December 6, 2024 – World’s Best Rum has been awarded to Star & Key VSOP Rum at the 2024 New York World Spirits Competition (NYWSC). A single-estate, single-cask rum from Mauritius, it is made with fresh cane juice to capture the unique terroir of this isolated island at the far side of the world.
A distinctly different terroir rum
Renowned for its turquoise waters, white-sand beaches, and dramatic mountains rising from the ocean, Mauritius is an isolated island paradise with a legacy of sugarcane cultivation that stretches back centuries. Star & Key VSOP Rum is made with fresh cane juice to capture the unique terroir of this isolated island paradise, this rum is distinctly different.
Crafted on one of Mauritius’ oldest estates
Star & Key VSOP Rum is crafted at the Labourdonnais estate, established in 1856 and nestled in the lush landscape of northern Mauritius. This single-estate, single-cask rum is made exclusively with sugarcane grown on the estate’s 1,500 acres of volcanic-rich soil, where every step of the process —growing, harvesting, distilling, and aging—takes place.
The rum is distilled in a Coffey still using fresh-pressed sugarcane juice and tropically aged for four years in French oak Cognac casks. The result is a richly layered spirit with notes of toffee, vanilla, figs, orange zest, and chocolate, celebrated for both sipping and cocktails.
Nick Wiehe, rum maker and 8th-generation custodian of Labourdonnais, shared: “This award is a tribute to the hard work we’ve put in to capturing the taste of Mauritius. Star & Key Rum is a reflection of the land, the climate, and the people of this island, and it is an honour to share it with the world.”
A year of remarkable recognition
Since its debut in January 2024, Star & Key VSOP Rum has been lauded by critics and industry leaders, earning:
• 97 Points from Wine Enthusiast, which named it the Best Sipping Rum of 2024.
• Gold Medal at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition 2024.
• 2 x Masters and Gold Medals at The Spirits Business Global Rum Masters 2024.
• Double Gold, Best of Class & Best in Show at the New York World Spirits Competition 2024.
Gary McLoughlin, Co-Founder andMarketing Director, added: “Star & Key VSOP Rum represents the pinnacle of single-estate craftsmanship, where the beauty of Mauritius and the dedication of Nick Wiehe and the team shine through in every bottle. This recognition inspires us to continue sharing the essence of the island, and fresh cane rum, with rum lovers around the globe"
About Star & Key Rum
Star & Key Rum was launched by Cobblestone Brands in January 2024. It derives its name from Mauritius’ nickname, “The Star & Key of the Indian Ocean,” a testament to the island’s outstanding natural beauty and it’s strategic importance along historic trade routes. The rum’s design reflects its origins: a bottle crafted from watery glass symbolizes the surrounding ocean, while the cork is adorned with a dodo, paying homage to Mauritius’ most famous, if ill-fated resident. The Latin inscription “Stella Clavisque Maris Indici” on the foot of the bottle translates to “Star & Key of the Indian Ocean,” encapsulating the rum’s deep connection to this extraordinary location.
Star & Key Rum offers two distinct expressions:
• VSOP Rum (MSRP $44.99) 43% ABV | 86 PROOF
• Passion Fruit Rum (MSRP $34.99) 40% ABV | 80 PROOF
Infused with estate-grown passion fruit, this vibrant expression adds tropical flair, blending notes of mellow tropical fruit with baking spices.
About Cobblestone Brands
With a proven track record and deep passion for the alcohol beverage industry, the Cobblestone Brands team is committed to bringing drinks with a sense of place to the market. At Cobblestone Brands we firmly believe that a beverage is only as good as the story you’ll tell about it over a glass with friends. “We make spirits and brands that are designed to take you somewhere special with each sip” says Brian Fagan, Co-Founder and CEO of Cobblestone, “With an authenticity and appeal that differentiates them from what is already in the market, offering the consumer something more”. Cobblestone launched the first of their spirits portfolio Four Corners American Gin in July 2023.
For more information or media inquiries, please contact:
Gary McLoughlin - Marketing Director, Cobblestone Brands | +353866290922
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