Caribbean distillers create unique Spanglish rum blending English and Spanish styles

In a recent discussion, the City of Hialeah's Mayor Anthony Costa unveiled an innovative approach to rum production that reflects the city's unique cultural blend. The mayor highlighted a new rum brand that embodies the essence of "Spanglish," merging traditional English and Spanish rum styles to create a distinctive product.

Costa explained that while the rum industry typically categorizes spirits into four styles—French, Spanish, English, and Jamaican—this new rum aims to capture the spirit of Hialeah, which is neither fully English nor Spanish. "Our city is Spanglish," he stated, emphasizing the need for a rum that represents the community's diverse heritage.

The rum combines the robust flavors of English-style rum, known for its strong taste, with the lighter, cocktail-friendly characteristics of Spanish-style rum. This blend not only showcases the quality of both styles but also caters to the local palate. The mayor noted that the production process involves unique equipment, including a pressure cooker, to achieve the desired strength and flavor profile.

This initiative not only promotes local craftsmanship but also aims to put Hialeah on the map as a hub for quality rum production. As the city embraces its cultural identity through this new venture, Costa's vision could pave the way for further economic development and community engagement in the beverage industry.