This is a straight-talking comparison across the categories that actually matter when you're spending your money: where they come from, how they're made, what they taste like, and what you should be doing with them. If you've been wondering whether an independent craft rum genuinely holds its own against a global giant, you're about to get a clear answer.

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The brand behind the bottle: two very different philosophies

Pirate's Grog is rooted in Caribbean history, specifically the rum-running heritage of Roatán, Hondura, and operates as a genuine independent producer and retailer. This isn't a story invented by a marketing team; it's a provenance that existed before the brand did, and the liquid reflects that.

Captain Morgan is a different proposition entirely. Created in 1944 and named after the real Welsh privateer Sir Henry Morgan, the brand is now owned by Diageo, one of the world's largest drinks conglomerates, and sold in over 160 countries. Production runs at industrial scale. There is nothing inherently wrong with this approach, it has made Captain Morgan the world's best-selling spiced rum, and consistency across millions of bottles is no small achievement. But it does tell you something about what the brand is optimised for: reach and reliability rather than complexity.

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How each rum is actually made

Pirate’s Grog Five Year Aged spends three to five years in American oak and bourbon barrels at 37.5% ABV. The No.13 goes considerably further: 13 years of barrel time at 40% ABV, with no artificial caramel colouring or sweetening added. What you taste is what came out of the cask.

Captain Morgan Original Spiced Gold is produced from a molasses-based spirit, column-distilled for a lighter and more neutral base, then infused with baking spices and Madagascar vanilla extract. (That vanilla was upgraded from an artificial flavouring in 2023, which is worth acknowledging.) There is no age statement on the standard expression, and production is designed for consistency at scale. In fact, the label even states ‘Spirit Drink’ rather than ‘Rum’.

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Pirate's Grog vs Captain Morgan: tasting notes

Pirate's Grog Five Year and No.13

The Five Year pours a vivid golden colour. On the nose you get molasses, brown sugar, and a distinctive pot still funk that tells you immediately this is not a supermarket blend. The palate delivers butterscotch, toffee apple, vanilla, and a touch of tropical fruit, with a satisfying woody warmth on the finish. It tastes like rum rather than rum-flavoured sugar syrup, because the sweetness genuinely comes from the cask.

The No.13 is a different conversation altogether. Thirteen years of oak ageing add layers of caramel, dried fruit, baking spice, and a depth that opens up slowly in the glass. The finish is longer, smoother, and worth paying attention to. This is the bottle you put on the table when you actually want to taste the rum.

Captain Morgan Original Spiced Gold

Captain Morgan Original Spiced Gold leads with sweet vanilla and brown sugar, approachable and pleasant enough in the right context. Independent critics have been less charitable about the neat experience: scores from established reviewers range from 41/100 downwards, with common descriptors including "sickly sweet," "artificial," and "vanilla, vanilla, and a touch more vanilla." The Fat Rum Pirate, one of the UK's most-read rum reviewers, wrote plainly that this is a flavoured rum, best served mixed with cola rather than examined in a glass.

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Pirate's Grog vs Captain Morgan, price and value

Captain Morgan Original Spiced Gold sits at roughly £20 for 70cl at major UK supermarkets, with a 35% ABV and no age statement. The Pirate's Grog Five Year comes in at £35 for 70cl at 37.5% ABV, with a genuine age statement. The No.13 is £79 for 70cl at 40% ABV, with 13 years of barrel ageing and independent awards recognition behind it; in particular, see Pirate's Grog Named Best Independent Premium Rum Brand 2026 for details on recent accolades.

It's tempting to look at those numbers and see Captain Morgan as the obvious budget winner. But cheaper and better value are not the same thing. At £35, the Five Year gives you a real age statement, genuine backbone and a more interesting flavour profile than anything you'll find for the same price in a supermarket aisle. That's genuinely competitive, not just in the Pirate's Grog and Captain Morgan comparison, but across the category as a whole. The No.13 at £79 plays in a different league entirely, competing with aged single malts and premium spirits rather than supermarket rum. Independent awards recognition, such as the World Rum Awards, gives that price point real credibility.

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Pirate's Grog vs Captain Morgan, the honest verdict

Independent judges and verified customer reviews tell a consistent story about Pirate's Grog. The brand holds a 5-star Trustpilot rating, and both the Five Year and No.13 have collected multiple IWSC and Spirits Masters recognition from judging panels where the label doesn't help you, the liquid has to do the work. 

• Buy Captain Morgan if you want to make affordable rum and colas to share around at a party, low-risk at around £20 a bottle.

• Buy Pirate's Grog Five Year if you want real barrel-aged rum at a fair price, something that works as well in cocktails as it does on its own, and a brand with a genuine story behind it. For more on the brand's independent credentials, read What Makes Pirate's Grog the Best Independent Rum Brand in the UK? 

• Buy Pirate's Grog No.13 if you want the best rum in this comparison: a 13-year aged expression with independent awards recognition that holds its own against premium spirits at any price point.

Not sure where to start? Pirate's Grog offers miniature gift sets and samplers across the range, so you can try before committing to a full bottle. For guidance on choosing your first bottle, see our Best Rum for Beginners guide.

If you're buying for someone else, the handcrafted wooden treasure chest and personalised wax-sealed scroll presentation make it one of the most distinctive rum gifts you'll find in the UK. Head to the Pirate's Grog shop to see the full range and find the right bottle for your Friday night, your Saturday evening, or the person you really want to impress.

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Frequently asked questions

Is Pirate's Grog better than Captain Morgan for neat sipping?

Yes, clearly. Captain Morgan Original Spiced Gold is a flavoured rum designed for mixing, and independent reviewers consistently advise against drinking it neat. Pirate's Grog Five Year is smooth and delicious on its own; the No.13, with 13 years of barrel ageing, is genuinely excellent sipped over ice and compares favourably with premium spirits in its price range.

Is Captain Morgan the best budget rum available in the UK?

