The Rum Experience - Collector's Edition: The Complete Rum Reference Guide
Luis K. Ayala is no stranger to rum. With over a decade and a half of hands-on experience, from judging at international rum competitions and tastings to assisting distilleries in the production of new rums, he has witnessed -and written- about all aspects of the rum industry. His books include: The Rum Experience, The Encyclopedia of Rum Drinks, The 2002-2003 Rum Buyer's Guide and American Rum.  In 2001, Mr. Ayala, along with his wife and partner, Margaret, founded Rum Runner Press Inc., a company devoted to servicing the needs of the rum industry, from education and training to production and special events. Today Rum Runner Press publishes the world's only monthly Rum Magazine ("Got Rum?") which is read by tens of thousands of rum aficionados around the globe. Mr. Ayala's reputation as a rum lover and an expert in the field is well known. To date he is the most published rum author in the world. In September of 2002 he was the recipient of the International Rum Festival's Platinum Award for his "Global education and promotion of rum."  In 2006, Luis Ayala was asked to work with Georg Riedel (from Riedel Crystal) to develop the first ever Riedel Rum Glass for Ron Zacapa Centenario. Today Luis Ayala is a sought-after consultant for the rum industry; his skills have helped launch new rums, improve existing rums and fine tune consumer and trade campaigns.  He is the leading force behind nomenclature unification efforts and is an avid supporter of consumer education.