UK-based global travel retail (GTR) distribution drinks agency, SipWell Brands, has been appointed as the exclusive distribution partner for ultra-premium aged rum Dictador across global markets.

The agreement takes immediate effect and the goal is for Dictador to become available across all key hub destination airports including Heathrow, Schiphol, Singapore, Istanbul, LAX and JFK.

“Since coming out of the pandemic our business has grown ahead of all our forecasts, particularly in the premium and luxury space where we have over 25 years spirits experience in GTR,” said Andrew Torrance of SipWell Brands.

“Working with a true market leader is very exciting.

“Everything Dictador does, it does with style and 100% conviction and sharing those virtues explains why we fit so well with their team and ambitions.”

Known for its Colombian aged rum, the third generation-operated Dictador has launched a strong line-up of awarded limited releases, unique cask finishes and special bottlings.

Its Fine and Rare range features notable vintages from the Totem Mopa Mopa series, its Generations in Lalique collection, and the 2 Masters initiative partnering with premier cognac, whisky, Champagne, Armagnac, Bordeaux and Sauternes houses worldwide (including Royal Tokaji, Leclerc Briant, Glenfarclas, Hardy Cognac and Labelle).

SipWell has carved a niche for itself as a specialist in global premium drinks.

The agency currently represents a wide range of spirits brands in travel retail, from whiskies (such as The Glenturret, Finn Thomson Private Single Cask Collection, Port Askaig, Fable and 47 year old Japanese single malt Karuizawa from Elixir Distillers), to Mexican tequila Casa Dragones, and premium Caribbean rum Black Tot.

“As the thought leaders in prestige and investment grade rum, it is our pleasure and priority to make our Fine & Rare products, including our Art Distilled Collection available for worldwide travellers, collectors and connoisseurs,” said Diego Quintero of Dictador Rum.

“We selected SipWell as our partner in this new quest, not just due to their extensive GTR experience but also for their understanding on how to manage the duty free distribution of some of the world’s most premium spirits. This move will support our goal of leaving a meaningful impact on the entire art, rum and spirits categories.”

As well as being known for its 40- to 50-year-old special vintages, Dictador has attracted attention for its art and spirits collaborations.

Earlier this year, it launched the Orlinski 5 Decades project with a striking decanter sculpture designed by French industrial pop artist Richard Orlinski.

It contained rum from finely aged 1966 / 1976 / 1986 / 1996 / 2006 casks, representing five decades of the sculptor’s life and work.

The original Kong bottles are paired with digital art NFTs, and are due to go to auction on specialist wine and spirits platform BlockBar later this year.

Dictador has also recently launched what the company claims is ‘the world’s first ever limited, couture edition’ titled Dictador M-City Golden Cities.

Estimates are already setting its value at the US$1 billion mark, according to the company.