London gets El Supremo preview ahead of UK launch
Paraguayan rum El Supremo held an exclusive masterclass in London as a preview before the brand’s official UK debut in 2026.
Hosted at the Rhum Tavern on Margaret Street, the event was led by Filippo Maria Olivi di Briana, CEO of El Supremo Rum, who showcased the brand’s four signature expressions.
The event aimed to highlight the brand’s unique maturation in barrels made from indigenous Paraguayan woods and confirm the country’s rise on the global stage as a source of high-quality terroir-driven spirits.
El Supremo is crafted from honey sugarcane (miel de caña), unlike traditional molasses-based rums. It is produced at the Capasa Distillery, which has been dedicated to making agricole-style rum since 1909.
Olivi di Briana guided the guests through the brand’s portfolio. He began with the five-year-old El Supremo rum as an introduction to the house style, featuring a fresh sugarcane character and vibrant cask influences.
The brand’s eight-year-old rum followed, showcasing deeper spices and sweetness developed through extended ageing in Paraguay’s subtropical climate.
The next featured rum was a 12-year-old expression that highlighted the brand’s unique qualities with its ‘heightened texture and complexity’. This was attributed to its maturation in Incienso Marrón, an indigenous Paraguayan hardwood once revered by the Guaraní people.
The masterclass concluded with the 18-year-old rum. It offered ‘exceptional depth, layering, and aromatic richness’, forged through long-term tropical ageing.
During the session, Olivi di Briana emphasised how each native wood provides its own sensory signature – ranging from savoury spice and floral notes to natural sweetness and structure. According to Olivi di Briana, the jungle climate of Paraguay enhances cask interaction, intensifying the flavour.
After the presentation, guests enjoyed a custom cocktail service by The Pink Chihuahua at El Camion. The bartenders created signature drinks that highlighted the versatility and elegance of El Supremo’s rums.
The brand will make its official debut in the UK in 2026.
Earlier this year, El Supremo launched in Italy in partnership with Rinaldi 1957. The brand also returned to Madrid’s Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week with Canussa.
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