WELBECK ESTATE, NOTTINGHAMSHIRE / AGILITYPR.NEWS / October 23, 2026 / Award-winning modern British rum producer DropWorks Rum has partnered with Fortnum & Mason to create an exclusive single-cask release, marking an important next step in the relationship between the distillery and the iconic luxury retailer.

With just 160-bottles produced, the small-batch release celebrates the natural sweetness of cane honey combined with modern British rum craftsmanship. The new rum has been created exclusively, and in partnership with Fortnum & Mason and combines DropWorks Rum's contemporary approach with the retailer's reputation for luxury food and drink.

Founded in 2023 by Lewis Hayes, DropWorks produces British-made rum from its Sherwood Forest distillery, recognised as the largest premium rum distillery in Europe, which can produce up to 1.5 million bottles of rum a year.  The distillery is also open for private visits, tastings and tours.   

Distilled from a fermentation of pure cane honey, the rum has been matured for two-and-a-half years in heavily charred American and French oak casks to develop maximum depth and character. The resulting rum delivers layers of orange blossom, garden honey, roasted almond, toasted coconut and vanilla.

Lewis Hayes, Founder and Master Distiller at DropWorks Rum, said: "This collaboration brings together two brands who share a passion for quality and craftsmanship.

“The rum's distinctive cane honey base creates a naturally indulgent character, while extended maturation in heavily charred oak casks has created depth and complexity. For us, it demonstrates how British rum continues to evolve and innovate, creating products that can sit confidently alongside the finest premium spirits available today."

The new limited release follows Fortnum & Mason listing of DropWorks Rum earlier this year, now stocking a number of products including DropWorks Rum Gift Set, Barrel Drop and the limited-edition Distiller’s Drop #001, for both premium spirits drinkers as well as gifting.

To support the launch, DropWorks Rum is hosting a programme of in-store tastings at Fortnum & Mason's Piccadilly flagship store in October and November, giving customers the opportunity to try the limited-edition release, as well as the chance to meet founder and master distiller Lewis Hayes.

Oscar Dodd, Buyer, Wine & Spirits said, “When tasting a selection of impressive DropWorks Rum’s cask samples earlier this year, one in particular jumped out the glass. Their cane honey rum, after 2.5 years in a hybrid cask, is creamy in texture and bursting with warm citrus, acacia honey, toasted coconut, almond and vanilla. With only 160 bottles available, this rum captures Fortnum’s taste for rarity and indulgence in every drop.”

The partnership further strengthens the brand's premium retail credentials as it continues to expand distribution across the UK's premium on-trade and specialist retail sectors.

Continuing to push the boundaries in the modern British rum space, this partnership follows the launch of DropWorks latest-limited edition Distiller’s Drop #003 - which explores different approaches to flavour development through different casks, maturation techniques and modern British rum making.