DropWorks Rum seeks funding
British rum distillery DropWorks is launching a crowdfunding campaign to support its global expansion.
The company’s first crowdfund will be hosted on Crowdcube, with funding to be used to enhance the brand’s global presence, launch into premium retailers, and expand the distillery experience.
Mixologist and drinks industry expert Lewis Hayes founded DropWorks Distillery in 2023. It is the ‘largest of its kind’ in Europe, covering 17,000 square feet.
Hayes said: “Rum is a huge global category, but most are mass-produced and heavily reliant on artificial flavourings. The global rum category is worth US$20 billion and is the last of the UK’s major spirits categories to premiumise, so the opportunity on the table here is so compelling and special.
“We’re really excited to offer the chance to be a part of our future success. We’re uniquely positioned to capitalise on the rapid growth of premium rum and disrupt the category, offering our award-winning, high-quality, naturally full-flavoured, and crafted-in-Great-Britain drops. Our crowdfunding campaign is the perfect chance to get involved as we scale the brand at pace.”
Since launching its first rums in 2023, the distillery has been recognised with multiple industry accolades, including three Gold medals at The Rum & Cachaça Masters 2025.
In the UK, DropWorks’ rums are available in more than 400 ‘high-end’ venues, a third of the top 50 bars and numerous Michelin-starred restaurants, including The Clove Club, Dorian, Moor Hall, Adam Handling, and The Pig Hotels.
According to Graham Appleyard, a former Diageo executive and current CEO of DropWorks, “the opportunity to buy a slice of the business at such an exciting moment – with the brand poised for major expansion and with the category set to become more popular than gin and vodka – [is] not to be missed.”
He added: “Rum is about to have its ‘moment’ just as other spirits such as gin have seen a major increase in popularity – leading to more drinks made with the spirit both in bars and at home – over recent years. As the business continues to grow and reach new rum lovers all over the UK, we wanted to offer shares to those who love excellent rum.”
Interested investors can visit the distillery in person to sample DropWorks’ range of rums, either through a personally arranged tour or by joining a group tour.
Additionally, as part of the crowdfunding campaign, the distillery will host free ticketed events. Invitations will be sent to those who are signed up on Crowdcube or the DropWorks email list.
The distillery invites inspired investors to pre-register their interest on Crowdcube in late August. Early funding will commence from 1 September.
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