Rum is experiencing a renaissance in Britain as craft producers and premium mixers have elevated the spirit from cheap student inebriator to sophisticated yet casual beverage. But what exactly do drinkers want from a bottle of grog, and how are brands and bars adapting to their expectations?
Peter Holland is a writer, consultant, and educator on all things rum-based. A co-chair of Think Rum, he judges at the World Rum Awards and the International Wine & Spirit Competition, and is an ambassador for Foursquare Rum Distillery.
George Frost launched The Duppy Share in 2015. It’s now one of Britain’s best-selling artisanal rums.
James Reed is Majestic’s spirits buyer. He has ten years of experience in the beverage business and was previously a wine specialist at Waitrose.
Hugh Thomas writes about food, beer, and sustainable farming for magazines and blogs. Also a researcher, he's produced reports and provided consultancy support for food brands such as McCain, PepsiCo, and Epicurean Events.