Bartender Michael Carbajal has joined the Deadhead Rum family as brand ambassador and in-house mixologist where he will continue to create signature cocktails and promote the brand on social media and at tastings across the country. 

“Unlike other spirits that have strict laws regarding production guidelines,”says Carbajal, “each rum country has its own production methods and flavor profiles and Deadhead Rum has always impressed me with its non-interventionist, traditional, natural approach to producing fine rums.”

“We love Michael’s work,” says Founder and CEO Kim Brandi. “Michael has been a supporter of Deadhead rum starting back in 2015 when he was bartending at Hula’s Modern Tiki where his Deadhead rum crafted cocktails were on menu. We brought Michael on to curate our cocktails for the 2021 Arizona Tiki Oasis event. His cocktail submission ‘It Takes Two to Mango’ was selected by the Hotel Valley Ho in Scottsdale, AZ and featured at the ZUZU lounge and the OH pool. Every signature cocktail Michael curated for the event was made with the mark of passion and uniqueness. His deep understanding about spirits and the flavors that blend well with them really shined through in each cocktail, and so it was a natural move for us to ask Michael to join our Tiki Tribe.” 

Deadhead Rum is distilled in Chiapas, México by Rones de México, the most decorated distillery in México.  Family-owned and producing exceptional rums since 1948, the third-generation family members today are combining the best practices of old-world tradition with the best new-world technology from fermentation through distillation, maturation, and bottling.

Carbajal has a planned visit to Rones de México in Chiapas, México. “I’m very excited at the opportunity to spend some time at the source with all the folks at Rones de Mexico and learn more about rum production in Mexico. Especially excited to meet Jorge Perez Rafael and learn from a master distiller,” added Carbajal. 

“I am proud to represent a rum from a family-owned distillery with such a deep history in rum production and community roots in the Chiapas region,” says Carbajal. “The fact that Rones de México commits to the well-being of its people and the community in Chiapas was also an important factor in my decision to join the Deadhead Rum family. I’m looking forward to spending time there,” Carbajal added. 

Rones de México supports sustainable agriculture and the economic and social conditions of the communities in which they operate. It is committed to preserving and respecting the earth and the environment and participates in fair trade and is green industry certified.  What’s more, Rones donates to local schools, health clinics, and to local artisans.

Carbajal will also be responsible for developing Deadhead Rum’s cocktail portfolio and digital assets (Carbajal is also a photographer) and consumer rum education. In addition, he will consult with on-premise accounts to assist Deadhead Rum in placements and staff training.