What’s Big Papi Doing in Your Liquor Cabinet? David Ortiz’s Dominican Rum Just Landed in the Lehigh Valley
If you’ve ever sipped a drink in downtown Bethlehem, caught a show at SteelStacks, or lingered over a craft cocktail in Easton’s Centre Square, you probably think you know the local spirits scene. But something new just poured in—and it’s as bold as it is unexpected.
Hall-of-Fame baseball legend David “Big Papi” Ortiz has officially launched a new ultra-premium rum, and it’s making its way to shelves and back bars near you. The name? Ozama Rum—a 100% Dominican-made spirit that’s shaking up expectations across Pennsylvania, one smooth sip at a time.
And while the Lehigh Valley might not be the first place you’d expect a Red Sox icon to make a spirits debut, it turns out we’re exactly the kind of community this rum was made for: proud, passionate, and increasingly curious about what’s in our glass.
“To me, Ozama isn’t just about rum, it’s about identity, pride, and progress,” Ortiz said. “I wanted to build something that celebrates the energy and soul of my people and shows the world what we’re made of. It’s always been important for me to do things the right way, which is why this labor of love has been one of the most rewarding projects of my career. I can’t wait for people to try it! They say that perfection doesn’t exist, but you can get close to it.”
What Makes Ozama Rum Different?
Named after the Ozama River in Ortiz’s hometown of Santo Domingo, this is no ordinary rum. Ozama is crafted entirely in the Dominican Republic—from sugarcane to barrel to bottle—and proudly bears the official Ron Dominicano seal, a certification that guarantees its purity and place of origin.
With three distinctive expressions, Ozama is built for sipping, mixing, and showing off at your next get-together in Macungie, Emmaus, or along the banks of the Lehigh River:
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Ozama Blanco – Crisp, clear, and citrus-forward with subtle white pepper notes. Ideal for mojitos on the patio or a refreshing daiquiri at your favorite Easton bistro.
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Ozama Añejo – Aged to a deep copper tone with rich hints of vanilla, toffee, and a whisper of chocolate. Smooth enough to serve neat in a snifter or elevate your classic rum & coke.
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Ozama Gran Añejo – The showstopper. Silky and layered with dates, honey, raisins, and fine wood. This is a top-shelf pour perfect for holidays, celebrations—or just Tuesdays done right.
Retail prices range from $25–$40 for 700ml bottles, making Ozama a rare find in the world of luxury spirits: high-end, but approachable.
A Growing Rum Market—and a Thirsty Lehigh Valley
Ozama Rum isn’t just entering the market—it’s stepping into a movement. According to Global View Research, the global rum industry was worth $11.77 billion in 2022, with projected annual growth of 5.6% through 2030. More consumers are seeking artisanal, culturally rooted spirits—especially here in Pennsylvania, where cocktail culture has taken hold in places like Bethlehem’s South Side and Allentown’s up-and-coming dining districts.
With venues like the Easton Public Market and the Bethlehem Food Co-Op elevating food and drink options across the Valley, Ozama is arriving at the right time—and with the right story.
More Than a Bottle: A Mission With Meaning
Ortiz didn’t just want to make great rum—he wanted to give back. Two percent of Ozama’s profits will support cleanup efforts along the Ozama River and help invest in Dominican communities in need.
“From day one, David had a clear vision to create an ultra-premium rum that feels authentic, vibrant, and undeniably Dominican—it was important to him to spotlight the Dominican Republic and at the same time give back to the community that raised him,” said Abbott Wolfe, CEO of Drink2Success, which partnered with Ortiz to bring the brand to life.
That mission resonates with Lehigh Valley residents—especially those who care as much about community as they do about craft.
Where to Find Ozama Rum in the Lehigh Valley
Ozama Rum is currently available online at drinkozama.com and is rolling out across Pennsylvania this summer. Expect to find it soon at specialty liquor stores in Allentown and Bethlehem, and don’t be surprised if it starts popping up on cocktail menus in Easton’s finest bars and lounges.
If you’re lucky, you’ll catch one of the brand’s tasting events—slated for select Northeast cities—where local mixologists get the chance to put their own twist on Big Papi’s pride.
Final Sip: A Rum With Heart—and Heat
At first glance, Ozama Rum might not seem like a Lehigh Valley story. But dig a little deeper, and you’ll find shared values: pride in heritage, commitment to craft, and a belief that good things should be made with love.
“They say that perfection doesn’t exist,” Ortiz said. “But you can get close to it.”
And if you ask around in Allentown, Bethlehem, or Easton this summer, some folks might say he’s already there—one pour at a time.
