132: Inside rum et al. — Los Angeles's Must-Watch Experimental Rum Distillery, with Robyn Smith | The Rumcast

The Rum Cast features an interview with Robyn Smith, founder of Rum et al., a distillery in Southern California, focusing on her unique approach to rum production. Smith, a chemical engineer, discusses her journey from bourbon enthusiast to rum distiller, highlighting her experimental approach of releasing rums in batches, each tweaking a single variable from a baseline recipe. The conversation explores the nuances of fermentation, distillation, and the impact of congeners and esters on flavor profiles. Smith details her branding inspiration, drawing from microscopic images of fermentation and lab notebooks. She also shares her plans for a dedicated distillery space and potential aging programs, aiming to connect with consumers through tours and tastings.

Outlines

Part 1: Introduction, Banter, and Experiments

Part 2: Robyn Smith, Engineering, and Distillery Origins

Part 3: Production Methods and Variable Testing

Part 4: Science, Branding, and Future Outlook

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132: Inside rum et al. — Los Angeles's Must-Watch Experimental Rum Distillery, with Robyn Smith

The Rumcast

Part 1: Introduction, Banter, and Experiments

Introduction to the Rum Cast and Upcoming Interview with Rum et al. Founder

Experimenting with Pico Canoa Rum in Jungle Bird and Negroni Cocktails

Chilled vs. Room Temperature Rum Experiment: El Dorado 12 Tasting Notes

Part 2: Robyn Smith, Engineering, and Distillery Origins

Introducing Robyn Smith of Rum et al.: A Unique Approach to Rum Distilling

From Chemical Engineer to Rum Distiller: Robyn Smith's Journey

The Opportunity to Start Rum et al. and the Challenges of a One-Woman Operation

Part 3: Production Methods and Variable Testing

Developing the Baseline Rum: Simplicity and Accessible Ingredients

Tasting the Baseline Rum and Unintentional Batch Variations

Isolating Variables: Dunder Clap and Tailspin Rums

Tasting Notes and Future Variables: Millipede Musk and Muck Pits

Part 4: Science, Branding, and Future Outlook

Congeners, Esters, and Branding: The Nerdy Side of Rum et al.

Rum et al.'s Future: A New Space and Barrel Aging Program

Rapid Fire Round: Neat or on the Rocks, and the Meaning of "Et Al."

Tailspin Theme Song and Final Thoughts on Rum et al.

132: Inside rum et al. — Los Angeles's Must-Watch Experimental Rum Distillery, with Robyn Smith

The Rumcast

Part 1: Introduction, Banter, and Experiments

00:09Introduction to the Rum Cast and Upcoming Interview with Rum et al. Founder

Introduction to the Rum Cast and Upcoming Interview with Rum et al. Founder

02:05Experimenting with Pico Canoa Rum in Jungle Bird and Negroni Cocktails

Experimenting with Pico Canoa Rum in Jungle Bird and Negroni Cocktails

06:39Chilled vs. Room Temperature Rum Experiment: El Dorado 12 Tasting Notes

Chilled vs. Room Temperature Rum Experiment: El Dorado 12 Tasting Notes

Part 2: Robyn Smith, Engineering, and Distillery Origins

15:19Introducing Robyn Smith of Rum et al.: A Unique Approach to Rum Distilling

Introducing Robyn Smith of Rum et al.: A Unique Approach to Rum Distilling

19:01From Chemical Engineer to Rum Distiller: Robyn Smith's Journey

From Chemical Engineer to Rum Distiller: Robyn Smith's Journey

27:30The Opportunity to Start Rum et al. and the Challenges of a One-Woman Operation

The Opportunity to Start Rum et al. and the Challenges of a One-Woman Operation

Part 3: Production Methods and Variable Testing

35:17Developing the Baseline Rum: Simplicity and Accessible Ingredients

Developing the Baseline Rum: Simplicity and Accessible Ingredients

44:31Tasting the Baseline Rum and Unintentional Batch Variations

Tasting the Baseline Rum and Unintentional Batch Variations

53:03Isolating Variables: Dunder Clap and Tailspin Rums

Isolating Variables: Dunder Clap and Tailspin Rums

1:00:31Tasting Notes and Future Variables: Millipede Musk and Muck Pits

Tasting Notes and Future Variables: Millipede Musk and Muck Pits

Part 4: Science, Branding, and Future Outlook

1:12:54Congeners, Esters, and Branding: The Nerdy Side of Rum et al.

Congeners, Esters, and Branding: The Nerdy Side of Rum et al.

1:21:04Rum et al.'s Future: A New Space and Barrel Aging Program

Rum et al.'s Future: A New Space and Barrel Aging Program

1:33:32Rapid Fire Round: Neat or on the Rocks, and the Meaning of "Et Al."

Rapid Fire Round: Neat or on the Rocks, and the Meaning of "Et Al."

1:39:00Tailspin Theme Song and Final Thoughts on Rum et al.

Tailspin Theme Song and Final Thoughts on Rum et al.