Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Nia Montalvo . We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Nia , looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Learning the craft is often a unique journey from every creative – we’d love to hear about your journey and if knowing what you know now, you would have done anything differently to speed up the learning process.

Like everything it takes time, perseverance, consistency and lots of money. My very first investment was in the Rum Aroma Training Kit. A 24 aroma kit that is helps train your nose to detect those in the rum. I’m actively training my nose to try to be as precise as possible in detecting these aromas. Then I invested $2000 in video and audio equipment to my videos could be at a minimum standard of my choosing. My latest investment was in my Rummerlier Certification. Not only do I have 16 hours of classes but I have to try 50 different rums and document all my experiences with each bottle. I’m currently working on my Master Rummerlier that will have me take additional classes, try an additional 275 rums and visit 16 distilleries.

There is nothing truly that could have increased time as become a Rummerlier takes time and experience. Luckily I live in Florida, where I do have access to a lot of rum. This allows me to expand on both my palette and nose training.

Nia , love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

I had a passion for rum since I was 18 (legal age to drink in Ecuador where I’m from). My first time trying rum was Ron Abuelo and Havana Club from Cuba in a Cuba Libre. I was delighted by the spirits coloring, sweet and smokiness.

I ventured off from rum to other spirits for some years only to come back to it eight years ago. Working for an airplane charter company at the time, my pilots/co-workers would always graciously bring me back some rum. Very unique rums that could not be found on the mainland. I would do reviews of the bottles (on IG), calling them part of My Rum Diaries. This is where the idea was born.

Few years later, the pandi hit and being bored at home, I decided to revisit the idea with full commitment. I started my YouTube channel. I could sense that there was a need for a female only rum reviewer in this male heavy niche. Since then, I’ve been dedicating any time off to this amazing passion project. Being navigator for rums from all over the world.

Learning and unlearning are both critical parts of growth – can you share a story of a time when you had to unlearn a lesson?

Aromas found in spirits are personal. Yes let me say it again, for the people in the back! They are personal.

I can get hints of vanilla and someone else can get caramel. We are both right! It took me a while to digest that but once I got it I absolutely love it! It brought the pretentiousness away. It made the experiences more approachable but still so personal. It is my new favorite thing to tell people looking to enjoy spirits.

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

The people I have met. I did not expect, specially as a woman, to have such a strong sense of belonging to this community. I have met the most interesting and caring people. We have shared spirits, travel and experiences that I will never forget.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.myrumdiaries.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/myrumdiaries/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MyRumDiaries
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/esmontalvo/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/myrumdiaries

Image Credits
Mine otherwise Photo Nation X has been tagged in the images.