Today we’d like to introduce you to Jeff Miller.
Hi Jeff, so excited to have you on the platform. So, before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
In 1851 our great great great grandfather Antonio Monju sailed to New Orleans from Isla Menorca, Spain. He distilled our Curacao in the French Quarter until the late 1860s. His recipe journal was re-discovered in an antique desk at our grandmother’s home in Dallas, Tx. In my former life as an advertising professional, I learned to respect the marketing savvy of the ‘dark horse’ brands.
Without exception, those that found themselves in the rarefied atmosphere of ‘global recognition’ share one thing in common: They began by breaking all the ‘rules’.
In the world of distilled spirits: History, provenance, & country of origin are the defining elements. I approached the re-launch of this brand as a celebration of history & a whimsical reintroduction of our past to our present.
The Monju Spirits brand is a steampunk celebration of cocktail history splashed with 21st-century verve. Monju’s Laraha, Curacao de 1851 is but the 1st in an extensive Spanish spirits portfolio. Monju’s La Fee Verte, Absinthe de 1851 is next in line, & will be available in the coming months. We’ve already begun work on recreating our Rum recipes as well, which include an Agricole & a barrel-aged rum. Together known as Monju’s Breakwater Armada, Rhum de 1851. Set Sail.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
The obstacle IS the way. That’s how we grow & evolve. I believe that concept can be applied to us as humans or specifically to a historically-significant Spanish spirits brand. Expensive miscalculations are part of the process. Embrace them & move on.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
This is “America’s 1st Pre-Prohibition Spanish Spirits Brand’. Monju’s Laraha, Curacao de 1851, is made with 100% organic botanicals. 30% ABV. The name, Monju’s Laraha, Curacao de 1851 is a tip of the hat to the Laraha orange that grows native on the Caribbean island of Curacao. A grain-neutral-spirits base with notes of Lemon essential oil, angelica, nutmeg, & cinnamon round out the profile. Our Curacao contains less than 2% sugar, making this a true dry-orange-liqueur. Add Monju’s Laraha to your margaritas, ranch waters, & any tiki cocktail that calls for orange liqueur! But if your name is Captain Monju…you’ll drink it straight out of the bottle!!! Set Sail, Salud, & See Y’all On The High Seas.
Is there anyone you’d like to thank or give credit to?
“Master Distiller Tom Anderson of the Pinkney Bend Distillery, New Haven MO has been instrumental in recreating this one-of-a-kind portfolio of spirits.”. The knowledge base & level of finesse required to achieve balance in 170 year old recipes is substantial, & our team owes Tom a debt of gratitude. Tom spends his time traveling the country as a distilling consultant. Catch him at TC Anderson Consulting.
Contact Info:
- Email: elpresidente@monjuspirits.com
- Website: www.monjuspirits.com
- Instagram: @TheRealCaptainMonju
