Baseball legend David “Big Papi” Ortiz is stepping off the diamond and into your glass with the launch of Ozama Rum—his ultra-premium Dominican spirit that’s now available nationwide. And for discerning drinkers across San Francisco, this might be the summer you shelve the bourbon and reach for something a little sunnier, a little smoother, and a whole lot more soulful.
Big Papi Brings Dominican Heat to San Francisco’s Spirits Scene
San Francisco has no shortage of craft cocktail culture—but few bottles arrive with as much swagger and soul as Ozama Rum, the new passion project from David “Big Papi” Ortiz. The former Red Sox icon has just launched his own rum brand, and it’s already generating serious buzz from Boston to the Bay.
“TO ME, OZAMA ISN’T JUST ABOUT RUM, IT’S ABOUT IDENTITY, PRIDE, AND PROGRESS,”
David Ortiz
whose roots in Santo Domingo inspired every aspect of the bottle.
Named after the Ozama River that winds through Ortiz’s childhood hometown, this 100% Dominican rum isn’t just a branding play. It’s an authentic, deeply personal project—from sugarcane to cork—and it’s now shipping directly to San Francisco homes via drinkozama.com.
From Santo Domingo to the Sunset: What’s in the Bottle?
Ozama isn’t trying to compete with the gimmicky spiced rums cluttering corner store shelves. It’s a certified Ron Dominicano, meaning it’s made entirely in the Dominican Republic under strict denomination guidelines—similar to Champagne or Cognac.
The Launch Lineup Includes:
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Ozama Blanco – A crystal-clear, citrus-forward spirit ideal for daiquiris or a sharp mojito in the Mission.
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Ozama Añejo – Aged and smooth, with vanilla and toffee notes that shine in an Old Fashioned twist.
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Ozama Gran Añejo – A sipping rum built for slow sunsets, featuring candied fruit, honey, and toasted oak.
Whether you’re unwinding in Noe Valley or bringing a bottle to a Dolores Park picnic, this is not your average rum—it’s legacy in liquid form.
Ortiz Goes All In—And It Shows
Celebrity spirits are everywhere, but Ozama Rum is no vanity label. Ortiz didn’t just endorse this brand—he taste-tested the blends, designed the bottle, and shaped the mission. His fingerprints are on every element, right down to the commitment to sustainability and giving back.
“I WANTED TO BUILD SOMETHING THAT CELEBRATES THE ENERGY AND SOUL OF MY PEOPLE AND SHOWS THE WORLD WHAT WE’RE MADE OF,”
says Ortiz.
That vision is shared by his business partner, Abbott Wolfe, CEO of Drink2Success:
“FROM DAY ONE, DAVID HAD A CLEAR VISION TO CREATE AN ULTRA-PREMIUM RUM THAT FEELS AUTHENTIC, VIBRANT, AND UNDENIABLY DOMINICAN.”
A Spirit With Soul—and Social Impact
Ozama isn’t just about what’s in the glass. 2% of all profits go directly to cleaning up the Ozama River and supporting local communities in the Dominican Republic. That kind of philanthropic integration is rare in the liquor industry—and it resonates with San Francisco’s ethically conscious drinkers.
From Mission District bars spotlighting Caribbean spirits to local liquor stores in the Castro offering community-driven brands, there’s clear appetite in the Bay for beverages that do more than taste good—they do good.
Why San Francisco Should Be Watching
Rum has always played second fiddle to bourbon in American drinking culture, but that’s changing fast—especially in forward-thinking cities like San Francisco. According to market reports, the global rum industry is set to hit $17 billion by 2030, driven by consumers demanding authenticity and quality.
Already, high-end cocktail bars like Smuggler’s Cove and Trick Dog are curating deeper rum programs. And with Ozama’s blend of flavor, story, and purpose, it’s poised to become a go-to pour for Bay Area bartenders and collectors alike.
Whether you’re celebrating with friends in Hayes Valley or stocking up for a Sonoma getaway, Ozama Rum is a conversation starter with staying power.
Final Toast: From Fastballs to Finish Notes
“THEY SAY THAT PERFECTION DOESN’T EXIST, BUT YOU CAN GET CLOSE TO IT.”
That’s Ortiz’s take on Ozama—and after one sip, you’ll understand what he means. This isn’t just another celebrity spirit; it’s a love letter to culture, community, and craft.
This summer, skip the usual suspects and pour something with real purpose. Because when Big Papi swings, even his rum hits a home run.
