
Hosted by Renato Molo · EN
The Global Glug is a podcast exploring the people, ideas, and places shaping the future of rum and sugarcane spirits.
Through long-form conversations with distillers, founders, and industry voices from around the world, the show goes beyond the bottle to uncover the stories behind the spirits.
From emerging rum regions to ancestral traditions and new distillation projects, The Global Glug documents the evolving global landscape of rum.
Because rum is not just a drink — it is culture, history, and innovation in motion.

In this episode of The Global Glug, I chat with Franz Sydow, founder of Papiamento Rum — a premium, small-batch rum brand based in Aruba. Franz takes us through his fascinating journey from Venezuela to the Caribbean island he now calls home, where he and his brothers launched Aruba’s first artisanal rum distillery. We talk about the challenges of starting a distillery on a small island, sourcing rum from Panama, aging barrels just meters from the sea, and what it means to blend language, culture, and spirit into a single bottle. Franz also shares how they’re creating a full experience: rum tastings, chocolate pairings, even B&B apartments at the distillery. Topics we cover: The story behind the name Papiamento Blending and aging rum in Aruba’s climate Building a distillery in a country with no legal framework The shift from sourcing to local production Rum tourism and converting bourbon lovers Why this is more than just a rum brand — it’s a lifestyle Learn more at Papiamento Rum's website or follow Papiamento Rum on Instagram 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. If you enjoyed this episode, follow the podcast to never miss a new conversation from the global rum community. Sharing the podcast with fellow rum lovers, bartenders, and spirits enthusiasts helps the show grow and keeps these conversations alive. You can also support the podcast and help keep these conversations going here: https://ko-fi.com/theglobalglug Explore more episodes and discover voices from across the rum world. More information and episodes: https://theglobalglug.podbean.com/ Follow The Global Glug: Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/theglobalglug/ Ideas, suggestions, or interested in being a guest on the show? Get in touch: renato.molo@etik.com

En este episodio recibo a Miriam Paola Pacheco de Casa Tarasco para adentrarse en el mundo de la Charanda, una bebida espirituosa única de México. Juntos exploramos su definición, sus raíces históricas y los tradicionales métodos de producción que la distinguen. Miriam comparte la rica herencia de Casa Tarasco y su papel en la preservación de esta joya cultural. La conversación también aborda temas como los retos en el cultivo de caña de azúcar, la importancia de los ingredientes locales y las innovaciones en el mercado, como la Charanda infusionada con hongos. Además, Miriam ofrece su visión sobre el futuro de esta bebida en el mercado global y la necesidad de adaptarse a las preferencias de los consumidores sin perder su esencia tradicional. 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. If you enjoyed this episode, follow the podcast to never miss a new conversation from the global rum community. Sharing the podcast with fellow rum lovers, bartenders, and spirits enthusiasts helps the show grow and keeps these conversations alive. You can also support the podcast and help keep these conversations going here: https://ko-fi.com/theglobalglug Explore more episodes and discover voices from across the rum world. More information and episodes: https://theglobalglug.podbean.com/ Follow The Global Glug: Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/theglobalglug/ Ideas, suggestions, or interested in being a guest on the show? Get in touch: renato.molo@etik.com

In questo episodio, esploriamo la storia di Esperia Rhum, il progetto rivoluzionario di due giovani italiani, Manuel Barison e Francesco Crippa, che hanno deciso di sfidare le convenzioni creando un rum di altissima qualità… in Trentino! Scopriremo: - Come è nata l’idea di produrre rum in Italia, lontano dalle tradizionali zone caraibiche - Il segreto della materia prima: il succo di canna da zucchero proveniente da Marie-Galante - La scienza dietro la fermentazione e la distillazione, con l’aiuto dell’esperta Anna Ostrovskyj - Perché il clima italiano e i lieviti enologici locali fanno la differenza nel gusto - Le sfide di lanciare un rum artigianale in un mercato dominato da vino e grappa Una storia di amicizia, innovazione e passione, che unisce il meglio dei Caraibi alla precisione italiana. Se ami i distillati o semplicemente apprezzi le storie di imprenditoria coraggiosa, questo episodio è per te. Stay in the loop! Subscribe to our newsletter at The Global Glug so you never miss an episode. 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. If you enjoyed this episode, follow the podcast to never miss a new conversation from the global rum community. Sharing the podcast with fellow rum lovers, bartenders, and spirits enthusiasts helps the show grow and keeps these conversations alive. You can also support the podcast and help keep these conversations going here: https://ko-fi.com/theglobalglug Explore more episodes and discover voices from across the rum world. More information and episodes: https://theglobalglug.podbean.com/ Follow The Global Glug: Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/theglobalglug/ Ideas, suggestions, or interested in being a guest on the show? Get in touch: renato.molo@etik.com

