Today we’d like to introduce you to Kiowa Bryan.
So, before we jump into specific questions, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I have lived in LA for nearly 15 years and worked in many bars and restaurants throughout the city but about six years ago, I made the transition to Spiribam, a portfolio of fine rums. I was working at The Eveleigh on Sunset Strip at the time and tasted my first Ti’Punch – a cocktail that transcended all others to me and emulated a culture and experience unlike a single cocktail had done for me before. I made up my mind to make education on this product and culture my career and bought a very expensive plane ticket to Martinique – the home of ti’punch and Rhum Agricole. After that visit, I drew up my dream job description and repetitively bothered the director of the company who imported some of these products to the USA until he eventually gave me a job. What’s the saying? Love what you do and you’ll never work a day in your life? Yeah, well I am a strong believer in that and here we are six years later. I am the National Brand Manager and Director of Marketing for this lovely portfolio of Martinique and Saint Lucian rums.
Has it been a smooth road?
Trying to explain to people why we spell rhum wrong (with an H because it’s French) or why it’s not cachaca or that Martinique isn’t the French side of Saint Martin has been a consistent struggle but it’s gotten easier throughout the years. Being the small independent kid on the block and competing with large brands with large advertising budgets and expense accounts doesn’t make things easy but the integrity of the product helps and the heritage of a brand that are generations old sometimes edges out the flashy boardroom brands if anyone is paying attention. Currently, the rum industry is littered with transparency issues involving aging and additives but the aficionados know what’s up and support us for producing truthful, authentic rum without adulterating it.
So, as you know, we’re impressed with Spiribam – tell our readers more, for example what you’re most proud of and what sets you apart from others.
Spiribam imports, markets, and distributes authentic rums from Saint Lucia and Martinique including; Bounty Rum, Chairman’s Reserve, Admiral Rodney, Rhum Clement, and Rhum J.M. Not only are all Spiribam rums heritage family brands full of rich history and heritage but Groupe Bernarde Hayot, Spiribam’s umbrella company, is dedicated to giving back to the islands of Martinique and Saint Lucia by providing invaluable cultural experiences and ensuring that our sustainability practices are unmatched. Our team is full of passionate, knowledgable individuals that love our brands and products and the enthusiasm is clearly visible with each presentation or conversation.
Let’s touch on your thoughts about our city – what do you like the most and least?
Coming from NY/NJ area, I had a bit of an attitude about LA when I first moved but after a few years, I knew this would be my final home in the USA. Aside from the traffic and the smog, the weather is perfect, the food and drink top-notch, the music and arts are nearly unmatched (okay I do miss broadway), and you can ski in the morning at Big Bear and make it to Venice beach for a margarita at Sunset. Anything you could possibly imagine is truly at your fingertips here.
Pricing:
- Rhum JM 100 pf blanc SGRP 34.99
- Rhum Clement VSOP SGRP 39.99
- Clement Creole Shrubb Liqueur D’Orange SGRP 32.99
- Chairman’s Reserve Forgotten Casks SGRP 49.99
- Admiral Rodney Formidable SGRP 129.99
- Bounty White Rum SGRP 19.99
Contact Info:
- Website: www.spiribam.com
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: @spiribam
- Facebook: facebook.com/spiribam
Image Credit:
Photo of me under Venice sign credited to Eugene Lee
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