Latest and archive media stories from Bristol Classic Rum & parent company, Bristol Spirits Ltd
BCR travel to The Lyon Whisky Festival 2025
Hosting a Masterclass, John brings Bristol Classic Rum knowledge to Lyon
This fantastic event, now in its fourth year, provided a comprehensive experience in the world of Whiskies and Rum, exploring iconic spirits, cultural insights, and opportunities for socialising.
It was hosted at the prestigious Palais de la Bourse, in the heart of Lyon. For the first time, the festival expanded its scope by inviting Rum brands. This year, Rum took centre stage with its tales, scenery, and myths from the Caribbean to the Antilles.
John was present for the entire weekend to support Pierre and his team from The Whisky Lodge, Lyon. Additionally, there was an opportunity to join a Masterclass led by our legendary Mr Barrett. Cultural, friendly and discerning, The Lyon Whisky Festival has become a significant occasion in the contemporary spirits landscape, honouring craftsmanship and innovation, propelled by well-known international brands and emerging distilleries that are influencing the future. A wonderful show for Rum drinkers.
Rum is cool.. and there’s a growing number of Rum Lovers in the United States who have an obsessive passion for the finest expressions. Bristol Spirits Ltd, the home of Bristol Classic Rum are delighted to announce a brand new partnership with US Distributor, Spaghetti Western Imports LLC. This ‘Rum friendship’ aims to cater for an insatiable desire to acquire Rum that has kept the UK and European drinkers spoilt for choice.
Bristol Spirits are long-established, eminent suppliers and promoters of fine Rum from around the world. Founder, John Barrett is renowned and recognised as a highly-experienced taster and supporter of Rum in the most natural state, specialising often in those matured and bottled in UK warehousing which offers unique benefits. John states, ‘We started in the mid-nineties with premium Rum due to its high quality; it took about ten years for the interest to develop in the consumer but now we have BCR Rum fanatics all over the Globe. ’Bristol’s mission is to discover and develop interesting Rum for enjoyment. Developed with careful production and long maturation the true quality and style can be enjoyed from the diverse and magnificent Rum that BCR selects and bottles for the pleasure of Rum drinkers.
Sales Director, Simon Askey explains ‘We have a basic principle to bottle small batches of Rum,usually just two or three casks at most so releases are continually changing. John has offered bottles to the US market in years gone by, however the demand for Rum outside of the Rum heavyweights has grown exponentially, so BCR needs to be back Stateside.
’Spaghetti Western Imports are a boutique import business with a meticulous focus on Independent Bottlers of long heritage. Founder Chris Bittner represents a company of trailblazers that doesn’t necessarily fit the mould. There is more to Rum than the mainstream big hitters would have you believe. Spaghetti Western and Bristol Classic Rum are coming to prove this to The United States of America!
An amazing few days was had at Whiskey Live Dublin 2024!
We want to express immense gratitude to all the incredible volunteers and everyone who took the time to visit and sample Bristol Classic Rum. The crowd favourites were definitely our Venezuela 12 YO, Cuban 2003 Sherry Finish, and the powerful Jamaica 2009 DOK Rum, which truly represents the exceptional high-ester distillate from Hampden.
Whiskey Live Dublin unquestionably stands as a premier event, where both well-established brands and emerging newcomers in the Irish scene get to showcase their offerings.We are already eagerly anticipating the next edition of Whiskey Live in 2025!
Incredible tasting hosted by John
Tickets are selling quickly, with only a limited number left. So be quick!
Established in 2011, DrinkMonger are award winning shops that offer an extensive range of fine Spirits, including Rum from around the world. DrinkMonger and Bristol Classic Rum are delighted to announce a tasting hosted by BCR founder John Barrett at the Drinkmonger Bruntsfield store in Edinburgh. Since the early 90’s, Bristol Classic Rum have become recognised as a leading independent bottler, with some of the finest Rum available. This is a chance to try eight releases from our incredible range, showcasing the world of flavours rum has to offer while being guided by the person who selects and bottles these rums.
The line-up for this incredible tasting: Caribbean Collection, Trinidad 8YO – Trinidad Distillers Ltd, Venezuela 12YO - Destileria Sofa, Port Mourant 2010 - Cognac finish, Jamaica DOK 2009 – Hampden, Haiti 2004 – Barbancourt, Jamaica 1997 & Caroni 1998 ‘HTR’
Jamaican ‘Monymusk’ Rum
Jamaica 1997 is a deliciously smooth spirit which is perfect sipping over ice
Hailing from the Clarendon Estate, this Jamaican ‘MonyMusk’ Rum was distilled in the month of September, during 1997 and bottled by Bristol Classic Rum in 2022 at 47% abv.
