Master distiller James Singlehurst, originally a farmer, turned to distillation during the COVID-19 lockdowns of 2020 when he could no longer continue his usual work. With the government launching Recovery & Resilience grants to encourage new start-ups, James, who had harboured a keen interest in distillation for over 20 years, saw an opportunity. Choosing to tackle the more complex spirit of rum rather than gin, James focused on flavour and embarked on a new venture. Utilising a redundant building on his farm, he built a distillery and provided full-time employment to farm staff who had little work during the winter. On July 8th, 2022, he proudly received his distiller’s license.
Inspired by traditional Jamaican rum production methods, James aimed to mirror these techniques in his distillery. The name "Revival Rum," conceived by his wife Julie, features a phoenix rising from the ashes, symbolising recovery and resilience during a challenging economic period. Projected to grow over the next four years, Revival Rum not only signifies a personal comeback for James but also represents a pioneering movement in the rum industry.