News Archives - Deadhead Rum

SHARK CONSERVATION COCKTAIL COMPETITION MAY 11TH – JULY 1

May 13, 2024/in News/by kim@iconicbrandsinc.com

CALLING ALL MIXOLOGISTS

SHARK CONSERVATION COCKTAIL COMPETITION

FOR A CAUSE

DeadHead® Rum has joined forces with the Saving Our Sharks Foundation to discover the most inventive mixologists, ready to redefine classic shark-themed cocktails with their innovative twists The goal of this competition is to reshape the cultural view of sharks—often marred by fear and stigma—to symbols of a sustainable future. Through this initiative, we aim to highlight the significance of preserving these magnificent marine animals and their critical role in the health of our oceans and, by extension, humanity itself one sip at a time.

The Deadhead® Rum Shark Conservation cocktail competition begins May 11, 2024 and ends July 1, 2024. The winning cocktail will compete in the finals for a chance to win the Grand Prize. Finalists will be judged live via Instagram on July 14, 2024, National Shark Awareness Day.

GRAND PRIZE

TRIP TO THE MEXICAN CARIBBEAN

Embark on an unforgettable journey to the Mexican Caribbean, complete with airfare and accommodations at the luxurious Hotel B Cozumel located on the edge of the Caribbean Sea. Dive into a shark conservation adventure with a Cozumel boat adventure (diving or snorkeling lesson, depending on experience level) and learn from former shark fishermen. Join us at Cocomama Tiki Room’s Annual Creepy Tiki Weekender, happening October 30 through November 2, and showcase your mixology skills as a guest bartender at Cocomama Tiki Bar, featuring your award-winning Shark Conservation cocktail crafted with DeadHead® Rum. Your inspirational creation will also be included in an exclusive Cocktail Kit! Additionally, your bio and name will be proudly displayed on SavingourSharksfoundation.org and DeadHeadRum.com websites.

ENTRY DETAILS & COMPETITION RULES

Objective

Tackle the negative stigma associated with shark-themed cocktails by creating a shark conservation inspired spin on a classic. This approach aims to increase awareness about these majestic sea creatures, underscore their critical role in the ocean’s ecosystem, and dispel myths about their threat to humans.

Entry
1. Must be 21+ and reside in the United States, or Mexico and be an active bartender.
2. One entry per person, per bar.
3. Entries must be in the form of a cocktail (not a shot) and be a minimum of 90 ml (3oz) liquid
volume.
4. Must follow:

○ @deadheadrum
○ @savingoursharksfoundation
○ @cocomamatikiroom

5. Must create a video 15-30 seconds in length:
○ Introduce yourself, name of your bar, and location.
○ State your Shark Conservation cocktail name.
○ Create your cocktail and call out ingredients starting with DeadHead® Rum 6 Year, etc.
○ Competitors are encouraged to explain their cocktails in the video while making them.
Points will be awarded for story, and overall presentation.
○ Include a Call To Action in your video, such as:
● Sharks are key to healthy oceans, essential for us all. I”m teaming up with Deadhead Rum and the Saving Our Sharks Foundation to change how we see sharks. Let’s stop fearing them and start saving them. Sharks are our hope for the future.

○ Additional points if video is posted on social media, and Must tag:
● @deadheadrum
● @savingoursharksfoundation
● @cocomamatikiroom
● #SharkCocktail

6. Entries must be submitted by email to competition@deadheadrum.com and include:
○ recipe
○ photo of the cocktail
○ and inspiration
○ video, if not posted on social media.

Ingredients
7. Drinks must contain no more than seven ingredients. Garnishes are not considered ingredients. It is acceptable to additionally spray a citrus fruit zest over the drink if specified as a garnish. DeadHead® Rum should be the star, and your cocktail should contain a minimum of 30ml (1oz). The total combined alcoholic ingredients must be equivalent to no more than 75ml (2.5oz) at 40%alc./vol.
8. Cocktails may be presented in any glass, ceramic or other hygienic and food safe receptacle. (Note: points are awarded for the use of eco-friendly sustainable ingredients and presentation.) No brand name or logo other than the regular discrete mark of the glassware manufacturer should be visible (sponsoring brand excepted).

