Discover the History and Tradition of Award-Winning Ratu Fijian Rum from the Tropical Island of Fiji

The History and Tradition Behind Ratu Fijian Rum

The tropical islands of Fiji are known for their pristine beaches, lush rainforests, and rich cultural traditions. One of the most iconic parts of Fijian culture is kava, a traditional drink made from the root of the pepper plant. Kava plays an important role in ceremonies and social gatherings in Fiji.

Fijians have perfected the art of crafting kava over centuries. This expertise was brought to the distillation of rum when Ratu began producing spirits in 1980. The name Ratu means "chief" in Fijian, representing the premium quality and refined flavor of their rums. Ratu aims to share the spirit of Fiji with the world through its award-winning rums.

A Commitment to Quality

Ratu rum is produced by the Kalabo Tax Free Distillery located on Vanua Levu, Fiji's second largest island. All Ratu rums are distilled from freshly pressed virgin sugar cane juice and pure mountain spring water located at the distillery site. This attention to using high quality ingredients allows the natural sugar cane flavors to shine through.

The tropical climate of Fiji with nutrient rich volcanic soil provides ideal conditions for growing sugar cane. The sugar cane is hand cut and transported quickly to the distillery to preserve freshness. Ratu oversees all stages of the process from planting and harvesting to distilling and bottling. This commitment to quality has earned Ratu rum five gold medals at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition.

A Mix of Pot and Column Still Distillation

Ratu uses both pot and column stills during the distillation process. This combination helps create a rum with a perfect balance of light and full bodied flavors. The pot stills used are copper and have a banana shape traditional to the Caribbean and South Pacific islands.

During distillation, the Master Distiller monitors the process closely by nosing and tasting the rum to determine the right balance of aromas and flavor. The rum is then aged for various lengths of time in imported American oak barrels that previously aged bourbon. This imparts additional layers of complexity while allowing the rum to retain its signature fruitiness.

The Ratu Rum Portfolio

Ratu offers a range of rums to enjoy either sipped neat or mixed in cocktails. Their core collection includes:

Ratu Signature Rum

This award-winning 5 year old rum is aged in bourbon barrels. It has a refined balance of sweet brown sugar, ripe banana, and spicy oak flavors. The medium body and gentle mouthfeel make this an ideal rum for sipping or mixing in cocktails.

Ratu Dark Rum

Ratu Dark Rum spends 8 years mellowing in bourbon barrels, imparting deeper flavors of molasses, toasted nuts, and vanilla. Despite the bolder flavor, it retains a smooth sipping quality. It's often enjoyed neat or on the rocks.

Ratu Spiced Rum

A blend of 3 year old rum infused with real spices and vanilla from Madagascar and Papua New Guinea. Notes of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves add festive flair while natural vanilla provides sweetness. This versatile rum adds flavorful flair to cocktails.

Ratu Coconut Rum

Made by blending white rum with real coconut cream and extracts. The addition of coconut provides tropical flavors of freshly cracked coconut and palm trees swaying in the breeze. Mix up delicious piña coladas or add to fruit juice cocktails.

Innovative Limited Releases

In addition to its core collection, Ratu releases limited batches of innovative rums periodically. These small batch rums allow Ratu's Master Distiller to get creative and try new techniques.

Ratu Rum Cask Finishes

Several limited cask finish rums expand the range of flavors achieved. These include rum finished in sherry, port, and rum casks for 12-18 months after initial barrel aging. The secondary cask infuses the rum with distinct tasting notes without overpowering the base spirit's flavors.

Ratu Single Barrel Rum

Only selected barrels exhibiting exceptional flavor and quality are chosen for the single barrel program. Each barrel's unique qualities shine through for a one of a kind sipping experience. Keep an eye out for new single barrel releases.

Enjoying Ratu Rum

However you choose to enjoy Ratu Fijian Rum, the spirit of Fiji shines through. Sip it neat to savor the flavors or spice up tropical cocktails. With quality ingredients and centuries of expertise, you can taste the tropical island tradition in every bottle of Ratu Rum.

FAQs

What is Ratu rum made from?

Ratu rum is distilled from freshly pressed sugar cane juice and pure mountain spring water located at the distillery in Fiji. No molasses or concentrates are used, allowing the true sugar cane flavors to come through.

How is Ratu rum different than other rums?

Ratu rum is made from high quality Fijian sugar cane and pure spring water. It uses a blend of pot and column stills, allowing more flavor nuances than column still only rums. Ratu ages its rums longer than required to achieve a smooth, refined flavor.

What awards has Ratu rum won?

Ratu Fijian Rum has won 5 gold medals at the prestigious San Francisco World Spirits Competition. Both its Signature and Dark rums are multi-award winners, affirming Ratu's commitment to quality.

Where can I buy Ratu rum?

Ratu rums are currently available in Fiji, Australia, New Zealand, USA, Canada, UK, Germany, Switzerland, and duty-free shops in Asia and the Pacific Islands. Check the store locator on RatuRum.com to find a retailer near you.

What's the best way to drink Ratu rum?

Ratu Signature and Dark rums are great for sipping neat or on the rocks. The Spiced and Coconut rums add festive flavors to cocktails. Try a piña colada with Coconut Rum or mojito with Spiced Rum.