Olivia Stewart is the president of Oxbow Rum Distillery in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, and a recently elected member of the American Craft Spirits Association’s Board of Directors.

Stewart grew up running through rows of sugarcane on her family’s farm and later pursued a career in the art world. But during the pandemic, she went back to her roots to run the family distillery. Stewart relaunched the brand as Oxbow Rum Distillery with new lines of premium craft rums made from their own fresh-pressed cane juice and high-grade molasses.

In this episode, Stewart discusses farm life; her career path and assuming leadership at the distillery; how she and her dad nearly sold off the distillery; and the company’s recent gains and bright future.