It's certainly one of the most widely available, and priced around £20 for 70cl. However, Pirate's Grog Five Year at around £35 offers a real age statement, proper backbone and a significantly more interesting flavour profile, making it stronger value for anyone who wants more from their rum than a cola base.

Which is better for cocktails: Pirate's Grog or Captain Morgan?

Both mix well, but for different reasons. Captain Morgan's needs to be heavily mixed, where as, Pirate's Grog Five Year brings pot still backbone that adds genuine character to cocktails rather than blending into the background. For a rum where the spirit is meant to register, the Five Year is the better choice.

Flavoured rum has exploded in popularity over the last decade, offering incredible variety for home bartenders. But without understanding how each style behaves, it’s easy to end up with a cocktail that’s overly sweet or unbalanced.

At Pirate’s Grog Rum, we’ve spent years developing flavoured expressions and testing how they perform in real cocktails. This guide breaks down what actually matters when choosing a bottle, how to match flavours to cocktails, and how to avoid the most common mistakes.

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What Separates Flavoured Rum Types (and why it matters)

Before mixing, it helps to understand the main categories of flavoured rum:

Spiced rum
Made with cinnamon, vanilla, nutmeg, and ginger. Warm and aromatic, but mass-market versions often lean too heavily on vanilla and get lost in strong mixers.

Fruit-infused rum
Includes mango, passionfruit, pineapple, banana, and coconut. These add sweetness and tropical character, but they also increase sugar levels, which affects balance in cocktails.

Coffee rum
Bold, bitter, and complex. Far more versatile than its reputation suggests and capable of anchoring cocktails, not just flavouring them.

Most flavoured rums are already slightly sweeter. That means recipes designed for neutral rum need adjusting: reduce simple syrup, increase citrus, and sometimes slightly reduce spirit volume to maintain balance.

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Tropical Fruit Rums: The Most Versatile Choice

Fruit rums are often underestimated but work brilliantly when matched correctly.

Our Mango & Passionfruit rum works especially well in simple, balanced cocktails. Try:

• Mango Daiquiri: rum, fresh lime, reduced syrup

• Long serve: over ice with cloudy apple juice and mint

• Passionfruit Mojito: mint, lime, soda water

For mixers, stick to soda water, cloudy apple juice, or coconut water. Cola can overpower delicate fruit notes.

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Spiced and Ginger Rums: more depth than expected

Spiced rum often suffers from being overly vanilla-heavy, but ginger-forward styles offer far more complexity.

A good ginger rum brings heat, structure, and savoury depth that works well with bold mixers like ginger beer, bitter lemon, or cola.

Try:

• Ginger Mule: ginger rum, lime, ginger beer

• Simple serve: ginger ale with orange peel

• Long build: bitter lemon with a pinch of chilli salt

Garnishes like lime, ginger, or thyme can enhance aromatic notes when matched thoughtfully.

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Coffee Rum: an underrated cocktail base

Coffee rum is often overlooked outside espresso martinis, but it has far more potential.

Unlike coffee liqueurs, coffee rum is a full-strength spirit with bitterness, depth, and structure, making it suitable as a cocktail base.

Try:

• Coffee Rum Old Fashioned: bitters, demerara, orange peel

• Coffee Sour: lemon juice and light syrup

• Long serve: cold brew coffee and soda water

It also pairs well with chocolate bitters or salted caramel for richer drinks.

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How to adjust cocktails for flavoured rum

Most mistakes come from using flavoured rum as a direct swap for neutral rum.

To rebalance:

• Reduce simple syrup by 1/3 to 1/2

• Increase citrus slightly

• Adjust spirit quantity if sweetness dominates

Mixer choice matters too:

• Use soda or juice instead of cola for fruit rums

• Avoid heavy tonic with coffee rum

• Keep ginger builds simple and spirit-forward

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Building a simple flavoured rum shelf

You don’t need a large collection. Three bottles cover almost everything:

• Tropical fruit rum (refreshing, citrus-led cocktails)

• Spiced or ginger rum (warming, bold mixers)

• Coffee rum (bitterness, depth, spirit-forward drinks)

Together, they cover nearly every cocktail style at home.

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Start mixing with confidence

Choosing the best flavoured rum for cocktails isn’t about memorising recipes—it’s about understanding how each flavour behaves in the glass.

Fruit rums work best in light, citrus-forward drinks.
Spiced and ginger rums handle stronger mixers.
Coffee rum anchors more complex, bitter cocktails.

Adjust sweetness, balance with citrus, and taste as you go. Once you understand that, you’ll get far more from every bottle.

Pirate’s Grog Rum has officially been awarded  Best Independent Premium Rum Brand 2026 at the SME News British Made Awards, a programme celebrating excellence across UK-based independent and manufacturing brands.

It’s a proud moment for the crew — but more importantly, it’s a recognition of everything the brand has stood for since day one: bold flavour, proper craftsmanship, and rum made with intent, not shortcuts.

From a single bottle to a growing legacy

Every brand starts somewhere.

For Pirate’s Grog, it began with a simple mission: create rum with real character. Not just something to sit on a shelf, but something to be remembered long after the glass is empty.

From the first release to today’s range, that philosophy hasn’t shifted. Every bottle is built around balance, depth, and the kind of flavour that works whether it’s sipped neat, shared with friends, or poured somewhere under warm lights and louder laughter.

What this award really means

Awards don’t define a brand — but they do reflect the work behind it.

Being named Best Independent Premium Rum Brand 2026 is recognition of the detail that goes into every stage of production: sourcing, ageing, blending, and bottling. It also reflects the consistency required to maintain quality across an independent range in a highly competitive spirits category.

More than anything, it highlights something we’ve always believed:

Independent doesn’t mean small. It means focused.

And focus builds quality.

Built by supporters, not just distillers

This one isn’t just ours.

It belongs to everyone who has ever poured a glass of Pirate’s Grog, recommended a bottle, gifted it to someone special, or discovered it for the first time and decided it was worth coming back to.

Independent rum grows through people — not just production.

Every share, every conversation, every repeat pour has shaped where this brand is today.

So this award is as much yours as it is ours.

