2010 Committee
COMMITTEE - 2010 Preliminary
Ian A. V. Burrel – UK Rum Ambassador
- Ian Burrell has been a well-known face on the World bar scene for over 15 years. As well as being a “mixologist” and running cocktail bars across London since 1996, he also managed to find time to present a couple of TV shows, play professional basketball, sing and song write for Hollywood movies and most importantly to become the world’s “Rum Ambassador”, travelling around the globe teaching about the wonders of rum appreciation.
- His restaurant and cocktail bar, “Cottons”, boasts the largest collection of rums in the United Kingdom and he has personally tasted them all. Being of Caribbean decent, rum has always been in Ian’s blood. In fact he is quoted in saying that his first rum experience was ‘when he was 4 days old and his mother put a little bit on his lips to help him to sleep’. A master “Edu-tainer”, he educates and entertains while delivering rum and rum cocktail seminars & rum education programmes to a growing cocktail culture. With his own style, he teaches not only from his head, but his heart. With rum passion and pride you will always see Ian smiling and enjoying himself because as he says, “Life’s too short”, and there’s a lot of rum out there to drink…
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Miguel Agrait
Miguel Agrait, a Harvard University Graduate, has become extremely passionate about Rum. Every time Miguel has a break of Med School, he certainly takes time to appreciate a good rum. Mr. Agrait was the original Rummelier for The Rum Lab when it was launched. Miguel in 2008 easily gave more than 300 rum labs to individuals. Miguel is a great person to just sit down and debate about rum history!
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Robert V Burr “Jr” - Cane Spirit Guide / Gifted Rum Guides
Robert V Burr “Jr” - Coconut Grove, Florida - This leading young rum enthusiast, known as the Cane Spirit Guide to the younger generation, Rob has a passion for sharing his knowledge of rums and related cane spirits. Rob has been a judge in numerous competitions from Florida and New York to New Orleans and London. His notes on mixology are notable and his passion for all things rum related is universally celebrated by his fellow rum experts. He and his father work together on the Gifted Rums Guide in South Florida.
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Federico Hernandez
- Federico Hernandez is a young entrepreneur in San Juan, Puerto Rico. One of his hobbies are Rums! Federico Hernandez is the producer of Puerto Rico Rum Festival titled “Taste of Rums”. He’s known as one of the original founder of what was Puerto Rico First Rum Bar – Caña which was located at Hotel EL Convento.
- His step brother and him saw the necessity of creating a new program that could promote Puerto Rican rums to both Locals and Tourist. After months of brainstorming in December 2008 The Rum Lab was developed. Federico has been lucky to be able to share is fun program to more than 200 people including 12 renown US Government Chefs. Federico is usually very humorous and people gratefully enjoy The Rum Lab experience with him, due to positive energy.
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Luis Trigo - Trigo Corp
- Luis Trigo was born in San Jaun, P.R. Son of one of Puerto Rico main Fine Spirite Distillery & Producers in Puerto Rico. Trigo Corp has produced famous brands such as Pedro Domec’s Brandy Fundador. As of today, Trigo Corp produces famous Rum Brands such as Reserva Añeja, Con Cañita de Alambique, Trigo Coquito, Twin Isle and Ron Bugalu. In the past, world known Ron Bocoy was also produced at Trigo Corp. Mr. Luis Trigo has a huge passion for Wine & Rum. His knowledge of rum has been very helpfull for his family business.
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Jim Ducharme – Sommelier
- Jim Ducharme. Vieques Island, Puerto Rico.
- Beginning in 1978 Jim has had a long and varied career in the Wine and Spirits Trade. He has held positions from Cellar Master in a Winery to Sommelier and Wine & Spirits buyer with the prestigious Four Seasons Hotel chain.
- Jim has traveled extensively throughout the wine and spirit producing regions of Europe and the U.S.A. which has enabled him to gain a wide appreciation of all things fermented.
- With more than 10 years experience as a professional wine judge in many major wine competitions in the U.S.A., he brings a discerning eye and palate to the table.
- Jim is a full time resident of Vieques Island where he continues to gain in appreciation of Rums from the Caribbean and elsewhere.
