Equiano Rum: A Toast to Freedom, Quality, and Legacy
Estimated Reading Time: 5 minutes
Introduction
Welcome to a journey through the world of Equiano Rum, a unique blend that celebrates both African and Caribbean heritage. As the world's first African & Caribbean rum, Equiano stands out for its purist approach to rum-making. Crafted with an unwavering commitment to purity and made exclusively from 100% natural ingredients, this rum is free from colorants, spices, and added sugars. It serves as a true testament to quality and authenticity, setting a new standard in the realm of premium rums.
About the Founders
Equiano Rum was co-founded by Ian Burrell and Aaisha Dadral. Ian Burrell is a well-known figure in the spirits industry and serves as the Global Ambassador for the Rum Category. His expertise and passion for rum have been instrumental in shaping Equiano Rum's unique profile. Aaisha Dadral, the other co-founder, also plays a significant role in the brand's development and its commitment to social causes. Together, they have created a rum that not only stands out for its quality but also for its dedication to making a positive impact, honoring the legacy of Olaudah Equiano.
The Story Behind Equiano Rum
Equiano Rum is named after Olaudah Equiano, a man who changed the course of history. Born in Africa in 1745, Equiano was kidnapped and sold into slavery before he reached his teens. Despite the hardships, he never lost his spirit. He eventually gained his freedom by trading in rum and went on to become a freedom fighter, entrepreneur, and one of the first published African writers in the UK and the US. The brand honors Equiano's legacy by donating a portion of its profits to freedom and equality projects.
The Making of Equiano Rum
Equiano Rum is a blend of the finest rums from Gray's distillery in Mauritius and Foursquare distillery in Barbados. Both distilleries are committed to sustainability and corporate social responsibility.
The Liquid Gold: What Makes Equiano Rum Unique
The rum itself is a masterpiece. Distilled with a commitment to purity, the ingredients go through a meticulous distillation process. The result is a rum with a unique taste profile that is both rich and smooth, perfect for sipping or for elevating your favorite cocktails.
Equiano Original Rum
Equiano Original Rum is a masterclass in the art of rum-making, embodying the essence of both African and Caribbean traditions. Crafted without any additives, sugar, spices, or colorants, this 100% natural rum offers a complex and inviting aroma that blends tropical warmth with rich notes of dried fruits like raisins and sultanas, complemented by sweet toffee, butterscotch, and hints of orange peel and vanilla. On the palate, it delivers a warm mouthfeel of toffee and butterscotch, enriched by chewy raisins and brown sugar flavors. Despite its natural sweetness, Equiano Original Rum finishes with a balanced touch of oak, anise, sweet pepper, and a hint of bitter orange peel, making it a modern and matured sipping rum.
Equiano Light Rum
Equiano Light Rum is a groundbreaking blend that challenges conventional notions of what a light rum can be. This exceptional offering combines lightly aged molasses rum from the Caribbean with fresh sugar cane juice rum from Africa, resulting in a sophisticated taste profile often associated with darker rums. In the glass, it presents a subtle light golden hue, a harmonious balance of fresh sugarcane, vanilla, and light oak on the nose, and a medium-sweet palate rich in tropical fruit, citrus peel, and hints of vanilla. Inspired by the theme of enlightenment and the legacy of Olaudah Equiano, this rum not only delights the senses but also contributes to positive change, with a portion of the profits going to Freedom + Equality organizations.
Equiano The Freehand
Created by Ian Burrell, The Freehand is a cocktail that marries tradition with innovation. The richness of Equiano Original Rum melds seamlessly with the herbal notes of sweet vermouth and the bittersweet allure of Campari. A unique twist comes from the addition of chocolate bitters, lending a sophisticated depth to this artisan creation.
Tip: Use the Barsys Coaster for an elevated cocktail-making experience!
Ingredients:
- 1.75 oz Equiano Original Rum
- 0.75 oz Sweet Vermouth
- 0.5 oz Campari
Glass:
Rocks
Garnish:
Chocolate Bitters, Orange Slice(s), Chocolate
Steps:
Preparation time without the Barsys Coaster 3 - 5 minutes
- Stir all ingredients in a mixing glass until cold.