About the British Made Awards

The SME News British Made Awards celebrate businesses across the UK that demonstrate innovation, quality, and impact within their industries. The programme highlights standout companies contributing to British manufacturing and independent production excellence. 

For Pirate’s Grog, being recognised within this space places the brand among a wider community of independent producers pushing standards forward across their respective fields.

What comes next

Winning an award doesn’t change the destination — it sharpens the direction.

The focus remains exactly the same: craft rum with character, balance, and depth. No shortcuts. No noise. Just quality that holds up in the glass.

Because if there’s one thing experience keeps proving, it’s this:

Good rum doesn’t need to announce itself. It speaks when poured.

Here’s to the next pour

From all of us at Pirate’s Grog,

thank you for being part of the journey so far.

This award marks a milestone, not an endpoint.

The next chapter is already aging quietly in the background.

Not quite.

The main difference between light and dark rum is usually style, colour and flavour profile. But colour alone doesn’t tell you everything about quality, age or taste.

In fact, many dark rums get their deep colour from added caramel colouring, rather than simply from spending decades in a barrel. So while dark rum can be rich, bold and full-bodied, it isn’t automatically older, stronger or more premium than a lighter-looking rum.

What Is Light Rum?

Light rum, often called white rum, is usually clear in colour with a clean, crisp and delicate flavour. It’s commonly used in cocktails where you want the rum to lift the drink without overpowering the fresh ingredients.

Think mojitos, daiquiris and rum punch.

Pirate’s Grog White Rum is triple-filtered for ultimate smoothness, giving it a refined, creamy texture and delicate flavour. It’s crisp enough to pair with your favourite mixer, smooth enough to sip over ice, and perfect for fresh cocktails like a mojito.

What Is Dark Rum?

Dark rum is usually deep amber or brown in colour, with a richer, heavier flavour profile. It can have notes of molasses, caramel, spice, oak, dried fruit or vanilla.

But here’s the bit people often miss: dark rum is not always dark because it has been aged for longer.

Some dark rums get their colour from barrel ageing. Others are darkened with caramel colouring. Some use a combination of both.

That doesn’t mean dark rum is bad. It just means colour isn’t the whole story. A very dark rum may look older or richer, but the shade alone doesn’t prove how long it has been aged or how good it is.

Rum, like people on LinkedIn, can sometimes look more impressive than it actually is.

What Is Golden Rum?

Golden rum sits between white rum and dark rum in colour, but it can often be where some of the most interesting bottles are found.

A golden rum may be aged, smooth and full of character without being heavily darkened. It can offer the warmth and depth of barrel-aged rum while staying bright, balanced and versatile.

Pirate’s Grog Five Year is a premium aged golden rum. It has been aged for five years, giving it smoothness and character, but it doesn’t need to be artificially pushed into “dark rum” territory to prove itself.

It’s a great choice for sipping, mixing with ginger ale, or using in cocktails where you want a smoother, richer finish than white rum.

Does Older Rum Always Look Darker?

Not necessarily.

Ageing can deepen the colour of rum, especially depending on the type of barrel used and the climate it’s aged in. But rum doesn’t always become extremely dark just because it’s older.

That’s why Pirate’s Grog No.13 can be aged for 13 years and still sit beautifully in the golden rum category. Its quality comes from the ageing, balance and flavour — not from being made darker for shelf appeal.

In other words, don’t judge a rum by its tan.

Light Rum vs Golden Rum vs Dark Rum

Is Dark Rum Stronger Than Light Rum?

No, not necessarily.

Dark rum can taste richer, heavier or warmer, but that doesn’t automatically mean it has more alcohol. A white rum and a dark rum can have the same ABV and taste completely different.

Alcohol strength comes from the ABV, not the colour.

Which Rum Should You Choose?

Choose Pirate’s Grog White Rum if you want something clean, crisp and perfect for cocktails like mojitos and daiquiris.

Choose Pirate’s Grog Five Year if you want a smooth, premium golden rum with more depth and character.

Choose Pirate’s Grog Spiced if you want warm spice, easy mixing and a more flavourful first step into rum.

Choose Pirate’s Grog No.13 if you want something more premium, aged and made for serious rum drinkers.

So, What’s the Difference Between Light and Dark Rum?

The difference between light and dark rum is not just age. It’s colour, style, flavour and production.

Light rum is usually clean, crisp and ideal for fresh cocktails.
Golden rum is often smooth, aged and versatile.
Dark rum is usually richer and deeper in style, but its colour may come from ageing, caramel colouring, or both.

So don’t choose a rum based on colour alone.

Choose it based on how you want to drink it.

For mojitos, go white.
For smooth sipping and mixing, go golden.

And if someone tells you darker always means better, politely nod, pour yourself a Pirate’s Grog, and ignore them.

The good news? You don’t need to know everything about rum to choose a great bottle.

For most people, the best place to start is with a smooth, flavourful spiced rum. It’s approachable, easy to mix, full of familiar flavours and a brilliant introduction to what good rum can be.

That’s why our top choice for beginners is Pirate’s Grog Spiced Rum.

Best Overall Rum for Beginners: Pirate’s Grog Spiced

If you’re new to rum, Pirate’s Grog Spiced is the easiest bottle to start with.

It’s smooth, full of warm spice and packed with flavour without being overpowering. It works beautifully with cola, ginger beer, apple juice or simply poured over ice with a wedge of lime.

A good beginner rum should be:

• Smooth and easy to drink
• Full of flavour
• Versatile with mixers and cocktails
• Enjoyable without needing to be hidden under litres of cola
• Fun, but still premium

Pirate’s Grog Spiced ticks all of those boxes. It’s ideal for people who already like rum and coke, but also for anyone who thinks they’re “not really a rum person”. Dangerous words, usually spoken moments before a second glass.

Best Flavoured Rum for Beginners: Pirate’s Grog Honey

Once you’ve started with spiced rum, the next step is flavoured rum — and Pirate’s Grog Honey is a brilliant place to begin.

