SPEAKERS
& Special Guests
Adrienne Stoner
Maison Ferrand - Community Liaison
Adrienne Stoner is the Rum Community Liaison for Maison Ferrand, producers of Planteray Rum, Canerock Spiced Rum, and co-owners of National Rums of Jamaica. With nearly two decades of bartending experience, including behind two of the most notable rum-focused bars in the world, Chicago’s Three Dots & a Dash and Lost Lake, Adrienne stepped out from behind the bar to manage Maison Ferrand’s On-Premise business in the Midwest US for 6 years. Today, she travels throughout the Americas to advocate & educate on the ever-growing spectrum of rums from Maison Ferrand, West Indies Rum Distillery, and National Rums of Jamaica. Adrienne devotes special attention to the diversity of sugarcane distillate, from cane-to-bottle, and now takes her passion for the history, culture, and future of rum wherever glasses are raised. Have Rum, Will Travel!
Alain Scheiman
Passion Spirits - CEO
Alain Scheiman is the President and Founder of Passion Spirits, established in 2009. In 2014, he launched the company’s direct-to-consumer (DTC) division, transforming it into the nation’s leading e-commerce platform for emerging beverage alcohol brands. Under his leadership, Passion Spirits has launched hundreds of brands—from early-stage craft producers to celebrity-backed, multi-million-dollar projects—and today stands as the go-to DTC provider in the United States, offering a full range of DTC solutions while operating its proprietary marketplace for emerging brands.
Alexandra Alfaro
Licores de Guatemala - Corporate Marketing Director
Alexandra Alfaro is a dynamic and experienced marketing leader with a passion for empowering women in the spirits industry. Alexandra brings a wealth of expertise in corporate marketing and communications. She is currently serving as the Corporate Marketing Director for Licores de Guatemala, where she has been instrumental in driving brand development and market expansion. For Alexandra, joining Women Leading Rum and Spirits is a momentous opportunity to help amplify the visibility and influence of women in the rum industry. With her extensive background in marketing, she is committed to developing training initiatives, workshops, and mentoring programs that will inspire and equip future generations of women. Her vision for Women Leading Rum and Spirits is to create a platform where women can access knowledge, mentorship, and opportunities that will help them thrive and make their mark in this growing sector. Alexandra’s leadership is set to foster a stronger, more inclusive community, where women can contribute to the future of the rum industry with confidence and expertise.
Alexandre Gabriel
Maison Ferrand - Owner and Master Blender
Alexandre Gabriel is the owner and Master Blender of Maison Ferrand and Stade’s West Indies Rum Distillery, as well as a co-owner of National Rums of Jamaica (NRJ). A pioneer in the world of craft spirits, he is a history buff passionate about preserving traditional techniques; an innovator who can’t resist pushing boundaries; and an independent entrepreneur who thrives on the kinship of fellow spirits enthusiasts. Since 1989, surrounded by a dynamic team, Alexandre has dedicated himself to making superb spirits that express savoir-faire, terroir and time. The brands he created – Canerock, Planteray and Stade’s Rums, Citadelle Gin, Ferrand Cognac and Dry Curaçao – have earned over 1000 acclaimed industry awards. Alexandre was named “Rum World Best Master Blender” at the 2012 Golden Barrel awards in London, and won the prestigious “Outstanding Contribution to Distilling” award from the American Distilling Institute in 2017, the first time that this award was bestowed on an individual, and not a distillery. In 2023, The Ultimate Awards named Alexandre Gabriel “Most Admirable Rum CEO” in recognition of his contributions to the rum-making craft. Among Alexandre’s standout creations are the patented progressive infusion process he developed for Citadelle Gin and the world’s first floating spirits cellar, Barge 166. Both inventions reflect his passion for new possibilities in the world of artisanal spirits. He is just as dedicated to sharing his knowledge and love for the craft, since he is so inspired by the skill and savoir-faire of his predecessors. He is regularly asked to lead master classes and workshops all over the globe.
