacy Manager for emerging Colombian rum brand, La Hechicera. There she immersed herself in the world of a growing premium drinks brand focusing on strategic marketing channels, managing the supply chain and leading their global distribution strategy setting the brand up for success on the growing global premium rum stage. With a wealth of experience in the global drinks industry, teamed with her creativity and a fire in her belly, Stephanie set up Drinking Out Loud to support premium drinks brands reach their full potential.

 

2. Biggest achievement you personally feel you have accomplish for the rum industry.

Raising the awareness of Colombia as a rum origin on the global drinks scene #fromcolombiatotheworld and driving the 0 sugar and 0 additive agenda #frombarreltobottle

 

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

I first really got into rum when working on Zacapa back in Spain during my Diageo years. The dark history surrounding the liquid is so intense and was really interesting to dive into. Rum has a very Caribbean and Latin heart and this spoke to me.  My ‘rum love’ moments usually came when meeting all the strong women working in this male dominated industry from master blender of Zacapa Lorena Vasquez to brand founders of La Hechicera Laura Riascos and Martamaria Carillo.

 

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

The people! It really is full of the most welcoming and fun people in the drinks industry.

 

5. Favourite Drink + Recipe

Good question. The Banana Republic old fashioned we curated for La Hechicera is a real winner. Replace simple sugar syrup in an Old Fashioned with Banana Liqueur and add a couple of chocolate bitters in with the angostura one’s! This drinks is nice and boozy but still warm and sweet like the tropics – ¡DELICIOSO!

 

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

Exploding! We all know it’s the time for Rum however what I think will be interesting to see is how the category starts to regulate itself. With more norms and legislations the production process will be more and more controlled and I truly think this is a good thing. Gone are the days of sugar and artificial flavorings. Provenance of the distillates will also be more important – Rum brands that can claim from cane to glass will be in a truly unique position.

 

7. What do you think needs to happen to grow the premium category of rum?

Education. This is the only way forward.

 

8. Which rum would you recommend a person that?

• Sipping a premium rum for the 1st time – Zacapa 23
• Likes Scotch Whisky – Mezan 10 year old
• Likes Bourbon – Plantation O.F.T.D.
• Likes Gin or Vodka – Don Q Cristal
• Likes Cognac – La Hechicera 21

 

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

Jorge Pineda: Jorge was my boss when I was Brand Ambassador on the Reserve Portfolio in Madrid. Jorge taught me work hard, roll up my sleeves, be kind to everyone and have fun along the way. To this day he is my most impactful mentor. I wouldn’t be the professional that I am today if he didn’t believe in me and take me under his wing.

Carol Jordan: My mother and my manager. She has been the back bone to my career and continues to be the first person I go when hard decisions need to be made.

Dr Seuss: Dr Seuss is an American children’s author, his books taught me from a young age that I could steer myself any way I choose!

 

10. What 3-5 things do you have in your bucket list for the next 12 month?

– Drive incredible value for my clients via the consultancy business Drinking Out Loud ‘building the bridge between brands and bars’

– Launch Avallen, a calvados brand with sustainability at the heart of its purpose with my business partner Tim Judge.

– Keep on top of my health with regular exercise promoting a happier healthier hospitality industry

– Get myself to Puerto Rico and finally drink daiquiris and dance salsa all night long in La Factoria!

 

11. Any last words?

‘go as far as you can see, once you get there, you will be able to see further’

 

12. How can people learn more about you? Website? Social Media Page

Instagram and Twitter @drinkingoutloud & www.drinking-out-loud.com