Before there was bourbon or rye, rum ruled the American colonies. Now, three experts compete for a place in the six-billion-dollar spiced rum market, but only one will become Master Distiller and earn a run of their winning spirit at a major distillery.

Rare and illegal, wild ginseng can command thousands of dollars per pound. But for three aspiring distillers, a run of ginseng liquor can mean hitting the high-dollar jackpot and a chance to be named Master Distiller.