Matugga launches public cask ownership programme

Livingston based craft rum distiller Matugga is launching its own private cask ownership programme to the public. 

The decision is said to be inspired by the success within the Scotch whisky industry.

A limited number of casks are available for investment at £3,300 each, with the result an estimated 350 bottles of 3-year-old rum per ex-Bourbon cask. The rum has been produced by head distiller Paul Rutasikwa, using a 2,000 litre copper pot still.

The ownership will be available on a first come, first filled basis. The title of the programme, Pamoja, translates to “together” in Rutasikwa’s native Swahili.

Commenting on the ownership opportunities, Rutasikwa said: “This is an opportunity like no other to join us on a very special journey. Scotland has a little known and very deep rum heritage linked to the Age of Imperialism. Now, in 2023, we’re part of Scotland’s exciting new wave of rum distillers and there’s a real opportunity for us to create history and take Scottish rum worldwide.” 

Matugga was set-up by Rutasikwa and his wife, Jacine, in 2018, creating artisanal cask-aged and spiced rums. Last year, the distillery successfully raised in excess of £300,000 in crowdfunding.

Former Whisky Magazine editor and well-known spirits writer Charles MacLean also spoke highly of the programme: This is an exciting project, and given the huge current interest in private cask sales of single malt whisky, I am sure it will have considerable appeal. For many years now, drinks writers have been saying that ‘rum will be the next malt’; recent statistics seem to support this. It will certainly put Scottish rum on the map, and given the global prestige of Scotch whisky, it will benefit from the connection”.

Those interested in the cask programme can register their interest here.

8 February 2023 - Bradley Weir