Bumbu Rum class action claims product falsely advertised as original craft rum

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Bumbu Rum class action lawsuit overview: 

• Who: Lamarr Golston filed a class action lawsuit against Bumbu Rum Co. LLC. 
• Why: Golston claims Bumbu Rum falsely advertises its “Original Craft Rum” products as being rum and a distilled spirit.
• Where: The class action lawsuit was filed in New York federal court.

Bumbu Rum Company falsely advertises its sugar cane-distilled beverages as being “Original Craft Rum” when they are actually closer to a cordial or liqueur, a new class action lawsuit alleges. 

Plaintiff Lamarr Golston claims the Bumbu Rum products cannot be classified as a distilled spirit because they allegedly are only 35% alcohol by volume and 70 proof.

Golston argues the Bumbu Rum products also cannot qualify as rum since they contain additional ingredients — including flavoring materials — that “alter (the products’) class and type.” 

“The Product is closer to a cordial or liqueur because it is believed to contain added sugar and flavorings beyond threshold to qualify under this type of beverage,” the class action states. 

Golston wants to represent a New York class and multi-state consumer fraud class of individuals who have purchased a Bumbu Rum product during the statute of limitations for each alleged cause of action. 

Rum not the predominant characteristic in Bumbu Rum Original Craft Rum, class action says

Bumbu Rum’s Original Craft Rum products contain a “significant amount” of added vanilla and banana flavoring and sweetening that makes it so “its predominant characteristic is no longer rum,” the Bumbu Rum class action alleges. 

“Defendant described the Product so Plaintiff and consumers believed it was a premium rum, not a cordial or liqueur due to the amounts of added flavoring and sweetening added,” the class action states. 

Golston claims Bumbu Rum is guilty of fraud, negligent misrepresentation, and unjust enrichment, and of violating New York General Business Law, several state consumer fraud acts and the Magnuson Moss Warranty Act. 

Plaintiff is demanding a jury trial and requesting declaratory relief along with an award of monetary, statutory and/or punitive damages for himself and all class members. 

A similar class action lawsuit was filed against Sazerac in January by a consumer arguing the company misleads consumers into believing its Fireball Cinnamon mini product contains actual whiskey. 

Have you purchased a Bumbu Rum product? Let us know in the comments! 

The plaintiff is represented by Spencer Sheehan of Sheehan & Associates PC. 

The Bumbu Rum class action lawsuit is Golston, et al. v. Bumbu Rum Co. LLC, Case No. 1:23-cv-00241, in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of New York.

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