Rum has long been associated with pirate lore, tropical clichés, and overly sweet cocktails. But two Ohio entrepreneurs are working to change that perception with a new premium brand designed for modern drinkers.
Margaret Kerr-Jarrett and Emunah Winer, founders of the female-owned spirits brand Esther, launched the company in Columbus with a mission to challenge the stereotypes that have long defined rum and introduce a more contemporary, sophisticated spirit.
With Esther, they recognized what they describe as a “white space” in the spirits industry—a category widely used in cocktails but lacking the cultural evolution seen in tequila or gin.
The rum itself is a single-origin Colombian spirit produced at the Picciotto Family Distillery in Cali, where rum has been crafted since the 1950s. Blending pot- and column-still rums—including unaged rum and aged rum of up to four years—Esther delivers a smooth, approachable profile designed for sipping or cocktails. The liquid is 100% additive-free and bottled locally in Columbus.
Flavor notes include ripe stone fruit, hints of caramel, toasted oak, and delicate spice layered with subtle grassy tones. The brand’s distinctive bottle—with bright green cap and Esther lion—reflects the founders’ intention to create something instantly recognizable and refreshingly modern.
The name Esther itself carries layered meaning: for both the biblical queen known for quiet power and the “esters” that contribute to rum’s complex aromas and flavor.
Currently available at select Ohio retailers and online, Esther represents both global craftsmanship and local entrepreneurship.
To learn more, find retailers, or to order online, visit drinkesther.com. You can follow the brand on Instagram @drinkesther.
Longtime collaborators, Margaret Kerr-Jarrett and Emunah Winer, are experienced brand builders. Prior to Esther, they co-founded the tequila brand Casa Malka and still advise beverage companies through their consultancy, Nihilo. The creative pair say Esther “has two mothers,” a nod to the creative partnership that brought the brand to life.