World-Renowned Artist Wyland Launches New Rum

By Erika Prafder

He’s internationally known for his life-size, outdoor whale and sea life murals, but for marine artist Wyland, it’s his ‘pirate life’ that’s influencing his latest venture—the launch of his own name-brand rum.

“I’m a pirate. I’ve spent a lot of time diving the Caribbean, testing various rums. It’s a lifestyle brand I created here. Art and rum go together perfectly—even makes my art look better.”
– Wyland, Famed Painter and Conservationist, on His New Ultra-Premium Rum

Sourced, he says, from some of the finest, Caribbean distilleries, and hand-crafted in small batches, the new, silky smooth, 80-proof dark rum is aged eight years and can be enjoyed by itself or slightly chilled. A limited release product, it retails for $69 per 750 ml bottle and features Wyland’s iconic Bruni Italian premium, glass bottles.

wyland and his new rum, beach and sunset

Wyland Rum

Photo Courtesy Wyland Worldwide

To test his product, Wyland called upon some heavy-hitters from the music world, he says, including blues legend, Taj Mahal and his family, from the Caribbean, and rap artist, Pitbull, who he’d met on Norwegian Bliss. “He invited me to his house in Key Largo, where we’re neighbors. He was anxious to taste it,” says Wyland.

The new spirit is the first of four planned for distribution, with expansion plans to include vodka, tequila and whisky—each with its own signature, Wyland image, as part of the collection.

To be sold through select retailers in California, Florida and Hawaii, and online, the rum will also be featured on Norwegian Cruise Line, which most recently tapped Wyland to design signature hull artwork for its newest ship, Norwegian Bliss.

Wyland and Norwegian Bliss

Wyland and Norwegian Bliss

“It’s a pleasure to collaborate with Wyland once again, as he has not only been a great partner to our brand, but he is truly a member of the Norwegian family. We are pleased to support his new venture as he embarks on this journey. We look forward to featuring his new rum across our fleet.”
– Norwegian Cruise Line President and CEO, Andy Stuart

Wyland's Artwork on Norwegian Bliss, cruise ship

Wyland’s Artwork on Norwegian Bliss

For Wyland, the art of rum is another way to connect with the more than 500,000 collectors who enjoy his art, others who appreciate the process and drinking experience, as well as something closer to his heart.

“The success I’ve had as an artist not only gives me the opportunity to share my art, but to support the work of my non-profit Wyland Foundation, which is having a global impact in the effort to protect our oceans and waterways.”
– Wyland

For more information, visit Wyland.com and follow him on Instagram @wyland.

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