Tortuga

[Tiare]

Why is so hard to find Tortuga dark? or other Tortuga rums..if you live in Europe....?

[The Rum Ambassador]

Why is so hard to find Tortuga dark? or other Tortuga rums..if you live in Europe....?

Because all the rums are used in their cakes......:) LOL

[Tiare]

Because all the rums are used in their cakes......:) LOL

What a answer..LOL..:D

[tym2relax]

Why is so hard to find Tortuga dark? or other Tortuga rums..if you live in Europe....?

Europe? Does not seem to be readily available here in the US as well.

[Edward Hamilton]

Tortuga is a relatively small private label brand of rum primarily sold in the Cayman Islands and used to make Tortuga Rum Cakes. But don't despair, distribution of these rums is growing and I expect you'll see them in other markets in the coming years. There is a huge difference between being one of only a couple rums sold on a small group of islands and one of hundreds of rums sold in a vast geographic space like even one of the small US states.

Like a lot of things, being larger isn't necessarily better for the brand.

[RobertBurr]

I had the opportunity to converse recently with Angie Niehoff representing the Tortuga rum company in the US in regards to bringing their products into Florida. She expressed regret that their aged rums would not be imported into the US in the near future.

My guess: El Dorado 5 and Tortuga 5 are close cousins.

[RumBarPhilly]

I had the opportunity to converse recently with Angie Niehoff representing the Tortuga rum company in the US in regards to bringing their products into Florida. She expressed regret that their aged rums would not be imported into the US in the near future.

My guess: El Dorado 5 and Tortuga 5 are close cousins.

Why dont companies want to sell their product on a global scale? If you figure the demand exceeds supply, then "up" supply! Understandable if they cant produce any more, but chances are, they are capable of it.

Then what is it? Is it lack of proper distributions? Do they fear nobody will buy it once it comes out?

Perhaps, its just a little of the capitalist "american" way, but I believe you should expand and make as much money as you can, if its out there. Im not talking about compromising your product to make more money, just increasing production and your sales will follow.

Im sure somebody has a good answer on this, because it baffles me why I will never get to buy some rums as long as i live in the US, and likewise, Europeans will never get to buy some rums as long as they are in Europe.

I just had my first kiss of Neisson ESB... apparently it makes me angry, haha

[RobertBurr]

As Ed mentioned, the scale of being a major rum brand in Cayman versus building an organization across the US is staggering in scope. Also, it would not be surprising if a small, growing company found it difficult to invest in large amounts of product to supply distributors without any guarantee of sales, subject to possible merchandising fees, stocking and shipping expenses, returns, give-away samples and other multifarious ways to expend their meager funds. Also, you can't confuse distribution with promotion. A distributor stocks and delivers their product, but the company must pay for promotion, marketing, advertising and publicity to spur sales -- and it doesn't come cheap.

Ed Hamilton, among others I know, could probably spend hours telling you stories about such endeavors, but you really don't want to see a six foot, five inch man cry, convulse and foam at the mouth.

[tym2relax]

I suppose what's a little frustrating is Tortuga is entering a tasting competition in the US, wins gold, but cannot be purchased in the US. Seems odd.

[Edward Hamilton]

Why dont companies want to sell their product on a global scale? If you figure the demand exceeds supply, then "up" supply! Understandable if they cant produce any more, but chances are, they are capable of it.
When you are talking about an aged rum, and most molasses-based spirits are aged at least a couple of years, it's not so easy to 'up' supply, though companies try and fail to do this every year. Anticipating demand has many challenges. Imagine serving up your best cocktails and then not got getting paid for them for two, three or five years, not to mention 15 years for your best work. For the rum producer you've also got to warehouse the product while you wait to get paid, and you've got to pay the angels that protect your warehouse from fires, hurricanes and thieves while you're waiting. Increasing production also involves buying more barrels, raw materials, hiring more people to make more rum and that's if you've already got the distillation equipment and fermentation tanks needed to produce the rum. Not to mention, as your aged stocks grow you'll probably have to build another warehouse, while maintaining your existing warehouses to protect your investment.

