Papa’s Pilar Rum Partners With Non-profit United Row on Historic Pacific Ocean Rowing Journey

KEY WEST, Fla.--  Papa's Pilar Rum is excited to announce its partnership with United Row, a nonprofit organization that raises funds for charity through extreme endurance events – like the record-breaking Pacific Ocean rowing challenge its founders Anna McLean and Jenny D'Anthony will be completing this summer. Papa’s Pilar is sponsoring these women and their courageous journey in honor of the brand’s own inspiration – Ernest “Papa” Hemingway, the legendary novelist who lived a life that outlived him. 

McLean is from the United Kingdom and Jenny is from the United States, and together they are known as "United Row". This summer, they are aiming to be the youngest and fastest female pair to row across the Pacific Ocean. The duo, best friends who met on the Clemson University rowing team,  leave on Saturday, June 8, 2024 from Monterey, California and finish at Hanalei Bay on the island of Kaua’i, Hawaii. They are raising money and awareness for Clemson's Hear Her Roar Campaign to directly enhance and propel the future of women in sports.

Following the Pacific Ocean journey, United Row and Papa’s Pilar will be teaming up on a beach cleanup event and hosting a celebration at the Hemingway Distillery in Key West. In addition to the overall sponsorship, Papa’s Pilar will donate proceeds from cocktails sold at the event to I.CARE, an organization dedicated to coral reef restoration in Florida, on behalf of United Row.

"We are honored to join forces with United Row in their historic quest and will be cheering them on during their brave journey across the Pacific," said Nathalie Maltez, Brand Marketing Manager at Papa's Pilar Rum. "These courageous women exemplify the adventurous ethos that defines our brand and pays homage to Hemingway's enduring legacy."

Papa’s Pilar is the worldly-sourced and Florida-finished rum inspired by Ernest Hemingway. The brand is committed to celebrating those who live out his ‘Never A Spectator’ mantra and live life to the fullest, like the fearless women behind United Row.

“We couldn’t think of a better partner than Papa’s Pilar rum to support us as we conquer our row across the Pacific,”  said McLean. “We like to say we live a life full of adventure, and this summer as we row across the Pacific, we look forward to toasting at the finish line with the Pilar team, our friends, families and supporters.” 

About Papa's Pilar Rum

Papa’s Pilar Rum – in its Dark, Blonde, Sherry-finished and Rye-finished flagship expressions – is an ultra-premium, artisan-crafted rum inspired by Ernest “Papa” Hemingway, an author, explorer, storyteller, observationist, bon vivant and Key West local who is celebrated for what he was not: a spectator. Papa’s Pilar’s expressions are born of hand-selected, multi-sourced rums and are artfully blended by Master Blender, Ron Call. Each is then double and triple-finished in Bourbon barrels, Port Wine casks, and Oloroso Spanish Sherry casks. Hemingway Rum Company’s Key West distillery, home of Papa’s Pilar Rum, is located in a historic building just yards from where Hemingway used to dock his beloved boat, the Pilar. In addition to the working distillery, the building also includes an experience center, innovation lab, trading post, tasting room, bottling line, event space and bar. Papa’s Pilar was developed in conjunction with Ernest Hemingway’s estate, and the Hemingway family graciously donates a portion of its proceeds from Papa’s Pilar Rum to charity. Papa’s Pilar is a proud member of the Distilled Spirits Council of the United States (DISCUS). For more information, visit the website or follow Papa's Pilar on Instagram @papaspilar.

About United Row

United Row is a non-profit organization made up of teammates Anna McLean and Jenny D’Anthony. Anna from the United Kingdom and Jenny from the United States known together as “United Row.” They stand united with each other, their supporters, and their celebrated cause. As they prepare for the world’s toughest row, they hope to help pave the way for other girls and women to pursue their wildest dreams too. The team is currently fundraising for their ocean rowing boat, which will be their home at sea for 60+ days. The 24 ft boat will be equipped with everything they need to survive the journey unsupported – food, desalinator, safety equipment, and solar panels. The pair aims to keep the boat moving 24/7, rowing in a 2-hour shift pattern. Anna and Jenny will be documenting their journey up to the start line and across the Pacific Ocean. Follow along on their instagram and facebook @united.row and donate to their campaign at unitedrow.org. All donations will be used to help the team get to the start line and support Hear her Roar.