Cecile Levee (left) of Wine With Me Restaurant in Montego Bay and friend Joan Morgan, editorial director of SET Today, a New York-based sports and entertainment magazine, check out some of the fruits.

WESTERN BUREAU:

Beer giants Red Stripe on Wednesday night introduced the 'best tasting rum in the world', the Guatemalan distilled Ron Zacapa rum, moving its spirits portfolio up several notches.

Like Red Stripe's new general manager, Alan Barnes, who arrived in Jamaica two months ago with hefty credentials, the amazingly elegant Zacapa 23 and Zacapa XO (Extra Old) made their grand entrance at Half Moon in Montego Bay on Wednesday night.

"It's art, it's perfection, it's fantastic, it's about the passion and the whole history of a country that goes into this brand," boasted Barnes as he spoke glowingly of the rum.

Finest rum

Assisted by regional brand ambassador, Rebecca Quinonez, the qualified rum expert stood in front of a varied audience of hoteliers and restaurateurs cultivating a new appreciation for Guatemala's phenomenal spirit, while conveying the joy on how this rum is to be savoured.

"It takes a lot of magic to make Zacapa," said the Diageo representative, as she explained what it takes to be the finest rum in the world.

Zacapa makes its debut in Jamaican supermarkets, bars, hotels and wholesales within a few weeks, and next Thursday our Food pages will take you on a journey of the Mayan culture that has created rum that has legs, creaminess, chocolate, vanilla, and toffee.

Janet.silvera@gleanerjm.com

Rebecca Quinonez (third left), regional brand ambassador of Zacapa Rum, has the attention of Red Stripe staff as she enlightens them about the product at a reception to launch the rum. They are, from left: Kamal Powell, Semone Thaxter, Marsha Lumley, Teika Samuda and Andre Boswell. - Photos by Noel Thompson

Denny Chandiram (left), chairman of The Shoppes of Rose Hall, and wife Veena exchange pleasantries with Red Stripe's Sales Director Brian Pengelley.

Outgoing director of sales at Red Stripe, Tim Szonyi (centre), shares his knowledge of the Zacapa Rum with Montego Bay businessman Walter Elmore and Debra Derrick, sales director at The Palmyra.

Commercial manager at Red Stripe, Volker Habig (left), chats with Nikki Feanny (centre), Sandals Resorts project manager, and David Seivright, Sandals Resorts finance director.

Debra Derrick (left), director of sales at The Palmyra in Montego Bay, has the attention of Denny Chandiram, chairman of The Shoppes of Rose Hall, and wife Veena.