Burdekin Distillery brings out first premium aged rum

The wait is over for a premium Burdekin spirit that is set to take on the might of its more famous south Queensland competitor. PLUS: See a recipe for a delectable NQ cocktail.

Burdekin Rum, located in the heart of Tropical North Queensland, is renowned for crafting exceptional spirits that celebrate the region's unique environment. Inspired by the lush surroundings, the company's portfolio includes international double-gold award-winning Cane Spirits, the Vintage Cane Spirit and Virgin Cane Spirit, along with a Distillers Edition ‘Wild Child’ and now, the highly anticipated Premium Aged Rum. Picture: Adrian Tuck Photography

The wait is over for a premium Burdekin spirit that is set to take on the might of its more famous south Queensland competitor.

North Queensland Burdekin Distillery CEO Tim Lamb confirmed on Tuesday that Burdekin Rum’s first ever Premium Aged Rum would be available in bottle shops from Friday.

A sister company to bottled-water producer Mt Elliot Springs, Burdekin Distillery began bottling Virgin Cane Spirit, an aromatic rum, for sale in 2021 but had to allow for a two-year ageing process in specially imported American oak barrels before it could launch its premium brand.

“In Australia, to make rum, it needs to be in barrels for two years … and now they’re obviously ready for release,” Mr Lamb said.

The multimillion-dollar business is owned by Sophie and Anthony Duggan who are constructing a new distillery on the family’s cane farm on Woodstock Giru Road at the foot of Mt Elliot in the pristine Bowling Green National Park.

Born in the paradise of the Burdekin in North Queensland, the Premium Aged Rum encapsulates the essence of the tropics in every drop. Picture: Adrian Tuck Photography

Mr Lamb said there were distinctions between Burdekin Rum and its more famous southern counterpart, Bundaberg Rum, including the fact the local product was made from sugarcane juice and premium water from Mt Elliot Springs.

“We are a more premium offering than the Bundy rum and with craft spirits it’s obviously more expensive to make, store and bottle,” he said.

North Queensland Burdekin Distillery director Anthony Duggan said he could not wait to get Burdekin Rum’s first ever Premium Aged Rum in the hands of local bartenders to see what they could create. Pictured is a recipe for a Golden Giru. Picture: Supplied

“We are probably a more elegant, refined style; in many ways we are a more traditional style of rum so we are appealing to what we think is a broader palate … a rum for special occasions.”

Mr Lamb said the taste encompassed notes of vanilla, butterscotch, burnt orange and a subtle hint of smoke, culminating in a smooth finish.

Head Distiller Jason Chan said he was aiming for a new interpretation of a traditional spirit, attempting to strike a balance between full-bodied richness and refined subtlety.

“We have created a flavourful yet subtle rum, able to hold its own when served simply over ice.”

Burdekin Rum’s first ever Premium Aged Rum captures the essence of tropical elegance, offering the discerning palate a symphony of flavours and aromas. Picture: Adrian Tuck Photography

Mr Duggan said the rum had been a “long-time coming”.

“We’re delighted with how this release has developed over the last couple of years in the ex-Heaven Hill barrels”.

He said he could not wait to get the rum in “the hands of the bartending community and see what they can do with it in cocktails”.

“Our customers have waited patiently for this release, and we’re pleased to be able to deliver on our promise of an elegant, refined rum.”

Mr Lamb said the product could be ordered online at burdekinrum.com.au or from local North Queensland Star Liquor stores from Friday.

Originally published as Burdekin Distillery brings out first premium aged rum