Led by Janet Diaz-Bonilla, La Marielita is a collaboration between Diaz-Bonilla and fellow Cubans: rum-maker Francisco José “Don Pancho” Fernández Pérez, and artist Humberto Benitez, who designed the label art.

La Marielita Rum aged in ex-bourbon American white oak casks for at least 18 years with no additives or artificial flavorings. With a burnt toffee and oak aroma, the rum gradually transitions into cacao flavors on the palate, the company says, with layers of vanilla, coffee bean and orange blossom. On the finish is hazelnut and chocolate. 

La Marielita Rum is inspired by the 1980 Mariel Boatlift, an exodus initiated by a political movement wherein thousands of Cubans sought refuge at the Peruvian embassy. At six years old, Janet Diaz-Bonilla, alongside her parents, embarked on a journey from Mariel, Cuba, to Key West, Florida, only to be transferred upon arrival to a holding camp for 53 days before being awarded their freedom.La Marielita Rum is now available at select retailers in Florida, California, and New York and nationwide at lamarielita.com/shop/ for a suggested retail price of $59.99 per 750-ml. bottle.