Fairfields Rum of the Americas, founded by entrepreneurs Frank Klein and Joy Branford, announced a Late Seed round led by Maplewood Ventures of Westport Connecticut.  

“We will be going deeper into existing markets, releasing our reserve, and launching our evolutionary ready to serve low-alcohol rum cocktails,” Klein, CEO of Fairfields, said in a news release.  

The rum is currently distributed in fine Connecticut restaurant and retail locations and via e-commerce with distribution in California, New York, Massachusetts and Rhode Island coming this summer.

The rum is made in the United States from cane sourced throughout the Americas. The 8-year-aged reserve is bottled at 88 proof and the amber spirit is finished in sherry casks with no additives or colorings.

The brand is continuing with its campaign that declares, “If you like your tequila, you will love our rum.”

Caribbean-born and Brooklyn-raised Joy Branford collaborated with Klein to create a unique rum that intentionally strayed away from Caribbean styles that rely on flavorings or added sugar. 

“We use a blend of Agricole and Molasses distillations to create a rum that sips on its own over ice like tequila or can be used in simple three ingredient cocktails,” Branford said.

“We are truly excited and proud to support Frank, Joy and the wider Fairfields Team as their production partner on these incredible rums,” Anthony Moniello, Co-CEO of Next Century Spirits, said. “Fairfields’ headquarters are right in our backyard and supporting skilled entrepreneurs like Frank is core to who we are. We believe in what they’re building as well as the quality of the rum at-hand and are excited to be part of their wider journey ahead.”

Investors include Overdrive Ventures which is led by founder Ray Potter, Maplewood Ventures and others. Fairfields Rum of the Americas is based in Fairfield, CT.  Suggested retail is $29.99 for the Dry White Rum and $43.99 for the Reserve.

To learn more visit www.rumoftheamericas.com.

Read more: For Rum’s Sake, An Open Letter to Bourbon Drinkers