Drinks Buyer 2025

14 @specialityfood PRODUCER SPOTLIGHT SPICED RUM ENGLISH SPIRIT ENGLISH SPICED RUM The distillery’s own Old Salt Rum is infused with ‘pixie dust’ in the form of hibiscus, red cherries, vanilla and other luxurious botanicals and spices. englishspirit.uk While analysts say there’s an overall decline in spirit sales (which peaked during Covid times when anyone and everyone decided to create their own home bars), there aremany categories which continue to performwell. Putting in the groundwork and understanding what your customers love and want more of is key Rum (especially spiced rum) is hitting the spot as producers pay more attention to expressing and marketing the botanicals and spices they use, following in the footsteps of the craft gin industry. Gin, of course, retains its core audience, who are always looking for the ‘next big thing’ to add to their home collection. And Mexican spirits aren’t going anywhere, as the fascination in regional South American cuisine in the UK expands. Those who didn’t turn their summerhouse or shed into a pub in the summer of 2020 are more than happy to reach for pre-mixed bottled and canned cocktails, drawn in by those that are bar-strength, made with premium spirits, and (of course) arrive in pretty packaging they’re keen to show off at home, at the races, picnics and parties. THAT’S THE SPIRIT SLAM DUNK YOUR TEQUILA SALES According to CGA, tequila sales were up 3.2% in 2024, and growth is reported across other Mexican spirits, from corn whisky to mezcal. The key difference between mezcal and tequila is that while mezcal can be produced with any number of agave varieties, tequila must be crafted with Weber Blue agave, which imparts its earthy, sweet, fruity flavour. Look at your labels. Only the best authentic tequila is made in the Mexican regions of Jalisco, Michoacan, Nayarit, Tamaulipas, and Guanajuato. ROSEMULLION DISTILLERY DARK RUM Fermented, distilled and aged in Cornwall, this rum has a light spice and botanical profile with richness frommolasses. rosemulliondistillery.com The UK has a long history of buying in, ageing and blending rum, or infusing it to make spiced rums. There aren’t many other spirits where you can exploit the nuances of ‘tropical’ (partial ageing in the warmer, humid south America or the Caribbean) and ‘continental’ (in the cooler less humid climate) ageing in the character of the final product. Rum has long been touted as the ‘next big thing’ after gin, and it’s finally starting to make waves. It appeals to both neat drinkers looking for a thoughtful sip to savour (offering layers of complexity and a long finish) as well as cocktail enthusiasts looking to SPICE UP YOUR LIFE John Callow of Northern Wine School reflects on the growing market for rum in Britain DUNNET BAY DISTILLERS MAPMAKERS RUM This house rum is blended with Caribbean rum, Loch Calder water and local botanicals. dunnetbaydistillers.co.uk NEED TO KNOW ORKNEY GIN Orkney Gin Company’s Sule Skerry Gin – being released in May – is an all-natural, cola-inspired masterpiece that breaks all the rules. Forget the sweetness of traditional cola drinks – this gin captures the deep, complex botanicals of cola with a dry, refreshing finish. Its newWestern gin-style approach delivers a unique twist on a classic favourite. Crafted in the wild beauty of Orkney, Sule Skerry Gin takes whole botanicals like orange zest, nutmeg, cardamom, and cinnamon, offering a nostalgic yet sophisticated caramelised finish, while staying true to its juniper roots. The stunning bottle features Orkney’s Sule Skerry, the archipelago’s most westerly land, a nod to the new- western style of this gin, and Orkney Gin Company’s family roots of seafaring, the tall lighthouse offering a guiding light home. orkneygincompany.com