Toronto area travel buyers and VIPs were treated to a taste of the Dominican Republic earlier this week at a special rum tasting event hosted by the Dominican Republic Ministry of Tourism. Held at the Spoke Club, 50 guests participated in the program, which featured four distinctive Brugal rums distilled and bottled in Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic. The rum tasting course and a Q&A session were led by Brugal Master Blender Jassil Villanueva.

“The Dominican Republic is known around the world for its excellent rum offering,” said Abd Castillo, Director of the Dominican Republic Tourism Board. “At last night’s festivities Brugal Master Blender Jassil Villanueva, shared a taste of our culture with guests, and we are delighted that all Canadians can experience the flavor of the Dominican Republic each time they enjoy our rum products.”

Guests also enjoyed Dominican music, a variety of canapés and hors d’oeuvres inspired by Dominican flavours, such as salted fried plantains with beans and coconut, and signature rum drinks.

To cap off the night, guests were treated to hand-painted humidors containing a hand-rolled Dominican cigar.

More than 714,000 Canadians visit the Dominican Republic each year. The nation, which was named the #1 Golf Destination in Caribbean & Latin America by the International Association of Golf Tour Operators, is home to 25 designer golf courses as well as upscale resorts, sophisticated cities and quaint villages all known for their warm Dominican hospitality.

To learn more about rum production in the Dominican Republic, visit www.GoDominicanRepublic.com.

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