Papiamento Magic: Franz Sydow’s Journey from Venezuela to Aruba’s First Premium Rum

Stay in the loop! Subscribe to our newsletter at The Global Glug so you never miss an episode. In this episode of The Global Glug, I chat with Franz Sydow, founder of Papiamento Rum — a premium, small-batch rum brand based in Aruba. Franz takes us through his fascinating journey from Venezuela to the Caribbean island he now calls home, where he and his brothers launched Aruba’s first artisanal rum distillery.

We talk about the challenges of starting a distillery on a small island, sourcing rum from Panama, aging barrels just meters from the sea, and what it means to blend language, culture, and spirit into a single bottle. Franz also shares how they’re creating a full experience: rum tastings, chocolate pairings, even B&B apartments at the distillery.

 Topics we cover:

• The story behind the name Papiamento

• Blending and aging rum in Aruba’s climate

• Building a distillery in a country with no legal framework

• The shift from sourcing to local production

• Rum tourism and converting bourbon lovers

• Why this is more than just a rum brand — it’s a lifestyle

Learn more at Papiamento Rum's website or follow Papiamento Rum on Instagram

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