Caribbean Sunrise Spirits and La Aurora are proud to announce the U.S. launch of E. León Jimenes 1903 Rum. Our 1903 Rum is being launched in the U.S. with importation by Caribbean Sunrise Spirits, LLC (CSS), the sister company of La Aurora, USA, as La Aurora—the oldest continuous manufacturer of Dominican cigars—expands its US footprint. E. León Jimenes 1903, is a light rum crafted from 100% premium sugar cane juice. Our unique production process utilizes a four-column continuous distillation train, ensuring unparalleled consistency as the alcohol emerges at an impressive 96% ABV, showcasing our commitment to excellence. This exceptional spirit then undergoes a meticulous aging process, starting with 6.5 years in Ex-bourbon American oak barrels, followed by an additional 1.5 years in Ex-sherry cask European oak barrels, for a total of 8 years of maturation.

León Jimenes 1903 features notes of oak, panela (unrefined whole cane sugar), and a medley of spices including vanilla, cinnamon, and nutmeg, culminating in a citrusy finish. The slightly sweet profile accentuates the woody flavors, revealing layers of caramel, dried fruits, chocolate, orange peel, and bananas. This medium-bodied aged distillate offers a clean, dry, and subtly sweet finish. Fine wood spices and hints of almond linger momentarily before gently fading away.

“In 1903, Eduardo León Jimenes had the vision of crafting the highest quality Dominican products to share with the rest of the world. Since then, we have become masters in the value of time and aging, the art of mixing aromas and flavors, and the commitment to excellence. We entered into the rum industry in 2013 to celebrate my grandfather, E. León Jimenes, on the 110th anniversary of his founding of La Aurora,” said Guillermo León, President. “Following the incredible success of our 110 Aniversario rum and the overwhelming praise and awards it has received, we knew creating a product at a lower price point without compromising our unwavering commitment to quality and craftsmanship would be a monumental challenge. Yet, from that challenge came E. León Jimenes 1903—a rum born from our strictest standards, deepest passions, and desire to honor my grandfather’s visionary spirit.”

“E. León Jimenes Rum is and will always be a portfolio of premium products intended to share the best of the Dominican Republic with the rest of the world, building on the vision of E. León Jimenes. The goal, long-term, is to continue to share these distinctly Dominican experiences with others whether through pairings with cigars or Dominican cuisine. Caribbean Sunrise Spirits intends to be a leader alongside other premium rum brands, both established and new, in order to cement rum as a premium, and sought-after, spirit,” says Ed McKenna, CEO.

E. Leon Jimenes 1903 will be available all year, with the first distribution starting in Florida, New York, California, and Nevada mid-2025, with ambitions to expand into at least 5 key markets by the end of 2025 (SRP: $39.99).

About E. León Jimenes Rum

León Jimenes Rum was created by La Aurora S.A. under the leadership of Guillermo León, grandson of E. León Jimenes, to carry forward his grandfather’s vision of crafting world-class brands born in the Dominican Republic. Launched in 2013 on the occasion of the 110th year anniversary of La Aurora Cigars, E. León Jimenes Rum is and will always be a portfolio of premium products intended to share the best of the Dominican Republic with the rest of the world. Our rums build on the vision of Guillermo León’s grandfather, E. León Jimenes, the founder of La Aurora.

About Caribbean Sunrise Spirits

Founded in 2024, Caribbean Sunrise Spirits is the importation arm of La Aurora based in Miami and manages all marketing and sales for the expanding portfolio of spirits.  The goal of CSS is to deliver unmatched quality at every premium tier of rum products, elevating the category and placing premium rum alongside some of the most prestigious spirits in the market. The La Aurora USA team will be extending their roles into Caribbean Sunrise Spirits with Ed McKenna serving as CEO, Greyci Tineo as COO, and John Gaglio and Elvis Batista managing all marketing and branding. We are in the process of launching a new website to support our entire portfolio of rums, but to learn more, please visit our website or follow us on Instagram at @roneleonjimenes. As our spirits portfolio continues to grow in the U.S., please stay tuned for our latest releases!