The Rum Rabbit Hole.

For a long time, I only associated rum with Bacardi, coke, and my older brother dressed as a pirate posing like Captain Morgan at the Pennsylvania State Renaissance Faire. For years I had no interest in making rum, let alone drinking it!

After getting into the distilling industry, I was completely focused on whiskey production. It wasn’t until I had the opportunity to help produce a small rum run while working at Archie Rose that I began to look at rum a little differently. I started researching the history of rum, rum production/techniques, and most importantly, actually drinking rum. I had completely fallen down the rum rabbit hole and ended up taking a job at Brix Distillery where I could fully focus on making rum.

While there, I learned a lot about rum production including just how sticky molasses can be if you accidentally open the molasses container incorrectly and to not smell the Dunder bucket if you’re hungover!

During the 2020 Covid Pandemic, I reached out to Banks & Solander to see if they needed help in the distillery. As soon as I was hired, I asked if we could make rum and was greeted by an enthusiastic yes! by owners Marty & Ed. They fully trusted me to develop our rum program and thus Solander Rum Company was born.  

I’m so excited for everyone to try our Unaged White and Aged Rums and am looking forward to kicking back with a Solander Rum Company mojito or daiquiri with Australia’s rum lovers. 

By Sam Stefani - October 2023