My name is Daniela Weinapple, and I handle the marketing, social media, and communications for Pusser’s Rum. I grew up in New Jersey where I lived until 2012. After graduating college, I packed my bags and headed south to escape the cold and start a new adventure in Charleston, South Carolina.

I’ve been a writer my whole life. It started with diaries and journals full of fiction stories (some of which I still have); then I turned to blogging (Xanga, anyone?), and eventually I was able to turn my passion for writing into a career through content creation and marketing. My personality is paradoxical; I’m big on sarcasm, but I think the world would be a much better place if everyone just showed a little more kindness to each other.

It’s hard to pick a specific moment. Midwest Rum Fest, presented by The Rum Lab, was an event that made me fall (even harder) in love with rum! It was the first event I had ever attended of its kind, and I was awestruck by the tastes, stories, and people I was surrounded by throughout the whole weekend. It was there that I fell in love not just with rum as a spirit, but as a lifestyle.

The rum industry is full of awesome people. From bloggers and rum connoisseurs to event managers and sales representatives, everyone I’ve had the pleasure of meeting and working with has been exceptional. It’s an industry filled with people following their passion, and that’s an inspiring thing to be a part of.

There’s nothing like a Pusser’s Painkiller!

2 oz Pusser’s Rum
4 oz pineapple juice
1 oz orange juice
1 oz cream of coconut
Nutmeg

Add Pusser’s Rum, pineapple juice, orange juice, and cream of coconut to a cocktail shaker and shake well. Pour liquid into a cocktail glass over ice. Garnish with freshly grated nutmeg.

The rum industry is on fire right now, and I only see it growing from here. With a strong demand by consumers for authenticity and quality products, I think we’re going to see an even larger demographic looking to trade their lower-end liquors for premium rums. People are showing more interest than ever in the stories behind their spirits, and rum does not disappoint. It’s on track to continue its success into 2018 and beyond.

I’m very excited about a revamp of our 15 Year Aged rum that we’ve been working on. We’re also planning a Black Tot Day celebration that’s going to be bigger than ever, so stay tuned. Personally, I’m looking forward to checking Bali off my travel bucket list for a honeymoon I’m planning with my fiancé, Dustin, in April.