Celebration Distillation > New Orleans

Celebration Distillation > New Orleans > USA

Celebration Distillation, founded in 1995, is the oldest premium rum distillery in the continental U.S. Long famous for sugar cane, Louisiana did not boast a local rum until Celebration Distillation filled that niche. The distillery and its unique still, a combination of pot and column styles, were custom built by hand, giving Old New Orleans a true hand-crafted approach to making great rum.

The distinct flavor and deep natural tone of Old New Orleans is derived without the use of additives or coloring. It is 100% natural. Using high-grade cane syrup in a slow batch process, a balance of flavors is achieved (sweet molasses, oak, maple syrup, vanilla and caramel) that sets Old New Orleans apart from everything else called rum. The sugar cane is from one farmer, Greg Nolan at LaFouche.

Distillation Process: Old New Orleans Rum is made using only the highest quality cane syrup in the mash. This product is derived from some of the sweetest and most flavorful sugar cane worldwide. These qualities come from growing cane in some of the most fertile soil in the world. The use of the costly cane syrup produces not only more alcohol (a higher “brix” or sugar content is afforded by the syrup), but also a more flavorful end product. The evolution of this rum, along with some changes in the distillation process, has led to a further-refined, more satisfying spirit. The primary change is that the product is distilled at a higher proof. The rums, previously distilled to 154-165 proof, are now distilled to 180-186 proof. In addition, a smaller center cut from each distillation is used in the final rum. In essence, they look for the “sweet spot” in the distillation process. That means taking off more heads and more tails. The result is less output, but higher quality having eliminated the potentially negative flavors and odors in the early and later parts of the run.

After the initial distillation, the raw rum can go in two different directions: charcoal filtration or into a barrel. Aging in bourbon barrels affords some of the best mellowing available. Nothing works like time in a charred oak barrel. This process is accentuated by the intensely hot, humid summers in New Orleans. The Crystal Rum doesn’t go into a barrel, but is dripped very slowly through activated carbon (charcoal), which also serves to cause a mellowing as well as a removal of harsh components. The rum is hand bottled six at a time and the Gingeroo is hand bottled two at a time.

Celebration Distillation Website

Old New Orleans Crystal Rum

A light bodied white rum featuring the balanced flavors of Louisiana sugar cane molasses, vanilla & caramel. Great for mixing in Mojitos, Caipirinhas & Painkillers. 40% ABV.

Old New Orleans Amber Rum

It starts with the Crystal rum, stored in certified bourbon barrels procured from various bourbon and whiskey distilleries throughout Tennessee and Kentucky. The barrels are received wet - still with the devil’s cut inside to keep them conditioned. The Amber is aged for a minimum of 3 years and up to 7 years. It is blended to offer a consistent, steady product. Rich amber color with traces of red copper. Aromatic and fruity nose that speaks of natural sugar cane juice. Opens nicely on the palate, revealing notes of oak, licorice, sweet vanilla, and caramel. Ends richly with aromatic persistence. 40% ABV.

Old New Orleans Cajun Spice Rum

A blend of rums is combined with the kick of cayenne and cinnamon. Hints of nutmeg, ginger and cloves create this truly unique, truly New Orleans flavor. 92 Wine Enthusiast. 40% ABV.

Old New Orleans 10 Year

Very limited availability, just a few barrels survived Hurricane Katrina where the distillery retained eight feet of water for ten days. Fifteen percent of all rum production was lost and the distillery remained closed for one year after the storm.
Distilled in Celebration's unique column still, it is aged unfiltered in hand selected oak barrels. Steeped in the tropical heat of New Orleans, this ten year rum is the artful expression of an authentic southern spirit. An intense rum experience with savory, complex layers of soulful smoothness for the connoisseur’s discriminating palate. 40% ABV.

20th Anniversary Blend "King Creole" Rum

The 20th Anniversary Blend "King Creole" Rum is a blend of 7 vintages. The oldest barrel was filled in 2001, four years before Katrina. The blend encompasses a good bit of aged rum from before the hurricane, which caused 10 ft of water to fill the distillery and a lot of product to be lost in the flood. It also has rum from the past ten years, aged filtered and unfiltered to give it more complexity. 40% ABV.
"Brilliant gold color. Creamy aromas and flavors of chocolate maple nut fudge, spicy fruit chutney, honey vanilla bean gelato, and copper with a silky, vibrant, fruity light-to-medium body and a tingling, long vanilla buttercream and cola, tiramisu, pink pepper, and minerals finish. A superbly spicy and intricate sipping rum that will cover all bases." International Beverage Tasting Institute, 96 Pts.

Gingeroo

Years in the making, this unique blend consists of cayenne pepper infused Old New Orleans Crystal Rum, fresh Ginger Root soda and Louisiana sugar cane. 10% ABV. Invert "gingerly" and serve neat or on the rocks.