It’s smooth, golden and naturally approachable, with a soft sweetness that makes it easy to enjoy. It’s a great choice for anyone who likes a slightly sweeter drink but doesn’t want anything sickly or artificial.

Try Pirate’s Grog Honey with lemonade, ginger ale, apple juice or over ice. It’s a gentle, crowd-pleasing introduction to flavoured rum.

Best Unspiced Rum for Beginners: Pirate’s Grog Five Year

Not everyone wants spice. For those who prefer a more classic rum, Pirate’s Grog Five Year is the best beginner-friendly unspiced rum.

This premium golden rum is smooth, balanced and more traditional in style. It’s a great option for whisky, bourbon or brandy drinkers who want to explore rum without added spice or bold flavourings.

Drink it neat, over ice, with ginger ale, or in simple cocktails like a daiquiri or rum old fashioned.

Best Premium Rum for Rum Lovers: Pirate’s Grog No.13

If you’re buying for someone who already loves rum, or you want something more special, choose Pirate’s Grog No.13.

This is the connoisseur’s bottle. It’s not necessarily the first rum for a complete beginner, but it’s perfect for serious rum drinkers, collectors, special occasions and impressive gifts.

No.13 is best enjoyed slowly, neat or over ice. Preferably not drowned in cola. We’re not saying it’s illegal, but we may judge silently.

Quick Guide: Best Pirate’s Grog Rum for Beginners

How Should Beginners Drink Rum?

The best way to drink rum is the way you enjoy it. Ignore anyone who makes it weird.

For beginners, start simple:

Spiced Rum: Try it over ice, if a mixer is preferred try cola, ginger beer or apple juice

Honey Rum: Try it over ice, lemonade or ginger ale

Five Year Rum: Neat, over ice, with ginger ale or in classic cocktails

No.13 Rum: Neat or over ice

So, What Is the Best Rum for Beginners?

For most people, the best rum for beginners is Pirate’s Grog Spiced Rum. It’s smooth, versatile, full of flavour and easy to enjoy from the first pour.

From there, try Pirate’s Grog Honey if you like sweeter flavoured rum, Pirate’s Grog Five Year if you prefer unspiced golden rum, and Pirate’s Grog No.13 if you’re ready for something more premium.

Start with Spiced.
Then see where the rum takes you.

If you’re searching for the best UK rum subscription experience, Pirate’s Grog Rum delivers 12 premium bottles across 12 months, combining award-winning aged rum, tropical favourites, bold spiced blends, and indulgent small-batch releases delivered straight to your door. Whether you’re buying for yourself or searching for the perfect luxury alcohol gift, this is the ultimate rum of the month club for adventurous drinkers.

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What’s Included in the 12 Month Rum Subscription?

Our premium rum subscription includes 12 full-size 700ml bottles, one different flavour every month, a complete rum tasting journey, a free Pirate’s Grog Hip Flask with the final delivery, 15% off compared to buying bottles individually, and savings of over £75+. No repeated bottles, no guesswork, and no ordinary supermarket spirits — just a seriously good year of rum.

👉 View All Subscription Benefits

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Explore All 12 Pirate’s Grog Rum Flavours

Discover a full range of premium flavours including Five Year Aged, Spiced, Honey, Pineapple, Wild Cherry, Smokey Ginger, Black 8 Coffee, Banana, Coconut, Peach & Apricot, Mango & Passionfruit, and Dubai Chocolate Rum. From tropical fruit infusions and warming spices to rich coffee and indulgent dessert-inspired flavours, every bottle is designed to deliver something bold, unique, and memorable each month.

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Why Choose Pirate’s Grog Rum?

Unlike standard alcohol subscription boxes, Pirate’s Grog Rum focuses on creating premium rum experiences inspired by adventure, discovery, and craftsmanship. Every bottle combines premium quality, distinctive presentation, and exciting flavour profiles designed for rum lovers, cocktail enthusiasts, collectors, and anyone wanting something more memorable than ordinary spirits.

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Start Your Rum Journey Today

Whether you’re searching for a premium rum subscription, a luxury alcohol gift, or a monthly rum delivery service, the Pirate’s Grog 12 Month Rum Subscription delivers a full year of discovery. With 12 unique bottles, premium flavours, and savings across the entire subscription, this is the perfect way to explore premium rum properly. Subscribe today and secure your first bottle in time for the weekend!

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Ready to experience 12 months of premium rum?

Secure your subscription today and start your journey with your first bottle delivered straight to your door.

👉 Shop the Subscription Here

Mother’s Day is the perfect excuse to celebrate the incredible women who raised us, supported us, and somehow managed to keep everything together along the way.

While flowers and chocolates are the usual go-to, this year we think Mum deserves something a little more memorable.

Something with a bit more character.

Something… with a bit more rum.

At Pirate’s Grog, we’re raising a glass to all the brilliant mums who enjoy a well-earned tipple. Recently we asked our community to send in photos of themselves enjoying their favourite bottle of Pirate’s Grog, and the response was incredible. From cosy evenings at home to proudly displaying their rum collections, it’s clear that great taste really does run in the family.

Swipe through the photos in our gallery to meet some of the amazing Pirate’s Grog mums who shared their love of rum with us.

The Best Mother’s Day Gift for Rum-Loving Mums

Finding the perfect Mother’s Day gift can be surprisingly difficult. You want something thoughtful, something a little special, and ideally something she’ll actually enjoy.

For mums who appreciate a great drink, premium rum makes a brilliant Mother’s Day gift.

Rum is versatile, delicious, and a little bit adventurous — much like the mums we’re celebrating.

Whether she enjoys sipping rum neat, over ice, or mixed into a cocktail, a quality bottle is something she can savour long after the day itself.

Pirate’s Grog Gift Chests: A Mother’s Day Gift with Real Character

If you want to make the gift extra special, our Pirate’s Grog Gift Chests are designed to create a proper moment when Mum opens her present.

Each chest includes a beautifully presented bottle of Pirate’s Grog rum. It’s not just a bottle — it’s a full gifting experience designed to surprise and delight.