Andres Correa
Park Street - Content Specialist at Park Street University
Andres Correa is a Content Specialist at Park Street, where he is responsible for creating educational and informative content for Park Street University’s video platform, blog, and daily newsletter. Andres also acts as one of the hosts of the Park Street Insider Podcast. Before his time as a Content Specialist, Andres worked as an Onboarding Specialist for Park Street, guiding clients through the initial compliance phase and the operational steps required to make their first sales. Andres earned a B.S. in Journalism from the University of Miami.
Ashley Hanke
Malkin Law P.A - Alcohol Beverage Attorney
Ashley Hanke is a seasoned attorney at Malkin Law P.A., a Miami Beach-based law firm specializing in alcohol beverage law. Ms. Hanke helps startups by navigating complex federal and state licensing and compliance, offering services including business formation, trademark protection, contract drafting and negotiation, marketing and advertising compliance and distribution strategies, trade practice and regulatory compliance, and other matters affecting the alcohol beverage industry. Ashley assists distilleries, wineries, breweries, importers, alcohol and non-alcohol brand owners, and retailers in navigating this highly regulated industry. With a deep understanding of federal, state, and local regulations, Ms. Hanke provides practical, proactive legal counsel, ensuring clients launch, grow, and thrive while remaining compliant.
Brett Steigerwaldt
Lyon Rum - Head distiller for Lyon Rum
Brett Steigerwaldt is the head distiller for Lyon Rum in St Michaels, Maryland, and the education committee chair for the Maryland Distillers Guild. He is committed to exploring how distilling can solve real world problems and strengthen communities, such as his work with the 100% nonprofit Rosalie Bay Distillery, and the Dominica Sea Turtle Conservation Organization (DomSetCo). He holds a BSc/MSc in mechanical engineering and an MSc in brewing and distilling, where he investigated novel fermentation techniques to create organoleptically complex rums with minimal additional process complexity. He has authored several articles for industry publications (Distiller Magazine, Artisan Spirit Magazine) covering fermentation research and troubleshooting techniques, and has also been featured on industry podcasts (The Modern Bar Cart Podcast, The Rumcast, Spirits & Distilling Podcast). He tirelessly advocates for openness and knowledge sharing amongst craft spirits producers so that together, we can elevate the perception of American spirits worldwide.
Chris Ladas
XAL Consulting - Principal and Founder
Chris, a seasoned veteran of the alcohol beverage industry, brings a wealth of experience and expertise to his clients at XAL Consulting. With over 15+ years of experience, Chris's journey began at Brown-Forman, where he excelled as a Field Market Manager for South Florida before advancing to the role of Brand Ambassador for Herradura Tequila. To broaden his industry knowledge, Chris spent a year with Breakthru Beverage as an Account Development Specialist, where he pivoted to the wine sector. He then embraced the challenge of building a brand from scratch as the National Sales and Marketing Director for SoloContigo Wines, a boutique Argentine winery. Here, he honed his skills in importer selection, strategic planning, website development, and distribution across the US and Canada. Most recently, Chris contributed his talents to Turquoise Life Beverages, a prominent wine and spirits importer based in New York City. He successfully managed the Southeast Market and later became the National Account Manager for On-Premise, further diversifying his expertise. These varied roles have equipped Chris with a comprehensive understanding of the alcohol beverage industry, from large-scale suppliers to innovative start-ups. His unique insights into the dynamics of businesses of all sizes enable him to provide invaluable guidance and support. Now, Chris is dedicated to leveraging his extensive experience as a consultant to help emerging brands from development to market launch. His deep sales knowledge and expansive network across the US empower him to assist various wine and spirit brands in making a high-impact, results-driven entrance into the marketplace. Based in Miami, FL, Chris enjoys traveling the world and continues to explore the rich tapestry of food, beverage, and culture.