Recipes
9. Recipes entered must be the original creation of the competitor.
10. Recipes entered must be listed in (ml) or (oz) with the smallest being dashes.No free pouring.

Garnishes
11. Garnishes must be edible but may be mounted on sticks, skewers, straws, forks or other such common bar accessories. Use of edible fruits, herbs, leaves, and spices may include sprigs,
peels, barks, fruit shells etc. Any flowers and petals used must be of an edible variety.

Copyright
12. By entering this competition, competitors agree to assign copyright of their recipe and drink name to the competition organizers.
13. Competitors and drinks presented during the competition may be photographed (still or video) by the organizers and copyright of these images for any use, including advertising, will be retained by the competition organizers.

Release of images
14. By entering this competition, you are giving permission and assigning license to use images photographed during the competition, both still and video to the organizers. You agree that images may be used in any media for any purpose which may include advertising, promotion, marketing and packaging for any product or service. And that these images may be combined with other images, text and graphics, and cropped, altered or modified. This release is irrevocable, worldwide and perpetual.

Drink Names
15. Drink names including trademarked, copyright, rude, lurid, sexual words, or words associated with narcotics or that promote illegal activity are prohibited.

Judging
16. Cocktails will be judged based on:
○ Balance (10 pts)
○ Taste (20 pts)
○ Simplicity (10 pts)
○ Originality (20 pts)
○ Story (10 pts)
○ Presentation (20 pts)
○ Video Submission (10 pts)

ARE YOU READY TO CLAIM THE TITLE?

Let’s shake things up and blend mixology with sustainability! It’s all about celebrating innovation and making a difference. Whether you’re a pro behind the bar or just starting to explore mixology, this is your chance to stand out, inspire, and really make an impact.

Deadhead Rum and Save Our Sharks Foundation Team Up with Artist Matt Kotch

May 2, 2024/in News/by kim@iconicbrandsinc.com

Introducing “Hammered Mary” – Art for Advocacy

In a remarkable collaboration, artist Matt Kotch (@fishpainter) joins forces with Saving Our Sharks Foundation, DeadHead Rum, and Cocomama Tiki Room to champion the cause of shark preservation. This collaboration brings forth the “Hammered Mary” T-shirt, a creative endeavor aimed at supporting the Isla Mujeres Initiative in the Mexican Caribbean.

The “Hammered Mary” transcends mere artistic expression, it embodies a fusion of intense passion and purpose. This unique T-shirt signifies much more than just clothing—it serves as a powerful call for environmental responsibility and offers a beacon of hope in the relentless fight to safeguard sharks against the perils of the open ocean.

Why “Hammered Mary”?

Each stroke, each color, and symbol in “Hammered Mary” narrates the poignant tale of our oceans’ guardians—sharks. Caught in the crossfire of exploitation and indifference, these majestic creatures find a voice in Matt’s work. The artwork beautifully encapsulates the struggle for equilibrium, with a scarecrow standing guard, ensuring every fish, every creature under its watchful gaze thrives in harmony—a guardian of the seas, if you will.

In a world where the value of life is often measured by profit, Kotch replaces the crucifix with a dollar sign crafted from harpoons. A stark reminder of the price paid in the balance of consumption and conservation.

Wear Your Support

By choosing the “Hammered Mary” T-shirt, you wear a narrative—a testament to the urgency of shark conservation. It’s a statement that you stand for balance, for sustainable coexistence, and for a future where our oceans and its inhabitants flourish in harmony.

Shop with a Purpose

Every purchase is a pledge—a commitment to the cause of saving sharks, preserving our oceans, and, inherently, saving humanity from the brink of ecological imbalance. Your support enables ongoing conservation efforts, fueling the fight against exploitation and ignorance.

Connect Emotionally

Imagine an ocean without sharks, a marine ecosystem crumbling under the weight of human greed. With “Hammered Mary,” you wear your heart on your sleeve, literally and metaphorically. You carry the story of survival, of hope, and the relentless pursuit of balance.

Join us. Make a difference.

Shop “Hammered Mary” now, save sharks, save our oceans, save people.

Your choice has the power to echo through the depths of the oceans and beyond.

