Rare Rums up for Sale on Whisky Auction

Bythefatrumpirate

whiskyauction logoOver the past few years, the demand for rum, whiskies and other fine spirits has increased considerably, with many people now choosing to buy and sell their bottles at auction as an alternative to using specialist retailers.

www.whisky.auction is a new site that aims to simplify the auction process for many. The latest auction from Whisky Auction has many rare and old bottles of rum up for sale.

The rum highlights include: 

  • rums dating from the 1930s and 1940s 
  • a 25-year-old bottle of Wray & Nephew bottled in 1987 to commemorate the 25th anniversary of Jamaica’s independence – never released for sale and the first time this bottle has ever appeared at auction Wray and Nephew Rare Rum Whisky Auction the fat rum pirate
  • a Royal Navy flagon filled in 1953 
  • a bottle of the rare 1940s’ Extra Strong 90° Proof rum from Caroni, the Trinidad distillery that closed permanently in 2002.

Buyers must register to participate in whisky.auction’s online auction:

The current auction started on Sunday 24 April and will close on Tuesday 3 May at 7.30pm BST.

Behind this site is a team of industry experts whose knowledge and expertise will bring honest guidance to sellers. What’s more, their contacts in the spirit industry bring to auction some of the rarest bottles in the world, with the aim of achieving the highest selling prices for the rarest bottles.

Whisky Auction Ltd is a newly registered company based in London. You can deliver your bottles in person to our offices or send them in by post, and we also offer a collection service. Similarly, you can collect your winning bottles from our offices or take advantage of our delivery service with some of the best shipping rates for both UK and international customers. We also offer FREE insurance on all UK deliveries.

Wray and Nephew Rare Rum Whisky Auction the fat rum pirate

If you have whiskies or other fine spirits to sell, or even an entire collection, please get in touch by emailing info@whisky.auction or by calling +44 (0)20 8838 9381.

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  • Rum of the Year 2016

    Bythefatrumpirate

    the fat rum pirate rum of the year 2016 review blogger rum awardIn a world dominated by click bait “lists” we will keep things very simple.  Each year we will award ONE rum as our Rum of the Year. 

    The rum which will be crowned as Rum of the Year must have been released that year.  It also must be commercially available to the average rum consumer.  Any rums which were available prior to 2016 are ineligible.  Likewise any bottlings that were extremely limited or are unavailable as of today are also out.

    There is little point me telling you to buy a rum you have been buying for years or advising you got get a rum that is no longer on sale!

    So what has caught our eye in 2016? 

    First up, I’ll throw out a little curveball.  After a lot of very clever promotional work one particular rum finally made its way to UK shores.  Inspired by Dickensian folklore Plantation Rum released a Pineapple flavoured rum.  Now I know a lot of you will immediately be thinking about Bacardi or Captain Morgan’s various flavoured efforts.  No doubt pulling a funny face about the prospect of a truly great flavoured rum.  Those of you fortunate enough to have tried this rum however, will know it truly was one of the years great rum releases.  Step forward Stiggins’ Fancy – a rum which really raised the bar in the flavoured/spiced segment of the market.

    Don Q Gran Anejo rum review by the fat rum pirateAnother contender for the crown this year came from the long established Don brand.  Whilst not strictly a new release the Gran Anejo was given a makeover.  In terms of the UK market it was finally given an “official” release.  The Don Q Gran Anejo is a wonderful example of a well balanced pure rum.  Highly recommended.

    So as we are talking pure rum we may as well focus on the actual winner of Rum of the Year for 2016.

    As in 2015 the award once again goes to Foursquare Distillery.  Up until a few years ago Foursquare were famous for their R L Seale’s 10 Year Old, Doorly’s XO and their Spiced Rum.  Little had really changed for some years. Whilst they were well respected in the rum world they weren’t exciting or really pushing the category.

    Over the past few years things have changed dramatically at Foursquare.  The distillery has released a couple of 12 year old rums in Doorly’s 12 and Rum Sixty Six. Experimented with two wonderful cask finish rums in their Port and Zinfandel Cask Finishes.  They have also released a great line up under the Real McCoy banner.  Velier Foursquare 2006 Rum Review by the fat rum pirate

    The Zinfandel cask would have been a great follow up to 2015 Rum of the Year the Port Cask Finish, I felt that Foursquare had released a rum which was equally as good but a lot more significant in the greater scheme of things.