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Silvia Santiago – Destilería Serrallés Blend Master
- Silvia Santiago leads the Manufacturing Division of Destilería Serrallés, Inc., the producer of the most elegant rums in the world. She is the strongest believer that continuous learning is for the human being the force to grow, and that curiosity is the condition to learn. And, because of her curiosity, since the beginning of her career at Serrallés over thirty three years ago, asking questions was her mode of education. The knowledge of rum making that was jealously kept by wise experts at the plant was shared with Silvia. Like a sponge, she absorbed everything. Facts about fermentation, distillation, ageing, rum blending, and packaging are mastered by her.
- Silvia has experience in all aspects of the business. At the beginning of her career the fermentation process was her first responsibility. While managing the laboratory and Quality Control areas it was common to see her walking around the distillation building and checking the ageing warehouses. The maturation process is described by her as “the romance between the alcohol and the wood of the barrel”. That mystery led her to become the first woman Rum Master Blender.
- Under her leadership the distillery reached record productions year after year. Silvia has been responsible for effective administrative changes that resulted in overall staff morale and client confidence.
- The passion for the rum business follows the passion for her family. She is the proud mother of three children: Roberto, Estrella and David. Her husband is “the wind beneath her wings”, the force that nourishes her soul.
- Silvia holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Medical Technology; she is licensed in Chemistry and holds a Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree in Global Management. She is and active member and past Director of the Board of the Puerto Rico Manufacturers Association, the largest business organization in the island. She also gives time and energy to several NFP organizations because “there is an obligation to give back to society some of what we receive in life”.
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John Gabelhausen – The Buzz 104.3 WZIN-FM
- John Gabelhausen, the host of “Red, White, and You” on 104.3 The Buzz, is the General Manager of Dionysus Wine Distributing in the Virgin Islands. However, this is not your typical wine expert.
- John’s background in wine is from sheer passion and enthusiasm of the grape. He did not have any wine growing up in northwestern Montana. His experience started out during college in a restaurant where he bartended in Lincoln Nebraska. There he fell in love with Italian wine. John began reading Wine Spectator and Wine Advocate and traveling to Europe to get a first hand look at the vineyards. After receiving a double major in marketing and management with a minor in International economics, He traveled extensively through Germany, Spain, France, Italy, Switzerland, Hungary, Greece and most recently Argentina. John finally found a home in St Thomas where he became the first sommelier in the Virgin Islands. He is a certified sommelier, intermediate WSET, member of the James Beard Foundation, and the sommelier for the Chaine de Rotisseur.
- With a wealth of knowledge and an entrepreneurial spirit, John started Dionysus wine importing and distributing in the islands. John has worked in the wine business for 10 years in the islands as a sommelier, GM of restaurants, consultant for private collectors and Mega Yachts which has established himself as a respected expert. As the island’s only boutique wine distributor, he has sampled every wine that has entered the warehouse.
- His show airs at 9am every Sunday morning with a featured a guest speaker. “Red White and You” hosts acclaimed winemakers from every wine region in the world, vineyard owners, executive chefs, restaurateurs, and private wine collectors. The show discusses wine and food parings, organic vs. biodynamic, different wine regions, grapes, restaurants and different community issues that effect life in the Virgin Islands.
- John’s goal is to open the minds and palates of Buzz listeners to the world of wine. To educate and remind people of responsible drinking, discuss the problems of drinking and driving, and alcoholism. “Red, White and You” hopes to touch the lives of people in a positive manner and improve the Caribbean one sip at a time.
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Juan Coronado –Bacardi Brand Master Apprentice
- Juan Coronado’s remarkable 16-year career of providing strong direction, giving expert advice within the spirit and service industry is highlighted by a personal dedication to maximize efficiency and empower others to succeed. In 1996 Juan’s sommelier expertise equipped him with the tools to be a key component in the opening of the biggest Champagne bar in America, “The Bubble Lounge” in New York & San Francisco. In 2005, he opened a mixologist bar/restaurant call Sortie, which was home of modern and classic cocktails in Hell’s Kitchen, NY. He began to create “drinks programs” for other restaurants. “Juan is a real pioneer in this field. He was developing menus and cocktail lineups together before anyone else.” Some of Coronado’s inspirations got more attention for their creator than orders from customers, most notably his signature.
