We Are Curious Creatures, Founders: TOM GULLY AND TOM FOWKES

At We Are Curious Creatures, they’re rewriting the narrative of rum, pushing boundaries, and challenging perceptions to offer a tantalizing taste of the extraordinary. Their mission? To craft a range of rums that invite you to break free from the mundane. The future belongs to the curious!

Driven by curiosity and a taste for adventure, Tom Gully and Tom Fowkes, dare to defy the ordinary with every bottle we create. Their brand is more than just about crafting rum; it’s about inspiring a mindset – a call to adventure, an invitation to explore beyond the expected. Let’s know more about them in this interview:

TRL: Who is We Are Curious Creatures?

We Are Curious Creatures isn’t just a brand; it’s a movement reshaping the rum narrative. Fuelled by curiosity and a passion for adventure, we challenge norms and create rums that break free from the ordinary. Our mission is to inspire a mindset of exploration, inviting everyone to go beyond the expected. Our Spiced Rum embodies this ethos.

TRL: What does rum mean for you? What made you fall in love with rum and when did it happen?

For us, rum symbolizes liberation from the mundane. Our love affair started with a deep curiosity, a taste for adventure, and a desire to redefine the limits of what rum can be. Our journey celebrates the extraordinary, and each bottle is an invitation to break free from the ordinary.

TRL: Three essential characteristics that define the rum according to your perspective.

a. Unparalleled Smoothness: Carefully sourced Caribbean rums, triple-distilled for an exceptionally smooth experience.

b. Daring Blend: Infused with a bold mix of botanicals and spices that captivate the senses.

c. A mindset for exploration: An invitation to adventure, inspiring others to challenge the status quo and embrace the spirit of exploration.

TRL: What is the most important contribution you have made in the rum industry?

Our significant contribution lies in reshaping perceptions of rum, elevating it from a conventional drink to a symbol of curiosity and adventure. We’ve created a brand that transcends the liquid in the bottle, inspiring a mindset that challenges the ordinary.

TRL: Benefits that the rum industry has given you.

The rum industry has provided us with a platform to express creativity, push boundaries, and connect with a community that shares our passion for the extraordinary.

TRL: What´s another thing you are passionate about, besides rum? Why?

Beyond rum, we’re passionate about sustainability. Preserving the environment aligns with our values, ensuring that future generations can continue to explore and enjoy the wonders of our planet.

TRL: What is your favourite place for drinking rum?

Our favourite place is anywhere that sparks curiosity and invites exploration. Whether it’s a beach at sunset or a cozy corner of a vibrant city, the setting matters less than the spirit of adventure.

TRL: Favourite drink + Recipe?

While our spiced rum is crafted to savor neatly, our go-to cocktail is the Curious Spiced Mule:

– 50ml We Are Curious Creatures Spiced Rum

– 150ml Fiery Ginger Beer

– A squeeze of lime

– Garnish with a mint sprig

TRL: Why is it important to educate the rum consumer?

Educating the consumer is crucial to fostering an appreciation for the craft, quality, and diverse profiles of rum. It empowers individuals to make informed choices and elevates the overall experience of enjoying rum.

TRL: Any tips to train the palate and taste a good premium rum?

Start with a clean palate, savor each sip, and pay attention to the nuances each rum presents. Experiment with tasting different styles and engage with the wider rum community, and you’ll soon develop a knack for picking out notes in aromas and appreciate the complexities that unfold.

TRL: How can the rum contribute to improving the crisis in some countries?

The rum industry can support local communities through ethical sourcing practices, fair trade initiatives, and sustainable production methods, fostering economic stability and growth.

TRL: Is the commitment to sustainable development the key to the success of the rum industry worldwide? Why?

Absolutely. Sustainable development ensures the long-term viability of the industry, maintaining environmental balance, and preserving the resources that contribute to crafting exceptional rums.”

TRL: Who would you like to meet in the rum industry? What would you say to him/her?

We’d love to meet pioneers who share our commitment to pushing boundaries in rum. Meeting Allen Smith, the Master Blender behind Mount Gay’s exceptional rums, would be an incredible opportunity. I would express my admiration for his significant contributions to the industry, particularly his creation of the iconic Mount Gay 1703 Old Cask Selection and the innovative Mount Gay Black Barrel in 2012.

Meeting Allen Smith would be an incredible opportunity to delve into his wealth of experience and gain insights into the art and science of rum blending. I would express gratitude for his dedication to preserving tradition while embracing innovation, clear in the fine craftsmanship of Mount Gay rums. Additionally, I would be eager to discuss his journey in supervising the blending of all Mount Gay rums and exploring the challenges and triumphs that have shaped his illustrious career. Overall, meeting Allen Smith would be a chance to celebrate his legacy in the rum world and learn from a true master of the craft.

TRL: What are your next goals in the rum industry?

Our next goals involve expanding our range, continuing to innovate, and creating unique experiences for our community. We aim to be a catalyst for curiosity in the spirit’s world.

TRL: Plans you have when you leave the rum industry?

Our commitment to curiosity extends beyond the rum industry. We aspire to explore new avenues, always driven by a passion for creativity and adventure which is yet to be defined!

TRL: Why is the role of the bartender important in the rum industry?

Bartenders are storytellers, introducing consumers to new experiences. Their role is vital in shaping perceptions, educating, and creating moments that go beyond the drink itself.

TRL: What is your advice for new generations in the rum industry?

Embrace curiosity, challenge norms, and prioritize sustainability. The future of the industry lies in the hands of those who dare to innovate and have a deep respect for the craft.

TRL: How can people learn more about you? Website? Social media page? Dive into the world of We Are Curious Creatures on our website – www.wearecuriouscreatures.co.uk and follow us on social media https://www.instagram.com/curiouscreaturesrum/ for behind-the-scenes glimpses, cocktail inspiration, and updates on our curious journey.