Review: Mainland Rum – California and Louisiana

Seth Benhaim, known for his impactful entry into the spirits scene with Broken Barrel Whiskey, is now making waves with his latest venture under Badwater Brands: Mainland Rum. This innovative project aims to independently bottle rum distilled right here on the American mainland.

While imported rums dominate the U.S. market, accounting for 85 to 90% of consumption, domestically produced rum often goes unnoticed, despite the growth of craft distilleries. Benhaim recognized a significant gap: Mainland American rum lacks household names and go-to bottles. He saw this overlooked category as a prime opportunity, believing that “American rum is overqualified and overlooked” and deserves its moment in the spotlight. Mainland Rum is poised to change this by highlighting the unique distilleries, their processes, and the exceptional rum being produced across mainland America.

In a move to respect distillery anonymity while still offering transparency, Mainland Rum employs a clever labeling strategy. While the state of origin is prominently displayed, the exact distillery’s identity is subtly embedded on the front label. Flanking the age statement, unique latitudinal and longitudinal coordinates are provided for each distillery. These coordinates can be easily searched online, allowing curious consumers to uncover the precise origin of their rum.

Mainland Rum launched in May 2025 with its inaugural releases, including a 10-year-old Mainland Rum Louisiana Single Cask and a 9-year-old Mainland Rum California Single Cask. These debut bottlings, provided to Drinkhacker, showcase distilleries that are likely unfamiliar to most consumers. This initiative not only brings attention to the existence of aged mainland American rum but also encourages exploration of these hidden gems. It’s time to shed light on these talented mainland rum distilleries and discover the remarkable spirits they have to offer.

Mainland Rum Louisiana Single Cask 10 Years Old Review

Distilled in Louisiana, this rum from Louisiana Spirits in Lacassine—better known for its Bayou Rum brand—is a nod to Southern artisanry. Distilled from a mix of unrefined Louisiana sugarcane and premium Grade A molasses sourced from Louisiana’s sugarcane processors, the rum was fermented for 3-4 days in closed-top tanks, embodying the region’s rich terroir. In September 2014, the distillate came off the pot still around 160 proof and was barreled around 125 proof in a 53-gallon ex-bourbon barrel, previously home to high-rye bourbon with an initial #4 char. For over a decade, the barrel matured in a non-climate-controlled warehouse under southern Louisiana’s sultry skies, enduring sweltering summer highs of 92°F and winter lows of 45°F. In May 2025, after more than 10.5 years of aging, Mainland Rum bottled this singular expression at a cask strength of 120.8 proof. A rare gem, this single-barrel release marks a first for rum distilled by Louisiana Spirits, offering an unprecedented combination of age, proof, or as a single barrel offering with such age and proof.

After patient maturation in oak, Mainland Rum unveils an aroma ripe with esters, offering overripe bananas and the tang of hot glue. As the senses settle, cinnamon applesauce surfaces, followed by the smoky character of toasted marshmallows. With time in the glass, the bouquet culminates in a deep caramel embrace.

On the palate, the rum pops with banana taffy, its estery sweetness quickly balanced by a grounding tobacco note. This dryness soon gives way to genuine maple syrup, accented by a hint of nutmeg. The mouthfeel is heavy and dense. The finish transpires with a touch of black pepper, then pivots back to smoky toasted marshmallows, concluding with honey and soft, dry leather.

Mainland Rum stands shoulder-to-shoulder with the finest offerings from La Maison & Velier, Holmes Cay, and Foursquare’s Exceptional Cask series. This is a rum for the most discerning connoisseurs, capable of rivaling the best from any distillery or bottler.

Bayou Rum’s Reserve Select Barrel and XO Mardi Gras are both excellent rums, each offering a distinct and pleasant experience. However, Mainland truly shines. It’s easily worth twice the price of the Reserve Select, and when compared to the XO Mardi Gras at the same price but at cask strength, Mainland offers a better sipping experience. Its depth and complexity make Mainland the best way to experience the best of Louisiana Spirits. 120.8 proof. A / $90

Mainland Rum California Single Cask 9 Years Old Review

Golden State goodness! Mainland Rum California Single Cask, aged 9 years, was distilled by Stark Spirits Craft Distillery in Pasadena, California, founded in 2013 by Greg Stark. Produced in 2016, this rum’s story began with molasses, fermented in closed-top stainless steel tanks. It was then distilled on an imported and customized 600-barrel copper pot still. The distillate came off the still around 160 proof before being proofed down to 125 proof for barreling.

For just over nine years, the rum matured in a 53-gallon ex-bourbon barrel, boasting a #4 char and previously holding a classic Kentucky-style rye-mashbill bourbon. All aging took place under the intense sun of inland California, where hot summers and consistently warmer temperatures fostered a rapid maturation. The barrel was finally dumped in early 2025. This release marks a significant milestone, as Stark Spirits Craft Distillery has never before commercially offered a cask-strength rum or a single barrel expression. Mainland Rum presents this unprecedented offering, a taste of California history in the making.

The nose of this California rum offers the aroma of brown sugar and pineapple, with the composite smells of the marinade commonly used to bake a ham. As the rum develops, burnt campfire marshmallows and hazelnuts join for a very appealing bouquet. On the palate, a cherry soda flavor starts things off, quickly picking up a slightly medicinal note that presents as cherry cough syrup. Those strong cherry notes linger, but transition to candied ginger and tart green apple with an oily mouthfeel. The cherry cough syrup character returns on the finish, but quickly moves to an earthy banana bread note met with vanilla ice cream and a Dr Pepper flavor that lingers for a long time.

I’m extremely pleased with this relatively unknown rum from California. It’s a bottle that will undoubtedly captivate even the most seasoned rum enthusiast. Much like their Louisiana offering, Mainland Rum delivers a domestic bombshell bottling that demands American pride and admiration. Based on these two offerings, I can’t wait to see what Mainland Rum offers in the future! 121.8 proof. A / $85

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