RSS debuts rum documentary series

Members-only community The Rare Spirits Society (RSS) has created a documentary series about rare rum exploration.

Titled Uncharted Territories, the documentary sees society members trek to locations around the world on the hunt for rare rums and ‘rich cultural experiences’.

The pilot episode takes place in Cambodia where, last year, RSS visited the country’s first rum distillery, the Samai Distillery in Phnom Penh, and spoke to its co-founder Daniel Pacheco and master distiller Champich Moang.

Antonio López de Haro, co-founder and CEO of RSS and co-founder of Samai Distillery, said: “Our inaugural journey to Cambodia wasn’t just a trip; it was an immersion into the heart of rum culture and the vibrancy of Cambodian life.

“This expedition has set a precedent for RSS, blending exploration, culture, and the pursuit of rare rums, while fostering connections and experiences for its members.”

The journey also saw members explore Angkor Wat and Bayon Temple in Siem Reap, spend an afternoon with elephants at Kulen Elephant Forest, trek to Koh Rong waterfall, and visit La Plantation Kampot Pepper Farm.

Luigi Rockets, co-founder and creative director of RSS, added: “To fall in love with a rum, one must first become enamoured by its culture. It’s in the soul of the country where the spirit of the rum truly comes alive.”

Through the journey, the RSS added four rum barrels to its rare rum collection, aged in Samai Distillery in Phnom Penh, Koh Rong Island and Kulen Elephant Forest in Siem Riep. The Samai rum is a six-year-old 100% pot still rum aged in French oak.

The Cambodian episode, titled Uncharted Territories: Kingdom of Wonder, will make its debut at Miami Rum Congress, held on 9-11 February at the Miami Beach Convention Center.

There will also be a private screening for RSS members only, on Monday 12 February.

The RSS was founded in 2023 and has 225 members from 17 different countries. It gives its members access to rare and unique rums and curates travel experiences.