Hotei is the figure on the medallion on every bottle of Pyrat rum. The roots of rum trace back to early Asia, where scholars agree the first distillation of sugarcane juice was produced. And so, the history of rum is very much the history of sugar in Asia and Hotei honors Asia’s preeminent and important role in the origin of this popular spirit.

The Hotei monk is the patron saint and Zen protector of fortunetellers and bartenders. This socially enlightened mystic, often considered the god of contentment and happiness, is always depicted with a cheerful smile, a bald head, and a portly belly. Ancient scrolls tell of Hotei’s fondness for libations and he is commonly seen carrying a large cloth sack that never empties, from which he gregariously dispenses food and drink and other treasures.

There was also a matching bowl put out by Pyrat Rum at the same time with three of these Hotei figures as supports.