Chase Lanier: The Rummelier Shaping a New Era for Rum

Beverage Manager Chase Lanier isn’t just a rum enthusiast; he’s a “rummelier,” a title that reflects his deep expertise in the world of rum.

Photos by Sorry Charlie’s

Much like a sommelier guides guests through wine, Lanier offers insights into rum’s diverse regional styles, production techniques, and flavor profiles. At The Bamboo Room in Savannah, Georgia, Lanier is redefining how we experience this often-overlooked spirit.

Lanier’s journey into rum was born out of opportunity. “Honestly, it was all about circumstances. Sorry Charlie’s opened a lot of doors,” he shares. His time at The Bamboo Room Tiki Bar, where his general manager saw his potential, allowed him the freedom to explore rum’s complexities. “That experience gave me the space to dive deeper into rum,” Lanier explains.

With over 200 rums behind the bar, Lanier’s approach to curating the collection balances tried-and-true favorites with adventurous new options. While he’s a fan of established brands like Foursquare and Ten to One, he also welcomes rare and funky bottles.

“Having that diversity is part of the fun when guests come in – if they say they don’t like rum, then I can turn it around and show them a rum they may like because we have so many different flavor profiles in house,” Lanier says.

To help guests find their perfect rum, Lanier has developed a series of questions based on their preferences. If you’re a bourbon drinker, he suggests Barbados rums like The Real McCoy 12, known for their complexity and spice notes. Tequila lovers will enjoy Blanc rums from Martinique, while those with a sweet tooth can try Ron Zacapa Centenario. Lanier also highlights the “funky” Jamaican Hampden Estate rum for adventurous guests.

One misconception Lanier often encounters is that rum is overly sweet or only suitable for frozen beach drinks. “Rum is much different than any other spirit – the variety and wide range of taste and flavors that you get out of rum sets it apart,” he says.

“Especially alongside tequilas or bourbon, if a guest blind tests rum, they might easily mistake it for another type of spirit.”

Though tiki is a central theme at The Bamboo Room, Lanier’s cocktails transcend typical tiki fare. One standout creation was a rum-based Old Fashioned, made with mezcal, Japanese chili, lime bitters, and cherry wood smoke, a deceptively simple drink with a complex flavor profile.

Lanier’s passion for rum also extends to its history. He is a self-proclaimed history nerd, and he gravitates toward products with compelling backstories. But above all, he values the guest experience. “It’s about helping someone find something they like and maybe introducing them to a new favorite,” he explains.

Looking ahead, Lanier is optimistic about rum’s future. He predicts that, much like tequila’s recent rise, rum will experience a similar surge in popularity.

“I think the future of rum is wide open,” Lanier says. “Rums that we’ve been carrying since day one are popping up in bars, and I expect to see them more on cocktail menus in fine dining and chain restaurants.”

With his deep knowledge of the spirit and a laid-back, guest-first approach, Lanier is helping to shift perceptions around rum, one cocktail at a time. At The Bamboo Room, every pour tells a story, and thanks to Lanier’s passion and palate, more people are discovering that rum isn’t just worth sipping, but worth celebrating.

The post Chase Lanier: The Rummelier Shaping a New Era for Rum appeared first on Chilled Magazine.