Danilo Božović
Swizzle Rum Bar & Drinkery - Founder
Danilo Božović (pronounced boz-o-veech) is an award-winning bartender, educator, and hospitality entrepreneur whose work bridges classic craft and modern innovation. He is the founder of Belgrade Bartending School, founder of Swizzle Rum Bar & Drinkery, co-founder of Delirio Tiki Bar by Swizzle and was the managing partner of the Miami outpost of Employees Only, and, a speakeasy-style cocktail bar in South Beach widely recognized for its rum program and experiential approach to hospitality. Danilo is the author of Barkeep, a modern bartending anthology published in two editions: The Guide to Becoming a Professional Bartender and The Art of Mixology, Bar & Cocktails. The books are used globally as both professional training tools and philosophical explorations of bar culture, blending technical mastery with storytelling, history, and creativity. His career spans bar programs, education, and brand collaborations across the U.S., Europe, and Latin America. In 2018 he won #1 in the Rémy Martin Global Cocktail Competition, followed by Top 10 Best Bartender in Miami (2019) and Best Cocktail Book (2022). Under his leadership, Swizzle Rum Bar & Drinkery has been named Best Speakeasy USA, Top 50 Speakeasy USA multiple years, Best Bar Miami (2024) and No #78 on North America’s 50 Best Bars. Known for pushing rum beyond tropical clichés, Danilo focuses on terroir, fermentation, technique, and storytelling — positioning rum alongside the world’s great spirits in modern cocktail culture.
Eric Owens
American Distilling Institute - President
Erik Owens is the President of the American Distilling Institute, where he works to advance and support independently owned and operated distilleries and their brands. With extensive experience in the craft spirits revolution, he brings industry-wide perspective to the study of production trends. His presentation explores the historical highs and lows of distilled spirits production and their lasting impact on today’s spirits landscape.
Eric Kaye
Holmes Cay Rum - Founder
Eric Kaye is the founder of Holmes Cay Rum, a premium brand that seeks and curates the finest rums from around the world and releases them without additives. After exploring nearly every island in the Caribbean, and drinking exceptional rum along the way, Kaye realized the U.S. spirits market lacked access to those special, rare rums from around the globe. Recognizing that access to unadulterated rums was extremely limited in the United States, Kaye saw an opportunity to focus on hard-to-obtain aged expressions, presented with transparency, and launched Holmes Cay in 2019. Kaye’s deep rum knowledge and connections with highly regarded distilleries worldwide enable him to bottle and import rare casks and terroir-based blends to discerning drinkers and rum aficionados alike
Federico José Hernández
The Rum Lab - President
Federico Jose Hernández is the founder and president of The Rum Lab, a leading B2B platform for rum education, premiumization, and events, known for organizing major rum festivals like the California, Chicago, New York, and Puerto Rico Rum Festivals. Originally from San Juan, Puerto Rico, Hernández started The Rum Lab in 2007 to offer rum tastings and education, growing it into a significant force in the spirits industry, focusing on unique rum experiences and promoting heritage.
Hannia Arias
Maison Ferrand - Commercial Director for Latin America
Hannia Arias holds a degree in Service Administration from Universidad de La Sabana in Bogotá, Colombia. As a strategist, communicator, and creative professional, she specializes in delivering innovative solutions that help companies achieve optimal business results. She has more than 16 years of experience in the spirits industry, successfully leading the expansion and consolidation of the company’s premium brands throughout the region. Over the course of her career, she has refined her leadership skills, strengthened her analytical thinking, and deepened her expertise in sales and marketing. Her professional approach is grounded in a combination of detailed market analysis, the development of strategic relationships, and strong brand positioning. For her and her team, the passion lies in offering unique, high‑quality experiences to consumers, always with an unwavering commitment to excellence and innovation. Under her leadership, Maison Ferrand continues to strengthen its presence in the Latin American market, building lasting connections with clients and adapting to emerging industry trends. With a talented team and a clear vision, Hannia Arias drives the company’s growth and success across the region.
Jay Cocorullo
Florida Rum Society - Founder and President
Jay Cocorullo is the Founder and President of the Florida Rum Society, whose goal is to bring amazing rum selections and robust rum education to the rum lovers of the Sunshine State and beyond! The FRS has over 2,500 members worldwide, participates in monthly virtual & in person happy hours and have released over 30 single barrel selections in their five years. Their motto is "Rum Friends are the Best Friends" and they always look forward to gathering in Miami for the annual Rum Congress! Be on the lookout for official FRS events in collaboration with MRC and amazing rum brands!
