Interview with Jillian Beall – Ambassador & co-owner of Tailwinds Distilling
Ambassador & co-owner of Tailwinds Distilling
1) Who is Jillian Beall?
Jillian Beall is Ambassador, face on the bottle, and part owner of Tailwinds Distilling in Plainfield, IL. Tailwinds is a family run Rum and 100% Blue Agave Distillery that she and her husband Toby and brother-in-law Jamey Beall launched back in 2012. Prior to becoming the Ambassador Jillian was a teacher for many years, however the desire to be a bigger part of the craft industry and develop fantastic craft rums soon took over.
I feel craft rum deserves a higher recognition in today’s industry. I love being able to introduce it and educate others on what really goes into a true craft rum. What once may have been a spirited regarded only as a mixer has really grown into a fabulous sipping drink with some incredible characteristics. As a woman working my way through this industry I hope to help continue paving the way for other women entrepreneurs with similar dreams and goals. There is much to learn and much to be a part of and I am honored to take part in the resurgence of rum.
3) What made you fall in love with rum and when did it happen?
My husband became very passionate about Rum as he traveled to the islands frequently. He constantly came home with new knowledge and products to try and I quickly became fascinated by the spirit and how much life it brings to a drink. In 2009 I felt the same desire he did to bring more craft rums to the U.S.
4) What is that thing that makes you want to continue in the rum industry?
The thing that makes me desire to continue the Rum movement is the excitement on our patrons faces when they try a great and true craft rum. I love what we do and what we have created and most of all I love sharing it all with everyone we come into contact with.
5) Favorite Rum Drink + Recipe?
Personally I cannot get enough of the Tailwinds Mai Tai. It’s served in an adorable tiki glass filled with our Amber and White Rum along with Orange juice, pineapple juice, orgeat, and grenadine then topped with our After Dark dark rum as a floater and dressed with an orange, cherry and umbrella.
6) Where do you see the rum industry today and in the next 5 years?
I feel like today the rum industry has really made a name for itself and it’s gaining more recognition every day, however it still has a ways to go but we will get there!. I feel in the next 5 years Rum will make its presence known on the shelf and capture even more hearts than it already has.
7) Share some (2-3) of your mentors and how they have help you.
My husband Toby Beall has been the best mentor in this entire process. He has taken me through this entire journey with him from the very early stages of developing recipes to fermenting, distilling, bottling, and labeling but most of all understanding why Rum is such a beautiful spirit and how important it is to help others see the depth and quality it has to offer.
Craig Hiljus is another fabulous mentor for the simple fact that I came into this industry with little knowledge of what to expect. Many would give me advice but Craig took the time to introduce me to the sales/ambassador side of things. He continues to check in with me and supports me in any way I may need.
8) What 3-5 things do you have in your bucket list for the next 12 months?
-
Rum Fest 2016 in San Francisco
-
Build, train, and lead a Tailwinds team beneath me
- Tour Barbados and Belize
9) Any last words?
Tailwinds looks forward to being a part of your next summer cocktail and bringing more character and life to the glass it’s in!
You can follow Tailwinds on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram where we are always updating our followers and supporters on our journey!
Instagram:@rumrunner24
www.tailwindsdistilling.com
