Montilla
Montilla rums are smooth and light or mellow, perfectly capturing the modern Brazilian thirst for a free and joyful lifestyle. Montilla is the Number 1 rum brand in Brazil, with over 90% market share in the Northeast region.
History
Portuguese explorers planted sugarcane in Brazil in the 16th century, not long after Diego Velazquez introduced it in the Caribbean. The plant flourished in the Brazilian climate. The rum industry was born from the distillation of molasses, a by-product of sugar production. The industry prospered in the Northeast region of Brazil. The first rums were aggressive and harsh, consumed by tough men, buccaneers and seafarers. Over the years, new methods produced lighter crisp or smooth rums for modern tastes.
Montilla rum was first produced in 1957 by the Destilaria Medelin company. In the beginning the company adopted an image of a pirate for Montilla rum, a symbol that is still used today to impart a spirit of adventure and freedom. The first Montilla rums introduced to the market were the Gold and Silver brands. Crystal rum was introduced in 1992 to meet a surge in demand for white rum, especially in the Northeast, Montilla's birthplace.
The positioning of the Montilla brands fits the Brazilian lifestyle: fun, festive, adventurous and bold.
Elaboration
The production of Montilla rum varies depending on the product - Gold, Silver, or Crystal - but always retains its attention to quality.
Molasses, the base product, is sometimes blended with cane juice or water and then fermented for a period of time that is shorter for light rums, longer for the dark.
The lighter rums are purified and blended, then produced in column stills after which they are filtered and aged in old oak casks to add a degree of smoothness. Darker rums are aged in oak casks for extended periods to impart a smooth mellow palate, and some caramel is added for color. The special oak barrels impart the characteristic Montilla quality and suave taste. The Tropical Line of Montilla infuses the rum with fruit flavors: lemon, pineapple and guarana, a sweet tart fruit from the Amazon.
