Big Papi’s Dominican Rum Just Dropped—and It’s So Good, Chicago Might Ditch Bourbon This Summer
If you’ve ever wondered what legacy tastes like, David “Big Papi” Ortiz has an answer—and it comes in a bottle. The baseball icon known for knocking fastballs out of the park is now doing the same with rum. Introducing Ozama Rum, Ortiz’s ultra-premium, 100% Dominican spirit that’s already generating buzz from Boston to Santo Domingo—and now, it’s aiming for hearts (and highball glasses) in Chicago, Aurora, Naperville, Joliet, and Rockford.
But don’t call it another celebrity vanity project. Ozama isn’t just a drink. It’s a mission, a memory, and a movement—and yes, it’s delicious.
“TO ME, OZAMA ISN’T JUST ABOUT RUM, IT’S ABOUT IDENTITY, PRIDE, AND PROGRESS,”
— DAVID “BIG PAPI” ORTIZ
The Taste of Santo Domingo—Now Shipping to Illinois
Named after the Ozama River—the lifeblood of Ortiz’s hometown of Santo Domingo, where he spent childhood days fishing and crabbing—Ozama Rum is a full-circle tribute to Dominican roots and resilience.
Every detail of the production is proudly 100% Dominican, from the sugarcane to the aging in island oak barrels. This isn’t a “Dominican-style” product made elsewhere. It’s certified Ron Dominicano, giving it the same regional pedigree as Champagne or Scotch.
And if Ortiz’s swing was legendary, his rum lineup is just as powerful. Ozama launches with three unique expressions:
- Ozama Blanco – A crisp, platinum-hued rum with vibrant citrus notes, ideal for a no-fuss mojito or a sophisticated daiquiri.
- Ozama Añejo – A richer, spiced rum with warm layers of vanilla and toffee.
- Ozama Gran Añejo – A slow-sipping masterpiece, full of honey, candied fruit, and elegant wood notes.
In a market saturated with sugar bombs and gimmicky packaging, Ozama Rum stands out as refined, rooted, and real.
Ortiz Didn’t Just Endorse It—He Helped Build It
While many celebrity liquor ventures feel like a branding exercise, Ozama is different. Ortiz was hands-on from day one: taste-testing blends, overseeing packaging design, and ensuring the brand authentically honored his homeland.
“I wanted to build something that celebrates the energy and soul of my people and shows the world what we’re made of.”
He partnered with Abbott Wolfe, CEO of Drink2Success, to bring the project to life.
“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.”
More Than a Spirit—It’s a Social Movement
A portion of every bottle sold—2% of all profits—goes directly to cleanup efforts for the Ozama River and to support surrounding communities. In an industry rarely known for philanthropy, Ozama is using its platform to create tangible change.
This commitment resonates in communities like Chicago’s Little Village, Humboldt Park, and beyond, where Caribbean and Latin heritage is celebrated—and where consumers care just as much about what’s behind the label as what’s in the bottle.
Why Chicago Should Be Watching
The timing of Ozama’s debut is no accident. The global rum market, valued at $11.77 billion in 2022, is expected to grow steadily through 2030. Meanwhile, local Chicago bars and restaurants are expanding their craft rum offerings as consumer tastes shift away from generic spirits toward authentic, premium experiences.
Whether you’re hosting a rooftop gathering in Naperville, planning a Father’s Day gift in Joliet, or looking to bring something special to a Rockford summer BBQ, Ozama makes a statement: This isn’t your dad’s rum—it’s Big Papi’s.
Ozama Rum is available in early June across the Dominican Republic and the U.S. Northeast—including Massachusetts, New York, Connecticut, and Florida. Online orders are now open nationwide, including to Illinois, at drinkozama.com.
Final Toast
“They say that perfection doesn’t exist, but you can get close to it.”
That’s Big Papi’s way of saying Ozama isn’t just about what’s in the glass—it’s about the heart behind it. And if Ortiz’s legacy on the baseball diamond is any indication, he’s just getting started.
So this summer, skip the usual—and sip something that swings for the fences.
