Premium and craft rums are blossoming in Australia. Distilleries are driving innovation and embracing sustainability and immersivity. With 14 million drinkers nationwide, Australians are seeking authenticity, unique flavours, and sustainable production. Distillers are now innovating with versatile mixes that set rum apart.
- Sector
- Location
- Generations
Working as a spirits sales executive in 2015, Chris Macklin’s passion for distilling was sparked when he attended a premium bourbon masterclass. His vision for Six-Tricks Distilling Co. began taking shape in 2020. As the sixth-great-grandson of Josef Seppelt, a pioneer in Australia’s famous Barossa Valley winemaking region, Chris carries on a deep-rooted love of rum and a legacy of innovation.
Sam Jones has spent over 18 years in the spirits industry. At Killik Handcrafted Rum, he looks after the wholesale team, having built the brand’s wholesale market from two customers to over 300 in Australia, and extended it to the UK, US, Denmark, and Germany. Next stop Amsterdam. He’s currently building a new brand in a challenging market.
Caroline Cohen didn’t set out to work in the distilling industry but somehow found her way into JimmyRum, a craft rum distillery in Victoria. With a background in bookkeeping and event management, she soon extended her skillset to managing a cocktail bar and tasting barrels at 9am. She thrives in educating and inspiring people about rum's versatility and craft.
Sarah Wei is a journalist and producer based in Melbourne and Hong Kong, with a focus on the travel, lifestyle, and arts and culture sectors. She has produced over 35 talks and workshops with 120 speakers, three large-scale 5-day events, over 20 community events, one VR/AR exhibition, and more than 150 published features and stories across the region.