Monymusk is the primary brand produced at the Clarendon Distillery, situated on the site of the Monymusk sugar plantation, from which it derives its name. The plantation has been in operation since 1655 and stands as one of the oldest sugar plantations on the Island. Presently, it is jointly owned by the Jamaican Government, Demerara Distillers Limited in Guyana, and Maison Ferrand in France.
Established in 1949, Clarendon has been actively producing Rum since the early 1800s. Initially, it functioned as a small distillery equipped with a single Vendome Copper Still. The Distillery warehouses are found at Inswood, which is also under the ownership of National Rums of Jamaica and ceased operation as a Distillery in 1992.
Crafted from molasses, this Column Still Rum is an artful combination of casks #6 and #10. Both have quietly matured in Bristol's moist and dark cellars since their arrival in late 1997. Within refilled American Oak barrels, this Rum has greatly benefited from exclusive maturation in the UK, imparting elegance and sophistication.Upon bottling, only a limited quantity of less than 350 bottles was produced to cater to discerning rum enthusiasts. The mark is MBS, offering Esters levels of less than 10 gr/hL AA.
Bristol Classic Rum’s Jamaica 1997 is a deliciously smooth spirit which is perfect sipping over ice with great friends for its enjoyment.The Rum exhibits a pale gold colour and a fresh aroma filled with tropical fruit and well-balanced wood notes. On the palate, it reveals an elegant fruitiness and a similar style.Having matured in a cask for over two decades, each bottle boasts a satisfying length and harmonious flavours that culminate in a well-structured finish.
Indulge in its pure essence, as it remains unaltered. Sugar levels are less than 0.001 g/ml, there was no chill-filtering and artificial colouring.
If you're a fan of Jamaican Rum (and let's be honest, who isn't?), don't hesitate to secure your supply. Act swiftly, as stock is nearing depletion with only a few cases remaining.
The bestsellers!
The results are in for this year’s bestsellers from the Bristol Classic Rum
No surprise to see our Trinidad 8YO heading up the list. Medium gold in colour, it is clean and light, nicely balanced and an easy style to approach. A real treat and excellent entry level introduction to the Rum world. Be quick, Bristol Classic Rum only release small batches.
In a firm 2nd place stands a stunning product of Venezuela with plenty of wonderful reviews. A nose of soft fruit and light wood gives balance leading to a palate of medium weight, good mid palate flavours and stylish finish. This is a good example of column still production and careful maturation.
There is no denying, 3rd place goes to our oldest distillation. Guyana 1990. Full golden colour with red tints from the Port Cask maturation, the nose has classic Port Mourant complexity, touches of aniseed and fruit, very complex. Palate has length and depth, leather, dried fruits and anise all lead to a long and deep finish, a classic ‘PM’.
New opportunities for Le Clos & Bristol Classic Rum
Congratulations to Bristol Classic Rum for being selected by Le Clos
This is indeed astonishing news!
Le Clos is known for its commitment to offering the world's finest wines and spirits and providing exceptional customer service. The fact that Bristol’s premium range of Rum has been chosen by Le Clos is a testament to its quality and reputation.
Le Clos, established in 2008, has since aimed to curate an extensive collection of the best wines and spirits available worldwide. They have a team of highly qualified advisors who collectively speak over 20 languages, ensuring that customers receive expert guidance and assistance.
In addition to their wide selection, Le Clos offers various complimentary services to enhance the shopping experience. This includes in-store tastings, allowing customers to sample different products before making a purchase. They also provide the convenience of click and collect, enabling customers to order Bristol Classic Rum online and have it prepared for collection at Dubai International Airport (DXB), whether it's upon arrival or departure.
Le Clos operates eight boutiques throughout the airport and is owned by Maritime and Mercantile International (MMi), further solidifying their position as a trusted retailer in the industry.
Le Clos opens up new opportunities for Bristol Classic Rum to reach a broader audience of discerning customers who appreciate luxury spirits. A very exciting collaboration!
Growing popularity of Rum investment
Rum is experiencing incredible growth, but still has some ground to cover
In the United Kingdom, Rum investment has gained popularity, with sales of all categories of surpassing £1billion in the previous 12 months, representing a 51% increase compared to 2019, according to market watchers CGA by NielsenIQ.
