TORONTO — The Dominican Republic Ministry of Tourism hosted a spirited event earlier this week at The Spoke Club in Toronto to celebrate the nation’s vibrant history of rum.

Jassil Villanueva, Brugal Master Blender, guided 50 VIP guests through a tasting of four unique Brugal rums, which are distilled and bottled in Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic.

According to Abdalah Castillo, Director of the Dominican Republic Tourism Board, “the Dominican Republic is known around the world for its excellent rum offering” and that “we are delighted that all Canadians can experience the flavor of the Dominican Republic each time they enjoy our rum products.”

Festivities also included Dominican music, a variety of Dominican Republic-inspired canapés and hors d’oeuvres such as salted fried plantains and signature rum drinks. A Q&A session focused on rum production, with quality and tasting led by the Brugal Master Blender himself. To cap off the night, guests were treated to hand-painted single humidors containing a hand-rolled Dominican cigar.

For more information on rum production in the Dominican Republic, visit GoDominicanRepublic.com.