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Former Pernod execs create Brixton Distillery Company

Two former Pernod Ricard executives have partnered to create a new microdistillery in Brixton, London, and have launched their first product: Market Row Botanical Rum.

Market Row Botanical Rum is the first spirit from the newly founded Brixton Distillery Company

The Brixton Distillery Company was the brainchild of Laurent Lacassagne, former chairman and CEO of Chivas Brothers, and Patrick Venning, previous Chivas Brothers marketing director, who have more than 50 years of experience in spirits between them.

Market Row Botanical Rum is the inaugural release from the microdistillery and is a blend of Jamaican, Bajan and Dominican aged pot still rums from five distilleries, which have been infused with Kenyan black tea, Nigerian hibiscus and red rose from Pakistan. All the ingredients were sourced from Brixton Market, where the microdistillery is located.

The rum was re-distilled in Brixton and aged in ex-Bourbon barrels. With an ABV of 40%, the rum will launch with an initial run of 1,500 bottles.

Tasting notes include aromas of dark chocolate and oak, leading to caramelised banana, sweetness and a dry, vanilla finish.

Venning, co-founder of the Brixton Distillery Company, said: “Market Row Botanical Rum is inspired by the community where it’s crafted and we’re working to support independent Brixton businesses and people by sourcing ingredients and skills locally to keep our ‘Brixton-bottled’ botanical rum authentic and give something back to the community.”

Matt Servini is master distiller of the botanical rum, while bartender and operations manager Mikey Hirsch is Market Row’s brand ambassador.

Market Row Botanical Rum is available now across UK on- and off-trade outlets exclusively from Boutique Bar Brands.

Consumers can also pick up a bottle directly from Amazon and online at brixtondistillery.com for RRP £34 (US$44) per 500ml bottle.

Lacassagne, co-founder of the Brixton Distillery Company, said: “We believe the market is ripe for this new, straight-talking and inclusive urban rum. We want to bring something new to the category – creating the same levels of craft, creativity and inclusivity to rum that is now seen in gin and feel we’re the right team to take on that challenge.”

The Brixton Distillery Company team l-r: Matt Servini, Laurent Lacassagne, Patrick Venning and Mikey Hirsch

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