Deadhead Age Rum
“Fresh cane juice from estate-grown sugar cane is slowly fermented then distilled in copper pot stills to remove impurities and develop a rum with excellent aroma, texture, and pure, clean flavors. The rum is then aged in medium charred American oak barrels for six years. At the same time, molasses is patiently fermented through local airborne yeast and then distilled in a single column still crafting a bold, crisp rum with richness and solid structure. To achieve a subtle yet intricate flavor the rum is aged for over six years in Chiapas oak and heavily charred American oak barrels. These two rums are meticulously blended to achieve the perfect balance and complexity of a well-crafted spirit.
Deadhead rum is housed in bottles resembling tsantsas, or shrunken heads. They pay tribute to the Shuar, an indigenous people who were known to collect the shrunken heads (tsantsas) of their vanquished foes, believing that the soul remained within. No tribe on earth knows the true meaning of nonconformity better than the Shuar and are believed to be the only group to have never been conquered. Many believe that these artifacts were kept as trophies, taken for honor and spiritual renewal. While Deadhead’s vessels don’t contain souls, they do contain extraordinary spirits.
Not everything fits neatly into the glorified history of our old textbooks. We believe in celebrating the history less studied. Shrunken heads symbolize this exotic and unusual past, along with individuality and courage, and are a vivid reminder of the many varied practices that give color and interest to our world. Our rum is more than a spirit—it is art and science; it represents history and culture. It is the masterful designing and blending of something that satisfies us something that accompanies us through great moments in life.”
Our single blended, 6-year-old cask aged rum has a rich amber hue and bouquet saturated with the aromas of coffee, chocolate, allspice, cinnamon, and nutmeg, all of which carry through to the palate along with the flavors of cloves, anise, and caramel all play in stupendous balance. The long spicy finish. An excellent sipping rum. Assertive aromatics and brilliant flavors make it a great choice for use in classic Tiki cocktails.
- 40% ABV, 750ml, From Chiapas, Mexico
Brand History
The shrunken head of an enemy was kept as a trophy; taken for blood honor and spiritual renewal.
The image of Deadhead’s bottles is likely indelible to all who’ve seen them. They pay tribute to the Shuar, who were known to collect the shrunken heads (tsantsas) of their vanquished foes, believing that the soul remained within. While Deadhead’s vessels don’t contain souls, they do contain award-winning spirits: The Cask Aged Rum is aged for six years in toasted American and Chiapas oak barrels, and the recipe for its slow-roasted, cacao-infused Dark Chocolate Rum was inspired by ancient recipes used by Mayan emperors.
Distillery
Nestled in Southeastern Mexico, in the rugged region of Chiapas, Tapachula is a sustainable rural community where the Suchiate River connects with the Pacific Ocean. Surrounded by banana plantations and extraordinary tropical rainforests, Rums from Mexico is located in the second sugar mill in Chiapas, Mexico. The family-owned and operated distillery has been producing exceptional rums and aguardiente for three generations since 1948. With dozens of international awards, not only is it the most-awarded rum distillery in Mexico, but it also produces the only Mexican rum that has earned an international award in the history of the American Rum Industry.
A destination for foodies, who want to enjoy all three pillars of good travel: good food, spirits, and adventure, guests can participate in hands-on learning about the process of making rum and aguardiente, from the fermentation of the sugarcane and the distillation to the aging in barrels and bottling, while touring the distillery in the remote lush jungle.
Rums from Mexico Distillery supports sustainable agriculture and endeavors to advance the economic and social conditions of the communities in which they operate. They are committed to preserving and respecting the earth and the environment. For example, to minimize its carbon footprint, it has eschewed the use of plastic in favor of glass for its Deadhead rum brand; and when distilling all its spirits, Rums from Mexico participates in fair trade and is green industry certified. What’s more, the brands donate to local schools, health clinics, and local artisans.
