Johnny Depp designed a bottle for a rum brand inspired by his tattoos and the love of his life

Rum played a great role in Johnny Depp’s career.

First, there was Pirates of the Caribbean Franchise – “Why did all the rum disappear?!” -Then came the Hunter S. Thompson adaptation Roman Diaries. Now Depp has written another chapter, or poured another shot, with the launch of Three Hearts Rum, a premium Caribbean-inspired rum co-founded in partnership with his old friend Bobby DeLeon.

It’s not just another fast-hitting celebrity spirits brand. Depp and DeLeon have been kicking around the idea for years with the goal of creating something meaningful that honors their connections as well as their rum-drinking heritage from the Caribbean, a place where Depp has spent significant time over the course of two decades (on his private island in the Bahamas called Little Hall’s Pond Cay). Their creative process gained momentum in the wake of the devastation caused by hurricanes on many Caribbean islands in recent years as they looked for ways they might be able to support and highlight local communities. Depp poured a piece of his heart into the bottle by designing it himself and incorporating symbolism inspired by his tattoos, personal philosophy and three loved ones.

The bottle is engraved with the flag of his island, and consists of a tattoo on his body of a skull to serve as a reminder to live fully, a lightning bolt to symbolize everlasting friendship, the number three to represent new beginnings and three hearts to represent the love of his life. The base of the bottle contains the brand’s slogan: “No Fear. No Hate. No Envy.” The top of the bottle features a bracelet charm.

“Rum carries the history of the islands,” Depp said in a statement. “It’s shaped by the hands of people who grow the cane, ferment the spirit, and age it over time. Bobby and I wanted to create something that honors this tradition and the friendships that inspired it.”

DeLeon added, “We didn’t want to rush something out in the world. This rum represents years of patience and collaboration. Our goal was to create something that respected the heritage of Caribbean rum while sharing the spirit of friendship that started it.”

According to today’s news, the founders say they intend for Three Hearts Rum to represent the first chapter in what they plan as a “broader exploration of Caribbean rum traditions in the coming years.” In an interview with ForbesDeLeon described Three Hearts Rum as a sticky dessert flavored with notes of wood, spice, candied orange and vanilla. It was made at a distillery in the Dominican Republic which aged the liquid in ex-bourbon casks for five years and repackaged for a further two years in ex-Cognac casks resulting in a seven-year-old rum.

See below for bottle details and behind-the-scenes photos of Depp’s creative process in action.

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