Meet the Producers | Matugga | 2025
How Matugga Distillers is Putting African Soul on the Scottish Rum Map
In the heart of Livingston, Scotland, a distillery is redefining the world of rum. Matugga Distillers, founded by husband-and-wife Paul and Jacine Rutasikwa, is home to a bold new wave of rum-making, where Scottish craft meets African soul.
Under their two distinct brands, Matugga Rum and Liv Rum, the company crafts a vibrant range of small-batch rums entirely in-house: from fermentation to bottling, everything happens within their own distillery and bonded warehouse. But it's the fusion of global techniques and heritage ingredients that makes their spirits truly stand out.
Drawing inspiration from Jamaican rum-making traditions and blending them with Scottish distilling, the Rutasikwas use premium African sugarcane molasses and natural botanicals to create rums that are as rich in character and distilled through traditional copper pot stills for maximum depth and flavour.
The award-winning Matugga range is bold and expressive. Highlights include:
Matugga White Rum – creamy complexity, with fruity and tropical notes.
Matugga Spiced – A unique fusion featuring a masala chai blend, offering a warming spice and aromatic depth.
Matugga Golden – A smooth single pure rum aged in ex-bourbon casks, that delivers notes of tropical fruit, wood spice, and hints of smoke.
Each bottle is a tribute to their ‘Rum Triad’: rooted in Jamaican tradition, infused with the culture of East Africa, and distilled with Scottish precision.
The Liv Rum collection brings playful energy and vibrant flavour to the category. Whether it’s the bold Liv Black Spiced, the tropical Liv Passionfruit & Pineapple or the robust Liv Navy Strength White Rum, the range is designed for good times and easy sipping.
Adding more versatility to the line-up, the Liv Ready-to-drink Cocktails blend their expertly crafted rums with natural mixers to create perfectly balanced serves. Flavours include Tropical Punch, Mango Mojito, Hurricane, and Banana Daiquiri.
Matugga’s story doesn’t stop at the distillery. With strong ties to Uganda, the Rutasikwas are working to support local sugarcane growers by establishing a plantation on their family land in Matugga. This initiative will train and employ local agricultural workers and, eventually, supply the distillery with their own high-quality molasses. Their vision? To become a fully “Cane to Cask” producer — a rare and ambitious feat in the rum world.
Matugga’s range of rums will be showcased at this year’s Scottish Rum Festival, a perfect opportunity to explore the bold, balanced flavours and inspiring story behind this Scottish distillery. Whether you're a seasoned rum enthusiast or new to the spirit, Matugga’s offers something truly special.
Website |https://www.matuggarum.com/
Facebook |https://www.facebook.com/matuggarum/
Instagram | @matuggarum