This growth can be attributed to younger consumers developing a taste for Rum. The premium Rum market saw a significant 85% growth in the second quarter of 2022. While Rum has experienced remarkable growth, it still has some ground to cover in order to rival the market for rare and collectible spirits dominated by Scottish Whiskies. However, Rum's relative youth in the world of collectibles makes it more accessible to enthusiasts, with more affordable prices compared to aged Whiskies.Certain types of Rum have garnered particular interest, such as those from "lost" distilleries like Caroni. These limited-edition Rums, which are no longer in production, have generated significant interest among collectors.
When starting a Rum collection, it is important to consider various factors such as regions, individual distilleries, and bottlers. Different regions have their own unique styles and flavours, while individual distilleries can offer distinct characteristics. Bottlers, who source and age the rum, like Bristol Classic Rum also influence the desirability and value of a particular bottle.Overall, investing in aged Rum presents an opportunity for enthusiasts to explore a growing market with potential for future appreciation in value.
More Bristol Classic Rum for the Asian markets
So Many Wines is a Wine & Spirits retailing company based in Cambodia
Are you looking for Bristol Classic Rum around the World? We now supply and support markets including Cambodia, Laos and Vietnam.
So Many Wines, created by J.E.M Trading Co., LTD., was established in 2022 by two brothers, Eric and Jean-Etienne, with the objective of bringing an authentic wine-tasting experience to Asia.Eric, with 20 years of experience in the wine industry in Europe, brings his expertise and knowledge to the company. Jean-Etienne, on the other hand, has similar experience of international logistics, ensuring efficient transportation and storage methods for the wine and spirits.
The company aims to address a common issue faced by enthusiasts in Asia – the quality of product available due to poor conditioning and transport. Many individuals have reported that even high-priced wines are often of subpar quality in Asia compared to Europe.
To combat this problem, So Many Wines focuses on implementing top-notch conditioning, transport, and storage methods. By doing so, they aim to ensure that the wines and spirits reach Asia in the same condition as they would in Europe. This commitment to quality and proper handling sets them apart in the wine distribution market in Asia.
John sits down to chat all things Rum
Bottled Magazine - Exploring the World of Rum, Spirits & Liquid Specialities
When time allows, our fantastic Distributor based in Germany, Haromex Development GmbH publishes Bottled Magazine.
This is a great way for readers to explore and learn about different types of spirits and liquid specialities they offer in regions all around Europe.
In this particular issue, there was an inclusion of an interview with our owner, John Barrett, as well as many other articles on Rum rarities, Cask Aged Gins, Brandy, Port Wine, and traditional French gems which was sure to provide a diverse and interesting reading experience. So, grab a tot … sit back and enjoy
ACAN have become our Exclusive Distributor for Slovakia
We are delighted to share news of a new distribution partner.Based in Bratislava, ACAN host many of the world’s top Alcohol brands. Their great vision is to inform people about the evolving quality alcohol, providing the best possible professional services and help raise the education level of cultured drinking in Slovakia.
Since 1997, ACAN have been providing and sharing quality alcohol in the form of independent premium brands from around the World. Starting with Gin, Beer and Tequila, they worked hard on providing into smaller bars and restaurants as well as retail and bottle shops. However today, you can find a huge range of world-famous brands available via their online shop - www.alko90.sk with express delivery all over SK.
In 2019, they move to new premises; ACAN 44 Premium Spirits, Vysoka 16, Bratislava, where you can not only learn everything about quality alcohol, but also sample their offerings.
Recognised for specialist stance
At Bristol Classic Rum we like to underline our fine quality Rum
Whether you’re looking for ‘entry-level’ premium Rum like Trinidad 8 Year Old from Trinidad Distillers Ltd. or rare treats such as a 30YO Port Mourant or Jamaican Long Pond’s .. they all share expert opinion.
If John likes it, we bottle it !With major supporters in UK, Europe, China, Japan and now The Emirates, our most popular Rums do vary from market to market. Here in Bristol, bottling principles are simple. Limited casks from single still or single estate are only ever released. Then every market is allocated specific supply of bottling.
With a range of 20 SKU’s, the majority have been aged in cask with our moist-rich, UK warehousing for anything between 5 – 25 yrs. These Rums exhibit a range of styles easily equal to that perceived in fine Cognac or Malt Whiskies. The Bristol Classic Rum range is ever-evolving.
