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Alnwick drinks entrepreneur puts Northrumberland on the map

An Alnwick-born rum blender has launched a specialist drinks company, initially selling a premium rum thought to be a world’s first.

Northumberland-based Old Man Rum Co. is run by Ian Linsley, a North Easterner with a long history in the rum and drinks industry.

Growing up in Alnwick, Ian left the region for many years before returning back to revive the Alnwick Rum Company in 2003, a business his father worked in from the late 50s.

After securing a £25k Virgin Start up Loan, following support from TEDCO’s Start and Grow programme, Ian attended The international Rum Fest 2016 event in London last month.

Here he launched his new firm’s maiden product, Expressions, a limited edition exclusive rum with only 250 bottles available.

Retailing at £1,800, Ian describes the product as ‘no ordinary rum’. Expressions is a 100pc pure pot still rum, a blend combining seven rums aged from between 25 to 33 years old from distilleries based in the Caribbean.

Three of the distilleries have since closed and stopped producing, meaning the drink cannot be replicated again.

Ian says the creation represents a lifelong ambition to realise his father’s dream, with the product coming to fruition following knowledge passed down from his father. This heritage inspired the name of the new company.

Ian revealed: “This rum is a beautiful blend of aged rums. It’s pure pot still and uniquely blends rums of more than 25 years old. Its real difference is its rarity, as some of the distilleries we’ve sourced from no longer exist.

“It’s not simply a classic, exquisite rum it’s a personal goal achieved. My father would have loved to have seen this day and the realisation of his knowledge.”

The annual Rum Fest in London set the perfect stage for Ian with pre-order sales in double figures at the event. Moreover, Ian got the endorsement and support of TV presenter and rum ambassador Ian Borrell at the show.

Ian continued: “Expressions made an impressive debut at Rum Fest. Expert opinion was very positive.

“We got some direct sales and many strong leads, including interest from the Far East. We’re confident there is a market for a premium rum product like Expressions.”