Meet the Producers | Islay Rum | 2025
Nestled on the southern coast of Islay in Port Ellen, the Islay Rum Distillery marks a bold new chapter in the island’s spirit story. Housed in the beautifully restored Old Lemonade Factory, this independent producer is proudly the first and only rum distillery on the legendary whisky island. The renovation - overseen by the original builder’s grandson, was completed in late 2021, with production beginning in January 2022. Winner of ‘Best Start Up’ at the Highlands & Islands Food & Drink Awards 2023, and shortlisted twice for the Scotland Food & Drink Excellence Awards, the Islay Rum team is big in ambition.
Guided by Head Distiller Ben Inglis, whose passion and expertise have shaped each award-winning batch, the Islay Rum Distillery produces a range of premium Scottish rums, all distilled entirely from scratch. At the heart of the distillery is a bespoke copper pot still with twin retorts, uniquely engineered in the UK. This setup creates a “triple distillation” effect in a single run, resulting in a smooth, high-ester spirit rich in character.
The company is also maturing rum in ex-Islay whisky casks, lending their spirit a distinctive and delicious flavour profile. It builds on Islay’s renowned smoky whisky character while remaining approachable and enjoyable for both whisky and rum drinkers.
Sustainability is also central to their process: the distillery runs on 100% renewable electricity, uses a closed-loop cooling system to conserve water, and repurposes pot ale as a fermentation starter.
The Islay Rum Distillery currently offers a range of distinctive expressions, each bringing a unique aspect of the island and distillery philosophy into every bottle:
Geal – Gaelic for white, clear, bright, and pure. An unaged white rum with a bright and fragrant profile, palate is smooth and creamy with notes on the nose of banana and coconut.
Barrel Aged – Rum matured in ex-peated Islay whisky oak casks, creating a smoky flavour combined with vanilla and a coastal salinity. Notes of unripe banana, leather, and tropical fruit.
Peat Spiced – A spiced rum infused with peated smoke, creating a deeply smoky profile, with a core of orange, ginger, and cacao nibs, built on secret botanicals and peat. A bold, Islay-rooted twist on traditional spiced rum.
Overproof – The second batch in their experimental fermentation series provides a deeply complex, funk-rich overproof rum that is bright and bold on the palate. With notes of ripe pear and tropical fruit acids.
Whether you're a long-time fan or new to the world of Scottish rum, stop by their stand at this year’s Scottish Rum Festival to meet Ben and the Islay Rum team, explore their latest releases, and discover what makes rum from Islay so refreshingly different.
Website | https://www.islayrum.com/
Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/theislayrum
Instagram | @islayrum