The Spirits Business reports that DropWorks Rum has officially launched a crowdfunding campaign to accelerate its international growth. The company will host its first fundraise on Crowdcube, aiming to boost global brand presence, enter premium retail channels, and enhance its immersive distillery experience.
Mixologist and drinks industry expert Lewis Hayes founded DropWorks in 2023, creating what he describes as Europe’s largest rum distillery at 17,000 square feet.
In an interview with The Spirits Business, Hayes explained why now is the right time to scale:
“Rum is a huge global category, but most are mass-produced and heavily reliant on artificial flavourings. The global rum category is worth US$20 billion and is the last of the UK’s major spirits categories to premiumise, so the opportunity on the table here is so compelling and special. We’re really excited to offer the chance to be a part of our future success.”
Hayes emphasized that DropWorks is positioned to disrupt the market by focusing on premium, naturally full-flavored rums crafted in Great Britain.
Since releasing its first rums in 2023, DropWorks has earned major recognition, including three Gold medals at The Rum & Cachaça Masters 2025. These accolades validate the brand’s mission to elevate rum in a premium, authentic way.
Today, DropWorks rums feature in more than 400 high-end UK venues, a third of the country’s top 50 bars, and Michelin-starred restaurants such as The Clove Club, Moor Hall, Dorian, Adam Handling, and The Pig Hotels.
Graham Appleyard, a former Diageo executive and now CEO of DropWorks, also highlighted the campaign’s significance in his comments to The Spirits Business:
“The opportunity to buy a slice of the business at such an exciting moment – with the brand poised for major expansion and with the category set to become more popular than gin and vodka – is not to be missed.”
He added that rum is entering its moment, similar to the recent rise of gin, with more bartenders and home drinkers incorporating it into their repertoires.
To give potential investors a deeper connection to the brand, DropWorks is offering on-site experiences. Visitors can book private or group tours of the distillery and taste the full rum portfolio.
As part of the DropWorks Rum crowdfunding effort, the company will also host free ticketed events. Invitations will go out to Crowdcube registrants and members of the DropWorks mailing list.
The campaign officially opens for pre-registration in late August, with early funding starting September 1.
With premium rum gaining momentum worldwide, DropWorks positions itself at the forefront of the movement. Backed by awards, high-profile placements, and industry expertise, the distillery’s expansion offers investors a chance to support one of the UK’s most promising spirits ventures.
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The Spirits Business Article — DropWorks Rum seeks funding, written by Miona Madsen
The image of the article is courtesy of © Veeterzy via Canva.com
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