Demerara Distillers Limited (DDL), this past Wednesday, held a reception in honour of iconic Guyanese business executive, civic leader and philanthropist, Dr. Yeshu Persaud AA, CCH, on the eve of his 90th birthday.
The reception brought colleagues, friends, family, staff and well-wishers together at the Rum Heritage Centre, in celebration of the man who has made indelible impressions on the lives of many in the industry, business community and beyond.
Chairman of the Demerara Distillers Limited, Komal Samaroo, stated that “the DDL that we know today, owes a great debt to Dr. Persaud, for his bold and imaginative leadership, for almost four decades.”
He added “I am fortunate to have had the opportunity to work with Dr. Persaud over the years. His enthusiasm, positive energy and ‘can do’ attitude was an inspiration for me as a young professional and is and inspiration for the young professionals of today.”
A significant moment at the reception, was the unveiling of a portrait of Dr. Persaud. Mr. Samaroo stated “The Executive team of DDL has decided to commission a portrait of Dr. Yesu Persaud. The portrait will occupy a very prominent place in this Rum Heritage Centre.”
Well-wishing messages came from several other persons, including the former Chairman of the Guyana Elections Commission and DDL board member, Rudolph Collins, who took the time to highlight that a collaboration was on going, with Dr. David Dabydeen and Dr. Persaud, to produce volume 11 of Dr. Persaud’s memoirs. He stated “The book covers several decades of Guyana’s history with most of it during the period after Guyana became independent in 1966. It literally reveals all with little or no holds barred.”
Another significant moment was the launch of a limited edition 90 year old rum, in honour of Dr. Persaud’s 90th birthday. The Special Anniversary Rum, created in honour of Dr. Persaud, harkens back to his roots as a ‘Diamond Estate boy.’ Master Distiller, Sean Caleb stated “Three Diamond Stills feature prominently in the product, fittingly providing 90 percent of the draw. First, the Copper Coffey Still, endemic to the Diamond Estate dating back to 1920, churns out a spirit with bright rich fruity notes – a quintessentially Diamond rum.”
He added “This is augmented by spirit from the Tri-Canada Rectification, built in 1980 at the Diamond Distillery with significant native Guyanese involvement, produces a spirit with the highest degree of purity possible through distillation. Nothing better embodies the integrity, strength of character, and illumination of Dr Persaud’s legacy than this purest of rectified spirits. Finishing with the High Ester Copper Pot Still, this spirit is so patently potent that it has only ever been used thrice before in our recent corporate history, and finds a role in signifying the singularity and robustness of Dr. Persaud’s contribution to the industry, as a Leader and as a Person.”
Each year of distillation chosen for this limited-edition product, represents significant birthdays of Dr. Persaud with the Company. The years 1998 (70th), 2003 (75th), 2008 (80th) and 2013 (85th) were selected. Drawing 90% from 1998 aged rums, the Special Anniversary Edition offers a bright medley of honey, almond, orange and banana aromas that evolve from the Diamond Stills. Enriched by the Double and Single Wooden Pot Stills, rich notes of dried fruits and caramelized figs, which lead on the palate, are followed by the slight pucker of green apples, and a lingering aftertaste of licorice and dark chocolate.
The pioneer of DDL and the El Dorado brand rum, Dr. Yesu Persaud, expressed his gratitude for all of the warm remarks and thoughtful gestures.