Birmingham’s own Campesino Rum took home the top prize at a competition in Germany run by ‘Make Your Mark with MHW‘ in October. Keep reading for all the deets!

Campesino Rum global winner

‘Make Your Mark with MHW’ was a competition for recently-founded spirits brands where three finalists pitched their products to a panel of judges, including Global Drinks Intel editor Olly Wehring, at Bar Convent Berlin.

Campesino Rum, founded by Hatton Smith from Alabama, came out on top, beating out competitors Wabi Sabi from Japan and MOÅ Vodka from the Netherlands.

The top prize included support from MHW, a New York-based importation and distribution company, as well as a membership to the trade organization Women of the Vine & Spirits and additional support worth $15,000 for entering the US market.

Campesino Rum’s journey

Smith’s entrepreneurial journey started after graduating from college and gaining work experience around the world. He took a bold step by moving to Panama and living in the jungle where he started distilling and selling his own jungle-style rum. After refining his craft, he decided to bring his unique rum recipe back to his hometown of Birmingham, and the rest is history.

You’ve probably seen the Campesino Rum bottles with signature white labels and swing-top caps on the shelves of The Magic City’s cocktail bars.

Campesino is fresh. There are no added flavors or sugars—it’s straight, unadulterated and tastes good in just about any concoction.

Celebrate Campesino Rum’s win with a drink! Click here for some must-try cocktails AND the local bars where you can get them!

What’s your favorite drink to make with Campesino Rum? Tag us @bhamnow and let us know!