Then what is it? Is it lack of proper distributions? Do they fear nobody will buy it once it comes out?

Entering the distribution chain in the US, isn't easy. I've been importing rum for three years and still don't have any distribution in Florida, Texas or a few other states where I have identified a market. Liquor stores aren't getting a lot bigger so when you put a new bottle on the shelf, some other bottle has to go. And that other product is represented by someone who is already represented in the market. Liquor store and bar owners are constantly trying to balance sales of products they are currently selling with anticipated sales of new products with which they have no sales history.

Perhaps, it's just a little of the capitalist "American" way, but I believe you should expand and make as much money as you can, if it's out there. I'm not talking about compromising your product to make more money, just increasing production and your sales will follow.

If it was that easy there would be a lot more rums on every shelf. Increasing production doesn't necessarily mean more sales. If that was true, a few large companies would just follow that model and grow every year. My friends at 10 Cane would love to just be able to make more knowing that if they do they'll sell more.

I'm sure somebody has a good answer on this, because it baffles me why I will never get to buy some rums as long as i live in the US, and likewise, Europeans will never get to buy some rums as long as they are in Europe.
Fortunately for the European market, there are a couple of good companies that buy Caribbean rum from the distilleries, freeing up their cash flow and then bottling and marketing it for the European market. Europeans find a number of products which are only sold in their market. Shipping rum back to the US and then trying to market it at even higher prices is a difficult task - Murray McDavid rums are a good example.

I just had my first kiss of Neisson ESB... apparently it makes me angry, haha

That rum was aged 18 months in French oak then warehoused more than a year in NJ, all the while incurring warehousing charges. The good news is that there are a number of distilleries aging rum so they don't have to lower the quality of their product. I know you've read on this forum of at least a couple of examples of rums gaining larger distribution and having to lower the quality in order to maintain enough supply to meet their projected demand.

And so far I haven't even mentioned the regulatory rules that compound the situation.

[pcguy]

In regards to marketing, word of mouth often does the most good. Just getting the product onto shelves even in meager quantities is a start. I know I scour shelves for new and interesting products on a regular basis, but then again, Joe sixpack probably doesn't.....

My local store never heard of or stocked ron zacapa 23 ano until I had them order a case for me, and they ordered one for themselves. Since then, it has become one of their better selling premium rums.. Whenever I run into new faces in the rum section I always mention the better brands. I feel it's my duty to spread the joy of a fine sipping rum. It's painful to see folks reaching for those bacardi bottles thinking thats the "best"

[JMac]

In regards to marketing, word of mouth often does the most good. Just getting the product onto shelves even in meager quantities is a start. I know I scour shelves for new and interesting products on a regular basis, but then again, Joe sixpack probably doesn't.....

My local store never heard of or stocked ron zacapa 23 ano until I had them order a case for me, and they ordered one for themselves. Since then, it has become one of their better selling premium rums.. Whenever I run into new faces in the rum section I always mention the better brands. I feel it's my duty to spread the joy of a fine sipping rum. It's painful to see folks reaching for those bacardi bottles thinking thats the "best"

I hear you...the BCLDB didn't stock Flor de Cana until I ordered a case of the 7 year from them. It was a battle just to get that 1 case order in. Now they have the 5 and 7 year with the 7 year being their seller. Thankfully the special order staff at the Westwood location were so open minded.

[JMac]

Why is so hard to find Tortuga dark? or other Tortuga rums..if you live in Europe....?

Same in Canada...fortunately I have a good friend going on a cruise that stops in the Grand Caymans....so Tortuga here we come! :D

[RumBarPhilly]

Ed,

Thanks for putting that into perspective, you brought up a couple good points I didn't think of, for instance, when a new spirit enters the market, another must disappear. So is true in PA, a spirit must have at least 3% of market share in its respective category to be listed. This is why a lot of rums in PA get listed as other categories like "Cream based" and "Specialties"... actually, I think that might be how Cruzan has so much placement. Half of their products are listed as Rums (Imported) and the other half is listed as Rums (U.S.)... smart!