- Serve in a rocks glass with a large rock of ice or ice ball.
- Garnish with an orange slice and plain chocolate.
Equiano Piña Colada
The Equiano Piña Colada takes this classic tropical indulgence to a new level. Featuring Equiano Light Rum as its base, the cocktail is a harmonious blend of Coco Reál Cream of Coconut and fresh pineapple juice. A splash of fresh lime juice cuts through the richness, offering a balanced, refreshing finish. Experience the island getaway in every sip, made consistently perfect.
Tip: Use the Barsys Coaster for an elevated cocktail-making experience!
Ingredients:
- 1.75 oz Equiano Light Rum
- 0.75 oz Coco Reàl Cream of Coconut
- 0.75 oz Fresh Pineapple Juice
- 0.25 oz Fresh Lime Juice
Glass:
Rocks
Garnish:
Grated Nutmeg, Pineapple Leaf, Dehydrated Pineapple
Steps:
Preparation time without the Barsys Coaster 3 - 5 minutes
- Add all ingredients in an ice filled cocktail shaker.
- Shake well and strain into a rocks glass over ice.
- Garnish with a dusting of nutmeg, a dehydrated pineapple and three pineapple leafs.
Equiano Caribeno
The Equiano Caribeno is a refreshing tropical escape that marries the light complexity of Equiano Light rum with the hydrating allure of coconut water. Freshly squeezed lime juice adds a zesty kick, balanced out by the sweetness of pure cane sugar syrup. Ideal for those seeking a laid-back yet sophisticated sipper.
Tip: Use the Barsys Coaster for an elevated cocktail-making experience!
Ingredients:
- 2 oz Equiano Light Rum
- 4 oz Coconut Water
- 0.25 oz Fresh-Squeezed Lime Juice
- 0.25 oz Pure Cane Sugar Syrup
Glass:
Old Fashioned
Garnish:
Orange Slice(s), Lime Wedge
Steps:
Preparation time without the Barsys Coaster 3 - 5 minutes
- Shake all the ingredients with ice and strain into ice filled glass.
- Garnish with signature orange and lime.
Equiano Gold + Stormy
The Equiano Gold + Stormy is simplicity and refreshment in a glass. Using Equiano Original Rum as its robust foundation, this cocktail adds the effervescence and spiciness of ginger ale for a tantalizing contrast. Finished with a lime wedge and a twist of orange peel, it's simple, spicy, and so refreshing. This is a go-to drink for those who appreciate the finer points of casual imbibing.
Tip: Use the Barsys Coaster for an elevated cocktail-making experience!
Ingredients:
- 1.75 oz Equiano Original Rum
- 6.75 oz Ginger Ale
Glass:
Highball
Garnish:
Lime Wedge, Orange Twist
Steps:
Preparation time without the Barsys Coaster 3 - 5 minutes
- Fill a highball glass with ice.
- Add ingredients and lightly stir.
- Once combined, garnish with lime wedges and a twist of orange peel.
Equiano Forbidden Sour
The Equiano Forbidden Sour offers a symphony of bold flavors, elevated by the delicate, light notes of Equiano Light Rum. A sophisticated blend of JD Taylor Velvet Falernum and grapefruit bitters sets the stage for complexity, while egg white brings a frothy smoothness. Tart grapefruit juice and sweet honey syrup are balanced to perfection, and a grapefruit half-wheel garnish adds an elegant finish. A sip of this is a venture into the forbidden realms of flavor.
Tip: Use the Barsys Coaster for an elevated cocktail-making experience!
Ingredients:
- 1.75 oz Equiano Light Rum
- 0.5 oz JD Taylor Velvet Falernum
- 0.75 oz Grapefruit Juice
- 0.75 oz Honey Syrup
Glass:
Rocks
Garnish:
Egg White, Grapefruit Bitters, Grapefruit Half-Wheel
Steps:
Preparation time without the Barsys Coaster 3 - 5 minutes
- Add ingredients in an ice-filled cocktail shaker.
- Shake well and strain into a rocks glass over ice.
- Garnish with a grapefruit half-wheel and serve.
