Revival Rum was born from the vision of master distiller James Singlehurst, a farmer who turned to distillation during the COVID-19 lockdowns of 2020. With the help of government Recovery & Resilience grants, James embraced his 20-year interest in distillation, choosing to craft rum rather than more common spirits like gin. Inspired by traditional Jamaican rum production, James built his distillery on a redundant building on his farm in Northamptonshire, providing work for his staff and receiving his distiller’s licence in July 2022. The name, Revival Rum, symbolises the resilience and renewal both James and his community experienced during challenging times.
At the Revival Rum distillery, the process begins with a blend of premium cane molasses, water, yeast nutrients, and distiller yeast, followed by a double retort, Caribbean-style distillation. This method preserves the rum’s depth and original character, yielding rich, flavourful spirits. The rum is then aged in various casks, including bourbon, Pedro Ximenez sherry, Madeira, and Maury fortified wine casks, at around 63.5% ABV. Stored in a dunnage-style warehouse for a minimum of two years, the rum develops into a complex and smooth spirit, showcasing James’ dedication to quality and craftsmanship.