A license has been awarded to Islay Rum to start producing the spirit in the island's first dedicated distillery.
On behalf of the start-up, Stephen McGowan, a partner at law firm TLT, appeared before the Argyll & Bute Licensing Board on 8 September 2022 to secure the licence.
The new distillery started production in January and the licence will allow it to facilitate remote orders and despatch the product direct to customers, in addition to trade sales.
The inaugural release of 1,200 bottles of Geal White Rum sold out at the launch during the Islay Festival in May. The distillery is already taking orders from all over the world and is now working on the next batch.
McGowan said: “Islay is world famous for its reputation in Scottish spirit and it was a pleasure to represent our clients here, especially with this being the first rum distillery on the island.
“The licensing board were very supportive and wished them well with the business, granting it unanimously.”
Caroline James, director of Islay Rum, added: “We are very grateful to the licensing board in allowing this licence so we can move to the next stage of our journey and grow the brand across the globe.”
Islay Spirits, a subsidiary of the Vintage Malt Whisky Company, entered into a joint venture with the High Road Rum Company to open the distillery in the former Hastie’s Lemonade Factory and Dunn’s Depot in Port Ellen.
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