Diplomático’s Tito Cordero named distiller of the year

Diplomático rum’s Tito Cordero was named master blender of the year at the fourth annual Golden Rum Barrel Awards in London this week.

Tito Cordero, master blender of Diplomático rum was named distiller of the year

Held as part of the largest rum and sugar can festival in the world, UK Rum Fest, the Golden Barrel Awards recognise both the companies and brands in the global rum industry, as well as the people working within it.

Cordero was joined as one of a handful of winners on the night by Destileras Unidas SA, which was named Rum Distillery of the Year, and Virgin Gorda Rum, which won the award for Boutique Rum of the Year. A Mountain of Crushed Ice was also named Rum Blogger of the Year.

As well as announcing the Golden Rum Barrel Awards, which were selected by UK RumFest founder Ian Burrell and a handful of experts, the event played host to the inaugural Rum Experience Hall of Fame.

Its first inductees include master blender Lorena Vásquez Ampié, master blender for Ron Zacapa; Jose Sanchez Gavito, master blender for Bacardi; the late Laurie Barnard, chairman of St. Lucia Distillers who passed away in October 2012; Richard Seale, master distiller at Foursquare Distillery; and Francisco Don Pancho Fernandez, master blender of Ron de Jeremy.

“This year’s Golden Rum Barrel Awards plays tribute to the pioneers within the industry whether blend or being,” said Burrel.

“Rum’s rising popularity throughout the world can be attributed to many of these esteemed individuals or brands and we are thrilled to announce such an incredible range of distillers, master blenders, ambassadors and rum blends from all over the world.”