Perfect for mums who deserve something a little more adventurous than the usual bouquet.

Add a Personal Touch with a Custom Message Scroll

Want to make Mum feel truly special this Mother’s Day?

Every Pirate’s Grog gift chest can include a personalised message scroll, allowing you to write your own heartfelt note.

Whether it’s a funny message, a thank-you for everything she’s done, or a simple “love you Mum”, the scroll adds a unique pirate-style twist that turns a great gift into something unforgettable.

It’s these little details that make the moment she opens it even more special.

Rum Gifts for Every Kind of Mum

Every mum is different, and Pirate’s Grog offers a range of flavours and styles to suit all tastes.

For the adventurous mum, our Banana Spiced Rum delivers a rich, tropical twist on classic spiced rum.

For mums who prefer something smoother and more traditional, our premium aged rums offer deep flavour and complexity perfect for sipping.

And for those who enjoy exploring new flavours, our limited edition releases bring something exciting to the rum shelf.

Why Rum Makes a Better Mother’s Day Gift Than Flowers

Flowers are lovely… but they last a few days.

Chocolate disappears even faster.

A great bottle of rum, on the other hand, can be enjoyed slowly — shared with family, sipped during a quiet evening, or saved for a special moment.

It’s a gift that keeps giving long after Mother’s Day itself.

Celebrate the Amazing Pirate’s Grog Mums

Seeing the photos our customers sent in reminded us of something important: Pirate’s Grog isn’t just about rum — it’s about the moments people share around it.

From mums enjoying a well-earned drink after a long day to families celebrating together, it’s these moments that make what we do worthwhile.

So this Mother’s Day, raise a glass to the mums who deserve it most.

Make Sure Mum’s Treasure Chest Is Stocked

Mother’s Day is just around the corner, so if you’re looking for a unique gift idea, now is the time to make sure Mum’s treasure chest is properly stocked.

Explore the full Pirate’s Grog range, our gift chests, and personalised scrolls to create a gift she won’t forget.

Because flowers are nice…

…but rum lasts longer.

In a crowded sea of rum brands, Pirate’s Grog has carved out a unique place as the UK’s best independent rum brand. But what exactly makes it stand out? From its adventurous beginnings on a tropical island to award-winning rums that have captured the hearts of rum lovers across the UK, here’s why Pirate’s Grog is a bottle worth raising your glass to.

1. An Authentic Story Rooted in Adventure

Pirate’s Grog was born on the Caribbean island of Roatán, where a chance meeting with a Dutch pirate led to the discovery of a unique rum recipe that would become the foundation of one of the UK’s most loved independent rum brands.

2. Award-Winning, Smooth-Aged Rums

While many rums chase trends, Pirate’s Grog focuses on quality and craft. Our Five Year Aged Rum has scooped multiple awards, praised for its smooth, rich character and clean finish, making it an effortlessly enjoyable sip that keeps you coming back for more.

Our range also includes innovative flavoured rums like Banana Spiced, Toasted Coconut, Pineapple Spiced, and our acclaimed Black 8 Coffee Rum, infused with cold-brewed Brazilian coffee beans for a rich, aromatic kick.

👉 See The Full Pirate's Grog Flavour Range Here

3. Independent and Small-Batch

As an independent UK brand, Pirate’s Grog has the freedom to innovate, experiment, and focus on quality over quantity. Each batch is carefully blended and bottled with attention to detail, ensuring consistency and excellence in every bottle.

4. Loved by Customers and Critics Alike

We don’t just talk the talk; our customers back it up:

• 5-star Trustpilot rating from hundreds of reviews.

• Featured in The Guardian, Master of Malt’s top rums, and World Rum Awards.

• Regularly ranked as a favourite by those seeking “the best rum in the UK.”

5. Perfect for Gifting and Sipping

Pirate’s Grog isn’t just a rum; it’s an experience. From premium bottle designs and unique hand-crafted wooden gift chests to wax-sealed personalised scrolls, every detail makes it the perfect gift for rum lovers, pirates at heart, and those who appreciate the finer things.

6. Sustainable and Ethical

We believe in preserving the paradise that inspired our brand. Pirate’s Grog continually works to minimise environmental impact, from recyclable packaging to supporting environmental and wildlife conservation projects, ensuring we give back to the planet while you enjoy your favourite rum.

7. The Spirit of the Independent Pirate

At Pirate’s Grog, we embrace the spirit of the independent pirate—fearless, free, and ready to chart our own course. When you buy Pirate’s Grog, you support a UK independent brand that champions quality, creativity, and adventure in every sip.

Ready to Taste the Difference?

Whether you’re new to rum or a seasoned sipper, Pirate’s Grog offers something unique: award-winning, independently crafted rums with a story worth sharing.

👉 Explore the Pirate’s Grog Range Here

When we started Pirate’s Grog, we were fresh off a jungle island in the Caribbean. Literally.
We’d been living amongst monkeys and mosquitos, learning how to make rum from a real-life pirate. Came back to the UK with sand still in our backpacks and a dream to share the good stuff.

🌊 Enter: the lawsuits.

Within our first month, we got a cease and desist from Patrón Tequila—because they owned a rum brand called Pyrat and reckoned Pirate’s Grog was "confusing."
(We’ll let you decide if that holds water...)

💸 We spent our last £1500 on a lawyer. Then ran out of cash.
So, like true pirates, we decided to fight the case ourselves.
We wrote legal docs by candlelight (probably), collected evidence, and 18 months later—while mid-photoshoot on a pirate ship stage at a UK music festival—we got the call.

WE WON.

🥂 We’d taken on a Californian legal machine—and kept our name.
But the story doesn’t end there.

In 2019, we filed for our EU trademark ahead of Brexit. Bacardi, who had just bought Patrón, filed an opposition. If they won, we’d have to recall every bottle sold in Europe.
Unless we changed our name to... Pirate’s Frog? 🐸 (No thanks.)

We fought again. Lost the first round. Hired a law firm to appeal.
Another 18 months passed. Sleepless nights. Stacks of paperwork. Still no pot of gold.

