Ninefold Rum Distillery, Owner & Head Distiller: DR. KIT CARRUTHERS
In this edition, The Rum Lab is honoured to introduce one of the most unique figures in the European craft rum scene: Dr. Kit Carruthers. Owner, founder, and master distiller of Ninefold Rum Distillery, Kit leads a micro-scale operation located in southwest Scotland, where he and a small team of two craft rum from scratch, with a completely artisanal approach and a commitment to quality.
From his academic training to his foray into the world of distilling, Dr. Carruthers has combined science, passion, and business vision to build a brand that is gradually gaining ground among the most discerning rum lovers. In this interview, he shares his career, the challenges of producing rum in Scotland, and his perspective on the future of independent rum.
TRL: How do you see the rum market evolving in the next 5-10 years, and what trends do you think will shape the future of the industry?
Short term, flavoured and spiced ‘rums’ are already dominating the rum scene in the UK. However there is an uptick of interest in quality unaged and aged products, and I see this continuing to grow in both popularity and value. I also believe there will be more rum producing countries successfully applying for G.I. (geographical indication) protection of their homegrown authentic rums, separating out native scratch distilled products from bulk rebranded imports.
TRL: How do you educate consumers about your rum, and what’s the most important lesson they should take away?
Importantly, I don’t patronise them. I am strongly in support of authentic unadulterated rums, or at the very least being transparent about what a rum contains or how it was made. It is important for me to gently educate consumers to be more critical about what they are buying, without judging their ultimate buying choices. Not everyone is going to appreciate or enjoy what we make, and that’s fine.
TRL: Can you share a collaboration or partnership that helped elevate your brand to new levels?
As a micro business with very limited resources, all of our partnerships have been crucial to reaching audiences that we would struggle to on our own. The Craft Gin Club rum box, and The Whisky Exchange Exclusive cask are two that particularly come to mind in terms of hugely expanding our audience at a time of growth for Ninefold. That Boutique-y Rum Company partnership came early on for us, which was also critical in building our reputation for authentic and high quality spirits.
TRL: What’s one piece of educational advice you would give rum lovers to better understand the spirit?
Forget about colour. It’s meaningless, colour does not taste of anything, and can be added and taken away without significantly affecting flavour! Instead, consider where the rum was made, then how.
TRL: How can people learn more about you? Website? Social media page?
https://www.instagram.com/ninefolddistillery https://www.facebook.com/NinefoldDistillery
