This past weekend many spent their time in costume and enjoying parties all around Miami. Come Sunday most are home nursing a hangover. But when Rutte comes into town, the industry responds with a great turnout for their first Lunch & Learn in Miami.
Rutte comes to us by way of the Netherlands. Some might not look to the Dutch for gin but the truth is, some of the earliest signs of gin production are in the 17th century in Holland!
From the website:
“Rutte has been distilling jenevers (precursor to gin), gins and liqueurs since 1872 and today the firm’s motto still remains the same: “distilled with passion”. We use no artificial flavorings or colorings; all of the flavor and color comes from fresh fruit, herbs and nuts, which is obvious from our products’ sublime flavors and aromas!”
The liquid is still distilled where the family used to live. The 4th generation of the Rutte family in 1872 began distilling spirits and over 140 years later the company is still producing distillates with the same care and craftsmanship.
On Sunday, Miami Beach was one of many stops for the Rutte media tour. Myriam Hendrickx, Master Distiller of Rutte, hosted a tasting at Bazi along with Miami’s own, Ben Carlotto, who is VP of trade marketing and advocacy for Royal Dutch Distillers, the importers of Rutte for the United States. Chef Michael Pirolo served up some great food to pair with the tasting. Working with the famed Bon Vivants, Myriam led an educational afternoon on Rutte’s rich history and process. Some of the Miami’s bartenders attended the event where they tasted through the Celery Dry Gin, Dry Gin and Old Simon Genever. The Celery Dry Gin most recently won the WSWA 2015 Double Gold and Best of Show while the Old Simon Genever won WSWA 2015 Double Gold.
All in all, the combination of wonderful hosts, great food, and the great distillates led to a wonderful day of education and camaraderie.
You can find Rutte at some of your favorite bars including: Sweet Liberty, The Setai, Bazi and Repour.
Rutte can also be find at select liquor stores around South Florida.