[RumBarPhilly]

but then again, Joe sixpack probably doesn't.....


That quote made me do a double take, as there is a very well-known beer reporter in philly known as Joe Sixpack. :)

[pcguy]

That quote made me do a double take, as there is a very well-known beer reporter in philly known as Joe Sixpack. :)

No offense was made in the mention, perhaps I should have said John Q. Beergut? In reference to the teeming masses of uninformed shoppers LMAO...

[Tiare]

Luckily I have found a source for Tortuga Gold..so how is that rum? and compared to the dark?

[rumdog007]

Tortuga Gold is a better than average gold mixing rum which tastes pretty good on its own with a few ice cubes. It is straightforward in initial taste of butter, nuts, and a hint of caramel. The finish is fast. Not a complex rum. It's about $15 a bottle, here. So, at about the same price as the Cruzan Estate Diamond, I like having both bottles on my shelf.

[rumdog46]

Hey from Chico California rumdog,
Where in Costa Mesa are you getting a bottle of the Tortuga Gold? I just searched Hi Times and didn't see it listed. Wouldn't mind trying a bottle, lol!

So many rums only one liver what's a guy to do?

[rumdog007]

Hello, fellow Rumdog! Ralph's grocery chain is now stocking Tortuga. They are carrying 3 of the flavored and the Premium Gold. But, not the silver. I buy that in Denver where Tortuga has been sold for about a year. BTW, it has been "appearing" at Ralphs in just the last month.

[primate77]

Tortuga Gold and Dark on the shelves at the Friar Tuck's in Bloomington, IL but not yet at the one in Savoy, IL (45 miles to the east).

Maybe it is coming my way...

[forrest]

Tortuga Gold? I just searched Hi Times and didn't see it listed.

Hi Time has Tortuga Silver, Banana, and Coconut, all very good.
We passed on the gold because it is just the silver with coloring.

[Michael]

It might be best to refrain from commending the Tortuga Banana to primate77 yet again forrest. It is unlikely that his opinion has changed. :D

[primate77]

It might be best to refrain from commending the Tortuga Banana to primate77 yet again forrest. It is unlikely that his opinion has changed.

Godiva Chocolate Liquer has tamed the "Banana Beast" a bit... but it is still far from my favorite!!!

[forrest]

It might be best to refrain from commending the Tortuga Banana to primate77 yet again forrest. It is unlikely that his opinion has changed. :D

Yeah i was thinking that, but see we both need to trust in the Primate77!!

Hey Primate, how about a nice pousse-cafй? With say. . El Dorado Golden Rum cream as the third color?

[Edward Hamilton]

Hi Time has Tortuga Silver, Banana, and Coconut, all very good.
We passed on the gold because it is just the silver with coloring.

Or it could be the Silver is the Gold which has been colored though it is likely that they are a bit of both.
When rum is aged at a high proof and then reduced to a lower proof for bottling the color is also diluted so it isn't uncommon for a little coloring to be added to bring the color back to something that is a little marketable.

In more than a few cases, gold rums have had a little caramel added and white rums have been aged and then carbon-filtered.

[Matusalem]

Hey from Chico California rumdog,
Where in Costa Mesa are you getting a bottle of the Tortuga Gold? I just searched Hi Times and didn't see it listed.I saw it earlier this week in a Cala ...or I think those are now named "Bell" market (again), in San Francisco.

[rumdog007]

Rumdog 46, have you checked Ralph's, yet? It's in all of them in SoCal.

[rumdog46]

Hey fellow rumdog,
Wow been away for awhile and just saw your post. I will check with Ralphs up here in Chico this week and see if they got any in yet. I took some time off from aquiring new rums had to tighten the belt for awhile. I'm slowly restocking the bar,lol!

Thanks
Chris