Ottawa's Best-Kept Drinks Secret Just Got a Whole Lot Richer
Ottawa has a quietly thriving cocktail and spirits culture, and few events capture that better than From the Embassy Cellars — a masterclass series run by Tim Ouellette and Brittany Sabourin of SommWise Inc. Their latest session turned the spotlight on one of the world's most underrated spirits: Guyanese Demerara rum, affectionately known as "liquid gold."
For those who haven't attended one of these evenings yet, consider this your sign to get on the list.
What Is Demerara Rum, Exactly?
Demerara rum takes its name from the Demerara River in Guyana, South America — a region with a sugar cane growing history stretching back centuries. What makes it distinctive is the molasses-rich, dark, and complex flavour profile that comes from traditional pot still and wooden column still production methods that have barely changed in over 150 years.
The result is a spirit with extraordinary depth: notes of dried fruit, toffee, vanilla, and a warmth that lingers long after the last sip. It's the kind of rum that makes you slow down and actually taste what's in your glass.
An Evening Worth Savouring
The masterclass format is what sets From the Embassy Cellars apart from your average tasting event. Ouellette and Sabourin don't just pour samples — they take the room through a full narrative arc: the history of Guyana's sugar industry, the colonial trade routes that made rum a global commodity, and the modern distilleries still carrying the torch today.
Guests had the chance to taste a wide range of expressions side by side, exploring how aging, blending, and barrel selection shape the final product. It's the kind of hands-on education that sticks with you — and makes you look at the rum shelf at your local LCBO very differently the next time you're browsing.
Why Ottawa Needs More of This
Ottawa doesn't always get credit for having a sophisticated food and drink scene, but events like this prove otherwise. SommWise Inc. has carved out a niche for bringing world-class spirits and wine education to Ottawa in a way that's accessible, engaging, and genuinely fun — no pretension required.
The Embassy Cellars series has covered everything from Burgundy wines to Japanese whisky, and each event draws an enthusiastic crowd of curious locals who want to go deeper than the label. It's the kind of community-building that makes the capital's culinary scene richer for everyone.
How to Attend
If you missed this Demerara rum session, don't stress — the series runs regularly throughout the year. Keep an eye on SommWise Inc.'s channels for upcoming dates and topics. Spots tend to fill quickly, especially for themed events like this one, so early registration is your best bet.
Whether you're a spirits enthusiast or just someone who enjoys learning something new over a good drink, From the Embassy Cellars is one of Ottawa's most rewarding nights out.
Source: Ottawa Life Magazine. Original article by Ottawa Life Magazine staff.