Then in 2023...

WE WON AGAIN.

We secured the EU trademark. Bacardi was even ordered to pay us.
(They never did. Classic.)

But the point is this:
We didn’t start Pirate’s Grog just to sell rum.
We started it because we believe in good rum—made by real people, not suits in a boardroom.

So yeah, when we say we’ve fought tooth and nail to bring you the best rum we can…
We really mean it.

🖤 Never underestimate the underdog.
Especially when they’ve got a ship, a dream, and a bottle of damn good rum.

👉 Join the rum rebellion.
Support independent. Drink better.

Grab a bottle of Pirate’s Grog today.

Beth & Gaz
(Founders. Pirate’s Grog - not Frogs.)

RumWithSoul #PiratesGrog #SmallButFierce #JoinTheGrog

Crafted by the team behind Pirate’s Grog, NO DRAMA is a 0% alcohol, rum-inspired spirit made for those who love the taste of adventure but not the side effects. It’s bold, tropical, and totally unique — with notes of toasted spice and citrus peel, finished with a functional twist of Lion’s Mane mushroom for a little extra zen in your cup.

TASTES LIKE FREEDOM

NO DRAMA doesn’t pretend to be rum. It’s not a watered-down imposter. It's a drink in its own right — complex, sippable, and built to mix. Serve it neat over ice, or shake it into your favourite mocktail. (See below for one of delicious suggested serves.)

And yes, it actually tastes good. Like, where has this been all my life good.

🍸 Ready to try it? Grab your bottle of NO DRAMA here.

WHAT PEOPLE ARE SAYING

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

“Love the shape and dark colour of the bottle, which always seems to feel cold. The tactile embossed label with its intriguing design is good on the eye. Pop open the stopper and pour this hazy amber nectar. NO DRAMA has an interesting scent and taste. Slight fruitiness with warmth and a clove-like flavour. Enjoying that it is zero alcohol so can drink it whenever I choose.” — Mrs W.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

“Totally NEW! Really refreshing. Very zingy. I take mine with soda water and ice... what about you?” — Jane M.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

“Very nice. It has a subtle kick to it, along with the fruitiness and spice.” — Rob W.

💥 Join the movement and order your bottle of NO DRAMA today.

NO BOOZE, NO BULLSH*T

Why did we make a non-alcoholic spirit? Because life’s chaotic enough. We wanted something that gave you the ritual of a proper drink without the drama that sometimes follows. No hangovers, no regrets, no what did I text my ex at 2am? vibes.

Just something that feels grown-up, tastes like a treat, and gives you a break — without breaking your stride.

🙌 Want in? Shop NO DRAMA now.

MOCKTAIL #1 – ZEN JUICE

Step into your chill era with this refreshing, tropical-leaning drink that’ll have your shoulders dropping and your taste buds dancing.

Ingredients:

• 50ml NO DRAMA

• 25ml pineapple juice

• 15ml fresh lime juice

• 10ml agave syrup (or honey if you're not vegan)

• Top with soda water or coconut water (your choice depending on mood)

• Optional: Dash of aromatic bitters (for a more grown-up twist – still low/no alcohol depending on brand)

Garnish:
Pineapple leaf or wedge, lime wheel, and a sprig of mint if you're feeling extra.

Glass:
Highball or rocks glass over ice.

Method:

1. Shake NO DRAMA, pineapple juice, lime juice, and agave with ice.

2. Strain into an ice-filled glass.

3. Top with soda or coconut water.

4. Garnish and sip yourself into a stress-free state of mind.

 

Leave a comment below to send us your feedback. 

Introduction: Ahoy there, rum enthusiasts! Ever wondered what magical processes turn the humble sugarcane into the robust, flavour-packed spirit that graces our glasses? Well, buckle up because we're about to embark on a tour through the enchanting world of rum-making. Whether you're a seasoned sipper or a curious newcomer, this journey from cane to glass is sure to intrigue, so let's dive in!

Harvesting the Sugarcane

Our rum adventure begins in the sun-kissed fields where sugarcane, the cornerstone of all rum, is grown. This tall, sturdy grass thrives in tropical climates, basking in the warmth and soaking up the rains to achieve its sweet richness. The peak harvesting time is crucial, as it ensures the highest levels of sugar concentration. Once harvested, the real magic begins...

Milling and Extraction

After cutting, the sugarcane is quickly transported to the mill to prevent any loss of sugary goodness. Here, the cane is crushed between large rollers to extract the precious juice, known as 'cane juice,' which is the primary ingredient in some of the finest rums. Alternatively, the juice can be boiled to create molasses, another popular base for rum production especially in distilleries away from sugarcane plantation. Both processes set the stage for the alchemy that turns this sweet liquid into rum.

Fermentation: The Flavour Transformation

The next step in rum-making is fermentation, a period where science plays its part in the art. The sugarcane juice or molasses is mixed with water and yeast, kicking off the fermentation process. The yeast feasts on the sugars, converting them into alcohol and carbon dioxide, and creating a brew that's brimming with potential. This process can last anywhere from a few days to several weeks, depending on the desired rum style.

Distillation: Crafting the Spirit

The fermented liquid makes its way to the still for distillation. This crucial step separates the alcohol from the mixture, enhancing its purity and flavour intensity. Rum is typically distilled in either pot stills, which are great for rich, full-bodied flavours, or column stills, which produce a cleaner, lighter rum (more on stills in another post). Each distillation method adds its unique touch to the final product, influencing the subtleties of each sip.

Aging and Blending: The Maturation Magic

Now, we've arrived at the truly transformative phase—aging. Rum is aged in barrels, often previously used for bourbon, whiskey, or even wine, which impart deep complexity and a golden hue to the spirit. The tropical climate accelerates the aging process, allowing the rum to acquire its desired characteristics faster than spirits aged in cooler climates. After aging, rums from different barrels are masterfully blended to achieve the perfect balance of flavours.

