National Brand Advocacy, Spiribam USA: JEN AKIN

She was born and raised in Lawrence, Kansas, and moved to Seattle in 2012 after graduating with a bachelor’s in Biology and Chemistry. She fell in love with the service industry while working to pay her way through school, and this passion only deepened as she discovered her love for rum. She was lucky enough to get a job at Rumba, where she was eventually promoted to general manager. Her passion for rum has remained strong, and she couldn’t imagine a better career path to continue after her time at Rumba. Working with her favorite brands (Rhum JM was and remains her distillery of choice) has brought her immense joy.

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

Rum is storytelling and history lessons. Rum is the most beautifully complicated spirit allowing all kinds of drinking experiences. You can have a night out with friends enjoying daiquiris or a thought-provoking pour of something unusual or new. And everything in between. Despite my love of rum, my first experience with it was not a pleasant one. My introduction at 19 involved Captain Morgan spiced rum and far too much of it in an attempt to impress a boy. This experience left me so traumatized that I didn’t drink rum again for almost ten years. When I moved to Seattle, I was told Rumba was the place to be. Going there changed my life. I learned what rum truly was, and I was immediately hooked.

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

I think the contribution I’ve made that I’m most proud of is my staff at Rumba. Teaching the next generation of bartenders and instilling passion and commitment to rum have been the best part of my career. It’s wonderful that I get to continue this through my position at Spiribam; I get to travel the country to educate about our brands. It’s a dream.

TRL: Benefits that the rum industry has given you.

Oh man, we always say that rum friends are the best friends and that is absolutely true. I’ve made so many incredible friends on this crazy journey into rum. Friends that teach, challenge and support me and friends that make me belly laugh till I cry.

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

I grew up riding horses and competing for almost 20 years. I will never lose my passion for horses. They’ve been my safe space since I was very young.

TRL: What is your favorite place for drinking rum?

My favorite place to drink rum will always be when I’m surrounded by friends… it’s even better when we’re drinking that rum in the place where it is made.

TRL: Favorite drink + Recipe:

A classic daiquiri will always be my favorite. And I might ruffle feathers with this one, but I love a daiquiri made with Agricole. My go-to spec is 2 oz Rhum JM 100 proof, 0.75 oz fresh lime juice, 0.5 oz rich simple syrup, or JM Sirop de Canne.

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

Unfortunately, rum is the most misunderstood spirit, and a big reason for this is the amount of education the consumer needs to make an educated decision when purchasing a bottle or ordering a cocktail. As we all know, you cannot blindly trust a label, and knowing what to look for is challenging even for experienced bartenders. In addition, supporting ethical brands is crucial, which can also be difficult to determine.

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

I think sustainability and ethics are crucial for the continued success of the rum category. I believe this is the case for all spirits categories.

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

I have lofty goals, but why not shoot for the stars? My goals are to continue educating and bringing my passion for the rum category to consumers and industry professionals alike. I would love to see the category grow and get the adoration it so justly deserves.

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

Ha! If I ever leave the rum industry… I would love to have some property and host short-term rentals with opportunities for event hosting. I want at least one miniature donkey, a miniature cow, some chickens, and probably many dogs.

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

The bartender is the gateway to the consumer! They have such an important role in getting rum into the hands of their guests, educating those guests, and encouraging them to drink outside of their comfort zone. Our brands have largely been built by bartenders, and having been one myself for a long time, bartenders are crucial to the success of smaller brands and niche spirits.

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

Travel and experience things first hand if you can. There is nothing like seeing (and smelling) a working rum distillery. Don’t believe everything you read. Question things and think critically. Make friends and talk about things you’ve learned and things you want to learn. Soak up education everywhere and every way you can.

TRL: How can people learn more about you? Website? Social media page? I’m on Instagram: @jenakinmecrazy and you can learn more about my brands at Spiribam USA – Spiribamusa.