Become a Bristol Classic Rum Distributor
Currently seeking great Distributors for Bristol Classic Rum
We are seeking reputable Distributors of Spirits to help expand and enhance Bristol Classic Rum across new regions to us around the World.
A great relationship between our exquisite Rum and localised distribution channels is extremely important. It is vital to operate quickly and smoothly, offering loyal customers the high quality of Rum they have come to expect from Bristol Classic Rum. This is an excellent opportunity to promote and sell small batch Rum from the ‘Premium’ Great British Independent Bottler.
We are currently looking for representation in the following Countries: Croatia, Hungary, Latvia, Romania, Serbia, Slovenia, Bulgaria, Estonia, Montenegro, Moldova, Bosnia & Herz., Albania, Lithuania, North Macedonia, Greece & Turkey.
The perfect cocktail maker
An enjoyable White Rum from Mauritius
This enjoyable White Rum from Mauritius is made from sugar cane juice that was bottled right away without the ageing process we use for our darker rums.
As one of our ‘heritage’ releases this ‘rhum’ was produced at beautiful ‘Labourdonnais’ Distillery in the North of the island of Mauritius. In 2006, law there was relaxed to allow ‘Rhum’ distillation – before this time, all sugar cane crop planted had to be made into sugar for export. The Indian Ocean Island is now the home of many well-known names, so it would be crazy for Bristol not to import direct and part-bottle 'first-release' stock immediately.
The balance from this 2010 import was added to cask and left to age within the vaults of our Liverpool warehousing. Some spirit matured in Sherrywood, then released as a 5YO rum in 2015. Another bottling appeared in 2022 as Cognac 2nd maturation. This 10YO was so successful it had to be replenished in late 2022. See our Fine Rum page for more details. For now, let’s stay with writing about the unaged White Cane Juice imported in 2010. Produced on a continuous still, its light bright style has good fruit on the nose with a touch of apple freshness. The palate is fruity and short with almost juniper cleanliness combined with a soft rounding sweetness on the finish. Unsurprisingly, its aroma has an unmistakable ‘Agricole’ vibe to it.
Available via all reputable outlets, this easy-sip Rum is very approachable at 43% vol. However, should you be looking for a fabulous base to cocktails, you can’t go wrong pouring out this Mauritius White Cane Juice from Bristol Classic Rum.
Royal Mile Whiskies Staff favourite!
We are proud the learn of our friend's 'Barbados' recommendation
Royal Mile Whiskies in Edinburgh recently asked their wonderful staff to choose a perfect Dram for the first month in 2023. It's no real surprise to learn that Bristol Classic Rum's Barbados 2011, bottled in 2022 is their selection.
This fruity, juicy rum is from the Foursquare Distillery and shows oak and earthiness in amongst the fruit. A blend of Column and Pot stills give the classic touch of tar which follows on the palate to a lingering finish. Unchillfiltered with no additional colouring or sugar.
You can also order by phone on 0131 524 9380 or drop by their Edinburgh Whisky Shop, where expert staff will be happy to give you guidance.
Brand new 2022 releases annouced
We are proud the announce new releases to complement our range
Bristol Classic Rum is immensely pleased to introduce 9 new lines for the start of autumn 2022. For the first time in many years, a second major bottling for 2022 fully reflects the demand for fine Rum offered from our Bristol-based brand to spirit drinkers around the World.
John has painstakingly researched and selected lines to release from his reserves. This is stock that he has acquired over many years on his mission of seeking out rare and exceptional rums from individual estates and sometimes single Stills, a mission that John persues to this day!
After many years of careful maturation in moist-rich, dark cellars on the British mainland, each Rum has been bottled at a relevant strength, guided by John’s knowledge and experience to display at their optimum quality. With no added sugar or colouring, these Rums are also without chill-filtering, preserving their subtleties of palate and nose.
As well as replenishing some existing lines such as Haiti and Belize, there is the introduction of two wonderful Jamaican Rums – 2011 Pot Still from The Clarendon Estate and a wonderful 1997 Column still. Surely this is one not to be missed by the Rum connoisseur.
A rare Caribbean Rum maturation...
...that begins not in a warehouse, but amongst the shelves of The Balvenie’s Sample Room
This begins with a great friendship between John and Malt Master David C Stewart MBE.
'Although John describes himself as being “merely a simple salesman”, he is trusted to source interesting flavours from far and wide to experiment with', David explains.