Nouvel épisode de The Global Glug! Aujourd’hui, je reçois Anna Ostrovskyj, œnologue et consultante technique spécialisée dans le rhum. Nous plongeons ensemble dans l’univers fascinant du rhum agricole, en abordant des sujets clés comme l'impact du changement climatique sur les récoltes, les différences entre l’AOC Martinique et Guadeloupe, l’évolution des techniques de fermentation et l’importance du terroir. Anna partage son parcours, depuis son héritage familial en distillation jusqu’à ses expériences avec les distilleries en Guadeloupe, en Martinique et en Italie. Elle nous parle également de l’importance de la communication autour du rhum agricole et du rôle croissant des femmes dans cette industrie. Ne ratez aucun épisode! Recevez les dernières interviews, articles et insights sur le monde du rhum directement dans votre boîte mail en vous inscrivant ici 👉 https://theglobalglug.com/join-the-community/ Retrouvez Anna en ligne : Instagram : @coeurdechauffe Blog : Cœur de Chauffe 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. If you enjoyed this episode, follow the podcast to never miss a new conversation from the global rum community. Sharing the podcast with fellow rum lovers, bartenders, and spirits enthusiasts helps the show grow and keeps these conversations alive. You can also support the podcast and help keep these conversations going here: https://ko-fi.com/theglobalglug Explore more episodes and discover voices from across the rum world. More information and episodes: https://theglobalglug.podbean.com/ Follow The Global Glug: Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/theglobalglug/ Ideas, suggestions, or interested in being a guest on the show? Get in touch: renato.molo@etik.com

In this episode of The Global Glug, I sit down with Eric Kaye, the founder of Holmes Cay, to discuss his fascinating journey from a career in music to becoming a respected name in the rum industry. We dive into the inspiration behind Holmes Cay, the challenges of navigating the complex world of spirits, and his dedication to sourcing the finest rums from around the globe. What You’ll Learn in This Episode: From Music to Rum: How Eric transitioned from composing to curating exceptional rums. The Birth of Holmes Cay: Why a lack of quality rum in the U.S. led him to create his own brand. Navigating Regulations: The hurdles of launching a rum brand in a heavily controlled industry. Sourcing the Best Rums: How strong relationships with distilleries lead to incredible discoveries. Mhoba & 10 Cane Rum: The story behind Mhoba Distillery and what happened to 10 Cane Rum. The Sugar Debate: Why Holmes Cay stands for additive-free rum and transparency. Consumer Education: How knowledge empowers drinkers to appreciate high-quality rums. The Golden Age of Rum: Why now is the best time for rum lovers and independent bottlers. The Role of Independent Bottlers: How they’re shaping the future of rum by making rare selections accessible. 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. If you enjoyed this episode, follow the podcast to never miss a new conversation from the global rum community. Sharing the podcast with fellow rum lovers, bartenders, and spirits enthusiasts helps the show grow and keeps these conversations alive. You can also support the podcast and help keep these conversations going here: https://ko-fi.com/theglobalglug Explore more episodes and discover voices from across the rum world. More information and episodes: https://theglobalglug.podbean.com/ Follow The Global Glug: Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/theglobalglug/ Ideas, suggestions, or interested in being a guest on the show? Get in touch: renato.molo@etik.com

Join me on The Global Glug as I sit down with Magdalena Reszke, the passionate brand ambassador for The Colours of Rum, an independent rum bottler based in Poland. In this episode, Magdalena takes us on a journey through the fascinating world of rum, sharing her insights on everything from the challenges of independent bottling to the growing popularity of high ester rums. Discover how The Colours of Rum transitioned from whiskey to rum, and learn about the meticulous process of sourcing and bottling single cask rums from distilleries around the world. Magdalena also discusses the complexities of entering the U.S. market, the rise of high ester rums, and the future of the rum industry. Tune in to hear Magdalena’s top rum picks from The Colours of Rum, her thoughts on rum education, and why she believes the future of rum is brighter than ever. 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. If you enjoyed this episode, follow the podcast to never miss a new conversation from the global rum community. Sharing the podcast with fellow rum lovers, bartenders, and spirits enthusiasts helps the show grow and keeps these conversations alive. You can also support the podcast and help keep these conversations going here: https://ko-fi.com/theglobalglug Explore more episodes and discover voices from across the rum world. More information and episodes: https://theglobalglug.podbean.com/ Follow The Global Glug: Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/theglobalglug/ Ideas, suggestions, or interested in being a guest on the show? Get in touch: renato.molo@etik.com

