Discover Devon: Explore Fossil Coast’s Handpicked Guide to the County’s Finest Craft Rum
- Wayne Munday
- May 8
- 5 min read
Sip back and discover Devon and explore Fossil Coast's handpicked craft spirits guide to Devon's finest rums. Rum is one of the most versatile and globally enjoyed spirits, perfect whether served neat or blended into popular rum cocktails like the Mojito, Piña Colada, Dark & Stormy or Daiquiri. Its wide flavour range and adaptable nature make it ideal for a summer beach party or warming winter nights by the fire. There truly is a rum expression to suit every palate and occasion.
Rum has deep historical roots dating back to the early 18th-century sugarcane plantations of the West Indies. It became closely associated with the sea due to its central role in global trade. Although the origin of the word “rum” is uncertain, it likely evolved from the term “rumbullion,” meaning “a great uproar,” and was recognised by its current name as early as 1667.
Rum is distilled under 95% alcohol by volume and to be legally labelled rum the finished product must be at least 37.5% ABV in the EU and 40% ABV in the US - Below it may be categorised as a Rum Spirt. The core ingredient in rum is sugarcane which undergoes crushing, heating, and crystallisation to extract sugar. The by-product of this process is molasses a thick dark syrup that becomes the key fermentable base for most rums.
Molasses, once known as melaço in Portuguese (meaning "honey") contains residual sugar that when exposed to yeast begins to ferment. Historical accounts suggest that enslaved people on the Caribbean Island of Nevis first recognised this fermentation potential and are credited as the likely founders of rum.
Molasses is a naturally variable ingredient whose composition in sugar levels, water content, glucose and other fermentable carbohydrates can fluctuate depending on soil conditions, climate, and processing methods. As a result, the quality and character of the rum begins with the raw materials. Creating a high-quality rum is an artisanal process requiring knowledge of molasses and attention to every stage of production from the selection of yeast for fermentation, the type of distillation method of either pot still or column still, the aging environment and blending techniques.
Traditional rum-making uses several techniques such as using the skimming's or the foam from boiling sugarcane juice or dunder from the residue left after distillation to cultivate specific flavours and aromas. Dunder, in particular, is rich in nutrients and esters the aromatic compounds known as “rum oils” that enhance flavour. The higher the ester count typically results in a bolder and more aromatic rum.
Unlike other spirits like Scotch whisky or Cognac, rum production is not restricted by geographic region or is tightly regulated globally allowing for a diverse range of styles and production methods in making rum one of the most versatile spirits on the market. Rum can be broadly classified into two main types: white rum and dark rum, but there are many more distinctive categories based on aging, ingredients and flavor enhancements:
White or Clear Rum – Light-bodied and ideal for cocktails.
Gold or Pale Rum – Slightly aged with a mild flavor.
Dark Rum – Rich, bold, and full of molasses notes.
Black Rum – Intensely flavoured, ideal for deep cocktails or baking.
Demerara Rum – Specific to Guyana, known for rich, smoky flavours.
Navy Rum – Strong and dark, traditionally associated with the British Navy.
Premium Aged Rum – Matured in barrels, offering deep, complex notes.
Vintage Rum – Limited editions from specific years or distilleries.
Overproof Rum – High ABV, used sparingly in punches and tiki drinks.
Rhum Agricole – Made directly from sugarcane juice, mainly in French-speaking Caribbean islands.
Cachaça – Brazilian rum-like spirit also made from sugarcane juice.
Aguardiente – Popular in Latin America; a sugar-based spirit with local variations.
Flavoured and Spiced Rum – Infused with spices, fruit, or herbs for added complexity.
Rum Producers and Distilleries in Devon
Devon Rum | Website | Shop | Experience | Amazon
Devon Rum Company produces award-winning spiced and flavoured rums hand-crafted in Salcombe on Island Street. With a strong focus on quality, flavour, and sustainability, their local team blends premium Caribbean rums from Jamaica and Guyana with soft Devon spring water, whole spices, citrus zest, and natural flavourings. Their versatile craft rums can be enjoyed neat, with mixers, or in classic cocktails. Committed to ethical practices, Devon Rum Company sources responsibly, supports local businesses, and uses 100% plastic-free, recyclable packaging. As a carbon-negative producer, they also plant trees across Dartmoor to offset emissions. Their Premium Golden Rum a 40% ABV unspiced blend delivers bold tropical flavours with smooth notes of caramel, oak, banana, and citrus, perfect on the rocks or in mixed drinks.
Founded in 2017 by Philip Everett-Lyons in South Hams, Devon, Hattiers Rum blends a passion for maritime heritage with the rising demand for premium spirits. After extensive research and development, Hattiers launched its first expression Egremont Premium Reserve Rum in 2018 earning acclaim for its complex yet accessible flavour profile. Egremont is a 40% ABV blend of four aged rums (from Barbados, the Dominican Republic, Panama, and Guatemala), harmonised with pure Dartmoor spring water for a smooth, creamy finish. Tasting notes include caramel, cacao, cinnamon, nutmeg, apricot, and cream. As the UK’s first B Corp certified rum, Hattiers stands out for its commitment to sustainability, plastic-free packaging, and unadulterated, non-chill filtered spirits. With rum sourced from over 25 distilleries in 15 countries, Hattiers combines traditional techniques and modern innovation to produce refined, versatile rums perfect for sipping neat or mixing.
Two Drifters Rum | Website | Shop | Experience | Amazon
Founded in 2019 by husband-and-wife team Russ and Gemma Wakeham, Two Drifters Distillery blends high-quality rum production with cutting-edge sustainability. Based on a love story rooted in rum and adventure, the Devon-based distillery is guided by a mission to produce carbon negative rums while influencing the wider drinks industry to adopt more sustainable practices. With Russ's background in carbon capture chemistry and Gemma’s storytelling and marketing expertise, Two Drifters creates exceptional rums using 100% renewable energy, electric vehicles, carbon-neutral packaging, and an efficient closed-loop chilling system. They self-impose a carbon tax, partner with Climeworks to remove CO₂ from the atmosphere, and continuously seek low-emission alternatives in sourcing and logistics. Two Drifters aims to capture 1% of the UK rum market by 2028 and 1% globally by 2035 without harming the planet. Their values prioritise sustainability, CO₂ reduction, and responsible enjoyment, proving that craft spirits and environmental ethics can go hand in hand.