Click Here To Buy Now

Rones de México Featured in The Rum Geography’s Rum Guide to Mexico 2024

May 2, 2024/in News/by kim@iconicbrandsinc.com

Mexico is a land of contrasts; year-round sunshine, cloud forests, ancient ruins, modern cities, stunning beaches, and an incredibly rugged interior with volcanoes and waterfalls.

The Tropic of Cancer divides Mexico’s climate and geography from north to south. The arid north, coastal plains to lush jungles in the south, and the Yucatán Peninsula, Gulf of Mexico. The climate shifts from cool, dry winters in the north to year-round warmth in the south. Sugarcane flourishes in the humid south, the main cane-producing regions are Veracruz, Jalisco, and Oaxaca. The sugarcane season can be year-round but generally harvested from January to May. Many rum producers are small-scale farmers at altitudes in remote mountainous regions.

Sugarcane was brought to Mexico by the Spanish in 1520, with the first Trapiche, a sugar mill followed soon after. In the 1930s, Bacardí built its first distillery outside of Cuba in Mexico, ushering in scaled production and international brands. Since the 90s, due to agave shortages, many tequila producers turned to cane spirit. In the past decade, a new generation of artisanal rum distillers has emerged and partnered with brands.

The main sugarcane spirits are Aguardiente de Cana an unaged fresh cane juice rum, traditional aged rum, and Charanda which can only made in Michoacán. Today, Mexico produces as much rum as the Caribbean countries combined, but that’s not so well known – until now. We start our Mexican rum adventure in the…

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Deadhead Rum and Saving Our Sharks Foundation Shake Up Conservation with Shark Cocktail Partnership

April 18, 2024/in News/by kim@iconicbrandsinc.com

In an exciting and flavorful new venture aimed at stirring positive change for ocean conservation, Saving Our Sharks Foundation (SOSF) and Deadhead® Rum have joined forces to protect sharks and transform lives. This dynamic partnership introduces the Deadhead® SOSF Shark Cocktail campaign that intertwines hospitality with conservation.

Representing a fusion of flavors and values, the collaboration underscores the importance of sharks in maintaining the delicate balance of marine ecosystems. By leveraging the platform of the hospitality and tourism industries, the partnership aims to raise awareness, spark conversations, and mobilize action towards safeguarding shark populations and preserving our oceans.

This is more than mixing ingredients—it’s about mixing ideas, passion, and action for the health of our oceans. It exemplifies the potential of joining forces across industries to drive meaningful impact for the benefit of sharks, the ocean, and the communities that rely on them. Central to the partnership is the Deadhead® SOSF Shark Cocktail campaign which challenges select on-premise bars and restaurants to craft an exclusive ocean conservation-themed cocktail using Deadhead Rum. This innovative beverage experience serves as a gateway for individuals to delve into the world of shark conservation, illustrating how everyday choices can contribute to the greater good of our planet.

Kim Brandi, founder of Deadhead Rum expressed enthusiasm for the partnership’s potential to inspire change: “The Deadhead® SOSF Shark Cocktail campaign aspires not just to serve a drink, but to create a conversation—an experiential sip towards a more sustainable future.”

The Deadhead® SOSF Shark Cocktail campaign is set to launch on May 5, 2024, at the Golden Tiki in Las Vegas, Nevada. The highlight of this campaign is the “Caribbean Shark Revivor” cocktail, a creation of renowned Drink Specialist, Adam Rains. This unique cocktail combines Deadhead Rum with freshly squeezed lime juice, a distinctive mix of salted peach tamarind ginger honey, southern style amaro, absinthe, and specially crafted, ocean conservation-themed garnishes by Dress the Drink. These imaginative garnishes, made from all-natural ingredients, are designed to mimic the coral reefs of the Mexican Caribbean, adding a whimsical touch to each drink.

For every shark-themed cocktail sold, a direct contribution will be made towards the advancement of ocean conservation initiatives, marrying the act of sipping with sustainability efforts. Conservation-focused cocktails will be available in select bars, restaurants, and hospitality venues that share a commitment to environmental consciousness, symbolizing the collaboration between the private sector and conservation organizations in fostering a more sustainable future. The collaboration also includes educational initiatives, community engagement efforts, and ongoing support for shark conservation projects led by SOSF.

