Chief Bootlegger, Shipwreck Rum: ZACH BRINLEY

Brinley Gold Shipwreck Rum is handcrafted on the beautiful Caribbean island of St. Kitts. Their mission is simple – to make the best-tasting flavored rum in the world. They blend only the finest ingredients into their award-winning rums – White Reserve, Shipwreck Spiced, Vanilla, Coffee, Mango, and Coconut.

The family business began on the island of St. Kitts in 1986 by Bob Brinley, who now serves as chairman of Brinley Gold Rum.

In 2002, Zach Brinley, Bob’s son, traded his job on Wall Street to become president of the new rum company. His mission was to create the smoothest-flavored rum in the world. Brinley Gold Rum blended and marketed its first batch of vanilla rum and started selling on the island that very same year. Let’s learn more about him in this interview:

TRL: Who is Zach Brinley?

My name is Zach Brinley and I am the Chief Bootlegger for Brinley Gold Shipwreck Rum, or Shipwreck Rum as we’re now known. I am in charge of making sure production on the Caribbean island of St. Kitts keeps up with the growing demand for the brand ~ while also traveling the U.S. as our brand ambassador.

Our story begins in 1986 when my father started manufacturing semiconductors on the Caribbean island of St. Kitts. (FYI – St. Kitts & Nevis are the smallest country in the Western Hemisphere). When he had to close the factory in 2002, we partnered up with the existing distillery (CSR / DDL) and started producing our Shipwreck Rum. We were looking for a rum that cruise ship tourists could sip and enjoy, no matter if they were rum fans or not so decided a “step up” in the flavored rum world was overdue. We’ve been making our rum in small batches using natural flavors and extracts ever since. Now it can be found throughout the US and is blended in 8 different varieties ~ 4 yr aged Spiced, White, Coconut, Vanilla, Coffee, Mango, Lime, and Coconut Rum Cream. We’ve been named a “Rising Star” brand and are now up to selling 50k cases per year!

TRL: What does the rum mean to you?

Rum means Life & Family to me. It’s given me everything I have. Working with my father and entire family for many decades has been a genuine gift.

TRL: What made you fall in love with rum and when did it happen?

Trying to recall the exact moment is a challenge–as much as it could’ve been my first sip of a heavenly glass of Aged Rum – I’d have to say it was in 2003 in St. John’s, Newfoundland. We had just begun producing in St. Kitts and were ecstatic about this new venture. My Dad and I traveled to St. John’s to the Intl Rum Festival to present our first batches of Vanilla & Coconut Rums. I had no idea of the passion of everyone in this industry. We met the nicest people from all over the world, including numerous Master Blenders, learned that the Canadian eastern provinces are the per capita rum drinking capital of the world, and we won a gold medal! Learning that Rum could bring so many interesting people together over a shared interest was a big moment.

TRL: Three essential characteristics that define the rum according to your perspective.

I could answer this question in two directions. To me, Rum as a spirit is Sugarcane, Time, & Passion. From my perspective, I think of Rum as Family, Caribbean, & Life.

TRL: What is the most important contribution you have made to the rum industry?

I’d like to think that we’ve been able to change the “culture” surrounding flavored rum. Our goal has always been to raise the bar from the original low-end flavored rums by producing our Shipwreck Rum in small batches with natural flavors and extracts. An upscale sipping Coconut Rum!

TRL: Benefits that the rum industry has given you.

Rum has given me the gift of freedom. I’m also incredibly lucky to work with my Dad every day – and travel to beautiful islands!

TRL: What’s another thing you are passionate about, besides rum? Why?

My children. I love my 3 kids like crazy. Finn (12), Charlotte (11), and Willa May (8) are my life. I also love the game of Golf. I became hooked about 5 years ago and love having a competitive sport that I can compete with anyone of any age – my son or my father!

TRL: What is your favorite place for drinking rum?

It’s a close tie between at the distillery when a new batch has been completed OR a “swim up” pool bar on St. Kitts with friends.

TRL: Favorite drink + Recipe

I honestly love our Shipwreck Spiced Rum neat or as a “‘Wreck on the Rocks” with just an ice cube. But I also love our Coconut Rum as a simple mojito – with just Rum, Club Soda, mint & lime.

TRL: Why is it important to educate the rum consumer?

It’s so important. Many in the US just think of Rum as a seasonal summer drink, or as a lower-end spirit (due to lower retail price points). If we can educate the consumer I firmly believe our retail prices will rise to get closer to the Tequilas and Bourbon and this will directly support Rum producing countries.

TRL: Any tips to train the palate and taste a good premium rum?

Sip slowly & savor!

TRL: How can the rum contribute to improving the crisis in some countries?

I’m not an expert on this, and I would think it would depend on which countries and crises were talking about, but I know that Rum Tourism can be a huge help (ie. Distillery tours & tastings & more employment). And of course, increased exports always help!

TRL: Is the commitment to sustainable development the key to success for the permanence of the rum industry in the world? Why?

We need to make sure we are set for the future – and hopefully, huge growth when Rum becomes the IT spirit.

TRL: Who would like to meet in the rum industry? What would you say to him/her?

I would have to say either Alexander Gabriel, founder of Maison Ferrand, or Joy Spence, the Master Blender for Appleton Estate. I think Joy has done a great job with Appleton, and Maison Ferrand’s Plantation Rums are a very cool addition to the category. Would just like to sit with them and talk to Rum!

TRL: What are your next goals in the rum industry?

We’re close to bottling a 10 yr aged rum at the moment so that is very exciting. Other than that, we would love to expand into the UK market since we have a tremendous amount of demand and don’t have an importer at the moment (St. Kitts & Nevis used to be the British Islands).

TRL: Plans you have when you leave the rum industry.

Travel & Play more golf!

TRL: Why is the role of the bartender important in the rum industry?

They are the true educators in this business. They need to show how amazing rum can be for consumers. If a customer is interested, we need bartenders to offer them a taste of a delicious rum sipped neat and offer some passion and insight into this incredible spirit.

TRL: What is your advice for new generations in the rum industry?

Let’s all work together in this Rum category. Let’s educate younger drinkers. Rum will have its day in the sun and we’ll be ready for it.

TRL: How can people learn more about you? Website? Social media page?

You can check us out at https://www.instagram.com/shipwreckrum and learn more about our story & order Shipwreck online here ~ www.ShipwreckRum.com