Craft Rum created & distilled in Scotland inspired by family’s Bahamas connection
Rum Cay Rum, a brand new, premium, Bahamian spiced, craft rum, distilled in Scotland, has just been launched and is aimed at those who enjoy rum with a sophisticated taste. Founded by Charlie Aitken, the Managing Director and creator of Rum Cay Rum, the brand is inspired by the Aitken family’s time living near the island of Rum Cay in the Bahamas, during the 1970s.
Charlie Aitken, Managing Director of Rum Cay Rum, said: “Looking at my grandparents old polaroids and listening to their stories I was always intrigued by their time living in the Bahamas in the 1970s. Their house in Scotland was named Rum Cay after the island, and it became a special connection to the Bahamas for me.
“Rum Cay Rum is my tribute to this part of my family’s story and to the island that became a symbol of their adventurous spirit.
“Rum Cay Rum brings this unique blend of tradition and modern innovation to the spirits market. Fused with the soul of the Bahamas and Scottish skills and innovation, this rum is a rare expression of the two cultures.
“I created Rum Cay Rum with some of the most interesting and innovative specialists in the drinks industry, to combine the essence of the Bahamas with Scotland’s world renowned distilling tradition. We’ve created an approachable, yet sophisticated Rum that’s perfect for any occasion and can be enjoyed mixed, as a cocktail, or on its own.”
During the 70s the Aitken family, including Charlie’s father, spent much of their time living and working in the Bahamas giving them a fresh perspective on life which they brought back to Scotland by naming their family home Rum Cay.
Charlie and his family continue to visit the Bahamas, taking great pleasure in revisiting the beaches and landmarks where the family fell in love with the islands over 50 years ago. Charlie reflected on visiting the islands recently for the first time:
“It was a privilege to visit the Bahamas to discover what inspired Rum Cay Rum. We were able to recapture the memories that my family talked about for as long as I can remember. Inspired by the Bahamas and crafted in Scotland, Rum Cay Rum is my way of sharing our love of these cultures.”
Rum Cay Rum is Charlie’s first venture into crafting a premium spirit blend and uses the skills he developed on a course from the Chartered Institute of Brewers and Distillers. The next phase of the launch is to introduce Rum Cay Rum to bars and restaurants through experiential marketing and to build its presence where customers enjoy sophisticated spirits and cocktails. He also plans to bring Rum Cay Rum directly to customers through an innovative pop-up space, which will serve as a dynamic venue for customers across the country.
The Wilson’s Foundry Studio Programme is supporting development of the Rum Cay Rum pop-up project. A fully-funded, design-led programme. Wilson’s Foundry is dedicated to supporting Glasgow-based creative entrepreneurs and startups through a unique, studio-based residency. Created by Glasgow City Innovation District (GCID) Venture Studio, the Wilson’s Foundry initiative brings together three established GCID creative studios; Graven, Spreng Thomson and Threesixty Architecture.
Rum Cay Rum is already available to buy online at https://rumcayrum.com/shop/rum-cay-rum/
For information on Rum Cay Rum visit www.rumcayrum.com