“Led by Deadhead, this creative initiative is a stepping stone for the Shark Hero Program throughout North America. It enables multiple Shark Heroes to create a positive and collaborative impact via partnerships to position the Shark Drink and Shark Table concepts to raise awareness while saving sharks one drink and bite at a time,” stated Cristina Balcázar Escalera, SOSF Shark Hero and Project Manager.

This collaborative partnership between SOSF and Deadhead Rum serves as a beacon of hope, illustrating how the private sector can leverage its influence and resources to mobilize individuals towards a common goal that benefits both people and the planet.

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END OF PRESS RELEASE

About Saving Our Sharks Foundation:

Saving Our Sharks Foundation (SOSF) is a leading non-profit organization dedicated to the protection and conservation of sharks and marine ecosystems. Through research, advocacy, and community engagement, SOSF strives to ensure a sustainable future for our oceans.

For more information on our Shark Hero partnerships and opportunities for involvement, please contact: theteam@savingoursharksfoundation.org

Press contact: Angelica Arenzana / a_arenzana@savingoursharksfoundation.org

Follow Us: Website | Facebook | Instagram | YouTube

About Deadhead Rum:

Deadhead Rum is a premium rum brand known for its distinctive packaging and exceptional quality. Committed to environmental stewardship, Deadhead Rum actively supports marine conservation initiatives and collaborates with organizations like SOSF to drive positive change for our planet. For more information on the Deadhead SOSF Cocktail Campaign partnerships and opportunities, please contact: info@deadheadrum.com

Press Contact: Kim Brandi / kim@iconicbrandsinc.com

Follow Us: Website | Instagram

Cocomama Tiki Room Saving Our Sharks Foundation Fundraiser

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Deadhead Rum Announces Six New Sales and Distribution Partners in the USA

July 15, 2021/in News/by kim@iconicbrandsinc.com

Deadhead Rum Announces Six New Sales and Distribution Partners in the USA

Temecula, California – (July 15, 2021) Deadhead Rum, a product of Rones de Mexico and Imported by Iconic Brands, is pleased to announce that it has entered into distribution agreements with Silesia Brands, Inc./Phoenix AZ, Blurack/ Dania Beach, FL, Worldwide Beverage Group/Lenexa, KS, Alt Imports/Las Vegas, NV, OK Spirits/Morre, OK, and Cavalier Distributing/Richfield, OH.

“We are celebrating our 10th anniversary in business this year with coast-to-coast parties and the timing of these new distribution deals couldn’t be better,” says Kim Brandi, CEO and Founder of Iconic Brands which imports and markets Deadhead Rums. Deadhead Rums are distilled in the jungles of Chiapas, México by Rones de México, an award-winning family-owned distillery since 1948.

“Deadhead Rum’s unique bottle designs have always separated themselves from other rum brands on retail shelves,” says Konrad Zietal, CEO of Silesia Brands, Inc., a specialty distributor in Phoenix, AZ. “My wholesale customers are always looking for unique products and the Deadhead brands are unique.”

Deadhead Rums also announced an exclusive direct-to-consumer (DTC) online deal with Blurack.Com, a new type of liquor distribution company. “We will be selling Deadhead Rums on our online retail platform as well as direct delivery services to the Tri-County area which includes Palm County, Dade County, and Broward County,” says Shawn Lederman, CEO at Blurack, which is headquartered in Dania Beach, Florida. “We’re very excited to partner with a portfolio of proven spirit brands,” he added.

Deadhead Rum is celebrating its 10th year as a company and recently was recognized with a gold medal at the 2020 Craft Spirits International Awards Competition for its Deadhead single blended 6 year old Rum. The Tasting Panel rated Deadhead aged rum with a 95-point score and gave Deadhead Dark Chocolate Rum a 92 score.

Deadhead Rum available products will include: Deadhead Single Blended 6 Year Old Rum (40% ABV, 750ml SRP: $35.99); Deadhead Dark Chocolate Flavored Rum (35% ABV, 750ml SRP: $41.99); Deadhead Single Blended 10 Year Old Rum – Limited 10th Anniversary Release (40% ABV, 750ml SRP: $79.99).