    2016 will be remembered by many for the Velier Foursquare 2006.  A wonderful cask strength rum which was finished in Cognac casks.  Unfortunately, this rum was too limited and was snapped too quickly for me to be able to select this as Rum of the Year.  You can’t go out and buy it today – other than at auction.

    The Rum of the Year for 2016 is instead a Foursquare vintage from 2004.  Aged for 11 years in ex Bourbon casks and coming in with a 59% full proof ABV.

    Step forward Foursquare Rum Distillery 2004 Single Blended Rum.

    This is the direction rum is heading amongst true rum fans.  It’s what many of us have been wishing for.  Richard Seale has listened and moved with the times and has  released a rum at Cask Strength.  He has also made it commercially available.  Half the price of the Velier offering and every bit as good.

    Foursquare Rum Distilery 2004 rum review by the fat rum pirateI feel this rum is a true watershed moment and it should make other rum producers sit up and take notice.  I do not believe it is a coincidence that Mount Gay have since released a limited edition Cask Strength version of their own iconic XO.

    I’ll quote the rear label on the bottle which further emphasises where rum is headed

    “A blend of rums from the artisanal pot distillation and traditional twin column continuous distillation of Foursquare, aged for a full eleven years in ex bourbon casks.

    Pure rum, no sugar or other flavour has been added”

    This rum truly is exceptional and is without doubt a game changer. 

     

     

     

     

  • Bristol Rum Festival 7th July 2018

    Bythefatrumpirate

    UK Rum Festivals Bristol Rum Festival Press ReleaseOn the 7th of July, running for the 6th year in a row, the famous UK Rum Festivals is bringing Caribbean flair to Bristol, not only for pirates but for everyone interested.

    Although “Rum and Coke” seems to be the usual go-to, rum should not just be limited to this simple mix. Jon Rees, founder of the UK Rum Festivals says: “We want to show the world what it’s overlooking and show the diversity of cane spirits. From spiced and sweetened offerings to truly magnificent blended and matured liquids”.

    UK Rum festivals took it upon themselves to bring brands such as Ron Cubay, Skipper and Elements 8 as well as consumers together to build an event around the love and passion for this perhaps even underappreciated spirit.Bristol Rum Festival Press Release

    With over 50 rums-from spiced to aged, the event does not only appeal to rum lovers and experts but also to newcomers and sceptics yet to be convinced of this outstanding spirit.

    With exhibitors displaying their best liquors, you don’t only get a chance to taste rum but also to find out more about the process from cane to bottle. Every drop of rum has a story to tell and with the experts at hand, the story will be told.

    Did one of the free samples catch your special attention? Why not take a bottle of your favourite liquor home with you? It will make a great addition to your collection.

    Make use of the chill out zones all over The Passenger Shed to catch up with your friends and sip on a delicious rum-infused cocktail mixed at one of the three cocktail bars.

    Live music will invite you to swing your hips, while you make your way through the delicious smells of street foods and the sound of clinking rum bottles.

    For the small hunger, you’ll get the chance to try street foods from all over the world. From Caribbean cuisine to BBQ food, your culinary world trip will be best enjoyed with a glass of rum.

    Bristol Rum Festival Press ReleaseThe UK Rum Festival isn’t just an event, it’s a lifestyle filled with colour and love for the precious beverage, a love that we want to share with you.

    Tickets are available for £30, but if you wish to reveal the secrets of our Secret TikiRoom, you can upgrade your experience to VIP for just £50.

     

    For more details about the UK Rum Festivals events please click the image below

  • |

    Geographic Indications (GIs) : The Jamaican Rum GI Explained

    Bythefatrumpirate

    Geographic Indications (GIs) : The Jamaican Rum GI Explained article by the fat rum pirateGeographic Indications (GIs) : The Jamaican Rum GI Explained

    A Geographical Indication (GI) is a form of intellectual property linking a product to a specific geographic origin and production method. For Jamaica, a GI was registered for “Jamaican Rum” in 2016 by the Jamaica Intellectual Property Office (JIPO) and is administered by the Spirits Pool Association, which represents rum producers on the island.

    The full official technical specification is not publicly available, but public summaries, tribunal rulings, and reporting allow inference of production requirements (JIPO).

    Geographic Scope

    To use the protected name “Jamaican Rum”, a product must be produced in Jamaica, including fermentation, distillation, and maturation.

    Raw Materials

    Jamaican Rum must be made from sugarcane derivatives (molasses, sugarcane juice, or sugarcane syrup) and potable water. Yeast and nutrients are permitted.

    Fermentation

    Fermentation occurs exclusively in Jamaica. Traditional methods, including the use of dunder, are allowed, with duration and yeast selection left to the producer.

