Did you know that only 2% of the world’s rum is made from fresh sugarcane honey (miel de caña) instead of molasses?

In this episode of The Global Glug, host Renato Molo travels virtually to Rome to meet Filippo Maria Olivi di Briana, the founder of El Supremo Rum. Together, they uncover the hidden gem of the spirits world: Paraguayan Rum (locally known as Caña).

Filippo shares the fascinating journey of bringing this artisanal spirit from the fertile lands of Encarnación, Paraguay, to the premium markets of Europe. Unlike typical Caribbean rums, El Supremo is distilled from boiled sugarcane juice, fermented naturally, and aged statically in local Incienso Marron wood and French Limousin oak. This process creates a uniquely dry, complex, and authentic profile that is reshaping how connoisseurs perceive rum.

In this episode, we discuss:

The Paraguayan Difference: Why Caña Paraguayia is distinct from traditional molasses-based rums and the history of Jesuit distillation in South America.
Terroir & Tradition: The impact of Paraguay’s extreme climate and fertile soil on the sugarcane, and the 100% natural production process with no added sugar or caramel.
Market Insights: Filippo’s recent experiences at major trade fairs like ProWein (Düsseldorf) and the launch in the UK market. We analyze shifting consumer trends towards drier, high-quality spirits and the challenges of distribution in Switzerland vs. the EU.
The Future of El Supremo: Upcoming releases, including a rare 25-year-old expression and a special finish in Armagnac casks.
Storytelling in Spirits: How authenticity, history, and education are key to building a boutique brand in a saturated global market.

Featured Brand: El Supremo Rum (Available in 5, 8, 12, and 18-year-old expressions) Locations Mentioned: Paraguay, Rome, London, Düsseldorf, Lausanne, Lucerne.

Visit El Supremo Rum: www.elsupremorum.com

About The Global Glug

The Global Glug is a podcast exploring the people, places, and ideas shaping the future of rum and sugarcane spirits.

Through conversations with distillers, founders, and industry voices from around the world, the show goes beyond the bottle to uncover the stories behind the spirits.

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Ideas, suggestions, or interested in being a guest on the show?
Get in touch: renato.molo@etik.com