In this episode of The Global Glug, I sit down with Sebastian Lauinger, the visionary behind Ron Artesano, a premium rum brand that combines Panamanian craftsmanship with German precision. Sebastian shares his fascinating journey from growing up in a family of German brandy distillers to creating his own line of artisanal rums in Panama. Discover how Sebastian’s passion for rum led him to source the finest sugarcane and age his spirits in unique casks like Ruby Port, Tawny Port, and Amarone wine barrels. Learn about the challenges he faced in maintaining consistency with Amarone barrels and why he ultimately chose Port casks for his core range. Sebastian also opens up about the complexities of building a rum brand from scratch, his commitment to producing rums with no additives, no colouring, and no added sugar, and his long-term dream of establishing his own distillery in Panama. Tune in to hear Sebastian’s inspiring journey and learn where you can find Ron Artesano rums near you. 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. If you enjoyed this episode, follow the podcast to never miss a new conversation from the global rum community. Sharing the podcast with fellow rum lovers, bartenders, and spirits enthusiasts helps the show grow and keeps these conversations alive. You can also support the podcast and help keep these conversations going here: https://ko-fi.com/theglobalglug Explore more episodes and discover voices from across the rum world. More information and episodes: https://theglobalglug.podbean.com/ Follow The Global Glug: Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/theglobalglug/ Ideas, suggestions, or interested in being a guest on the show? Get in touch: renato.molo@etik.com

In this episode, I had the pleasure of speaking with Ivar De Laat, the passionate mind behind Rum Revelations. We talked about his journey from the Netherlands to Canada, how he got into the rum world, and what led him to become one of the most honest voices in rum criticism today. We dove deep into topics like the impact of sugar in rum, the evolution of the industry, his travels to distilleries in places like Barbados and Mauritius, and his candid thoughts on Colombian rum. Ivar’s insights are sharp, genuine, and eye-opening—perfect for anyone who loves rum beyond the glass. 🎥 Catch the full video interview on YouTube. 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. If you enjoyed this episode, follow the podcast to never miss a new conversation from the global rum community. Sharing the podcast with fellow rum lovers, bartenders, and spirits enthusiasts helps the show grow and keeps these conversations alive. You can also support the podcast and help keep these conversations going here: https://ko-fi.com/theglobalglug Explore more episodes and discover voices from across the rum world. More information and episodes: https://theglobalglug.podbean.com/ Follow The Global Glug: Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/theglobalglug/ Ideas, suggestions, or interested in being a guest on the show? Get in touch: renato.molo@etik.com

En este episodio de The Global Glug, tuve el placer de conversar con Nathan Picciotto, Gerente Nacional de On Trade para Colombia en Casa Domecq. Hablamos de la fascinante historia de esta casa icónica, conocida por su Brandy Domecq, y su reciente incursión en el emocionante mundo del ron con innovaciones como el Quimbaya Gold y Artisan Rum. Durante nuestra charla, Nathan me contó sobre los procesos de destilación y envejecimiento que hacen únicos a sus productos, destacando cómo la identidad colombiana es un componente clave en cada botella. También discutimos las tendencias de consumo, las estrategias de marketing y cómo Casa Domecq está posicionándose tanto a nivel nacional como internacional. En el episodio, exploramos puntos interesantes como: El papel del Brandy Domecq como bebida nacional en Colombia. La capacidad de destilación de 10 millones de litros de Casa Domecq. Su compromiso con productos libres de aditivos. La creciente curiosidad de los consumidores por los productos colombianos. Sus planes de expansión con nuevos rones previstos para 2025. Si eres un amante del buen ron y te interesa conocer cómo Colombia está conquistando el mundo de los destilados, este episodio es para ti. 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. If you enjoyed this episode, follow the podcast to never miss a new conversation from the global rum community. Sharing the podcast with fellow rum lovers, bartenders, and spirits enthusiasts helps the show grow and keeps these conversations alive. You can also support the podcast and help keep these conversations going here: https://ko-fi.com/theglobalglug Explore more episodes and discover voices from across the rum world. More information and episodes: https://theglobalglug.podbean.com/ Follow The Global Glug: Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/theglobalglug/ Ideas, suggestions, or interested in being a guest on the show? Get in touch: renato.molo@etik.com

I sit down with Marcos, the creator of Rum Interest, a platform dedicated to spreading the love of rum across the UK and the world. Marcos has become a key figure in the rum community, sharing his passion for the spirit through tasting events, reviews, and engaging content. We dive into his journey with rum, the UK’s growing rum scene, and how he’s helping elevate rum’s profile in a competitive drinks market. Tune in to learn more about the evolution of rum and Marcos' mission to make rum more accessible and enjoyable for all. Rum Insterest Instagram 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. If you enjoyed this episode, follow the podcast to never miss a new conversation from the global rum community. Sharing the podcast with fellow rum lovers, bartenders, and spirits enthusiasts helps the show grow and keeps these conversations alive. You can also support the podcast and help keep these conversations going here: https://ko-fi.com/theglobalglug Explore more episodes and discover voices from across the rum world. More information and episodes: https://theglobalglug.podbean.com/ Follow The Global Glug: Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/theglobalglug/ Ideas, suggestions, or interested in being a guest on the show? Get in touch: renato.molo@etik.com