John Gulla
The RumCast - Co-founder
John Gulla is a Miami-based rum enthusiast, collector, and co-founder of The Rumcast podcast. Through in-depth conversations with producers, bottlers, and leading voices in the industry, he explores rum’s rich history, diverse cultures, and the craft behind its production. His curiosity and storytelling have helped make The Rumcast a trusted space for both newcomers and aficionados. Most recently, John co-launched The Rumcast Reserve—a line of single cask rums brought to the U.S. after a ten-month journey from selection to bottling, documented in real time on the podcast.
Joris Lincke
E&A Scheer - Bulk Rum, bespoke blends & tailored service
Julio Cabrera
Cafe La Trova - Owner
Julio Cabrera is a world-renowned bartender whose career has spanned over 36 years. His tenures have included Italy, Mexico, his native Cuba, and currently Miami. Cabrera was named US Mixing Star winner in 2012, America’s Most Imaginative Bartender in 2013, American Bartender of the Year in 2019, North America’s Bar Industry Icon Award in 2023, inducted to the Bartender Hall of Fame in 2025 and he’s been voted for several years as one of the 100 Most Influential Person in the global Bar industry by Drinks International. His work has been featured in many publications like GQ Magazine, Wall Street Journal, the Washington Post, USA Today, Esquire Magazine, Imbibe, Punch and many others. He is currently in his own bar Café La Trova, named one of the World’s 50 best bars in 2021, 2022 and 2023 and also 2022 best American Restaurant Bar by Liquor.com and 2023 best U.S. Restaurant Bar at Tales of the Cocktail. Julio is also making his dream come true: to be a professor for future generations of Bartenders, teaching the Cantinero’s Legacy.
Julio Molano
Licores Artesanales - Co-fundador y maestro aguardientero
“Amo este trabajo. Crear un producto que la gente ame y que me agradezca por rescatar al aguardiente del olvido es muy gratificante.”
Kevin M. Cruz
Jensen's Liquor - General Counsel | Greenspoon Marder LLP. - Associate
Kevin M. Cruz is an associate in the Hospitality, Alcohol & Leisure Industry Group at Greenspoon Marder LLP. He focuses his practice on the purchase and sale of package liquor stores, regularly representing buyers and sellers in negotiating transaction terms and drafting the agreements necessary to consummate complex alcohol-related acquisitions. Mr. Cruz has deep expertise in quota alcohol beverage license transactions and is highly experienced in conducting and managing all due diligence matters associated with this asset class. He advises clients across all three tiers of the alcohol industry on regulatory compliance issues relating to the sale, service, and marketing of alcoholic beverages. In addition, Mr. Cruz is extremely well-versed in municipal zoning and land use law and the administrative entitlement process throughout Florida. He has prosecuted a wide range of administrative entitlements, including conditional use permits and variances, and has appeared before planning and zoning boards, special master tribunals, and city commissions across the state, advocating for clients in quasi-judicial proceedings on diverse land use and regulatory matters. Mr. Cruz also serves as General Counsel to Jensen’s Liquors Group, where he provides strategic legal guidance on acquisitions, licensing, regulatory compliance, and operational matters for a growing multi-location package store enterprise.
Kevin Kawa
AB Biotek - Technical Applications Manager
Kevin Kawa is a Technical Applications Manager at AB Biotek and focuses on distilled spirits. He has is bachelor’s in chemistry from the University of Nebraska and he has his Masters in Brewing and Distilling from Heriot-Watt University. He started his career as a production brewer and then moved on and worked as a production distiller before finally finding his way into technical applications. He has a passion for helping professionals and enthusiasts alike on all things fermentation. He is happy to discuss yeast, nutrition, and how to craft a flavorful spirit before it heads to the still.
