Greensand Ridge Releases Cask-Aged Wealden Rum and Rye Cask Gin
One of the UK's only British-made Rums will be released on Monday by Greensand Ridge Distillery of Shipbourne, Kent.
The golden Rum has been in production for a year, but the spirit has been ageing in ex-Buffalo Trace Bourbon barrels to add complexity and further soften the spirit.
Unlike most Rums available in the UK, the Greensand Ridge release is made in-house from scratch, using the surplus molasses from UK sugar production, an important point of difference to Founder and Distiller, Will Edge:
“Most UK-made rums are often cheap, poor quality Carribean rum with sugar and spices added to create an intensity of flavour to mask the spirit.”
“Because we have control of the entire process from fermentation, distillation, cask ageing, blending and bottling, we have created a beautifully smooth spirit which is a classic Rum, but with a honey-like delicacy which we associate with the aromas of the Weald”.
Will describes the new release as smooth and sweet with a delicate floral nose, giving way to subtle honeycomb and roast cobnuts on the palate. A long finish with raisin and oak flavours and a sweet, full mouthfeel. Suggested serves are with a Kentish Apple Juice and Mint, or with Ginger Ale and a lime wedge.
The inspiration to create a Rum followed Greensand Ridge’s ethic of using surplus produce as much as possible, in line with their environmental practices. It was for this work that earlier in the year they won a Master medal in The Distillery Masters run by The Spirits Business for their work on sustainability.
Also released is their Rye Cask Gin - a cask-aged Gin which has been rested in Rye Whiskey casks for ten months. The spirit is designed to be sipped neat or enjoyed in cocktails such as the Negroni or Old Fashioned.
Spirits can be bought at www.greensanddistillery.com, fine food outlets or by the trade directly from the distillery or through distributors.