ROTTERDAM, 29 October 2024 – Dutch spirits brand Rooster & Wolf is venturing further into traditional rum with its new Fine Rum, crafted after three years of development. Founder Rick van der Wolf’s journey highlights a dedication to reimagining classic spirits.
Rooster & Wolf's founder explores new horizons with Fine Rum
Dutch brand Rooster & Wolf, created by entrepreneur Rick van der Wolf, has announced a new Fine Rum after three years of dedication and experimentation. Known for its artisanal approach, the brand was founded as a tribute to Van der Wolf’s father and grandfather, both passionate spirits enthusiasts. His latest creation combines the art of blending with his appreciation for rich, spiced Caribbean rums, seeking to provide the Dutch market with a rum that stands out for its complexity and depth.
In keeping with his philosophy, Van der Wolf collaborated with a master distiller in Venezuela, ultimately developing a unique blend that merges Venezuelan and Dominican rum varieties. The Fine Rum is now available in stores, bars, and the Rooster & Wolf online shop.Rotterdam welcomes Rooster & Wolf's Fine Rum launch
An entrepreneurial journey focused on flavour
Van der Wolf’s journey into rum was driven by a desire to bring Caribbean-inspired quality to the Dutch market. “I believe rum is a beautiful spirit that reflects the richness and spirit of the Caribbean,” he said, noting that many rums in the Netherlands are consumed in mixed drinks rather than savoured neat. His vision was to change that perception by crafting a rum that can be enjoyed on its own.
Van der Wolf’s dedication took him across continents, where he experimented with numerous blends and techniques before arriving at the current product. By combining a full-bodied South American rum with a spiced Dominican blend and allowing it to age in whisky barrels, Van der Wolf achieved a nuanced, layered flavour profile. The whisky barrels imparted a subtle smokiness, giving the rum an added depth that he believes will appeal to those seeking an authentic and refined rum experience.
A brand built on family tradition
Rooster & Wolf was created as a personal tribute to Van der Wolf’s family heritage. His father, Jacques, and his grandfather on his mother’s side, Bram den Haan, were both enthusiastic about quality spirits, inspiring Van der Wolf to start his own journey into distilling. The brand’s symbols, a rooster and a wolf, represent both family members and their shared values of tradition and craft.
Van der Wolf advises enjoying the Fine Rum at room temperature, remarking that this reveals its full complexity. “For me, it’s best savoured neat in a tumbler,” he shared, describing its flavour as “a spicy, complex experience that connects four centuries of Caribbean tradition with a Dutch touch.”