- Juan has been honored with impressive accolades, such as the “Eat Out Award 2006” from Time Out Magazine, “Classic Martini Contest” from the Astor Center, 2008, New York City, “Top 10 Venues of the Year” from Shecky’s List 2006 & 2007, & “Rum Clement’s Cocktail Competition Award 2005.” Coronado’s advanced knowledge of spirits, wine and beer as well as mixes, garnishes, and equipment expertise has been inspirational for many other mixologist and venues.
Juan sincere passion for coaching and mentoring has shape the future of quality service industry in New York City.- Juan, as an industry leader has also consulted for several companies such as Hennessy, Whitley Neil Gin, Heavy Water Vodka, Partida Tequila, Frida Khalo Tequila, and Domaine De Canton. His natural problem solving ability has landed him a privilege status among top mixologists in the New York area. He has cultivated a strong relationship with the press that has made him responsible for articles in Zink Magazine, NY Post, AM New York, The Art of Cocktails, and Metro Mix.
- A large component of Juan’s success is contributed to his well-rounded lifestyle and background. In the early 90’s he saw the need to mix his social skills, music knowledge and artistic eye to create and promote monthly events that were sponsor by Absolute vodka and Campari in NYC.
- A graduate of the School of Visual Arts (SVA) in NYC, Juan holds a Bachelor’s in Liberal Arts and a degree as an Electronic Engineer in Communications (APEC) from the Dominican Republic.
- Juan Coronado will now take his varied hospitality management and leadership experience with his strong motivation, to focus on educating the nation on Bacardi Rum. He is currently training with world renowned Brand Master Willie Ramos before pursuing to successfully train distributors, sales teams, and consumers on the history, culture, and process that are Bacardi Rum. Juan is committed to bring passion and charisma to his market. He will place an intense focus on the application of knowledge and enhancement of the intrinsic of the brand. Bacardi Belief will be a great success as Juan is dedicated to engage those in his audience on the passion of Bacardi.
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Javier Berberena - President, The Wine Center of Puerto Rico- Javier Berberena, president of The Wine Center Puerto Rico, is the first Puerto Rican to preside its own Approve Programm Provider Academy of the WSET. He is the primary instructor for the Advanced and Intermediate Certificate in Wine and Spirits, and a specialist lecturer for the Foundation Certificate in Wines. His affiliation with the Wine and Spirits Industry began in 1990.
- He is also a Banking Lawyer, and an adjunct Professor at the Universidad del Este, INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL OF TOURISM AND HOSPITALITY MANAGEMENT, (formerly known as “Escuela Hotelera de Puerto Rico”) where he teaches the wine courses, and menu management, both for the past 10 years.
- Javier was the Food & Beverage Controller and Food & Beverage Manager for Hotels such as: The Westin Rio Mar Beach Resort; Condado Plaza, Hotel San Juan, Radisson Ambassador Plaza. He has lectured widely and has been a judge in many bartending competitions. He has a Bachelor Degree in Hotel Management, with a Concentration in Food & Beverage.
- His other associations include membership on the Society of Wine Educators, Court of Master Sommeliers and many Wine Societies in Puerto Rico, Florida and New York.
- Javier holds the Wine and Spirit Education Trust Advanced Certificate with Distinction, and his studies include: the WSET Diploma, The Certification of Wine Specialist, Certification of Sommelier, and Certification of Wine & Spirit Educator.
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David Cid –Bacardi Brand Master Apprentice
- As a young teen, David Cid bombarded his family with questions about a small rum distillery next to his home in the Caribbean. This natural inquisitiveness led him to pursue studies at the Inter American University in Puerto Rico where he graduated Magna Cum Laude. Beginning his career in the Hotel Industry, David received accolades in various functions including the development of beverage programs, designing wine lists, and serving as a Marriott International Certified Trainer. When an opportunity at the celebrated Great Street Restaurant at the Renaissance Hotel presented itself, David relocated to Chicago where he later helped open the highly acclaimed Sam & Harry’s Steakhouse. Currently serving as BACARDI Brand Master Apprentice, David is mentored by world renowned and respected Global Brand Master, Señor William Ramos. Using his vast industry experience and
passion for rum, David travels throughout the continent sharing the legacy of BACARDI rum.____________________________________________________________________________________________________
GUEST JUDGES
Name: Omer ErSelcuk
DOB: January 20, 1969
Business: Seaborne Airlines – flying to San Juan, Vieques, St. Thomas, and St. Croix
Other Job: Dad
Hobbies: Airlines and Food
