Dug Group relaunches Venezuelan rum Tepuy

Family-owned Dug Group has relaunched its Venezuelan rum brand, Ron Tepuy, with two expressions.

Produced at Dug Group’s Destilería Unidas facility in Venezuela, Ron Tepuy has existed in its domestic market since 2009. The range has now been redesigned and repositioned as a super-premium rum in its home market as well as internationally for 2026. The brand draws inspiration from Venezuela’s natural landscapes, cultural heritage and the rum-making traditions of the generations behind the distillery. Ron Tepuy is made using regionally sourced sugarcane and tropical ageing conditions, meaning that maturation occurs up to two or three times faster than in cooler climates. The brand takes its name from the tepuis – vast flat-topped mountains that rise dramatically from the Venezuelan rainforest floor and rank among the oldest geological formations on Earth. The brand relaunches with two 40% ABV expressions: Ron Tepuy Monumento and Ron Tepuy Destino. Monumento is led by pot still distillates and heavier rum styles. Aged for up to 12 years under tropical conditions in American oak ex-Bourbon barrels, the rum is then finished in three Sherry casks: Pedro Ximénez, Amontillado, and oloroso casks. The rum’s aroma brings dark cherry and spices, dried plums and toasted oak, alongside flavours of velvety dried plum, toasted nuts, oak, deep spices, and a touch of dark chocolate. Meanwhile, Destino is made from rums aged for up to eight years in American oak and finished in Amontillado Sherry casks to enhance its ‘roundness and warmth’. The rum carries notes of toasted oak and vanilla on the nose, with toasted nuts and subtle spices on the palate. José Rafael Ballesteros Meléndez, CEO of Dug Group, said: “Ron Tepuy is our tribute to both a love of Venezuela and our family’s rum legacy. We have created something inspired by our country's spectacular nature and the generations of craftsmanship that have shaped our journey. I’m proud to share this blend of patience and perfection.” Founded in 1959, Destilería Unidas produces more than 30 brands, including Dug Group’s Canaïma Gin and Cocuy Saroche (Venezuelan agave spirit), as well as Brown-Forman’s Diplomático Rum. Ron Tepuy's rums recently took home Gold medals in this year's Spring Blind Tasting competition.