Yes, I did. When looking how to make a spiritual life more spiritual, as well as financially sustainable, I turned to ancient history. Clergy and Monastic Traditions have brewed alcohol or distilled spirits for millennia. (That’s part of why they called them “spirits.”) Throughout the ages, the devout have found that they can make some non-trivial amount of coin for their craft, more than enough to fill the the church’s coffers.
Having learned the fine of of craft brewing and distillation from no less than Jack Crispin Cain, former apprentice to Hubert Germain-Robin, I am eager to ply the trade again. Fine spirits, crafted with care, is an art form you can take pride in. With the abundance of tropical fruits readily available, some delicious island rums await us.
Feasibility
The low low cost of sugar/molasses, the abundance of organically grown fruit year round, and free flowing well water. All the ingredients are right there.
Bars and parties suffuse the island. I could create something refined and a little bit pricey for my own enjoyment and that of those who care. I would then take a similar product, and make pre-made mixed drinks that are sweet and fruity for the party crowd. Local bars are already interested in whatever I can bring them.
This is all more of a Phase 4 plan. Licensing and approval is still pending for the distillery. I have a good Thai partner on this end of the project, so you can rest assured that the licensing will come through eventually. I want to start the resort and build the temple first. Licensing for that business is quite simple and routine. The distillery on the next island over has a small resort attached to it as well. They have recently been bought out by a distillery from mainland Thailand up north. I tasted their rum, and I have made better. The stuff from the mainland with pure organic sugarcane, will be a flavor to beat on the upper market, but I’ll lock down the local party market for myself.
If you are interested in learning more about the distillery plans, feasibility study, are interested in investing, or just want to hear more about it please [click here] to fill out the form on the Contact Us page and mention the Distillery in the message.