    Geographic Indications (GIs) : The Jamaican Rum GI Explained article by the fat rum pirateDistillation

    Distillation must occur in Jamaica. Pot and column stills are standard, and blending both types is permitted.

    Maturation

    Aged rum must mature in Jamaica in oak barrels no larger than 250 litres. Age statements reflect the youngest component in a blend.

    Additives and Processing

    Post-distillation additives are limited to water and cane caramel for colouring. Flavourings beyond these are prohibited.

    Alcohol Strength

    Bottled Jamaican Rum must meet a minimum of 37.5% ABV

    Regulatory Oversight

    The GI is managed by the Spirits Pool Association and JIPO, which certify compliance and oversee enforcement (JIPO).

    Distilleries Producing Jamaican Rum

    Confirmed GI producers include:

    Appleton Estate

    Hampden Estate

    Worthy Park Estate

    Clarendon Distillery

    Long Pond Distillery

    Geographic Indications (GIs) : The Jamaican Rum GI Explained article by the fat rum pirateUpdates to the Jamaican Rum GI – 2024 Changes and Timeline

    The Jamaican Rum GI has evolved through several key milestones. It was first registered in 2016 by JIPO, administered by the Spirits Pool Association, establishing protection for the term “Jamaican Rum” (Jamaica Gleaner). While the full technical specification was not publicly released, this registration formalized GI protection and compliance requirements.

    In October 2024, JIPO issued an updated ruling clarifying the GI requirements. The key changes included:

    Mandatory in-Jamaica ageing for all rum, eliminating overseas maturation from eligibility.

    Barrel restrictions, with a maximum size of 250 litres in food-grade oak or equivalent.

    Additives limited strictly to water and cane caramel, prohibiting flavorings or sugars post-distillation.

    Production steps, including fermentation and distillation, must occur entirely in Jamaica using sugarcane derivatives and local water.

    Blending rules, requiring age statements to reflect the youngest rum in the blend.

    Bottling is allowed outside Jamaica only if all prior steps comply with the GI.

    Minimum ABV for bottled rum remains 37.5% (Jamaica Gleaner, Our Today).

    Then in September 2025, enforcement of these 2024 updates was temporarily paused following a court order obtained by National Rums of Jamaica Limited (NRJ), which is appealing certain rules—especially restrictions on overseas ageing. While the GI wording is official, enforcement is currently on hold in contested cases.

    Summary Table of 2024 GI Updates

    Category 2024 Update Effect
    Ageing Must occur only in Jamaica Eliminates overseas ageing
    Barrel Max 250L, oak Standardizes maturation
    Additives Only water & cane caramel Maintains authenticity
    Raw materials Sugarcane derivatives & local water Ensures full Jamaican production
    Fermentation & distillation Must occur in Jamaica Strengthens geographic link
    Bottling Allowed outside if compliant Flexible for exporters
    ABV ≥37.5% Standardizes alcohol strength
    Blending Age statement reflects youngest component Accurate labeling

    Legal Naming and Labelling under the Jamaican Rum GI

    1. GI‑Protected Term

    Only “Jamaican Rum” is protected. Misuse is prohibited (JIPO).

    2. Permitted Style Descriptions

    Descriptor Notes
    White / Light Rum Unaged or filtered
    Gold / Amber Rum From permitted ageing or caramel
    Dark Rum Longer maturation
    Overproof / High Strength >37.5% ABV
    Aged Rum / Age Statement Youngest component

    Blackadder Raw Cask Rum Review Hampden Jamaica 15 year old by the fat rum pirate3. Names That Do NOT Carry GI Protection

    “Rum of Jamaica”

    “Caribbean Rum”

    “Jamaica-style Rum”

    These are not GI-protected and may be used outside Jamaica.

    4. Blending and Age Statements

    Age statements reflect the youngest rum in the blend.

    5. Bottling Location

    Fermentation, distillation, and maturation in Jamaica; bottling may occur abroad if compliant.

    6. Naming Summary

    Label / Term GI Protection Notes
    Jamaican Rum ✅ Protected Must meet GI rules
    Jamaican Rum + style descriptor ✅ Protected Descriptors allowed
    Rum of Jamaica ❌ Not protected Descriptive only
    Caribbean Rum ❌ Not protected Legal non-GI term
    Jamaica-style Rum ❌ Not protected Legal non-GI term

    Key Takeaways

    1. Only “Jamaican Rum” is legally GI-protected.
    2. Descriptive terms may accompany the GI name.
    3. Other geographic descriptors are not GI-protected.
    4. Misuse of “Jamaican Rum” without compliance is prohibited.
    5. 2024 updates clarified ageing, barrel, and additive rules; enforcement is temporarily paused due to legal appeals.

