David Adamson fell in love with the island nation when he first visited in 2016, so the 31 year old decided to launch Beach Bum rum - infused with the spirit and flavour of Mauritius.
Beach Bum Rum Silver and Beach Bum Rum Gold are distilled on the island and have both picked up industry accolades since launching this year.
Both rums have won silver medals at this year’s London Spirit’s Competition (LSC) and major spirits competitions in London and San Francisco.
“Mauritius is a once in lifetime destination and with beach holidays a distant memory for so many of us, I think it’s timely to be launching a rum which can offer a little slice of paradise as we prepare for a Christmas period like no other," said David.
“The rums are truly a taste of Mauritius in a bottle. I wanted to use the island’s incredible sugar cane to produce my own unique blend and then naturally infuse the rums with coconut and vanilla."
David says starting a new business and launching a product during a global pandemic was tricky, but he persevered despite having difficulties travelling to meet contacts and suppliers.
He added: “It was hard, there’s no doubt about that. Starting a new business during a global pandemic has its obvious challenges and risks, but I’m glad the rums are now available for people to enjoy.
"I hope they bring some welcome tropical sunshine during the darker months.”
David studied wine making at university in Brighton and then set out to be a wine maker, but realised it wasn’t the career for him.
Explaining this he said: “I spent some time working at a winery in England but pruning vines in the cold UK winter wasn’t for me.
“I was always attracted to rum and knew there was a gap in the market for a fun, modern brand to come out of Mauritius which has been making some of the world’s best rum for 150 years.
“We’ve had the vodka boom and are at the tail end of the gin craze. Now we’re seeing rum’s popularity grow in the UK.
"It’s a really consumer friendly spirit and unlike whisky and tequila which are heavier and less approachable, rum is lighter in taste, has lots of different flavour profiles and can be mixed easily.
"The perception of rum is also changing. Gone are the days when rum was the reserve of sailors.”
David has ambitions to see Beach Bum Rum become a household name and be stocked across major supermarket chains and bars around the world.
Following the UK launch the craft rums will be debuted across the USA, Baltics, Eastern Europe, Africa and Australia in the coming months.
Bottled at 40% ABV, both Beach Bum Rum Silver and Gold are priced at £29.99 for a 70cl bottle.
The rums are available to buy in the UK and online at Master of Malt.
In a cocktail shaker combine all the ingredients. Shake well with a generous handful of ice then strain into a rocks glass and garnish with a lemon twist.
In a cocktail shaker combine all the ingredients except from the Prosecco.
Shake well with a generous handful of ice then strain into a highball glass.
Top with Prosecco and garnish with toasted coconut flakes
All cocktail recipes are produced by Aaron Dugan, Cocktail Bar Manager of the Merchant Hotel, Belfast.
Scran season 2: The expert's guide to Scottish rum - with Matugga Rum and Ninefold Distillery
