A New Horizon - Introducing Megan Campbell, Vol. 1
Greetings,
To start, we'd like to express our heartfelt gratitude for all of the well-wishes and support.
It's been a little over 90 days since we took the reins here at Montanya, and we are excited to finally launch this series introducing our cherished community to the new (yet familiar) stewards. Our trio includes Megan Campbell, Renée Newton, and Sean W. Richards, blending deep respect for Montanya’s foundational values and commitment to creating exquisite high mountain rums with an innovative outlook on promising horizons.
In the coming weeks, we'll take a comprehensive yet eclectic dive into each partner's background (southern roots run deep with Montanya’s new leadership), experience, thoughts, and vision for the future, all culminating in a community Q&A. We welcome all and are excited to have you join us on this fantastic voyage to elevate American Rum.
Today, on International Women’s Day, we honor Montanya’s pioneer spirit and paradigm-shifting heritage as a female-founded rum distillery, with an introduction to partner Megan Campbell, our COO and Head Distiller. She is driven by her passion to create and lead this female and BIPOC-owned brand to the forefront of America’s burgeoning rum community and culture.
New Co-Owner, COO, and Head Distiller Megan Campbell
Megan Campbell - A Passion To Create Vol. 1
As we embark on this new chapter, it is a pleasure to introduce Megan Campbell, our COO and Head Distiller, whose dedication to Montanya and the rum community embodies the pioneering spirit synonymous with the brand and community.
Beginnings on the Bayou:
Born and raised in the vibrant cultural landscape of Greater New Orleans, Megan's journey is a testament to her drive and passion for creation, anchored in integrity. After earning a chemical engineering degree from Louisiana State University, Megan began her career in the spirits industry as a distiller at the Louisiana staple and woman-led Oxbow Rum in Baton Rouge. There, she honed her craft before joining Montanya as the Head Distiller in 2021. In this role, she not only led the distillery's expansion and produced award-winning mountain rum but also embraced the sustainable practices synonymous with Montanya’s values and commitments to environmental stewardship. Her passion for excellence is further demonstrated by her recent completion of the WSET Level 3 in Spirits, underscoring her dedication to continuous improvement and education.
Megan at the Alma Sugar Mill and Farm with Oxbow
Tradition x Innovation x Integrity:
Megan's vision for Montanya’s future is ambitious and grounded by core values. Fueled by a passion for innovation, collaboration, and growth, with transparency and integrity at its core, she aspires to establish Montanya as a leading American Rum distillery, crafting award-winning rums and offering a sprinkle of limited edition releases each year to captivate connoisseurs of all spirits. Reengaging early supporters, offering on-ramps to new ones through rum education and fun (an essential part of Montanya/rum culture), and also building ties within our home base of Crested Butte, CO.
Megan also believes in reinforcing Montanya’s B Corp status by enhancing our sustainability and social responsibility. She is currently leading initiatives to reduce the distillery’s carbon footprint, including the repurposing of distillation by-products and the utilization of recycled glass for special releases. Learning and leading with sustainable practices is not only crucial for the future of Montanya but for the industry as a whole.
Driven by a passion to create, combined with an entrepreneurial spirit and a commitment to education and growth, COO and Head Distiller Megan Campbell is setting a dynamic direction for Montanya’s future.
Stay up with us here for further introductions and exciting developments. Including coming insights on Megan, Renèe, Sean, our collaborative partners, and the mountain community we call home.