Equiano The Kedu
The Kedu is a luxurious fusion of worlds, blending the light nuances of Equiano Light Rum with the celebratory effervescence of Champagne. Its tropical flair comes from freshly squeezed lime juice and Piña Reàl Pineapple Syrup, while a dash of cocoa or chocolate bitters adds a complex, irresistible depth. This is the epitome of a special occasion cocktail.
Tip: Use the Barsys Coaster for an elevated cocktail-making experience!
Ingredients:
- 1.75 oz Equiano Light Rum
- 0.75 oz Fresh-Squeezed Lime Juice
- 0.5 oz Piña Reàl Pineapple Syrup
Glass:
Coupe or Martini
Garnish:
Chocolate Bitters, Champagne, Pineapple Leaf, Lime Wheel
Steps:
Preparation time without the Barsys Coaster 3 - 5 minutes
- Place all ingredients, except champagne, in a shaker tin.
- Add ice and shake vigorously to marry ingredients and chill the beverage.
- Strain into serving ware (coupe or martini glass preferably).
- Float a little champagne on top of the cocktail.
- Garnish with a pineapple leaf and lime wheel, then serve.
Equiano Vetiver
The Equiano Vetiver, created by Monica Berg, is an intricate cocktail that showcases the deep, earthy tones of Equiano Original Rum and Muyu Vetiver Gris. A dash of Oloroso Sherry imparts nutty richness, balanced by the sweetness of sugar syrup. The aromatic notes of walnut bitters and a twist of Maple Verjus make this a multi-layered experience for the sophisticated palate.
Tip: Use the Barsys Coaster for an elevated cocktail-making experience!
Ingredients:
- 0.75 oz Equiano Original Rum
- 0.5 oz Muyu Vetiver Gris
- 1.25 oz Oloroso Dry Sherry Wine
- 0.25 oz Maple Verjus
- 0.25 oz Sugar Syrup
Glass:
Coupe
Garnish:
Walnut Bitters
Steps:
Preparation time without the Barsys Coaster 3 - 5 minutes
- Add all ingredients into a coupe glass.
- Stir well, add Walnut Bitters, and serve.
Equiano Old King
The Equiano Old King offers a nuanced take on a classic profile. Highlighting the subtle elegance of Equiano Light Rum, this cocktail melds the hydrating qualities of coconut water with the rich, molasses-like notes of soft light muscovado sugar. A touch of cocoa bitters adds complexity, while a garnish of lime peel imparts a whisper of citrusy brightness, making for a perfectly balanced, refined drink.
Tip: Use the Barsys Coaster for an elevated cocktail-making experience!
Ingredients:
- 2.5 oz Equiano Light Rum
- 1.75 oz Coconut Water
Glass:
Rocks
Garnish:
Soft Light Muscovado Sugar, Cocoa Bitters, Lime Peel
Steps:
Preparation time without the Barsys Coaster 3 - 5 minutes
- Add all the ingredients to a mixing jar, including the zest oils from the lime peels.
- Stir until the sugar has dissolved.
- Add a large rock of ice and stir again until chilled.
- Strain & Pour into a rocks glass with an ice ball or large rock of ice.
- Garnish with a dehydrated lime wheel or twist of lime peel.
The Equiano Foundation
The brand doesn't just stop at making exceptional rum; it extends its commitment to positive change through the Equiano Foundation. Focused on Education & Training, Poverty Alleviation, Environment, Heritage & Culture, and Health, the foundation is a testament to the brand's dedication to making a difference.
Barsys Smart Coaster - Your Classic Cocktail-Making Partner
Looking for a quick way to make your Equiano Rum cocktails? The Barsys Coaster is your answer. This compact, efficient device syncs with its app, guiding you to pour perfect drinks in seconds. Just choose a recipe and follow on-screen directions and enjoy!
Conclusion
Equiano Rum is not just a drink; it's a statement. It stands out for its quality, its commitment to social responsibility, and its tribute to a man who changed the world. So the next time you're looking for a rum that offers more than just a great taste, consider Equiano Rum. Because every sip is a toast to freedom, quality, and legacy.
For more information about Equiano Rum click the link here!
Cheers
Team Barsys
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