Interview with Toby Beall – Founder and master distiller of Tailwinds Distilling Company
Toby BeallFounder and master distiller of Tailwinds Distilling Company1) Bucket List items for this year.
2) What is the biggest achievement you personally feel you have accomplish for the rum industryI am humbled to get asked this question with so many trying help make rum a well-respected spirit. My brother Jamey and I have worked hard to help turn people back to rum even if it is one person at a time. Like others I am trying to break the pirate and party spirit stereotype that is cast by a few major players in U.S. market, but also try to educate consumers on several key things: Do not judge a rum by its color- it says nothing about age or character. The more raw the spirit the more you win- some of the most beautiful white rums and cachacas have foregone the carbon/ chill/ or heavy filtering. Not all rums are sweet- which sort of takes us back to the first point. We have built our Taildragger rums around these very characteristics. 3) Favorite Drink + RecipePerfect for fall/winter Drink #1: Mayan Mocha
Drink #2: Taildragger Fall Colors Old Fashioned
4) Where do you see the rum industry today and in the next 5 years?We have just paddled out and can see this swell beginning to rise. I think the coming rum wave will be one stay for long while due to rum’s rich history. It is amazing to be a part of a spirit made in so many different countries which in turn gives us so many different expressions. Due to this Bartenders are finding applications limitless for this versatile spirit. The resurgence of tiki culture has played great part as well. Consumers are taking notice as they are able to identify with greater selection of smaller independent brands and see that rum is not so scary…The Pirates have left, it is safe to get back in the water. The next 5 years are going to be exciting. 5) Share some (2-3) of your mentors and how they have helped you.
6) Any last words?Keep educating! It is really making a difference. From producers to RUMLAB to ambassadors to aficionados to bartenders to the consumer, making sure that the category gains integrity rests on us telling the true rich stories of the rum in their glass. 7) Learn more about Toby Beall?Toby Beall is the founder and master distiller of Tailwinds Distilling Company in Plainfield, Illinois. Along with creating the award winning Taildragger Rums and Tailwinds Agave spirits, Toby is also a commercial pilot with over 10,000 hours in jet aircraft, performance driving instructor, musician and father of three boys. It was his travels as pilot that led him to the rums of The Caribbean, South and Central America. Built on a shoestring budget Tailwinds Distilling Company is now in its fourth year. Toby has truly made this a family adventure involving everyone close to him. Personal quote “You can’t tell me that it CAN’T be done.” Instagram: @rumrunner24 |