Bottling: The Finale

Our final stop is bottling, where the rum is carefully measured and sealed into bottles, ready to be shipped and enjoyed worldwide. Each bottle encapsulates the craft, care, and sunny origins of its contents, offering a taste of tropical paradise with every drop.

From the lush fields of sugarcane to the intricate dance of distillation and aging, the process of making rum is as rich and complex as the spirit itself. Whether enjoyed neat, with ice, or as the star of a cocktail, rum brings a touch of warmth and joy to any occasion. Cheers to the marvellous journey of rum!

The Inspiration Behind Banana Spiced Rum

At Pirate's Grog we take pride in crafting spirits that not only delight the senses but also tell a story. Inspired by the lush, tropical climates where our rums originate, we wanted to create a flavor that embodies the essence of paradise. Bananas, with their rich, sweet profile, complement the warm, spicy notes of our 5-Year Aged rum, offering a taste experience that is both unique and familiar.

A Taste Like No Other

Our Banana Spiced Rum is a harmonious blend of ripe, rich caramelised bananas and a secret mix of spices, perfected by our master distillers. Each sip begins with a smooth, sweet banana flavor that gradually gives way to a spicy, lingering finish. The result is a versatile spirit that can be enjoyed on its own, over ice, or as a dynamic component in your favorite cocktails.

Perfect Pairings

To get the most out of our Banana Spiced Rum, consider pairing it with foods that complement its rich and spicy profile. It pairs exceptionally well with desserts like banana bread and vanilla bean ice cream, or for a savory twist, try it alongside dishes like coconut shrimp or jerk chicken. The versatility of Banana Spiced Rum also makes it an excellent base for inventive cocktails. Whether it's a Banana Rum Punch or a spicy Banana Mojito, the possibilities are as endless as they are delicious.

Join the Celebration

We are excited to share this new creation with you and invite you to join us in celebration. Check out our store to discover more about Banana Spiced Rum, find delicious recipes, and learn about the special events we are hosting to launch this exciting new flavor. Don't forget to follow us on social media for updates, cocktail ideas, and more.

Conclusion

Your passion and curiosity have been a huge part of this journey, and we thank you for your enthusiastic participation in guessing the new flavor. Banana Spiced Rum is not just a new product—it's a celebration of innovation, tradition, and the joy of discovery. We can't wait for you to try it and look forward to hearing your thoughts!

Raise your glasses to the newest addition to the Pirate's Grog crew—Banana Spiced Rum. Adventure awaits in every bottle!

Our Honey Rum is a smooth and sweet blend of aged golden rums and locally sourced honey, making it the perfect choice for a bank holiday weekend party!

Make it into the perfect cocktail by following these steps:

• 50ml Honey Rum 
• 10ml Falernum
• 10ml Grand Marnier
• 30ml Lemon Juice
• Shake & Strain into a rocks glass

Optional: Top with Sparkling Water or Prosecco

Garnish: Orange Peel

Whether you're hosting a backyard BBQ or a casual get-together with friends, Honey Rum is the perfect addition to your party menu.

And, we've put together some delicious food pairings to enjoy with your cocktail this Bank Holiday:

1. Charcuterie Board: A charcuterie board is a great way to pair Honey Rum with a variety of meats, cheeses, and fruits. Add some honeycomb or honey-glazed ham to the board for an extra touch of sweetness that complements the honey notes in the rum.
2. BBQ: Honey Rum pairs well with grilled meats, such as pork or chicken. Create a Honey Rum marinade for your meats or use it to make a delicious BBQ sauce. Serve with a side of coleslaw or grilled pineapple to round out the meal.
3. Spicy Foods: Pair Honey Rum with spicy snacks like buffalo wings or jalapeno poppers. The sweetness of the rum helps to balance out the heat of the spices, creating a delicious flavour combination.
4. Tropical Fruits: Pair Honey Rum with tropical fruits like pineapple, mango, or papaya. Use the rum to create a tropical fruit salsa or to infuse your fruit salad with extra flavour.
5. Chocolate: Pair Honey Rum with dark chocolate for a decadent and indulgent dessert pairing. The sweetness of the rum complements the bitterness of dark chocolate, creating a delicious flavour combination.
6. Cheese: Pair Honey Rum with strong and flavourful cheeses, such as blue cheese, cheddar, or gouda. The sweetness of the rum balances out the salty and tangy flavours in the cheese, creating a delicious taste experience.

No matter how you choose to pair it, our Honey Rum is sure to be a hit at your Bank Holiday Weekend party. So, why not pick up a bottle today and start planning your menu? Cheers to a delicious and unforgettable weekend!

To take advantage of the best rum offer in town, simply visit the Pirate's Grog Shop and the discount will be automatically applied, so you can receive a second bottle for half price! Available for a limited time only! 

And the best part? All the products listed are from independent companies based in the UK, and we've included options for every budget, so you can find the perfect gift no matter how many golden doubloons you're prepared to part with... 

GIFTS FOR DAD UNDER £30

Pirate's Grog Rum Miniatures Gift Set - £32.50

Get your dad this trio of aged rums so he can sip away and enjoy his day! Plus, you can even write him a specific thank you on his very own scroll, sealed with a wax stamp! This gift is both tasty and thoughtful, and won't break the bank.

One Society Beard Grooming Kit - £23.95

One Society is a UK based grooming company, using all natural ingredients including Argon Oil, Coconut Oil, Natural Vitamin E. They stock all types of products but our top pick is this Beard Oil and Balm Combo for just £23.95. And what's even better, it's Bay Rum scented so it gets our vote! 

Personalised Barbecue Board - £24.99

Get your dad barbecue ready with this personalised chopping board from Dust & Things. The sun is shining, so it's time to go al fresco and get those skewers at the ready!  Plus you can use the code INSTADUST for a cheeky discount. 

GIFTS FOR DAD UNDER £60

Tanner Bates Leather Wallet or Belt - From £40

A handmade leather wallet is a classic and practical gift for any dad. Tanner Bates is based in Devon and uses the finest craftsmanship and materials to produce these stunning leather pieces. We're in love with their leather belts, which if looked after correctly, will last a lifetime...We're sure that's something Dad can get on board with?! 