    As far as I am aware no legal claim has been made against any producers for using the term “Jamaican Rum” whilst not compliant with the GI. I believe that is possibly due in part to the ongoing legal issues.

    I am also unaware of whether terms such as “Rum of JaGeographic Indications (GIs) : The Jamaican Rum GI Explained article by the fat rum piratemaica” has ever been challenged when the producer is not compliant with the GI.

    I think it is widely thought that any kind of combination of Rum and Jamaica/Jamaican would fall foul of the GI if used by a producer not complying.

    This has never been legally tested to my knowledge and what has been publicly published only states the exact term “Jamaican Rum”. Don’t shoot the messenger……..

    As with previous articles this is presenting the information as it is publicly available. Free from any contrived narrative or re-shaping of history. It deals solely with facts rather than opinions.

  • Matugga Rum – Press Release

    Bythefatrumpirate

    MATUGGAMatugga Rum are a new UK based rum brand.  Whilst the brand is new some of the people involved in this new venture are well known to this site.

    English Spirit Distillery headed up by John Walters have been producing their own Small Batch Copper Pot Distilled spirits since 2009 including the likes of English Spirit Vokda, Old J’s Gin and Old Salt Rum which was reviewed on these pages.

    Anyway enough of my ramblings here are the words from the Rums Producers Matugga Beverages

     

    12 October 2015 – London, U.K 

    Matugga Beverages is launching Matugga Rum, a new range of premium rums and the first to be distilled in the U.K. from African sugar cane molasses. Matugga Golden Rum and Matugga Spiced Rum – British rums with an East African heritage – will officially hit the U.K. drinks market during the inaugural London Rum Experience Week (12–18 October, 2015).
    Introducing Matugga Spiced Rum

    Crafted in small batches in Cambridgeshire under Master Distiller Dr. John Walters, molasses from East Africa is fermented for seven days before being triple-distilled in 200-litre copper pot stills with swan neck condensers. The heads and tails are precisely cut to ensure that complexity and smoothness develop with each successive round of distillation. Matugga Golden Rum is finished in uncharred English oak casks. Matugga Spiced Rum is infused with a uniquely East African mixed-spice tea blend featuring six fragrant botanicals – black tea, ginger, cloves, vanilla, cardamom, cinnamon – and has already been recognised by international drinks experts for its sensational, smooth taste. It was recently awarded a silver medal at the 2015 New York World Wine and Spirits Competition.

    Jacine Rutasikwa, co-founder of Matugga Beverages, states, “The challenge with rums is to capture a panoply of flavour and depth and maintain a silky smoothness. Our Master Distiller has achieved this. As a result, our golden and spiced premium rums can truly be sipped neat or on ice in addition to making outstanding cocktails.”Matugga Gold Rum
    Dr. Walters, Master Distiller, adds, “I chose 42 percent alcohol by volume for both rums not simply for weight, but to hold just the right ensemble of flavours intended and to deliver a rich mouth feel. With Matugga Golden Rum, on the nose we have fine oaked deep fruit cake, with raisins and sultanas abounding. The palate is full of slightly honeyed cracked caramel with a hint of Szechuan peppers and bay, finishing with vanilla, strawberry and a rich treacle.” He continues, “Special seems too small a word to describe the award-winning Matugga Spiced Rum. This is a truly mouth-watering rum. Honey and orange blossom are entwined with raisins on the nose. The palate is a flood of smooth, but warm, tangerine, liquorice and cracked black pepper before a honeyed Christmas pudding finish.”
    Introducing Matugga Rum - Matugga Spiced Clandestino Cocktail

    The premium rums have been curated by husband and wife team Paul and Jacine Rutasikwa, who own extensive family land in Matugga, a town that is located 13 miles north of Kampala, Uganda’s capital and largest city. The rum and whisky aficionados say that their proud heritage, combined with playful innovation, has allowed them to capture and celebrate the most adventurous and unique flavours of Africa. Paul Rutasikwa, co-founder of Matugga Beverages, says, “The naturally rich, red soils of East Africa provide an ideal terrain for high-quality sugar cane, from which we source the finest molasses. We are proud to be promoting East Africa’s incredibly rich natural produce while showcasing British micro-distillery craft at its best. Consumers are becoming more attuned to carefully crafted, artisan sprits. In addition to quality and taste, their focus is very much on how the ingredients are sourced and, importantly, how they’re handled afterwards. It matters to them and it matters to us.”

