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Friarwood launches Ron Carúpano XO in UK

UK-based wine and spirits merchant Friarwood has added Venezuelan brand Ron Carúpano’s XO rum to its portfolio.

Friarwood
The rum joins Friarwood’s ever-expanding spirits portfolio

Friarwood will distribute the rum in the UK for RPP £338 (US£428).

The rum is produced from blends aged between 18 and 35 years from the brand’s Family Antique Reserves, and presented in crystal decanters with just 2,000 made available for purchase each year.

Bottled at 40% ABV, its tasting notes are said to feature caramel, brioche, toffee, walnut and almond.

The rum is part of the brand’s Prestige Collection. It was given a new design in August 2023 “that pays homage to tradition with a touch of modernity”, according to María Corina Salas, Ron Carúpano’s marketing manager. The new design will be rolled out in 30 markets across the world.

It followed a new look for Ron Carúpano Legendario in 2022, said to be the only single barrel 25-year-old Venezuelan rum in the world.

In 2022, Ron Carúpano was named the leading brand in the ‘prestige’ and ‘prestige-plus’ categories in Venezuela by IWSR Drinks Market Analysis.

Friarwood also brought Ron Carúpano’s 12 Reserva Exclusiva expression onto the cocktail menu of Central London’s Ham Yard Hotel – in the Choco Macchiato, which infuses the rum with Speculoos cookies.

Since expanding to spirits, the company has added Sash & Fritz Vodka, Per Se, Tromba Tequila and coffee liqueur Cafeto to its portfolio.

Last December, Friarwood hosted a rum tasting for Ron Carúpano, which also doubled as a celebration of Venezuelan culture. Guests were able to sample Ron Carúpano’s Reserva Limitada expression at the event.

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