UFC Champion Aljamain Sterling’s Craft Rum Brand Receives Top Honors from Industry Judges
AUSTIN, TX – February 15, 2025 – Funk Harbor Distilling is proud to announce that Funk Harbor Aged Dark Rum has been awarded the Gold Medal and named “Best Dark/Gold Rum” at the 2025 Wine & Spirits Wholesalers of America (WSWA) Tasting Competition. The rum was officially declared the top-rated dark rum by the competition’s esteemed panel of judges, cementing its place among the industry’s finest spirits.
Founded by UFC fighter and MMA champion Aljamain Sterling, Funk Harbor Distilling has quickly emerged as a standout in the craft spirits world. The brand’s flagship Aged Dark Rum showcases Sterling’s commitment to excellence both inside and outside the octagon, bringing the same dedication and precision to rum-making that defined his championship career.
“Winning this award is an incredible honor,” said Aljamain Sterling, Founder of Funk Harbor Distilling. “We set out to create something special—a rum that respects tradition while pushing boundaries. To have our work recognized by WSWA’s judges as the best in the dark rum category validates everything we’ve been working toward.”
The WSWA Tasting Competition is one of the most respected beverage alcohol competitions in the industry. As the only national membership organization of wine and spirits distributors, WSWA brings together the industry’s leading experts to evaluate and recognize excellence in spirits. At the 2025 competition, Funk Harbor No. 1 Rum stood out among hundreds of entries to claim top honors in its category.
About Funk Harbor Aged Dark Rum
Funk Harbor No. 1 Rum is produced at Funk Harbor Distilling, a Jamaican craft distillery that focuses on small-batch rums with a modern twist on traditional recipes. The distillery prides itself on creating high-quality rum using locally sourced ingredients and incorporating unique aging processes.
Bottled at 44% ABV, Funk Harbor Aged Dark Rum offers a sophisticated tasting experience:
- Nose: Aromatic and complex, with rich caramel and toffee aromas, subtle vanilla notes, hints of cinnamon and nutmeg spice, and a faint underlying note of seasoned oak
- Palate: Smooth and balanced, featuring sweet brown sugar and molasses complemented by butterscotch, vanilla, seasoned oak, spices, and a slight smokiness for a well-rounded, full-bodied experience
- Finish: Long and flavorful, with lingering notes of caramelized sugar, vanilla, and a slight touch of spice
Funk Harbor Aged Dark Rum is available in 700ml bottles for $59.99 at select retailers and online.
About Funk Harbor Distilling
Funk Harbor Distilling is a Jamaican craft distillery founded by UFC champion Aljamain Sterling. The distillery is dedicated to producing exceptional small-batch rums that honor Caribbean tradition while embracing innovation. Using locally sourced ingredients and distinctive aging processes, Funk Harbor creates premium spirits that deliver complexity, character, and unforgettable flavor.
About WSWA
The Wine & Spirits Wholesalers of America is the only national membership organization of wine and spirits distributors. WSWA advocates on federal, state, regulatory, and legal issues impacting distributors and the beverage alcohol industry. The annual WSWA Tasting Competition celebrates excellence in spirits and wine, with winners selected by an expert panel of industry judges.
Media Contact:
Adrian De La Garza; ADLG Marketing; info@adlgmarketing.com; https://adlgmarketing.com
Visit Funk Harbor:
Website: https://funkharborspirits.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/funkharborrum
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/funkharborrum