August saw us visiting the Dropworks Rum Distillery on the Welbeck Estate. Opening only a year ago, it is Europe’s largest rum distillery, yet is an artisan operation by people who completely understand the processes and the product.
We were greeted with a rum cocktail before being showed the production process by Darren, our knowledgeable and entertaining guide. We learned about the molasses and sugar cane honey and the different yeasts together with the pot and column stills and the double retort (thumper), where the magic is created using an intimate understanding of the science to make flavoured rum without the flavouring!
Samples were enjoyed throughout the process and the heroic designated drivers were rewarded with a bumper sample pack to take home with them.
Refreshments at the Greendale Oak completed an interesting day out.