River Test Distillery Unveils Spiced Rum Thanks to Rural Grant

River Test Distillery, known for its exceptional gin, has expanded its offerings with an original spiced rum. This exciting development came to life after the distillery in Longparish secured a £4,280 grant from the Rural England Prosperity Fund (REPF) through Test Valley Borough Council.

Crafting the Perfect Spiced Rum

Collaborating with Craft Gin Club, River Test Distillery developed a unique spiced rum recipe that earned the title of ‘Rum of the Month’ in the club’s exclusive lineup. Owner Sarah Nelson described the tight timeline of 14 weeks from concept to completion, highlighting the critical role the REPF grant played in managing capital costs.

“When the opportunity to work with Craft Gin Club arose, time was of the essence,” Nelson explained. “Thankfully, the grant application process was seamless, and we received excellent support throughout.”

Showcasing at Winchester Cathedral Christmas Market

The new spiced rum has joined the distillery’s lineup at the Winchester Cathedral Christmas Market, where it sits proudly among their celebrated spirits. This market presence reinforces the distillery’s reputation for crafting innovative and high-quality beverages.

Empowering Rural Businesses with REPF Grants

The Rural England Prosperity Fund has been instrumental in helping small rural businesses like River Test Distillery invest in growth and innovation. Test Valley Borough Council cabinet member, Cllr Alison Johnston, praised the grant program’s impact on the local economy.

Supporting Innovation and Growth

The REPF grants aim to boost rural businesses by enabling capital investments that improve productivity, foster innovation, and enhance the visitor economy. River Test Distillery’s success story underscores the program’s potential to transform local enterprises while delighting customers with fresh, creative offerings.

During the holiday season, their new spiced rum stood as a testament to the power of collaboration, funding support, and the drive for innovation.

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Source of information

Hampshire Chronicle’s Article: River Test Distillery Offering Spiced Rum with Rural Grant written by Kiran Sajan

The image of the article is courtesy of © Bhofack2 via Canva.com