Lance Willner
Park Street - Business Development Manager
Lance Willner is a Business Development Manager for Park Street where his responsibilities include developing new business for the firm, negotiating contracts, providing prospective clients with route-to-market guidance, and consulting on the U.S. regulatory framework within the alcohol beverage industry. Lance is a highly experienced and knowledgeable professional with a proven track record in the Wine and Spirits industry. Willner has a Master's in Wine and spirits Management from Kedge Bordeaux Business School. He is passionate about wine and spirits and their sustainable production and is committed to helping brands succeed. Prior to joining Park Street, he served as marketing director for a wine negociant in Bordeaux, exporting French wine internationally primarily to the UK and US. Before living in France, Willner was the West Coast sales manager for a winery based in California. He also has experience working on the production side in Napa Valley, CA.
Larissa Arjona
Women Leading Rum Co-founder & President @ronabuelopa Export Marketing Manager
Larissa Arjona is a lawyer with a Master’s degree in Law and a distinguished career in communications, law, and the spirits industry, with a special focus on rum. For years, she has led Ron Abuelo’s communications in international markets, boosting its global presence and promoting the legacy of Panamanian rum. Passionate about the industry, she obtained Ronmelier certification, reaffirming her commitment to the dissemination and development of rum culture. She is also the co-founder and president of Women Leading Rum & Spirits, an initiative dedicated to promoting female leadership, fostering equity, and highlighting women’s talent in the spirits sector. Believing that education, community, and visibility are key to transforming the industry, she actively works to create opportunities and pave the way for future generations.
Luz Mari Irizarry
Bacardi - 1st Female Rum Blender
Luz María Irizarry Crespo is a passionate and experienced professional in the spirits industry, with two decades of experience at Bacardí Rum. She currently serves as a Bacardí Rum Blender, a role that represents the culmination of years dedicated to the art and science of fermentation, distillation, aging, and the blending of premium rums. Since joining Bacardí in 2005, Luz María has developed a unique, end-to-end understanding of rum production, with experience including quality control, project management, distillery processes, and aging. In October 2020, this expertise and dedication earned her the honor to be part of the Bacardí Rum Blenders.
Manoj Kumar
Bacardi Corporation - Rum Blender/Distillers
With 16 years of experience in the spirits industry, he brings deep technical and operational expertise in rum blending, distillation, fermentation, and quality control. He spent 9.5 years at Bacardi, including 5.5 years as a Rum Blender and Distiller in India, 2 years as Site Head of Bottling Operations in India, and 2 years as Fermentation Process Owner in Puerto Rico. Prior to Bacardi, he gained 5 years of experience as a Blender with an Indian local company and 1 year as a Laboratory Analyst at Radico Khaitan. He was trained by renowned rum blenders Jose A. Gomez and Troy Arquiza, and holds a B.Sc. in Chemistry along with a Post Graduate Diploma in Industrial Fermentation and Alcohol Technology.
Matthew Crompton
CGA by NIQ - VP On Premise - Americas,
Matthew Crompton is the VP – North America for CGA by NIQ and is responsible for the implementation of CGA’s on premise services in US, Canada and LATAM regions. Since joining CGA Strategy in January 2010, Matthew has risen through the CGA by NIQ ranks becoming an expert in all things On Premise. Matthew has managed and provided consultancy for some of the largest Bev Al manufacturers across Europe including Diageo, Anheuser Busch and William Grant & Sons. In January 2014, Matthew became part of the joint venture between CGA and Nielsen which has helped bring the first ever truly robust on premise measurement service to the US. Matthew comes to the US, having also helped launch services in other territories such as France and Germany. Matthew now heads up the North America team, providing first-class insight into an often perceived dark market. Matthew is originally from the north of England and has embraced American life at every opportunity since relocating to Chicago in August 2015.
