Uploaded July 2023 | Updated September 2026, 1 week ago

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In this episode, we sit down with Mike Streeter, founder of Down Island Spirits (https://www.downislandspirits.com) — a brand that's part of the new wave of American independent bottlers hitting the rum scene over the last few years. We talk through all aspects of starting a rum brand (and sourcing great rum), including:


The hardest parts of becoming an independent bottler


Down Island's process for selecting what to bottle


How he arrived at Down Island's inaugural four selections


Sourcing from brokers versus directly from distilleries


The story behind Down Island's two newest releases from Brazil and Martinique


The style of Brazil's Epris Distillery


The unique effect of aging rum in amburana casks


His love of St. James Distillery


Overlooked amazing rum travel destinations


Getting into the rum importing business


What types of releases we can expect to see in the future


And much more!


You can learn more about Down Island at their website: downislandspirits.com


P.S. Did you know you can support The Rumcast on Patreon now and get bonus episodes, happy hours, and more? You can! Head to patreon.com/therumcast to check it out. (patreon.com/therumcast)