Today we’d like to introduce you to Brandon Eckardt.
Hi Brandon , can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
This journey has been more than 10 years in the making. We started making rum in my garage around 2014 as a fun hobby and a way to pass the time. What began as a passion project eventually evolved into Naked Spirits in 2020.
We opened our first distillery in Brentwood with a focus on rum production. As the Midwest’s only rum-focused distillery, we started with traditional rum varieties before expanding into unique and creative flavor profiles. Over the years, some of our most popular releases have included Gooey Butter Cake, Watermelon Lemonade, Bananas Foster, Wedding Cake, Lemon, and Coffee Rum, among many others.
In addition to flavored rums, we have invested heavily in barrel aging. We work with new American oak barrels from McGinnis Barrel, a Missouri company with its cooperage based in Cuba, Missouri. We also age rum in a variety of previously used barrels to create distinctive flavor experiences. These include former Weller and Blanton’s bourbon barrels, port wine barrels, barleywine, stout barrels, and Sauternes wine barrels sourced from Bordeaux, France.
Last year, we recognized the need to grow and evolve. We decided to go all in and create a new concept: Naked Tiki Distilling. We selected Frenchtown as our home because the neighborhood’s character and energy matched our ambitions. After months of planning and development, we officially opened on February 14, 2026.
The concept is still new to the area, but it continues to gain momentum. At our core, we remain a distillery focused on producing premium rum from American-grown sugar. The addition of the tiki concept, however, allows guests to experience a broader side of rum culture through immersive hospitality, creative cocktails, and a deeper appreciation for one of the world’s most versatile spirits.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Like any business, we’ve faced our share of challenges along the way. Our first major hurdle came shortly after opening our doors in January 2020. Looking back, it was certainly not the ideal time to launch a new venture. COVID had just begun spreading across the country, and the world was shutting down.
We were open for only about six weeks before our first mandatory closure. After reopening, we were only able to operate for a few more months before facing another shutdown. In total, our tasting room was closed for nearly eight months during our first year in business. Combined with the loss of events, festivals, and retail tastings, that first year became one giant speed bump.
Rather than giving up, we stayed the course. We focused on creating unique products, expanding our flavor offerings, and continuing to build our knowledge. That persistence helped us weather the uncertainty and emerge stronger.
Our second major challenge ultimately became a blessing in disguise. In 2025, we learned that we would need to relocate our operation. While we weren’t completely prepared for such a significant move, we had always dreamed of creating something bigger and more immersive than a traditional distillery experience.
That vision led to the creation of Naked Tiki Distilling.
Opening Naked Tiki Distilling has been our boldest and most exciting endeavor yet. The new tiki lounge in Frenchtown allows guests to experience rum in an entirely new way through thoughtfully crafted cocktails, immersive surroundings, and a level of creativity not found in a typical cocktail bar. It has given us the opportunity to share the culture, history, and versatility of rum with a wider audience.
We’re incredibly excited about the future and look forward to seeing how Naked Tiki Distilling continues to grow and evolve in the years ahead.
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Naked Tiki Distilling?
At its core, Naked Tiki Distilling is all about craftsmanship. From craft rum and handcrafted cocktails to thoughtfully prepared food and a uniquely curated atmosphere, every aspect of the experience is intentional.
From the moment guests walk through the door, they’re introduced to a concept unlike anything else in the area. Naked Tiki Distilling was designed to be a place where people can disconnect from distractions and reconnect with one another. You won’t find televisions on every wall or loud music competing for attention. Instead, you’ll be welcomed by bamboo accents, comfortable lounge seating, subtle island-inspired music, and playful decorative touches that transport you to another place.
Every detail has been carefully selected to create an immersive environment centered around conversation, relaxation, and connection. Whether you’re enjoying a handcrafted cocktail, exploring our rum portfolio, or simply spending time with friends, the goal is to provide an experience that feels both memorable and authentic.
We like to say that Naked Tiki Distilling is built on bold pours, wild ideas, and one big promise: our spirits are crafted with the highest-quality ingredients and just the right amount of mischief.
What are your plans for the future?
Only time will tell what comes next. We have a few major goals in front of us, and once those are accomplished, who knows what wild ideas we’ll dream up next.
Our top priority is bringing our entire production operation under one roof. Consolidating our production facilities will create new efficiencies and provide opportunities for future growth. When that happens, we also plan to expand the guest experience by creating an outdoor seating area that extends our theme of escapism beyond the walls of the tiki lounge and into a tropical-inspired outdoor environment.
In the near term, our focus remains on continually improving and expanding our cocktail and food programs. Innovation has always been a core part of who we are, and we have several exciting ideas already in the works.
For now, our advice is simple: keep following along and enjoy the ride. If the last decade has taught us anything, it’s that the best ideas often come from taking chances, embracing creativity, and never being afraid to try something a little different.
Pricing:
- moderate
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.nakedtikidistilling.com
- Instagram: @nakedtikidistilling
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/nakedtiki/