Marie King
Beverage Director for 23 Restaurant Services
Marie King is an internationally recognized rum and tropical cocktail specialist and the Beverage Director for 23 Restaurant Services, overseeing beverage programs for Don the Beachcomber and Morgan’s Cove. She is also the former Beverage Director of Tonga Hut, the oldest tiki bar in Los Angeles, where she helped shape its modern cocktail identity. In 2012, Marie founded the Rum Rhum Club, a long-running gathering of rum enthusiasts dedicated to tasting, education, and in-depth discussion of rum, cocktails, and the global spirits industry, featuring leading experts from around the world. With more than 30 years of experience in hospitality, Marie has been instrumental in developing influential cocktail programs, including launching the first beverage program at Huntington Beach Don the Beachcomber, creating menus for both Tonga Hut locations, and consulting on Livorno, Italy’s first tiki bar at The Surfer Joe Diner. Known for her deep industry knowledge and hands-on approach, she travels extensively to source spirits and curate one of the most respected rum collections in Los Angeles.
Matt Pietrek
Rum Wonk - Founder and President
Matt Pietrek is an American spirits and drinks writer, publisher, and rum historian. His 2022 book, Modern Caribbean Rum won the Tales of the Cocktail Spirited Award for Best New Book on Drinks Culture, History, or Spirits. Pietrek writes regularly for his Rum Wonk and Cocktail Wonk websites.
Natally Andersson
Bacardi - Human Resources Director
Natally Andersson is a multilingual HR Director with over 15 years of international experience across Europe and now the Caribbean. She leads HR in Puerto Rico for family-owned spirits company, Bacardi, and gets to call the largest premium rum distillery in the world her office. She spends every day helping her team have fulfilling and rewarding careers, while creating a positive and safe workplace for all. Recognized for her empathy, inclusive leadership, and ability to drive cultural change, Natally places people and wellbeing at the core of business strategy. Her fearless mindset, global perspective, and passion for inclusion make her the perfect fit to lead Women Leading Rum & Spirits for the Caribbean, as she helps shape the next generation of leaders in this incredible industry.
Pierre Bardinet
Les Bienheureux - Production & Sales Director (Americas, Africa & Spain)
Pierre Bardinet is Production & Sales Director (Americas, Africa & Spain) at Les Bienheureux, a premium spirits house known for pioneering French whisky and Costa Rican rum. Trained as a distiller in Cognac region, Pierre began his career in production and R&D before leading the development of a single-estate rum distillery in Costa Rica. He now oversees production strategy and international expansion, with a strong focus on terroir-driven spirits, blending expertise, and long-term brand building.
Otto Flores
Ron Barceló - Global Head of Ambassadors
Born and raised in premiere the city of America, Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic. Otto Flores is a professional expertise in the areas of business, management and productivity who from a young age developed an interest in the spirits and its production, immersing himself in the world of rum, the national beverage par excellence of the Dominican Republic. Guided by experienced rum masters, he learned about this distilled beverage, and appetite for continuous development led him to join the ranks of rum connoisseurs. Thanks to his sensory training, his understanding of rum's characteristics, and his attention to all aspects of this beverage, he became a brand ambassador and key member of the Ron Barceló marketing management team. Today, he is the global spokesperson and guardian of the brand, responsible for brand training, guided tastings, international scale projects as Barceló Rumtenders Competition and representing the brand at the most important national and international events related to spirits, spreading the word about how this exquisite drink is made and tasted.
Rhiannon Enlil
Savarin LLC - Founder
Rhiannon Enlil is a New Orleans-based beverage consultant, WSET Spirits Educator, and the founder of Savarin LLC. Her career spans cocktail bars, beverage museums, hospitality consulting, and industry activations - anywhere serious liquids and curious people intersect. She specializes in staff training, spirits evaluation, and sensory education – translating theory into practice without losing the plot. Rhiannon was an inaugural CAP at Tales of the Cocktail, holds credentials from WSET, BAR-5, the Stave & Thief Society, the Society of Wine Educators, and Sake School of America. For over 15 year, she has contributed to books, podcasts, and press covering cocktail culture and beverage trends. Her work blends structured tasting methodology with real-world bar application, emphasizing balance, hospitality, history, storytelling. She regularly leads tastings, trainings, and industry workshops, and she brings a thoughtful, disciplined palate to the judging table.
