Behind The Scenes

Ever since I was five, I've traveled to Jamaica to visit my parents' sides of the family. This was not the white sands and blue water type of vacation but rather cold showers, mosquito bites, and enjoying fruit and water coconut falling from the trees of my now 101-year-old Grandmother's front yard. I enjoyed staying at the house my mother lived in since the age of 11.

When my sister turned 40, she decided to celebrate at a Jamaican resort, a gathering that included friends and family. The experience was truly amazing. Though delicious, the food couldn't match up to my family's cooking, and I missed the simplicity of drinking coconut water straight from the source. But the real highlight was the quality time we spent together, a reminder that family gatherings, with their unique blend of love and laughter, are always the best experiences. 

One of the most exciting parts of my travels is exploring duty-free airport shops. It was during one such exploration that I stumbled upon Jamaican ginger wine. As a fan of ginger, the idea of a ginger-based wine was fascinating, and I couldn't resist buying ten bottles to take back home. This discovery sparked a new interest and set me on a path of experimentation and learning.

Once home, I began experimenting with different ways to enjoy my new collection.  I'd create ginger wine cocktails with brandy, ginger ale, and even slices of orange that I'd freeze to act as ice cubes.  The vibrant flavors of every experiment captivated me, igniting a spark of curiosity and a thirst for more knowledge in the world of craft distilling.

When I moved to the Netherlands, I contacted a local distillery to inquire about creating my spirit, and that's where my journey into the world of craft distilling truly began. I was immediately drawn to the craftsmanship behind each bottle; the meticulous attention to detail and the rich history of distilling in the region mesmerized me. 

I dove into research, exploring everything from sugarcane cultivation to fermentation processes. I experimented with different ingredients, blending flavors and refining my technique to bring forth flavors genuine and authentic to my heritage. Friends and family became my enthusiastic taste testers, encouraging me with every batch.

With each attempt, I learned something new—how to balance sweetness, the importance of aging, and the subtle nuances of spices. I invested in quality equipment and sought advice from seasoned distillers, soaking up their knowledge like a sponge.

After months of trial and error, I finally crafted a rum that felt like an extension of myself—smooth, flavorful, and unique. The first bottle I shared with my family on Thanksgiving was met with cheers and smiles, a moment that reinforced my passion for this craft. It was a testament to the power of dedication and the sheer joy of creating something truly exceptional, a feeling that I hope inspires others to pursue their own passions.

Today, I continue to experiment and innovate, bringing various visions to life. Each bottle tells a story, not just of rum, but of adventure, dedication, and the joy of creating something exceptional. This creation is a testament to my passion for craft distilling, from traditional Jamaican flavors to innovative blends.  My dream is that my experience in this creation creates experiences in others where family and friends come together and share their own stories and passions.