Superlative Spirits – Small Batch Rum – SD

Those who know, know that this will be something special.  We don’t often flirt with other spirits here at the San Diego SCOTCH Club, but I (Adam) was so impressed by Ryan’s rum offerings at Peatin’ that we (Ryan and Adam) agreed we needed a San Diego Rum event featuring Superlative and friends.  Nim has graciously offered to host us poolside to add to the tropical atmosphere. Address will be provided to all attendees, it’s in Del Mar, near Del Mar Height rd. and Camino Del Mar (101).

Join us as we visit some elite small batch selections that are the “single malts” of their world. Not one, but THREE independent rum bottlers will share their finds and creations and tell you their stories. Ryan Gilbertie of Superlative Spirits distributes these additive-free premium rums.

Rum is the most diverse spirits in the world with the complexity and terroir to match any good Bourbon, Scotch or Tequila. Additive free, cask strength rum has been popular in Europe for 30 years but sadly almost none of it makes it to the US. Instead (with a few exceptions) we’re inundated with mid to bottom tier rums made for mixing, bottled at 80 proof, and brimming with added sugar,

flavoring, and God knows what else.

But that’s all about to change. Now, for the first time ever, US-based independent bottlers, importers, and American distilleries are releasing seriously sippable rums to the US market. I started Superlative Spirits Distribution to be the link between these new producers and the California consumer. To show the discerning spirits drinker that rum isn’t just for mixing anymore. It can be seriously sippable and stand up against the best distillates in the world from any category.

Mainland Rum:

Seth Benhaim is the founder of Mainland Rum, a pioneering American rum brand redefining the category with cask strength, single barrel expressions. Known for his work with Infuse Spirits and Broken Barrel Whiskey, Seth has built a reputation as a bold innovator and barrel hunter in the world of craft spirits. With Mainland Rum, he brings a new vision for American rum, enhancing its perception from pirate and tiki cliché to a fine, familiar sipping experience adjacent to any high end whiskey or brandy.

Rum Et Al:

I’m Robyn Smith and I’m a chemical engineer, educator, and distiller. My journey in the distilled spirits industry began in 2018 as the research chemist for lost spirits distillery making rum, whiskey, and brandy. My role there wasn’t just confined to the chemical analysis in the lab I built; I also got hands on experience working in production. I entered the spirits industry as a bourbon fan, but quickly fell in love with rum (literally during my interview with lost spirits).

Fast forward to 2024, I partnered with Aaron Rokjer at Dead of Night Dstillery and launched rum et al! All of the rums I make are crafted entirely at the distillery in Los Angeles, California. This collaboration allows me the freedom to operate as experimental distiller. I’m so excited to dive into those nuances and share this exploration with you.

Food will be provided by Adam and other members, so if you’d like to participate in making something tropical, please email Adam@scothclub.com (or txt or call) and let me know ASAP and we can use club funds to help fund some great eats to pair with the great rum!