Originally small batch distilled in England before moving production to Scotland, the rums draw inspiration from the couple’s Ugandan and Jamaican family heritage. Natural sweetness and warm spice on the nose, Banditti Club opens up to toasted pineapple and orange on the palate with notes of clove and anise that lead to a long spicy finish. Inspired by the early 19th Century Banditti Club who would drink in Glasgow’s famous public houses, Banditti Club Smoky Rogues joins the previous two releases in the Banditti Club Collection - Banditti Club Glasgow Spiced Rum and Banditti Club Port Cask Finish. Long term we’ll eventually see older cask-aged rum which will provide a fascinating alternative to the faster tropically-aged rums.” Jim Ewen, Dark Matter Distillers Dark Matter’s first virgin oak casks picture: Dark Matter Distillers Banditti Club Smoky Rogues is a testament to our ever-expanding range of innovative small batch releases and the creativity of our team, who continue to push the realms of flavour experimentation in spirit making. This new expression joins our Port Cask Finished expression of Banditti Club, which was our first foray into these experimental rum releases. The reception has been fantastic and we have more releases planned for the future.”

Ideal for those that enjoy a sweeter style of rum, Matugga Golden Rum (42% ABV) and Matugga Spiced Rum (42% ABV) are currently available via Craft56. J. Gow Revenge rum Launched in 2016, SeaWolf was the first white rum to be distilled in Scotland. The white rum brand came from the team behind renowned Edinburgh bar Bramble, Mike Aikman and Jason Scott, and Vino Wines’ co-founder, Gavin Ferguson, who have teamed up to create drinks innovation company, Boilermaker Drinks Co.

Makar Oak Aged Gin

The Banditti Club were a company of bold rogues who would meet in Glasgow’s local public houses; singing, eating and playing music late into the night

Naturally aged in oak casks and spiced with a selection of fresh fruit and exotic spices, Smoky Rogues is then finished in casks that previously held Glasgow 1770 Peated Single Malt Scotch Whisky to add a deep and complex layer of smoky richness. The festival programme is due to be announced soon and will be supported by spirits experts and educators such as Dave Broom and Peter Holland. For beginners, this is a great rum to have with a nice cola and a slice of lime - it's refreshing and very moreish.

Glasgow 1770 Golden Beer Cask Finish

The Matugga distillery was established in 2018 by husband and wife team Jacine and Paul Rutasikwa, who had been selling their range of rums since 2015. The first gin to be distilled in the city of Glasgow, Makar Original embraces the characteristics of the city itself The SeaWolf brand takes its name from the Native American term for killer whales. This is also a nod to both Scotland’s naval links with rum importation and the pods of “sea wolves” that are found around Scotland’s coastline today.