There was never a fixed agenda. No specific criteria. They just wanted to combine John's discoveries with their own expertise. The Balvenie Malt Master relied on his old friend John to seek out the best of the unexpected. And even if his finds didn’t have an immediate purpose, they almost certainly would have, one day.
On this particular visit, as the soft amber sunshine spilled in through the windows, John produced some Caroni rum samples from his battered old leather travelling bag. The team realised almost at once that their ‘travelling salesman’ had brought back something very special.
Treating Rum Connoisseurs to a wonderful Caroni 1998 HTR
Bristol Spirits Ltd is a proud supplier, supporter and friend to Corman Collins. Founded in 1965 by Hubert Corman and Marie Jeanne Collins, they started distributing milk in the Herve region of Belgium, soon moving into distribution of Beer and then other Spirits. Little by little, Spirits took up more time and space.
At the beginning of 2022, Hubert came to us with the wonderful idea to offer a very 'Special' bottling straight from the cask. A beautiful and ultra-rare Caroni 1998 in the original American Oak barrel, shipped from Trinidad.
In 20cl or 70cl bottles with exclusive labels, Hubert's faithful customers were treated to this wonderful 'HTR' Rum without filtration or reduction, but for only 30 days! Afterwards it was placed back into their cellars to continue ageing.
Were you one of the lucky ones to be there? Let us see you photos via Instagram or Facebook.
The art and craft of distilling Rum
Distilling is essentially a very simple process
Starts with a liquid that has undergone natural fermentation (known as the 'Wash'), which can be either wine or a beer made from grain, such as in Whisky, or from sugar which is typical for Rum. Heat gently in a closed container until the alcohol, but not the water boils. The vapour is carried off, cooled and condensed into a concentrated spirit. There is of course enormous subtlety and variety in the process.
There are two distinct kinds of Stills. The 'Pot' Still is the oldest method of distilling, and the simplest. It can be used to make Cognac from Wine, Malt Whisky from Barley and some old-fashioned kinds of Rum. The 'Patent' or 'Column' Still was invented in 1826. This is an altogether more scientific method to yield either a Spirit which is pure and neutral or something much richer and rarer. Bristol Spirit team are here to answer questions and assist via email, website, Instagram, Facebook or by phone.
Bristol Classic Rum now on Instagram
We are pleased to announce that Bristol Classic Rum has joined Instagram
There has been an exciting start to 2022 for us, so follow Bristol Classic Rum to keep you up-to-date on all things Classic Rum, industry news, upcoming events, photos and other items of interest!Want to share a photo with us?
Add the hashtag #bristolclassicrum or tag us in your post.
Check out our page and be sure to LIKE and FOLLOW us!
The pure Rum market is relatively small in China but gives spirit fans a superb, quality category on-par with Malt Whisky or Cognac.
'Bristol Classic Rum' has arrived in China with the support of Vincori Trading Ltd.
Creating opportunities for exciting growth, supplying a range of tantalising spirits for a vibrant market of connoisseurs.
Bristol Spirits Ltd appoint new Director of Sales
Supporting exciting new markets
Simon Askey has been involved with Bristol Spirits Ltd in the background for over 20 years. He will be available at various events and can be contacted at simon@classicrum.com or via the telephone +44 (0) 7803 923 459.
John Barrett, Bristol Spirits Ltd M.D. will focus his time on the sourcing, acquiring and maturation of Rums and other spirits, tastings while also providing assistance and information to the Trade, while our other members of the Bristol Spirit team are here to answer questions and assist via email, website, Facebook or by phone.
Bristol Spirits Ltd now on Facebook
Bristol Spirits Ltd are very excited to announce our new company profile on Facebook
We are now on the world's most popular social networking web site!
Facebook enables us to share a variety of useful content, keeping customers and visitors on top of all the latest Bristol Spirits Ltd and Rum industry news, upcoming events, photos and other items of interest!Check out our page and be sure to LIKE and FOLLOW us!
Discover much, much more to Rum than the mass production favourites. Bristol Classic Rum aims to only source and bottle single still or single estate spirits. After careful maturation, all are then bottled at relatively high strength between 43% - 47%, which is considered by the Trade to be the optimum for tasting and enjoying fine spirits. Many of our Rums have been aged in specially-selected casks, drawing on the different benefits offered by woods such as Port, Madeira, ex-Bourbon white oak and new French oak.
