It’s been a long time coming thanks to Covid and local opposition, but English Spirit’s new distillery in Cornwall is about to open. 

This isn’t just a case of increasing quantity, but in taking English rum to places it has never gone before. Like a kid let loose with a Christmas chemistry set, master distiller Dr John Walters is excited that he finally has the space to do everything he’s dreamed about in making rum and creating other spirits.

Ten years ago English Spirit burst into the scene, being the first UK distillery to ever make rum. Now, Dr John and English Spirit – the UK’s largest craft rum distillery – are at the right place and right time to take advantage of rum’s new popularity.

In this podcast, Dr John will explain why building another distillery is in his never-again folder, growth areas for UK rum, and why some rums shouldn’t be calling themselves British.