CHAIR

Carsten E. Vlierboom

Carsten E. Vlierboom is CEO and Chief Rum Officer & Master Blender of the E&A Scheer Group in the Netherlands, one of the world’s leading specialists in sourcing, blending and supplying Rum. E&A Scheer works with distilleries across more than 40 Rum-producing origins, supplying everything from bulk Rum and bespoke blends to specialist products for customers worldwide. Within the group, Carsten is also responsible for The Main Rum Company in Liverpool, renowned for its exceptional inventory of rare, aged and distinctive Rums in cask.

Carsten has worked in the Rum industry since joining E&A Scheer in 1995, after studying at the Hotel School The Hague and INSEAD in Fontainebleau. Over more than 30 years, he has developed extensive knowledge of Rum origins, production styles and blending, working closely with producers and customers across the Caribbean, Latin America, Asia and beyond. As a master Rum blender, he has created and developed blends for numerous successful Rum brands as well as for a wide variety of specialist applications.

Alongside his commercial and blending work, Carsten has been closely involved with the International Spirits Challenge for many years as a Rum judge and Chair of the Rum judging panel, a role that reflects his broad category knowledge and international experience.

Beyond the Rum industry, Carsten has served as Honorary Consul for Jamaica in the Netherlands for close to 15 years. This role complements a longstanding personal and professional connection with Jamaica and the wider Caribbean. He particularly values the relationships, cultures and traditions behind Rum, and continues to work closely with producers around the world, combining technical expertise, commercial understanding and a lifelong curiosity for the diversity of the category.

JUDGES FROM 2026

LEFT TO RIGHT: Jaz Anand, Skylark Spirits; Keegan Menezes, Freelance Rum Consultant; Pamela Anderson, William Grant & Sons; Carsten Vlierboom, E&A Scheer; Chima Nwa, Lets Get Mixing; Marjon De Haan, E&A Scheer;  Jo Killoughery, JoBlogsRum; Steven Magarry, Sydney Rum Distillery;