The River Test Distillery Spiced Rum is a light and floral spiced rum. It is made from a carefully selected blend of Caribbean rums, which is then spiced by Jon and Sarah Nelson at The River Test Distillery with local and exotic botanicals, including their signature Meadowsweet, which is also a key botanical in their small-batch Hampshire gins, particularly their London Dry Gin
The River Test Distillery is an award-winning craft distillery located on the banks of the River Test in Longparish, Hampshire, approximately 12 miles north of Winchester.
The distillery was founded by the husband and wife team, ex-teachers Jonathan and Sarah Nelson. Established in 2019, with little spirit-producing experience, the original aim was to produce a gin that was good enough to sip neat over ice, which would also make a perfect gin and tonic. The Nelsons hit the ground running with a gold medal for their London Dry Gin in England at the World Gin Awards 2020. This was later joined by the Chalkstream Gold Gin and Sunset Citrus Gin. All of the River Test Gins are available to buy at Fareham Wine Cellar.
The distillery is equipped with an iStill. The still is produced by a Dutch company and it is part of a line of innovative, high-tech distillation equipment designed for craft distillers. Unlike conventional stills, iStills use advanced software for precise temperature control and real-time monitoring via apps. This allows distillers to produce spirits like craft gin, vodka, rum and whisky with minimal waste, maximum consistency and superb quality.
As many small gin distilleries have found, it is important to have an element of diversification in their portfolio, whether it be liqueur, vodka, more flavours of gin, agave spirit and rum or spiced rum. Spiced rum is a popular choice, so it needs to be good and different.
The River Test Distillery Spiced Rum stands out with its lighter, floral profile, blending premium Caribbean rum with exotic spices and locally sourced Hampshire botanicals such as Meadowsweet, Cornflower, Milk Thistle, and Red Clover. This creates a delicate, warming spirit that maintains a distinctive connection to the distillery’s riverside heritage.
Sustainability is a core pillar of River Test Distillery’s operations. The distillery is situated within two Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSIs), the adjacent meadow and the River Test itself. Jon and Sarah are responsible for maintaining and conserving the local flora and fauna. Whenever possible, the distillery uses locally sourced botanicals and barley.
The iStill provides a significant advantage due to its superior efficiency and energy-saving capabilities compared to traditional stills. Additionally, the distillery operates an electric vehicle, and its bottles, made in the UK from 55% recycled glass, help minimise the carbon footprint.
Nose: The River Test Distillery Spiced Rum has inviting aromas of soft brown sugar and fragrant citrus with delicate hints of meadowsweet characterised by subtle almond and vanilla undertones.
Palate: A smooth, velvety mouthfeel with zesty orange and classic baking spices, reminiscent of cinnamon, nutmeg and allspice, combining with hints of cacao and smoothing floral notes.
Finish: Long, honeyed and aromatic. Smooth and warming with a good balance of sweetness and spice.
Perfect for sipping neat or over ice. This is also great with ginger beer and a wedge of orange or lime. It will also add great flavours to your favourite cocktails.
