
08 Feb 2023
In fact, in the lead up to National Rum Day on August 16, not to mention Father’s Day, the future of rum in this city is looking bright with two fabulous new experiences ready for the drinking.
The crew at Brix Distillers, based in Surry Hills, have released their very first Sydney-aged rum. The Select Cask Series – Stout Barrel Release is not only exclusive, with just 580 bottles available, it’s also been aged for three years and boasts an impressive production process.
The rum has been matured in American oak casks which had previously been used for the production of imperial stout. This has the effect of imparting rich malt and oak flavours which combine with more floral and stone fruit notes. Head Distiller Shane Casey likens the taste to a Turkish delight. You can listen to Shane and Damien Barrow, co-founder of Brix, talk about the unique rum they hope will put Australia’s rum-making on the world stage here:
The Select Cask Series – Stout Barrel Release retails for $149 and is available on the Brix Distillers website.
Meanwhile, Australia’s first dedicated digital bar, Box Bar, the brainchild of IRL Sydney bar The Fox Hole, has partnered with Venezuelan rum brand Diplomático to produce an at home custom cocktail box for the budding bartender in all of us.
The sleek and sophisticated Exclusiva Exclusive kit features Diplomático rums, mixers and garnishes so that you can make three signature rum cocktails – an Old Fashioned, Sidecar, and a High Ball – in the comfort of your own home.
The box not only comes with detailed recipe cards, if you purchase before National Rum Day on the 16th you can take part in an online rum masterclass with Diplomático Brand Ambassador and cocktail maker extraordinaire Sai Hamsala as well as CEO of Box Bar James Harvey-Fiander. You’ll get an abundance of cocktail history with your instructions, and lots of tips on how to impress when you’re behind the bar.
And if you buy the box for your rum-loving dad, you’ll still be able to access a recording of the masterclass at your own convenience afterwards.
So it looks like we learnt something from the pandemic after all, how to turn your home into the coolest rum bar in town.
The Exclusiva Exclusive kit is valued at $75 but is currently available for $65 until the end of August at the Box Bar website.