Alkemy Distillery, based in Bradfield St George, near Bury St Edmunds, launches sugar beet-based Spiced Gold ‘Rum’
A distillery has launched a new drink which has already won an award ahead of its public release.
Alkemy Distillery, based in Bradfield St George, near Bury St Edmunds, first gained attention in 2023 when brothers Will and Rob Tapster launched their award-winning sugar beet-based spirit.
The drink is made in the same way as rum but using sugar beet molasses instead of sugar cane — and today, the business has launched its latest creation, Alkemy Spiced Gold.
The new spirit has already won a gold medal at this year’s Spirits Business Blind Tasting despite not yet being available to purchase.
Rob said: “It’s similar in many ways, and uses the strength of Alkemy as its base, but offers a lot more of what people expect from a spiced rum, whilst also being very unique.
“Without the parts of rum that many people find challenging or difficult to drink, we are able to create a more balanced and enjoyable spiced rum.”
Alkemy Spiced Gold has been four years in the making and unlike traditional rum, Alkemy's spirits use UK-grown sugar beet instead of sugar cane, meaning it cannot legally be called rum.
However, with Spiced Gold fitting more easily into the spiced rum category — the brothers hope it will help reach a wider audience and open up new markets.
The launch marks the start of a new phase for the business with distribution partnerships in the pipeline and a renewed focus on promoting the environmental and social benefits of home-grown spirits.
The team is keen to highlight the ethical concerns around sugarcane production and champion UK farming in the process.
“This is just the start for us,” Rob said. “We’re now going to be linking up with distribution partners so that we can get Alkemy Spiced Gold into as many shops, bars, pubs and restaurants as possible.”
Alkemy Spiced Gold launches today and will be available at the Nethergate shop and Queens Bar and Grill in Bury St Edmunds, as well as on the Alkemy website.