Since 2017 Archie Rose Master Distiller Dave Withers’ love of great rum and Sydney’s rum distilling heritage has led the Archie Rose team to an exploration of sugarcane, one of Australia’s most abundant crops. This has in turn resulted in the launch of three experimental products that, at the time, marked Sydney’s first new rums in decades, including the unaged Virgin Cane Spirit followed by Virgin Cane Rhum and High-Test Molasses Rum.

The move to our new distillery in Botany, Sydney in 2022 further emboldened our determination to showcase this local, raw ingredient, aided by the benefits of our new kit - and thus to the conception of White Cane as the latest in our core spirits range. Inspired by the sustainably sourced, cold distilled NSW molasses on which it rested, this release is an Archie Rose modern reimagining of white rum, already awarded Australia’s best white rum at the World Rum Masters.

If you look to the deeply rooted history of rum production in Australia, and onwards to the city of Sydney itself, you will find it’s awash with countless stories about rum trade, production and celebration. And now, we look forward to continuing and creating our own stories and traditions as we reinvent what a modern Australian rum can and should be.

“When I got into spirits it was rum that was my first true love. Back then it was a lonely passion, there were really very few rum lovers that openly admitted it in Australia. Rum in Australia gets a terrible rap, which is an absolute travesty. We not only have a history of making great rum in this country but it is part of our cultural identity,” Withers said.

“These narratives are part of what has shaped Sydney, and we’re thrilled to continue the tradition with four brand new experimental and limited edition rums due for release in the coming months.”

Drum roll, please….

Fancy Molasses Rum 2019

Out Now

Since 2017, Archie Rose Master Distiller Dave Withers’ love of great rum and Sydney’s rum distilling heritage has led the Archie Rose team to an exploration of sugarcane, one of Australia’s most abundant crops. This has in turn resulted in the launch of three experimental products including Virgin Cane Spirit, Virgin Cane Rhum and High-Test Molasses Rum.

The move to our new distillery in Botany, Sydney in 2020 further emboldened our determination to showcase this local, raw ingredient, aided by the benefits of our new production equipment - and thus to the conception and release of White Cane in early 2022 as the latest in our core spirits range. Inspired by the sustainably sourced, cold distilled NSW molasses on which it rested, this release was an Archie Rose modern reimagining of white rum.

In 2022, our rum journey continues with the launch of the tenth release in our Trials and Exceptions series, Fancy Molasses Rum 2019. Mindfully distilled and matured in apera (sherry) casks, this rum was crafted with sustainably sourced NSW high-test molasses and is one of three early explorations into the impact of raw material on rum character.

As an ingredient, fancy molasses is condensed from the pure juice of the sugar cane, and is the lightest and sweetest of the different types of molasses, thereby earning its place as the name of this new limited edition rum. Fancy molasses also became a favourite of the distilling team during initial rum trials and was eventually then used in the production of our White Cane Spirit, which saw the ingredient cold distilled using our innovative vacuum stills to best capture the delicate, delicious flavours of locally sourced sugarcane.

Presenting at 52% ABV, this rum is for the discerning drinker, displaying a complex finesse between sweet and savoury elements, offering notes of honey, fudge, gingerbread, sultana, apricot jam and creme anglaise best savoured through sips and undiluted by mixing, delivering a more aromatic flavour than traditional blackstrap molasses.

New South Wales Refiner’s Molasses Rum 2019

Coming Soon

This rum was laid down in 2019 and is made from sustainably sourced NSW raw liquor, a refiner’s molasses known for its delicate flavour and clean profile. Produced during a series of trials we undertook in late 2019 to explore the many differences in molasses flavour, this release offers true delicacy that belies a subtle pot still rum personality.

Opening with the scent of fresh orchard fruits, orange blossom, acacia honey and cut grass, upon first sip you will experience a building intensity on the palate, offering notes of caramel, sultanas and marmalade. The lingering finish is a first sweet but then tapers with dark chocolate and black tea flavours.

Mill Molasses Rum 2019

Coming Soon

This rum was made as a part of a series of trials we undertook in late 2019 to explore the difference in molasses flavour. Made from NSW sustainably sourced B-grade molasses, known for its medium intensity and flavours of toffee and rich caramel it offers the striking flavours of freshly cut grass, potting mix, bread and butter pudding, and chocolate cookies.

The palate offers chocolate icing, bread and butter pudding and roasted walnuts. On the finish, some drying oak makes an appearance with the lingering flavour of rum and raisin ice cream. Of particular interest, restrained aromas of pot still rum can be found beneath the weight of the molasses flavours.

Navy Rum 2019

Coming Soon

Our Navy Rum 2019 is a fusion of three idiosyncratic pot distilled rums, each crafted with distinctly different types of molasses. Each of these spirits had a distinctive personality and voice such that we sought to highlight their flavours as individual releases and in unison. Thus, we present our modern take on the classic navy rum style.

The coming together of these rums yields flavours of butterscotch, marzipan, fresh parsley and figs.