    Matugga Golden Rum and Matugga Spiced Rum are currently available through Matugga Rum online: www.matuggarum.com and leading online retailer Master of Malt: www.masterofmalt.com ~ Guide retail price is £39.99 (including VAT) for a 70cl bottle.

     

     

    Press Contact: For further information, samples for review, imagery or interviews with the Matugga Rum owners, contact Jan Cooper via press@matuggarum.com or 07440 295 120.

  • Afrohead Rum – Press Release

    Bythefatrumpirate

    AFROHEAD LOGO

    AFROHEAD Premium Aged Dark Rum

    Universally Inspired. Authentically Crafted.

    Harbour Island, Bahamas Favorite Arrives In The United States Channeling The Spirit of The West Indies

    Nokomis, Florida (January 2015) – Harbour Island Rum Company announces the January 2015 United States release of AFROHEAD Premium Aged Dark Rum. Crafted to stand alone in the rum category, AFROHEAD Rum pays tribute to its origins of genuine inspiration. The rum, which is blended in small lots by rum savant Toby Tyler, retails for $34.99 (7-year), $59.99 (15-year XO) and is currently available throughout the Bahamas, Florida and Tennessee.

    afrohead rum picBeyond the rum, the brand has a much deeper-rooted story behind it. In 2008, Joe Farrell, as a proprietor of The Landing Guest House and Restaurant in Harbour Island, began hand bottling the yet-named rum Tyler had crafted and serving to guests. On the label, he used a simple graphic he had designed for the restaurant’s house wine – a stylized image that paid tribute to the island’s culture and Bahamian women. Locals and visitors from around the world came to Harbour Island to enjoy the rum with the “afrohead” on it, and so AFROHEAD Premium Aged Dark Rum was named.

    Today, the bottle’s new powerful icon continues to pay tribute to its original inspiration by incorporating six symbols representing the rum’s rich West Indies culture. The Crown, Junkanoo, Mind’s Eye, Rising Sun, Creation and Sea Shell are all subliminally hidden within the icon bringing genuine meaning to its stunning beauty.

    Production for AFROHEAD Rum begins with sugarcane molasses sourced from around the West Indies, in particularly the Dominican Republic. It is then fermented using a yeast strand, proprietary to Trinidad that is more than 100 years old and creates its banana and toffee base. After distillation, the rum is aged in once-used, charred bourbon oak barrels and aged for a minimum of the years indicated. Finally, the aged, dark rum travels to Barbados for bottling. The result is an unmistakably refined tribute blended for those brave enough to drink in the greatness of life. Authentically crafted with a smooth finish, the 7-year blend can be appreciated in mixed drinks, neat or on ice. The 15-year XO deserves the respect of being enjoyed straight up.

    Harbour Island Rum Company supplies premium aged dark rums to the global spirits market. Founded onafrohead pic 2 Harbour Island and discovered by a society of professional rum lovers, HIRC is dedicated to the pursuit of earning the world’s respect for producing the best tasting rum.

    AFROHEAD Rum will be available in craft cocktail bars, fine restaurants, boutique hotels and liquor stores in the Bahamas, South Florida and ships to certain states via www.VintageLiquor.com. For more information on AFROHEAD Rum, please visit www.AFROHEADRums.com.

     

    For more information, samples, recipes or to arrange an interview, please contact Carma PR, Ashley Jimenez at 305.438.9200, ashley@carmapr.com.

  • Rum of the Month August 2015

    Bythefatrumpirate

    Wray and Nephew White Overproof Rum of the month fat rum pirateAs it is supposed to be British Summer Time, I thought I would make this months Rum of the Month a summer rum.  So I decided to go with this fantastic Overproof mixer.

    As you can see Wray and Nephew White Overproof Rum is traditionally drank on Jamaica with Ting.  A Jamaican grapefruit soda and plenty of ice.  This a potent Overproof mixing rum but nonetheless a very good one.  To read the original review please click on the link or photo.

    As always please enjoy responsibly!

    2015 Rum of the Month

2 Comments

  1. I have to sell a bottle RHUM DES PLANTATIONS SAINT-JAMES RECOLTE 1885, bottled on 1952

  2. Nice to see rum in the auction houses – whisky has pretty much dominated the scene, and as a avid rum fan I’ve been wondering when we see this opportunity. Nice!

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