How to make it FUNKY, the Cousins process and how to make cane acid

Professional distillers/distilling researchers John Hayes and Brett Stiegerwaldt present on the history and methods used in carribean rum to produce high ester funky flavors. These distillers will also be presenting in person at the Rum Summit (https://distilling.com/event/rum-summ...) and ADI 2026 Miami Beach conference Aug 18-19 (https://distilling.com/event/adi-2026...) In this session, they’ll cover: The Cousins Process — a traditional technique for producing high-ester rums by concentrating acid-rich lees from previous distillations How high-ester rums develop their intense aroma and flavor profiles The production and use of cane acids in rum making Practical insights into fermentation management, flavor development, and distillation strategy Whether you’re a distiller, spirits enthusiast, or fermentation nerd, this webinar offers a rare opportunity to learn directly from two innovators shaping American rum today.