BUT HOW IS IT MADE?
You may have seen the news.
We have finally released our first ever barrel matured Drop which will remain a core part of the line up for years to come. But with only launching less than 18 months ago how on Earth is it possible to have actually produced ‘aged’ Rum?
We catch up with Head Distiller, Shaun Smith about the latest piece of innovation to be released into the world from the DropWorks Distillery.
A Rum Begins in the Still, but It’s Defined by the Barrel
“At DropWorks, we take pride in every step of the production process—from selecting the finest molasses to drawing on the pure, ancient water from the Welbeck aquifer beneath our distillery.
Once we’ve combined these ingredients and introduced our world-first wild trinity yeast—a powerhouse yeast exclusive to DropWorks—we let nature take its course for at least a week, sometimes longer. This unique yeast adds a rich complexity with apricot and pineapple notes, and it’s a process that can’t be rushed. Time is one of the most important ingredients in crafting great Rum.
But the true secret to Barrel Drop lies in the barrels.
We’ve pioneered a world-first hybrid Rum barrel, with an American oak body paired with a Portuguese Oak head. The American Pak provides structure, while the Portuguese Oak imparts layers of raisin-like sweetness. These barrels don’t just store the rum; they actively shape its character, each one adding a distinctive personality to the final product. The result? Simply exceptional.”
Perfecting the Drop in the Still
“Before I go on too much about barrels (it’s easy to get carried away, believe me), let’s talk about distillation. Barrel Drop is distilled across all three of our stills, a complex operation that produces a spirit that’s unbelievably smooth and full of layers. We use premium copper stills, and our slow distillation method allows us to draw out the best flavours while maintaining the rum’s smoothness and depth.
The end result is a liquid I’m incredibly proud of—but we don’t stop there.”
What Makes Our Barrels Special
“This is where Barrel Drop truly shines. Most of the barrels I’ve handpicked are first-fill American and Portuguese Oak casks, many of which have spent seven years maturing fine wines. That’s seven years of rich, complex flavours waiting to be passed on to our Rum.
We also rejuvenate these barrels, a process that enhances wood extraction and oxidation, speeding up the ageing process without compromising the Rum’s integrity. This means we can develop deep, complex flavours in a shorter time, while still maintaining the highest quality.
For extra complexity, we use higher-charr barrels for a subtle smoky note, alongside virgin casks to bring a fresh oak element. Our Shaved, Toasted, and Recharred (STR) barrels deliver the best of both worlds: the boldness of new oak and a lingering sweetness from the wines they once held, adding even more complexity to Barrel Drop.”
The Result? A Rum Worth Savouring
“The finished product is a Rum that’s both complex and smooth, with flavours that evolve with every sip. You’ll taste the rich molasses base, followed by raisin sweetness from the Portuguese Oak, and a delicate smoky note from the higher-charr barrels.
At DropWorks, we believe that great Rum takes time and patience. Every step of our process is about giving the Rum the time it needs to reach its full potential, and our barrels play a crucial role in that journey.
So, I hope you’ll join me in raising a glass of Barrel Drop now that it has been released, and appreciating the craftsmanship that’s gone into every drop. Cheers!”