Rum from the 18th century to auction

A selection of the oldest rum ever to be auctioned will go under the hammer at auction house Christie’s later this week.

The selection of 12 rums from the 17th century is expected to raise around £12,000

The collection of 12 bottles of light and dark rum dating back to the 1780s was recently rediscovered in the cellar of Leeds stately home Harewood House.

David Elswood, international director of Christie’s wine in Europe and Asia, said: “Christie’s is delighted to be offering this rare and unique 1780 rum from Harewood House – the oldest we have ever seen and at 230 years of age, just 14 years younger than Christie’s wine auctions which commenced in 1766.”

All expressions were distilled in Barbados, shipped in barrels to the UK, and bottled at Harewood House. The rum is offered in original mould-blown bottles and replacement tapered corks and re-waxed capsules.

The complete collection is expected to auction for around £12,000 as part of the Fine and Rare Wines and Spirits Including Rare Madeira sale taking place at Christie’s in London’s King Street on 12 and 13 December.

All money raised by the sale of the collection will be donated to the Geraldine Connor Foundation, a charity which supports disenfranchised young people in the performing arts.