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Only the best will do

by

Irishman Niall Murray came to Macau twelve years ago.  An expert in F&B, he worked for Sands and Venetian and later as a consultant.  And along the way, both for work and pleasure, he frequented many of the top bars in Macau. But try as he might, he never felt that he really found what he was looking for: the perfect blend of high quality products, excellent service and a classy yet relaxed atmosphere.

So when the opportunity came up to own and run his own bar, it seemed like a chance to finally create the type of establishment he had always wanted to be able to visit himself.  Located in Old Taipa village, he named the bar PREM1ER Bar & Tasting Room, after the wine and spirits import company that he was already running.

“I was already selling some very good quality products to other bars in town and even helping to train the staff, but I found that most of the time the bartenders were not actively pushing the products or introducing them properly to the customers,” says Niall.

So now with his own bar he has the chance to offer some of his favourite premium labels, and at very reasonable prices.  

“There’s no need to go through a middleman because I’m the importer, so our prices are very competitive”.

PREM1ER Bar offers some truly unique and exclusive labels including The Wild Geese Irish Whiskey, Chinggis Khan vodka from Mongolia, Legend of Kremlin Vodka (reported Vladimir Putin’s favourite), Haswell London Distilled Dry Gin, and Premium Colombian Aged Gin and Rum by Dictador.

On the lack of variety at many other bars in town, Niall comments: “Big corporate deals offer F&B establishments deep discounts, so it makes commercial sense in terms of number crunching. However, these deals often entail the same portfolio of products, leaving little space for authenticity and diversity.

 “The Colombian Dictador series of fine rums, which I am very proud of, is an embodiment of the qualities I value”.

In the late 18th century, Spaniard Severo Arango y Ferro arrived in Cartagena de Indias in present-day Colombia, and soon fell in love with rum and became a key trader.  His dominance in the trade and powerful nature earned him the nickname ‘Dictador’.  Today Dictador is regarded as the finest Colombian rum producer and is one of the most awarded Colombian rums in the world.

When he first tasted the range at a trade show in Hong Kong, Niall knew he had to add them to his portfolio, and listening to him describe the drinking experience, one can’t help but get infected by his passion and enthusiasm.

“Quality is of paramount importance. Having high standards means getting every detail right in a consistent manner. I want PREM1ER Bar & Tasting Room to be the standard-bearer of quality for bars in Macao,” he concludes.

 

 

The New World Spirit

The origin of rum can be traced back to the 17th century Caribbean, where the sultry climate was unsuitable for grains (except rice) and vines, thereby precluding the production of beer and wine. To make water safer to drink, European colonisers made do with what was readily available – sugarcane and molasses (the by-product of sugar refining).

In the early 16th century, sugarcane was brought by the Spanish colonisers to the Caribbean and northern South America, which would remain the production centre of rum to this day. Due to the multitude of states and dependencies in the region, each with its own regulatory framework, it is notoriously difficult to define rum, which includes any distilled alcoholic beverage made from fermenting sugarcane juice or molasses.

Rum comprises a particularly wide spectrum of colours and styles, ranging from white, silver, gold, amber, red, brown and black. All rums are distilled clear, and the final colour and style are the result of ageing and filtration, both being optional. As a rule of thumb, former Spanish colonies tend to produce lighter rums, former British colonies heavier rums and former French colonies double-distilled oak-aged rums.

 

Dictador 12 Years Solera Rum

Distilled in copper alembic and steel continuous column, aged in old oak barrels. Light mahogany with bright tangerine reflex, the buoyant nose offers Seville orange, cinnamon, almond, crème brûlée and iris. With a smooth mouthfeel, the stylish palate delivers orange peel, coffea arabica, tobacco, caramel and rye bread. Medium-bodied at 40%, the energetic entry carries onto an expressive mid-palate, leading to a spicy finish. Comparable to a Napoléon Petite Champagne cognac.

 

Dictador 20 Years Solera Rum

Distilled in copper alembic and steel continuous column, aged in old oak barrels. Rich mahogany with bright copper reflex, the floral nose presents hawthorn, bouquet garni, café au lait, hazelnut and orange blossom. With a suave mouthfeel, the engaging palate supplies ume, sweet ginger, allspice, butterscotch and treacle. Medium-full bodied at 40%, the potent entry continues through a spiced mid-palate, leading to a long finish. Akin to an XO Fine Champagne cognac.

 

Dictador XO Insolent Solera Rum

Distilled in stainless steel alembic, aged in charred ex-Sherry and ex-Port barrels. Dark mahogany with bright tawny reflex, the spellbinding nose effuses raspberry, nutmeg, white chocolate, sandalwood and peony. With a velvety mouthfeel, the endearing palate emanates white cherry, clove, Lady Grey tea, shredded coconut and white oak. Medium-bodied at 40%, the elegant entry evolves into a caressing mid-palate, leading to a lingering finish. Reminiscent of an hors d'âge Borderies cognac.

 

Dictador XO Perpetual Solera Rum

Distilled in alembic copper still, aged in ex-Bourbon barrels. Dark mahogany with bright vermillion reflex, the intense nose presents red cherry, herbes de Provence, cocoa, charred oak and lavender. With a silky mouthfeel, the profound palate furnishes mango chutney, rooibos tea, dark chocolate, brown sugar and cigar box. Medium-full bodied at 40%, the imposing entry persists through a sturdy mid-palate, leading to an extended finish. Analogous to an hors d'âge Grande Champagne cognac.

 

 

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Solera (officially: Criaderas y Soleras), refers to the process of fractional blending in ageing a liquid so that the resultant product is an amalgamation of maturities. Alcoholic beverages and vinegars produced as per the Solera system are amongst the longest living in the world.

 

CONTACT

Ms Bolormaa Ganbold

PREM1ER Bar & Tasting Room

E: [email protected]

T: +853 6233 5262

A: 86, Rua Direita Carlos Eugénio, 

Old Taipa Village

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