DropWorks founder on rethinking rum
Following World Rum Day on 12 July, Lewis Hayes, founder and master distiller of DropWorks Rum, shares his insights on elevating the spirit.
“Rum is an endlessly fascinating category, and I’m constantly exploring the depth of flavours it offers,” Hayes explains. “I want to make delicious rum available for everyone. Whether you consider yourself a seasoned connoisseur or just someone curious about trying something new, the spirit can be enjoyed in many ways, wherever you are.”
According to Hayes, enjoying rum starts with choosing the right spirit, with quality over price when possible.
“A well-crafted rum can completely transform and elevate the entire experience, adding something special to your favourite drink,” he says. “It’s not just about smoothness; it’s about depth and character too. Many mass-market or big-brand rums rely heavily on added sugars and sweeteners, which often overpower the natural flavours of the spirit. A high-quality rum doesn’t need the added extras; its natural flavours speak for themselves.”
Hayes established the DropWorks Distillery in Nottinghamshire in 2023 after 20 years in the drinks industry to create rums specifically designed for mixing.
“All of our Drops are fermented using Trinity yeast, which is unique to rums made in our distillery. This unique yeast blend brings funk, depth and nuance to each of them naturally without added flavours,” he adds.
Hayes notes that rum is one of the “most versatile” spirits available, able to create classic cocktails like Mojitos and Daiquiris, as well as adding ‘an unexpected warmth’ and character to a wide range of drinks. For instance, he encourages consumers to experiment with replacing gin in Negroni with rum to create a Rum Old Fashioned.
“Rum’s versatility also means you can enjoy a wide variety of drinks at home using just one spirit, so there’s no need to stockpile multiple bottles, which take up space in your cupboard. Our Barrel Drop serves as the ideal base for a wide range of drinks – from Negronis to Old Fashioneds, Manhattans or even paired with your favourite mixer, such as cloudy apple juice, with plenty of ice.”
Balancing ingredients
According to Hayes, the ingredients paired with rum are just as essential. “It’s about elevating the spirit, not masking it, and it’s actually really simple to implement.”
As an example, he shared some advice on creating a Strawberry Daiquiri with fresh fruits instead of artificial flavourings: “Fresh ingredients, like citrus, herbs and seasonal fruits, add vibrant flavours that enhance and complement the natural notes of the rum. Their aromas engage your senses before the first sip, creating layers of complexity that build on what’s already in the glass.
“Instead of reaching for a store-bought sugar syrup, try using honey. It’s natural, flavourful, and adds a nice depth to your drink.”
He adds that high quality doesn’t have to be expensive, with some of the best additions likely to be found in your garden. Fresh mint adds a cool brightness to drinks like Mojitos, Rum Punches, and iced teas. Meanwhile, basil, with its mild peppery flavour, complements Hot Toddies and Rum Old Fashioneds, as well as any cocktails that feature citrus. “With a few thoughtful swaps, everyday British ingredients can bring a lot of character to your homemade drinks,” concludes Hayes.
DropWorks offers a range of British rums, including barrel-aged Barrel Drop, un-aged Clear Drop, naturally spiced Spice Drop, ripe and aromatic overproof Funk Drop, and pot-distilled Dark Drop.
Earlier this year, the distillery shared its ambitions to grow threefold in 2025 and to become the preferred rum brand in the UK.
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