Rethinking Rum This World Rum Day: A Letter By Lewis Hayes, founder of DropWorks Rum
So, to get to know how depth and versatile rum can be, Lewis Hayes, Founder and Master Distiller at DropWorks Rum, will offer his top tips for shaking up your rum experience and twist your vision of it. Let’s rethink rum!
Lewis Hayes: Rethinking Rum
Rum is an endlessly fascinating category, and I’m constantly exploring the depth of flavours it offers. I want to make delicious rum available for everyone. Whether you consider yourself a seasoned connoisseur or just someone curious about trying something new, the spirit can be enjoyed in many ways, wherever you are.
Choosing a Quality Rum
When it comes to enjoying rum, it truly starts with choosing the right Drop! Where possible, you want to focus on quality over price. A well-crafted rum can completely transform and elevate the entire experience, adding something special to your favorite drink, because it’s not just about smoothness; it’s about depth and character, too.
Many mass-market or big-brand rums rely heavily on added sugars and sweeteners, which often overpower the natural flavors of the spirit. A high-quality rum doesn’t need the added extras; its natural flavors speak for themselves.
For example, in our distillery, all of our Drops are fermented using a Trinity Yeast, which is unique to Rums made in our distillery. This unique yeast blend brings funk, depth, and nuance to each of them naturally without added flavors.
Explore the Versatility of Rum
Rum is one of the most versatile spirits out there. It’s not just for classic cocktails like Mojitos or Daiquiris; it can add an unexpected warmth and character to a wide range of drinks.
When you’re out at a bar this weekend, try asking the bartender to replace the gin in your Negroni with rum for an indulgent twist on a timeless bitter cocktail, or use a dark or aged rum to create a Rum Old Fashioned for added richness and depth.
At DropWorks, we are all about celebrating rum discovery, which is why we created Swap to Drop. We aim to inspire curiosity and adventure in cocktail making by sharing this invitation to trade the ordinary for the bold, by swapping your usual spirit for quality British rum!
Rum’s versatility also means you can enjoy a wide variety of drinks at home using just one spirit, so there’s no need to stockpile multiple bottles, which take up space in your cupboard. In fact, our Barrel Drop serves as the ideal base for a wide range of drinks – from Negronis to Old Fashioneds, Manhattans, or even paired with your favorite mixer, such as cloudy apple juice, with plenty of ice.
Balancing with Quality Ingredients
If you’re not out and about this weekend, you can still explore rum at home. Just remember that the ingredients you pair with your rum are just as important as the rum itself. It’s about elevating the spirit, not masking it, and it’s simple to implement.
As an example, take a Strawberry Daiquiri using fresh strawberries instead of artificial flavorings; this makes all the difference. Crushing real fruit brings out a natural sweetness and bright acidity that complements the spirit, rather than covering it up.
Fresh ingredients like citrus, herbs, and seasonal fruits add vibrant tastes that enhance and complement the natural notes of the rum. Their aromas engage your senses before the first sip, creating layers of complexity that build on what’s already in the glass.
But high quality doesn’t have to mean expensive; in fact, some of the best additions could already be in your cupboard or garden. Instead of reaching for a store-bought sugar syrup, try using honey; it’s natural, flavorful, and adds a nice depth to your drink.
If you have a herb garden, you have a fantastic source of fresh ingredients at your disposal. Fresh mint works beautifully in Mojitos, rum punches, and iced teas, adding a cool brilliance that lifts the drink, while basil, with its gentle peppery flavor, pairs surprisingly well with hot toddies, old-fashioned, and citrus-forward cocktails.
With a few thoughtful swaps, everyday ingredients can bring a lot of character to your homemade drinks! Cheers.
About DropWorks
DropWorks represents a significant step forward for British rum. Based in the heart of Sherwood Forest (in the biggest rum distillery in Europe), the brand is on a mission to put the whole spirit category well and truly on the map.
With a focus on quality ingredients and a fresh perspective, every Drop is designed for mixing: to unlock creativity behind the bar and bring joy in the glass.
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Source of information
This article is based on the Press Release” Rethinking Rum This World Rum Day” by DropWorks
The image in the article is courtesy of DropsWork
