Cheers! '˜World first' rum blend is a major star at London festival

The international Rum Fest 2016 event in London, in October, was the stage for the launch of a distinctive and exclusive limited-edition rum that has already caught the imagination of spirits connoisseurs and rum ambassadors.

Called Expressions, this exclusive rum has been created by specialist rum company, the Old Man Rum Co.

The Northumberland-based business is run by Ian Linsley who has a long history in the rum and drinks industry.

Ian grew up in Alnwick, but left the region for many years before returning to revive the Alnwick Rum Company in 2003, a business his father worked in for many years from the late 1950s.

Several years ago, Ian sold out to pursue his own ambitions.

Expressions is the first product to be produced by Ian and his Old Man Rum Co. It is an exclusive, limited-edition rum, with only 250 bottles available.

Retailing at £1,800 a bottle, this is no ordinary rum. Expressions is a 100 per cent pure pot-still rum, a unique blend combining seven rums between 25 and 33 years old from distilleries based in the Caribbean. Three of the distilleries have since closed and stopped producing, so Expressions is not only unique in its blend, but cannot be replicated again.

The rum was one of the stars at the annual Rum Fest. Pre-order sales were in double figures at the event. He got the endorsement and support of TV presenter and rum ambassador Ian Burrell at the show.