Ed Hamilton: The Prime Minister of Rum on Caribbean Spirits, Tiki Culture, and the Art of Blending

Join host Trey Malone for a deep dive into the world of rum with Ed Hamilton, the self-proclaimed "Prime Minister of Rum" and founder of Hamilton Rums. In this spirited conversation, Ed shares his journey from sailing the Caribbean and smuggling rum bottles to becoming one of the most respected importers in the industry.Discover the fascinating differences between molasses-based rums and sugarcane juice spirits like rhum agricole, cachaca, and clarin. Learn why Ed tastes his samples at cask strength before diluting them down to 20%, and get insider knowledge about rum production across the Caribbean islands.Ed tells the story of his serendipitous friendship with tiki legend Beach Bum Berry and explains how the modern tiki revival has opened people's eyes to rum's incredible diversity. From his $1.99 bottles in St. Thomas to premium aged Demerara rums, Ed reveals why rum is the most varied of all distilled spirits and perfect for both sipping neat and crafting cocktails.Whether you're a rum novice or seasoned aficionado, this episode will expand your appreciation for this underrated spirit category and the passionate people who bring these Caribbean flavors to your glass.