Ricardo March
Bacan Guaro - Founder
Ricardo March brings more than two decades of experience in the global wine and spirits industry, with a career dedicated to building and scaling premium brands across international markets. He began his journey in 1996 at Allied Domecq, followed by roles at RNDC and the co-founding of Giowine in 1999. From 2001 to 2020, he served as Vice President of Sales North America at Varela Imports, where he led the expansion and growth of a strong spirits portfolio throughout the United States. In parallel, since 2000, he has overseen sales and marketing for Beni di Batasiolo in the U.S., Canada, and the Caribbean, reinforcing his reputation as a strategic leader within the beverage alcohol sector. In 2024, Ricardo and his wife, Diana Espinosa March, launched Bacan Guaro, a super-premium aguardiente created to redefine the category on a global scale. Crafted with organic ingredients sourced from South America and Europe, Bacan offers a refined, modern expression of aguardiente that is kosher-certified and award-winning.
Rodrigo Iturbide
Ron Infinito - Founder | Unidos por el Ron - Co-Founder
Rodrigo Iturbide, known on social media as Ron Infinito, is the most influential rum voice in Mexico and a leading global figure in the category. With over nine years of experience, he combines strong digital reach, academic credibility, and industry recognition to educate, shape trends, and drive real consumer action. He has been awarded “Ultimate Social Media Rum Influencer of the Year” globally and for Mexico & Central America at the Miami Rum Congress. An international speaker and educator, he has participated in major events such as Miami Rum Congress, Rum Fest Colombia, Tiki League El Salvador, and Taste of Rum Puerto Rico. He is also co-founder of the award-winning community “Unidos por el Ron”, recognized as the world’s top rum social media group. Trusted as a judge, consultant, and focus group contributor, Rodrigo acts as a key connector between producers and consumers, helping brands build credibility, generate demand, and turn audiences into loyal advocates through education, storytelling, and responsible rum culture.
Raul Bejar
El Capitán Ron - International Speaker
El Capitán Ron es el fruto de una profunda pasión por los destilados y el fascinante proceso de añejamiento que los transforma en joyas líquidas. Ronmelier (primer Ronmelier del Ecuador) (diplomado de ciencia y tecnología de bebidas alcohólicas destiladas ron). Coleccionista. Miembro de Unidos por el Ron. Fundador de Rum and Gin Congress en Ecuador. Fundador del Grupo Roneros de la Mitad del Mundo. Juez de múltiples Competencias de Cocteleria. Speaker Internacional. Capitán Ron comparte su conocimiento a través de catas exclusivas para las principales marcas.
Susana Masis
Ron Centenario - Master Blender
A chemical engineer with more than three decades of experience in the spirits industry and a distinguished background in the food sector, Susana Masís has established herself as a leader in the implementation of rigorous quality programs, including ISO and HACCP standards. Today, she proudly serves as the Master Blender of Ron Centenario, Costa Rica’s flagship rum. Her passion for innovation, product development, and the creation of unique sensory experiences guides her work, ensuring that consumers enjoy excellence in every bottle. As Master Blender, she oversees blending operations, the aging warehouse, and the procurement and logistics of packaging and raw materials for Ron Centenario, as well as for the brand’s international portfolio. Beyond her professional life, Susana is an avid bird enthusiast. Her interest in ornithology has led her to join specialized observation groups, where she continues to expand her knowledge and embrace new adventures that deepen her connection with nature.
Walter Aguilar
CEO of Aguilar W & Co and Co-Founder of RumFest Colombia
With over 20 years' expertise in luxury branding and premium spirits, Walter leads regional teams and partners across the US, Europe, Mexico, Panama, Colombia, and the Dominican Republic. He's played a pivotal role in taking diverse brands to the global stage through strategic positioning, crisis resolution, and international expansion. As a speaker at the World Marketing Summit (founded by Philip Kotler), Walter combines strategic thinking and compelling storytelling, to transform exceptional brands.
