Apart from becoming increasingly popular on the Internet, Refined Vices has succeeded in receiving global fame and recognition in various publications, books and events, after its launch in 2007. Not only that, some of Refined Vices' articles, reviews and tasting notes are featured on other websites.
Cognac Ferrand requested Refined Vices for a comment about Plantation Rum for 'Our Experts' section on the new website that was launched in 2016. The section features quotes from several well known figures in the hospitality and rum industry including, Jeff Berry, Paul McFadyen, Martin Cate, Robert Burr, Peter Holland and Benoît Bail.
{xtypo_quote}Plantation Rum encompasses a vast range of rums from all over the Caribbean, Central and South America, capturing the style and character of their environment, for which it is famous.
I particularly like Plantation Rum Guyana, which evokes a sense of place remarkably well, delivering intense and astoundingly complex aromas and flavors redolent of fine Cognacs, making it the perfect example of a Demerara rum. - Tatu Kaarlas, Refined Vices{/xtypo_quote}
Refined Vices' photographic work has been frequently featured on the Chilled Magazine. Tatu Kaarlas has been the official photographer for Miami Rum Renaissance Festival since 2013 and continues to shoot events worldwide. Though he takes photos for the media his main focus at the Miami Rum Renaissance Festival is the annual Rum Expert Tasting Competition, where he evaluates different rum expressions with an international panel of judges.
{xtypo_quote}I have always been impressed with your professionalism and your photos always have a creative aspect because you have a good eye for composition. - Robin Burr, Miami Rum Renaissance Festival{/xtypo_quote}
Refined Vices was described in the book 'The Distillers Guide to Rum'(by Ian Smiley, Eric Watson & Michael Delevante) on Chapter 14 'Rum Online' as "One of the most informative and well trafficked website on the Internet about rum"
{xtypo_quote}"Contacting these sites to have your rum listed and or reviewed is a good opportunity to have your product advertised to an interested and passionate group of rum drinkers."{/xtypo_quote}
Refined Vices was nominated for and won the Rum Blogger of the Year award at the annual Golden Rum Barrel Awards in London in 2012.
The prestigious awards ceremony is part of Ian Burrell's UK RumFest and is considered the Oscars of the rum industry.
Previously Refined Vices was nominated for the award in 2011.
Tatu Kaarlas, the editor of Refined Vices, was asked by Angostura to write a number of articles and tasting notes prior to the launch event of Legacy by Angostura rum in Australia.
Some of the material he wrote were guides on 'What to Look for in a Good Rum' and 'How to Taste Rum.'
He was also interviewed about being a 'Rum Expert' and what is involved in being one. His written material was also used in the UK launch of Legacy in London.
Second time Refined Vices was featured in an Australian magazine, was in a lightly humorous mens magazine that is published weekly, mostly featuring women dressed in... well not much!
Though we understand the articles have to be written to appeal the audience but what I cannot understand the change they made in my words saying El Dorado 15 is lighter than most South American rums!
It would appear search engine excerpts were used for this part of the article and all I can say I never said that and that it is factually incorrect and would have appreciated the chance to go through this section of the article before it was being published.
Oh well I suppose any publicity is good publicity!
{xtypo_quote}What a fascinating and refined palate you have! What’s extraordinary is to sip the rum while reading your review and in effect, see the experience through your eyes, or perhaps more accurately, through your senses. Actually it’s quite an intimate experience and I enjoyed it immensely.{/xtypo_quote}
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Refined Vices is a website dedicated to spirits reviews and specialises in whiskey and rum. The site caters to rum and whiskey aficionados, journalists, professional distillers and the odd barkeep.
At present there are over 30 reviews to please your mental taste-buds, from the Venezuelan Diplomático Reserva Esclusiva Ron Antiguo through to Evan Williams Single Barrel Vintage 1996 with many more on the cards.
If the reviews aren't enough to keep you entertained, become a member and get stuck into the discussion board, distillery tour articles, rum and whiskey news, or informative pages on the history and production of these two fine spirit categories.
Still not convinced? The site also contains the witty, but erudite 'Gentleman's Everyday Situation Guide.
- Australian Bartender Magazine - September 2009 - Issue 105." Click image for magazine scan.
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After the review of Atlantico Rum, Refined Vices and its works have been frequently featured by Atlantico Importing Company in various events and on their website.
On the website you can find our photography on the frontpage and some in the cocktails section.
Our bottle photograph finds itself in conjunction with the latest Atlantico Rum campaign featuring the pop star Enrique Iglesias! Our Rum Raisin cocktail photo also appeared with the bottle photo at a pop up bar at a golf range.
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