The Far Shore Merchants from the Isle of Man drew inspiration from the island’s maritime history to name their first artisan creation Peggy of Castletown Dark Rum.
“When I arrived in 2006, I lived in Castletown,” recalls the company’s co-founder Terry Van Rhyn, “One of the first stories told to me was about the schooner Peggy.” The tales of the legendary 18th century sailing boat from the south of the island captured his imagination and was the inspiration for the creation of a superb rum to honour this important part of Manx history. The idea became reality after Terry met Douglas Hey who had also re-located to the island. Both men had enjoyed successful business careers in their homeland of South Africa, they also had extensive experience with drinks brands ranging from Hennessy to Schweppes while both shared a love of their new home renowned for its rich heritage and natural beauty. They describe their partnership as a ‘good match’ based on respect and trust for each other’s judgements. This enabled them to found their artisan food and drink business at pace and begin the search for a distillery to create a premium rum.
“This is a complete passion project for us!” says Doug and they wanted to find that similar commitment from a distillery. “We went through handfuls of distilleries!” recalls Doug and finally Far Shore Merchants selected The Cornish Distilling Company in Bude where Tom Read, managing director and head distiller, proudly creates rum from ‘scratch’. Unlike some distilleries in the UK, the company do not import and blend rums but patiently undertake the entire fermenting and distilling process themselves. “Tom goes through every step with passion,” says Doug, “It really comes through in this rum.” Over many months, Tom (who has a PhD in biochemistry) patiently worked with The Far Shore Merchants founders to explain his approach and processes to enable the partnership to produce their Peggy dark rum. This includes the ageing process over three months which imparts more body and flavour into the spirit. The origins of making rum may stretch back to India in the 3rd Century while explorer Marco Polo recorded a “very good wine of sugar” he sampled in Persia during the 14th Century. “Modern” rums emerged in the Caribbean during the 17th Century although some sources report that Brazil was producing the spirit around the same time and sent it to the West Indies. Whatever the origins may be this spirit is distilled in locations across Latin America, the Caribbean, Africa and Asia.
The intrepid entrepreneurs had a clear vision for their first creation according to Doug who explains: “We wanted something that would be absolutely delicious on its own, with ice or with a mixer.” The remarkable result is a premium rum with a distinct flavour and a satisfyingly smooth finish. The addition of a small measure of rum coffee liquor gives an added depth, warmth and body to the spirit. This accentuates the strong underlying flavour of molasses found in dark rums that are popular in Jamaica, the Bahamas, Haiti, Martinique – and now the Isle of Man!
According to Terry, the Far Shore Merchants aimed to launch a spirit that would attract a wide audience: “I want Peggy to appeal to a connoisseur but also someone wanting to discover rum.” Since launching in 2021, Peggy Dark Rum has attracted a growing base of customers with Doug observing: “Everyone seems to be a closet rum drinker!” The premium rum’s profile has been elevated further with a popular social media campaign featuring a Peggy Dark Rum in a menu of cocktails curated by master James Buxton, owner of Raise the Bar mobile mixology service and The Blind Badger Speakeasy in Castletown. Suggested cocktails include the Dead Eye Daiquiri and Rushen Libre – a Castletown inspired take on the Cuba Libre. This reflects the growing global trend of bartenders and mixologists crafting rum into new cocktails while introducing classic mixes to a new audience.
How do the founders of Peggy Dark Rum drink their spirit? “I enjoy it on the rocks but the Dark ‘n’ Storm [highball cocktail] is most popular in my household!” says Terry, while Doug says: “I drink it with ginger beer but really enjoy just sipping it neat with a little ice.” Whatever way you decide to enjoy Peggy Dark Rum, you will be rewarded with a taste of one of the new generation of dynamic rums that are leading an exciting renaissance in this truly special spirit.
Retailers:
The Wine Cellar (available for UK deliveries)
Close Leece Farm (available for UK deliveries)
Manx National Heritage shops
