“It’s so nice to meet you, Adrianna. I’m Eric.”
I’m sitting across from Eric Winter at the Warren Street Hotel in New York City, and frankly, I’m shocked I’m even here. As a longtime fan of the actor’s work, I religiously tune in every week for new episodes of his hit ABC drama, The Rookie. I’ve also spent plenty of time covering his latest career moves, like the recent rebrand of his popular spirits company, Palm Republic.
Needless to say, I know a lot about what Eric’s up to from a work perspective. So, when the opportunity arose to leave my desk for a private rum tasting, I immediately jumped on it. After all, when will I get another chance to have a one-on-one conversation with someone from one of my favorite TV shows?
As we tasted some of Palm Republic’s latest offerings, we got to chatting about Eric’s latest venture. While he admitted he wasn’t much of a rum drinker in his early 20s, a trip to San Juan, Puerto Rico, to meet the family of his then-girlfriend (and now wife), Roselyn Sánchez, took him on a journey that continues today.
“Palm Republic was basically a passion inspired by my late father-in-law,” he tells me while we both enjoy the brand’s riff on an Old Fashioned. “I went to Puerto Rico for the first time, and while having a conversation about my intentions with his daughter, he said, ‘We’re going to sip on some rum.’ I had never really explored a premium rum before, and after that, I was hooked.”
Considering it’s been almost 20 years since that first interaction (the couple wed in 2008 after three years of dating), I have to ask what Roselyn thinks about Eric taking his love of rum to new heights.
Setting down his drink and considering the best way to answer, he notes that Roselyn is more involved with Palm Republic than fans might expect. In fact, she’s the one who pushed him to start it.
“Roselyn has been super supportive, 100%,” he added. “She was the one who said I should do something with rum. When I told her I didn’t know where to start and was nervous about building a company, she was like, ‘You’ll be great at it.’ She’s always pushing me and motivating me, and she’s been there every step of the way.”
Eric admits that his wife isn’t a big drinker, but he was lucky to have a good group of people to test Palm Republic on.
“Her brothers and family all love it!” he laughs.
Fast forward two hours, and it’s time for Eric and me to part ways. But before packing up, I have to inquire about The Rookie.
Given how the procedural drama has had a loyal following over eight seasons, I’m inclined to ask how viewers have taken to Eric expanding his career with Palm Republic. While he loves how enthusiastic fans are about it, he also notes that the brand plays a surprising supporting role on the show.
“I was fortunate to reach out to the right people, and Palm Republic can be found as an easter egg on the show,” he shares. “Fans can find it in Bradford and Nolan’s houses behind the bars. And you can even see me pouring it and toasting with other characters throughout the series. So, it’s been fun to incorporate it into The Rookie, and even more interesting for fans to point it out.”
As we both put on our jackets and walk out of the hotel, he says he loves knowing he has supportive fans wherever he goes.
“Rookie fans are the best,” he concludes. “They’ve been incredible, and the support means so much. What motivates me is the idea of bringing people together, and this just helps with the expansion of Palm Republic. Everyone has had my back throughout, and I can’t wait to see how they continue to lean in as we keep growing.”
Well, after this, Palm Republic—and subsequently, Eric—has made a fan out of me. Cheers to that!
‘ The preceding article may include information circulated by third parties ’
‘ Some details of this article were extracted from the following source www.goodhousekeeping.com ’
