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Born out of Calwise Master Distiller Aaron Bergh's and Partner Jamie Smith’s love of tiki and vintage culture. In both of our various business travels, we would intentionally seek out local tiki bars reveling in the decor, escape and flavorful cocktails these places serve up. Furthermore we became fans of the art, style and history of tiki pop culture in the U.S. We  wanted to honor this culture with a set of rums that can serve as the backbone of various tropical drinks and add the complexity and flavor to this experience.

“I remember the first time I walked in to a tiki bar, Trader Sam’s at Disneyland Hotel in Anaheim. I was instantly mesmerized by the decor, bar staff, patrons, drinks...the whole experience. I was swept away and ever since, every time I travel someplace new, I seek out a local tiki bar. I wanted to share and enhance this experience with others and provide sense of escape and imagination most haven’t experienced since they were a child.” – Jamie

The Inspiration/Origin:
The name Hazard Reef gets its inspiration from a favorite local beach spot on the Central Coast. Beautiful, rugged and mysterious, like many tucked away beach coves on the coast, the character of the place comes through in the brand and the rums of Hazard Reef.

The Art:

The art comes from Harry Decker of Double Decker Design, a professional graphic artist and tiki enthusiast. Harry has lent his skills to several beverage brands in his career, but it was his side project Hula Hideaway and the tiki-inspired art he created in his free time that sold Aaron on Jamie. They collaborated with Harry to bring the story of Hazard Reef to life as a painting and then as labels for each rum.