Blending: who does it, why and does it work? A MUST READ!

[Capn Jimbo]

It seems that first we must define "blending".

It is a given that if the master blender takes a younger, perhaps thinner rum that was produced continuously either in a Coffey or multi-column, and then "blends" it with a smaller amount of pot-stilled, heavy and complex rums...

Well, that is surely blending of the sort we think of, and that would justify a Joy Spence, et al. In fact Spence routinely brings visitors together, gives them a selection of different rums, then challenges them to make a good blend (which she then judges).

At the other end of the scale are multiple barrels of a large batch or of a semi or continous process. The same run(s), relatively the same product. Of course that run is split up into a set of barrels. Now the day comes when this now aging rum is due to be rejoined in a vat, diluted to proof and bottled.

Still, each barrel gives a slightly (or sometimes not so slightly) different result. That's just the way it is. So even if the rums came from the same batch, the different barrels have a somewhat varying effect - ergo the "blender", who has been following and tasting each barrel (and recording his impressions in a log), must then bring together those barrels that remain compatible.

He may also have noted a particular barrel that is not doing well, and may have transferred that rum to another barrel, or save it for another bottling. He may note a particularly unique and interesting barrel, which he may reserve for a special or different bottling.

In any case, I don't think it's fair to single out any one part of the whole - from raw material, to the artistry of fermentation, skills in setting up the Coffey or choosing the speed and cuts of a pot still, to the cooperage preparation and use, to finally...

The master blending. Still somehow we and the rum media have made the "master blender" into a key figure that may even be promoted with a measure of heroism or Picasso-like artistry.

Is this deserved? Is he a true artist, or just skilled at adulteration, and managing to pump out altered cheaper rums at premium prices? You decide.

[sailor22]

The master blender is the face and public personality for rum the same way the master distiller is for Bourbon. It's marketing. They both have a role to play but they don't call the shots. But someone has to be there at the brand promotion to sign the bottles and put a face with the product - just good marketing.

What a large rum company sells isn't up to the blender, that decision is made by tasting panels, marketing people and bean counters. After tasting some possible new products from one company on site I asked who was the blender - turns out it was some guy in the back who wasn't even invited to the tasting.

It's a different story at producers like Foursquare where Richard calls the shots.