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A New Legend Begins: David "Big Papi" Ortiz Ozama Rum, Bold Dominican Spirit for The Next Generation

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#rum #cognac #bourbon #whiskey
Published
06/11/2025 by

Hall-of-Fame baseball legend David Ortiz today announced the launch of Ozama Rum, an ultra-premium, 100% Dominican-made spirit that celebrates the island's rich heritage while boldly reimagining its future. Like the iconic Ozama River for which the product is named, Ozama Rum is uniquely Dominican.

Ozama Rum proudly bears the denominación de origen (DO) statement "Ron Dominicano" which certifies that it is made from 100% Dominican sugarcane, fermented and distilled and aged for at least one year in oak barrels and bottled - all in the Dominican Republic. Available online at drinkozama.com and rolling out in stores in the Dominican Republic and the Northeast including Connecticut, Florida, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Rhode Island and Vermont as well as South Florida starting in early June.

Developed by Ortiz and a team of Dominican artisans and spirits experts, Ozama offers a fresh take on rum. Inspired by the countless days David spent as a little boy on the Ozama River fishing, swimming and crabbing for jaiba, the packaging is bold, the taste is smooth, and its brand ethos is unapologetically joyful. "To me, Ozama isn't just about rum, it's about identity, pride, and progress," said David Ortiz, Founder of Ozama Rum. "I wanted to build something that celebrates the energy and soul of my people and shows the world what we're made of. It's always been important for me to do things the right way, which is why this labor of love has been one of the most rewarding projects of my career. I can't wait for people to try it! They say that perfection doesn't exist, but you can get close to it."

 

Industry Momentum Meets Cultural Movement
The launch of Ozama Rum comes at a time of growing global momentum for the rum category. According to GVR, the global rum market was valued at $11.77 billion in 2022 and is projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate of 5.6% through 2030. This surge is fueled by rising consumer interest, the expanding cocktail culture, and a shift toward spirits with natural, artisanal, and authentic origins. As a spirit rooted in 100% Dominican sugarcane, handcrafted with pride and purpose, Ozama is uniquely positioned to meet this moment and lead a new era of rum appreciation.

"From day one, David had a clear vision to create an ultra-premium rum that feels authentic, vibrant, and undeniably Dominican - it was important to him to spotlight the Dominican Republic and at the same time give back to the community that raised him," said Abbott Wolfe, Founder & CEO of Drink2Success, which partnered with Ortiz to bring Ozama to life. "We're proud to launch a brand that's bold enough to disrupt the category, and grounded in real culture, real people, and real purpose."

 

Excitement Building Across Markets
To celebrate the launch, Ozama hosted a series of pre-launch events in key markets, including Boston, New York City, Miami, and Santo Domingo, bringing together media, distributors, influencers, and VIPs. These events have generated widespread buzz both on-site and online, laying the groundwork for the brand's market rollout and continued excitement.

 

Three Expressions, One Dominican Soul
Available in 700ml bottles with a suggested price ranging from $25–$40, Ozama offers a contemporary, high-quality rum experience. Each of the three distinct expressions is crafted to embody the island's celebratory spirit - perfect for mixing or sipping:

  • Ozama Blanco: Bright and clean with platinum hues, this aged rum offers aromas of fresh citrus and white pepper. Smooth yet bold, its flavor profile delivers balanced acidity and a long, elegant finish with hints of vanilla.
  • Ozama Añejo: This aged rum has a rich copper hue, building on the profile of its older variant with a hint of chocolate on the nose. Smooth and refined on the palate, it reveals layers of toffee, spice, and vanilla. The finish is long, balanced, and unforgettable.
  • Ozama Gran Añejo: Rich and refined, this aged rum shines with clean amber tones and a polished glow. It offers layered aromas of fine wood, vanilla, honey, and candied fruits. It is silky on the palate, with notes of dates and raisins, finishing cleanly and with balanced acidity.

 

Uplifting a Community
In addition to creating a high-quality, premium product, one of David's primary goals was to ignite a charitable component that would give back to his beloved country and uplift the next generation of Dominicans. Through a built-in corporate social responsibility platform, the brand plans to create a fund from Ozama Rum profits with 2% to be distributed to support the Ozama River clean-up efforts and build up local communities alongside the river.

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