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WHY RUM?
A few reasons…
We love rum! Many don’t know the different varieties and complex flavors that are possible with rum. Chicago Cane Cooperative creates rum-based spirits to show drinkers flavors they maybe haven’t experienced before.
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Rum has a troubled and often ignored history. As a major foundation of the western and globalized world rum inspired revolutions, formed empires, and set the groundwork for economies reliant on slave labor. The truths of rum and sugar production are buried in the cultural history of the Americas. Chicago Cane Cooperative is our way to comment on and reckon with this challenging past.
As a first generation Cuban-American, founder and head distiller Daniel André Regueira Santos became obsessed with rum while exploring his roots. This led to a passion for rum and the cultural significance this spirit holds. Chicago Cane Cooperative is a vehicle for Daniel to share this passion.
WHY WORKER
OWNED?
At Chicago Cane Cooperative we believe shared involvement in the working environment and business trajectory of our business is vital to our ongoing success. This transparency creates equity for workers and provides consumers peace of mind. Currently, there is a revitalization of labor unions throughout our society because workers want better conditions and adequate compensation. We believe creating a healthy and prosperous work environment for everyone is fully realized through worker ownership.
WHO ARE WE?
Daniel Andre Regueira Santos
Founder — Distiller — Creative Director
While pursuing a career as a graphic designer in advertising and marketing, Daniel began distilling rum as a hobby. After 6 years of borderline obsessive experimentation, Daniel thought, “why not make my own rum distillery.” He’s earned a Wine and Spirits Education Trust (WSET) Level 3 Spirits certification with merit. Recently disabled, you might spot him zipping around Chicago in his wheelchair.
Sean Ellis Hussey
Natalie Frazier
Founder — Head of Branding, Marketing, & Communications — Botanical Development
Sean currently works as a composer, musician, as well as a copywriter/content marketing producer and strategist. With nearly a decade of service industry experience at a variety of restaurants and bars, Sean loves mixing botanicals, inventing cocktails, and curating dining and entertainment experiences. Sean is probably busy daydreaming a random ad campaign, infusing rum with some rare foraged herb, practicing the splits, or diving into a collection of thoughtful essays as you read this.
Sales Representative
Natalie Frazier is a Chicago native with nearly a decade of experience in creative, communal, and hospitality spaces. Natalie holds a plethora of certifications in spirits, wine, and beer, and is a published journalist and community worker. When she’s not cooking up spirit forward cocktails, Natalie loves to explore Chicago's rich history of clubs, lounges, and bars.
Gaurav Jain
Co-Founder — Business Operations
Gaurav “Prince” Jain has a degree in Supply Chain Management and works as a consultant for multiple firms. He has experience starting many different kinds of business throughout the LA area and is integral to the nuts and bolts of building a successful distillery.