St. Lucia Distillers, Quality Assurance Manager/Master Blender: DENY DUPLESSIS

TRL: Who is Deny Duplessis?

My name is Deny Duplessis. I was born and raised on the sweet paradise island of Saint Lucia (Helen of the West Indies). I am a very cool and humble 37-year-old and a proud father of a 1-year-old son.

I am the Quality Assurance Manager & Master Blender for Saint Lucia Distillers Limited. I have been with the company for a little over 15 years. I joined in April 2009 as an Assistant Laboratory Technician and after a little over two years, became a Quality Control Inspector in August 2011 after the Quality Assurance Department was commissioned at Saint Lucia Distillers. I was appointed the successor or prodigy to the then Master Blender in September 2018. After the retirement of the Laboratory Supervisor in January 2020 followed by the retirement of the then Master Blender in August 2020, I was appointed to the post of Quality Assurance Manager/Master Blender for St. Lucia Distillers as of 1st Oct 2020 with specific responsibility for overseeing the daily routine operations of the Quality Assurance Laboratory. I am an avid Cricketer and love traveling, watching television, going to the beach, and snorkeling.

TRL: What does the rum mean to you? What made you fall in love with rum and when did it happen?

Rum is an important part of my job, the main reason I work daily. I fell in love with rum from the very first day that I visited and toured the Distillery. The sweet aromatics of blackstrap molasses, the Biochemistry of the fermentation process involving yeast cells, and the Science of the Distillation process, flabbergasted by the mysterious process of maturation/aging and thrilled by the Art of Blending, had me deeply fascinated.

TRL: Three essential characteristics that define the rum according to your perspective.

In my humble opinion, rum must have the following main characteristics: (1) A vivid definition of its class–appearance, aroma, and taste (2) Good ageing – to give depth and extra flavors to the product, and (3) Consistency – maintaining its character throughout the journey of assessment (sensory evaluation) from start to finish!

TRL: What is the most important contribution you have made to the rum industry?

Aiding in the growth of this spirit category to the highest level, educating various audiences, especially rum aficionados/ enthusiasts on the superb characteristics of rum (especially Saint Lucia Rum) and what makes it unique from the other spirit categories.

TRL: Benefits that the rum industry has given you.

The opportunity to earn a University Education was among my major benefits. Another benefit was to learn about other products in the Spirits world apart from rum, about other processes, and meeting other rum experts, aficionados, and enthusiasts who I’ve heard about for many years. Also, to globally represent St. Lucia Distillers and, to a further extent, my country Saint Lucia at several exhibitions, food fairs, rum festivals, and rum shows.

TRL: What’s another thing you are passionate about besides rum? Why?

I am very passionate about cricket. Cricket is a testing game that allows me to think and react instantly. Also, cricket brings nations and cultures together similarly to what rum does.

TRL: What is your favorite place to drink rum?

At the beach and home, especially at the end of a long, tiring day, it surely hits differently for me!

TRL: Favorite drink + Recipe

No Favourites! I just love rum, rum, and more rum!!!

TRL: Why is it important to educate the rum consumer?

Educating the rum consumer is vital for many reasons, for example:

• Quality Appreciation: Understanding the production methods, ageing processes, and various types of rum can help consumers appreciate the unique qualities of different rums, especially the craftiness which goes into making them what they finally are. This knowledge enables them to make more informed choices and develop a discerning palate for high-quality products.

• Historical & Cultural Appreciation: Rum is often tied to the history and culture of specific regions, such as the Caribbean. Educating consumers about the cultural significance of rum can deepen their appreciation for the drink and foster respect for the traditions and craftsmanship associated with its production.

• Support for artisanal/craft manufacturers: Education about the different rum and the production processes can lead consumers to explore and support smaller, artisanal producers. This can contribute to a more diverse and sustainable industry, building a solid connection between consumers and producers.

In a nutshell, an educated consumer base contributes to a healthier and more vibrant rum industry. It promotes responsible consumption/drinking, encourages a diverse and competitive marketplace, and breeds a community of enthusiasts who appreciate the art and craftsmanship behind the production of quality rum.

TRL: Any tips to train the palate and taste a good premium rum?

Practice makes perfect!!! As a general rule, avoid tasting any rum if you recently had anything severely spicy!!! To begin with, make sure you’re in a clear state of mind, feel relaxed, and rinse your palate with some potable water before tasting. Use all your senses! Listen, when you remove the cap/cork off the bottle when you pour the liquid… observe the rum, the color, and the clarity of the liquid, watch for the density when you swirl the rum by looking out for legs running down from inside top making their way back to the bottom before disappearing inside the liquid… smell and find the notes of oak, wood, vanilla, smoky/char character of the barrel, fruity notes derived from the fermentation and aging process or nutty and dry fruit notes when the rum is aged long… taste and feel the initial slightly sweet note coming from the alcohol, the unctuosity of aged rum balanced with the flavors matching the aroma, and slowly swallow the rum feeling the warmth expanding in your throat, in your heart, where a good rum should be finally felt!

TRL: How can the rum contribute to improving the crisis in some countries?

Beginning with the raw material to make rum, sugar cane, or the by-product of the sugar process, molasses. The agricultural phase is needed to obtain both, and those countries could help their economies by working in that phase.

TRL: Is the commitment to sustainable development the key to success for the permanence of the rum industry in the world? Why?

Improving sustainability is a sensitive area of our process which will help the industry and, step by step, will improve the world. We are using resources from the land and if we don’t take care of them, these resources will no longer be there in the near future. We owe that to the Earth too!!

TRL: Who would like to meet in the rum industry? What would you say to him/her?

My fellow MASTER BLENDERS! Proud of all the US!!! But all who work in the industry overall. Whenever I meet someone who shares the same passion for the product and the process, there is NEVER enough time to chat away!

TRL: What are your next goals in the rum industry?

To attract more and more new consumers to the product and to keep the current rum lovers and enthusiasts hooked on this product and never turn back, particularly SAINT Lucia RUM, and to savor and cherish every drop of liquid they come across as RUM!

TRL: Plans you have when you leave the rum industry.

No plans as yet, still thinking!

TRL: Why is the role of the bartender important in the rum industry?

The Bartender is super important to the industry! Most importantly, they are our product ambassadors. The customer looks to the bartender to expertly answer all their questions in terms of creating the best-tasting drinks and cocktails using their knowledge of the product. A bartender with a solid rum education is CRITICAL in the effective promotion of the product.

TRL: What is your advice for new generations in the rum industry?

Generally, be open-minded when it comes to rum! Whenever the opportunity arises, learn all that you can from the rum professionals in all sectors of rum production and spirits in general! Read a lot, and do a lot of research whenever you can. Be curious about rum!

TRL: How can people learn more about you? Website? Social media page?

• https://chairmansreserverum.com/our-team/

• https://www.instagram.com/da758rummasterblender/

• https://www.facebook.com/den.dups.9

• https://x.com/DenDups758