Cruzan launches rum to aid hurricane relief

Beam Suntory has released Cruzan Hurricane Proof Rum and will donate US$1 of each case sold to communities that have been affected by hurricanes Irma and Maria.

Cruzan Hurricane Proof Rum

Bottled at 137 proof, Cruzan Hurricane Proof is said to offer a “clean and smooth flavour” due to the low levels of fusel oils used to create the rum.

The Cruzan Rum distillery, located on the island of St. Croix in the US Virgin Islands, suspended operations for three weeks in the wake of Hurricane Maria.

The pledge is part of Cruzan’s dedication to the Island Spirit Fund, which supports short- and long-term disaster relief efforts in the US Virgin Islands and across the US.

To date, the fund has raised nearly US$1 million through individual donations, Cruzan’s case-matching programme, and case-matching donations from several distributor partners.

“We’re proud to introduce Cruzan Hurricane Proof just in time for the giving season as a way to drink well and give back,” said Gary Nelthropp, Cruzan Rum’s master distiller.

“We’ve named our newest expression as a nod to the resilience of our community in the wake of last year’s devastating storms.

“We look forward to continuing to support the Island Spirit Fund and the important work it makes possible into 2019 and beyond.”

Cruzan Hurricane Proof Rum is now available across the US with an RRP of US$19.99 for a 750ml bottle.

For a look at how last year’s hurricanes affected Caribbean rum producers, click here.