Lyme Bay Winery releases Lugger Rum

Lyme Bay Winery, based in Devon, has launched an addition to its portfolio with the release of Lugger Rum.

Lugger Rum joins Lyme Bay’s founding ‘Jack Ratt’ brand, inspired by a local smuggler from the South Devon coast called Jack Rattenbury. Said to be an adventurer, Jack forged his career in the 18th Century smuggling contraband into Lyme Bay using fishing boats called ‘Luggers’, from which Lugger Rum derives its name.

Managing director James Lambert says: “Given the West Country’s smuggling history, our passion for making the finest, innovative drinks and the growing consumer appetite for aged spirits, spiced rum seemed like the next irresistible challenge for our team of winemakers.”

Head wine-maker Liam Idzikowski says: “With Lugger Rum our aim was to produce a spiced rum that, unlike many commercial spiced rums, isn’t overpowered by vanilla, but instead displays a full profile of spices. It was also important to us to tone down the customary sweetness of spiced rum, increasing the product’s versatility as a high-quality spirit for mixers and cocktails”.

The product design, a collaboration between Lyme Bay and Devon design house ‘Bluesoup Ltd’, was constructed with the intention of conveying the spirit of Jack Rattenbury’s adventures while maintaining the elegance for which Lyme Bay’s range of drinks are known.

Sara Walters, head of sales says: “It’s hard to say which is more striking; the eye-catching design of the bottle or the combination of spices in the rum itself. Either way, even at this early stage, this is a product that is absolutely blowing customers away.”

Available now in cases of six, Lugger Rum trade price is £22.99 per 70cl bottle with an RSP of £38.50 and is currently available direct from www.lymebaywinery.co.uk and select independent stockists.

4 May 2018 - Sam Coyne The Drinks Report, news editor