Blue Ridge Spirits & Wine Marketing has entered into a partnership agreement with Varela Hermanos, S.A. to represent Ron Abuelo in the U.S. market. Under the new arrangement, Blue Ridge will manage all sales and marketing activities for the Panamanian aged rum brand, effective immediately.
“We are very excited to welcome Ron Abuelo into our growing spirits portfolio,” said Blue Ridge Spirits & Wine Marketing’s CEO, Carlos Carreras. “This brand is a game-changer in the rum category, and we look forward to working closely with the team in Panama to accelerate the growth of the brand here in the U.S.”
The highly acclaimed rums of Ron Abuelo are produced by Varela Hermanos, Panama’s oldest distilling family that dates back to 1908, when Don José Varela Blanco established the first sugar mill in Pesé in the recently formed Republic of Panama. Known for their commitment to exceptional quality, the family controls 100% of the rum-making process from cane to bottle: they grow and harvest 1,600 hectares of sugar cane, distill their own spirit, age it at their estate and bottle within the community. The results speak for themselves: a collection of award-winning aged rums that are a true expression of their craftsmanship.
“We are thrilled to team up with a company that understands our heritage and shares our vision for the future,” commented Daniel Fábrega, Vice President, Export for Varela Hermanos. “The team at Blue Ridge recognizes the growth potential and distinct market opportunity for Ron Abuelo in the United States—we are confident we have chosen a terrific partner with both the energy and skill to bring our brand vision to life.
Ron Abuelo is available in more than 20 markets across the U.S., with new markets planned to open over the coming year. Currently, the portfolio consists of eight award-winning aged rums: Añejo, 7 Años, 12 Años, Two Oaks, The Finish Collection (Oloroso, Napoleon, and Tawny), and the highly limited Centuria. Suggested retail prices range from $15 to $120.
We sat down with Ron Abuelo Global Brand Ambassador Cristobal Srokowski to learn more about the Ron Abuelo Finish Collection, where the brand finish rum in casks that most would more commonly associate with Whisky maturation: Oloroso Sherry, Tawny Port, and Napoleon Cognac.
For more information on Blue Ridge Spirits & Wine Marketing, head over to the company’s official website.