Rolling Stones Tap Pasco Distillery To Produce Rock Band's Rum

NEW PORT RICHEY, FL — The Point Distillery in Pasco County and the Pasco Economic Development Council announced that the local distillery will be expanding after signing a contract with The Rolling Stones to produce the band's first spirit, Crossfire Hurricane.

The distillery at 11807 Little Road in New Port Richey will add new bottling lines and 20 to 25 new jobs as part of an expansion to accommodate new contracts like Crossfire Hurricane.

“We are beyond ecstatic and very proud to be producing a product for the most iconic rock band in the world," said Spencer Wolf, CEO of The Point Distillery. "This association is both a tribute to the team at The Point Distillery and a classic example of how local government can work hand-in-hand with business, creating employment opportunities, economic growth and provide unique recognition, both domestically and internationally, for Pasco County. The announcement of the launch has been featured worldwide by the media and has created phenomenal excitement across all generations of Rolling Stones fans."

The Point Distillery will carry out the entire rum bottling process which includes setting the bottling line up for production, filling the bottles with the Crossfire Hurricane rum, completing the packaging by attaching the corks and labeling and sealing the bottles with a capsule over the cork. The products will then be packed into display cases ready for shipment to distributors.

“As the Rolling Stones say, the consumer can now ‘Take your tongue for a ride with Crossfire Hurricane.' We make the rum; they make the music,” said Wolf.

“Securing a contract like this brings more job opportunities to our residents and showcases our business community in such a cool and different light,” said Bill Cronin, president/CEO of the Pasco EDC. “The county supported The Point and its expansion and now they are working with one of, if not, the biggest name in rock and roll.”

Crossfire Hurricane rum is the first product owned by the Rolling Stones. It is a Caribbean blended rum incorporating rums from Jamaica, Barbados and the Dominican Republic that are aged in selected oak barrels. The rum boasts the flavors of caramelized bananas followed by a gentle hint of tropical fruit.

This venture is the culmination of a pioneering partnership with Universal Music Group and Socio Ventures. Crossfire Hurricane is available for purchase at crossfirehurricane.com.

The Point Distillery opened in Pasco County in 2018 after owner Spencer Wolf and partners invested an initial $1.3 million in reopening the 30,000-square-foot distillery on a 6-acre site in New Port Richey with a 2,000-square-foot warehouse with office and conference space.

Ironically, even before signing the contract with The Rolling Stones, Wolf announced the company's goal as "Your Total Satisfaction," which is suitable since Keith Richards of The Rolling Stones penned the 1965 hit song, "(I Can't Get No) Satisfaction," while the band was on tour in the United States and staying at a hotel on North Fort Harrison in Clearwater.

During the band's tour in Tampa in 2021, lead singer Mick Jagger recalled the story of the song's origins, noting that the Clearwater hotel they stayed in is now the site of the international headquarters of the controversial Church of Scientology.

The Pasco Board of County Commissioners assisted with an initial Penny for Pasco tax-funded, low-interest loan and, in August, commissioners approved an agreement restructuring the company’s existing equipment loan to purchase an automatic filling machine, which accommodates specialty bottling capability.

“Pasco County is proud to share in the success of such a top-notch company that’s truly premier in the industry,” said Pasco Board of County Commissioners Chairman Jack Mariano. “The Point Distillery is now exporting products around the U.S. and the world with more than 30 full-time employees. Our board has provided the company with approximately $239,000 in repayable equipment purchase loans over the past several years, which is a great example of how Pasco County supports redevelopment and thriving small businesses.”