Based in Royal Leamington Spa, Warwickshire Gin Company has been making spirits since 2018. Using a traditional copper pot still, they have been gaining awards for their carefully crafted, artisan gins, inspired by their local region and history. These include 'Leamington on Parade', inspired by the true story of three elephants brought over from Sri Lanka to Leamington by circus elephant trainer Sam Lockhart in the 1880s. Other gins include 'The Kingmaker', named after Richard Neville 16th Earl of Warwick, and 'Peeping Tom', inspired by the legend of Coventry's Lady Godiva.
In addition to gin, they also make vodka and rum which have similarly earned prize-winning recognition by the globally renowned International Wine & Spirit Competition (IWSC).
The distillery offers several visitor experiences plus a range of build-your-own branded gift bundles, including spirits, goblet, mixers and gin or rum-infused chocolates.
Their latest releases are two rums inspired by local boxing legend, Randolph Turpin - The Pugilist 'Ghost Edition' White Rum and The Pugilist 'Sting Like A Bee' Honey Rum. Turpin went down in British boxing history for his sensational World Title win against the legendary Sugar Ray Robinson. This earned him the nickname 'The Leamington Licker' and a statue in his honour can be found in Warwick's Market Square.
Both rums, at 37% ABV, are new recipes based on the company's existing Bronze-winning Spice Blended Rum. They are available to buy in 5cl, 20cl and 70cl bottles, or as part of gift packs. Founder Dave Blick says: "The Pugilist Ghost Edition White Rum is more one for the rum purists and is best enjoyed neat over ice or maybe with a drop of lime. For the new Sting Like A Bee edition, we have rectified with orange peel and finished off with local honey sourced from Kazim's Bees and Honey in Warwick, to deliver a beautifully smooth, sweet mouth feel. It's best enjoyed neat over ice or pairs well with Sicilian lemonade."
The two new rums pay homage to Turpin's cultural roots. Blick adds: "Boxing is still a very strong sport in Leamington and Warwick. We are using Guyana rum spirit as a base in honour of Turpin's Guyanese family heritage. Born in Leamington, Turpin became a hero overnight! To commemorate this fabulous son of Leamington, we have celebrated his Guyanese heritage and added our special Warwickshire spice blend to create a warming, rich rum."
This month's recommendation is The Pugilist 'Sting Like A Bee' Honey Rum, which received a Bronze at The IWSC 2024 Awards.
👃 Nose: An enticing honey aroma with a fresh, fruity undertone reminiscent of zesty orange and a hint of dried flowers.
😋 Palate: This is not a sweet rum, but the smooth, floral honey note with touches of vanilla sugar, lemon and orange peel make the rum feel less dry. Hints of herbaceousness and spice add further interest. A block or two of ice accentuates the smoothness.
As Dave Blick says, you can drink this rum neat over ice or with a splash of Sicilian Lemonade. Fever Tree's works well, adding a citrus zing and sweetness which bring out more of the floral honey notes on the palate. A simple squeeze of lime adds an extra refreshing touch of zestiness.
The Pugilist 'Sting Like A Bee' Honey Rum is also perfect for the Honeybee Cocktail.
This is a deliciously refreshing serve, perfect for a highball. The honey smoothness is always there with added lemon and lime freshness.
You can buy this rum from Warwickshire Gin Company's webshop for £38 or you can find it at The Leamington Wine Company and other selected retailers.