Gourmet Food Hamper - £54

For the dad who loves to eat, consider getting him a gourmet food basket. You can find all kinds of food hampers but we recommend this Cheese & Charcuterie Hamper from the Cheese Geek. They offer free delivery over £25 and 10% off your first order! 

Pirate's Grog Spiced Gift Chest - £62

Still on the hunt for the perfect Father's Day gift?! The search ends here, now you've discovered the Pirate's Grog Gift Chest. A treasure chest filled with some of the tastiest award-winning rum known to man, is sure to put a smile on his face! Don't forget you can add a personalised scroll for an extra fiver. So don't hash it, stash it, get yours now! 

GIFTS FOR DAD UNDER £100

Minirig Bluetooth Speaker - £99.95

For the ultimate portable speaker, look no further than the small but mighty Minirig. A favourite piece of kit here at Pirate's Grog HQ, it's neat and compact, and what's even better you can connect them together for mega sound output that'll really impress Dad! (P.S. We also offer Pirate's Grog branded Minirigs!) 

Pirate's Grog Bundle - £90+

If you really wanna show your dad how special he is this Father's Day, pick up a Pirate's Grog bundle and send him into a world of flavour exploration. Choose between our Original Aged rum selection or Tropical Horizons range, and treat him like a true Captain!

No matter what your budget is, there's a perfect Father's Day gift out there. We hope our ultimate Father's Day gift guide for 2023 has helped you find the right present for your dad this year. Plunder away!

Sales of rum have surpassed £1 billion (US$1.2bn) a year in the UK, meaning it now accounts for a bigger market share than whisky.

Data from CGA by Nielsen IQ shows that in the 12 months to July 2022, total rum sales amounted to £1bn giving rum a 13% share of the overall spirits category.

Rum’s growth was attributed to ‘surging interest from younger consumers’, according to the Nielsen IQ data.

“We’ve been predicting growth in the rum category for some time now, but its performance since the end of Covid-19 restrictions has been phenomenal,” said CGA client director Paul Bolton.

“Rum’s versatility in cocktails and the explosion of new flavours have both helped to pull in new drinkers, and the successful positioning of premium brands has encouraged a lot of people to trade up from mainstream options.”

Market research company CGA also reported that rum figures for the latest quarter showed sales have leapt by 51% compared with the same three-month period in 2019.

Flavoured and spiced rums took a larger share than white and dark rums, too: 60% of the cane-based spirit category is taken up by these bottlings.

White, dark and golden rums grew in sales all the same.

Premium rums saw a sales increase of 85% in the last quarter, and accounted for 33% of the market.

So there's no better time to grab a bottle of Pirate's Grog and indulge in a dram of premium spiced rum ;)

(Data taken from The Spirits Business)

Any true pirate needs to know how to knock up a rum old fashioned! This classic cocktail was first invented somewhere between 1889 and 1895 by Martin Cuneo, for a Kentucky colonel named James E. Pepper who also happened to be a bourbon distiller. 

It's a strong, short drink that is hugely popular among drinkers who often prefer their spirits neat, as it maintains a strong sense of flavour from the original spirit with the bitters and sugar syrup spicing up the original taste into something quite supremely special.

At the Pirate's Grog traveling rum bar the cocktail has been a staple with a solid 10ltr's of the cocktail sat on top of the bar in an oak barrel ready to be served to all our thirsty customers.  Leaving the cocktail in an oak barrel adds an extra woodiness to the flavour and also helps marry the ingredients together, so the flavour is more consistent. 

So you may be asking yourself, but what do I require to make this fine beverage good sir?

Well let's have a look here:

50ml of Pirate's Grog No.13 or Pirate's Grog 5yr

5ml of Pedro Ximenez Sherry

15 - 25ml of vanilla sugar syrup*

3 dashes chocolate bitters

3 dashes orange bitters 

1 piece of orange peel

*Vanilla sugar syrup can be made by mixing 1 part boiling hot water with 1 part sugar and adding a few drops of vanilla essence. 

**All items can be found on Amazon or most spirit websites. 

1. If you have a low ball glass, this is the perfect one to use for a rum old fashioned cocktail. Firstly add a couple of large ice cubes into the glass.

2. Add the rum (you can use No.13 for a richer taste or 5yr for a lighter taste).

3. Add the PX Sherry, sugar syrup and both bitters to the glass. 

4. Stir the ingredients around the glass, keeping the spoon against the edge of the glass. 

5. Bend the orange peel over the glass to release some fragrance and then rub the peel around the edge of the glass. Finally twist and burn the peel slightly, using a lighter, and place it on the edge of the glass to garnish. 

And there you are, another pirate's favourite to add to your collection. 

Pirate's Grog No.13 is available to buy HERE

&

Pirate's Grog 5yr is available to buy HERE

As the weeks and months role on, the full effect of the governments measures are having a significant impact on a large amount of people's livelihood and in turn, their mental health. The waterfall effect of this means that musicians, DJs, sound engineers, light and visual engineers, riggers, bartenders, waiters/waitresses are all being put in extremely difficult situations, with limited support, and most of this support is due to cease soon. 

It's very important that we take this horrible virus seriously but it's also important that we manage the risk to the rest of society, ensuring greater issues don't develop from our mis-handling of the crisis. 

With our office based firmly above two of London's best club venues, we've been very exposed to the troubles and difficulties being experienced by the industry as a whole. They're a great outlet for our rum and promoting Pirate's Grog and in turn we do what we can to support them. 

Fortunately our neighbours at Costa Del Tottenham and Grow Tottenham have a decent amount of outdoor space, and being based in Haringey, they have an understanding and supportive council that's helped ensure the changeover from indoor venues to outdoor venues during the lockdown period has been as smooth as possible. 

The aptly named "Costa Del Tottenham", due to it's brightly coloured framework and imported, freeze dried palm trees, is experiencing a very necessary and welcome boom after being shut for what was becoming a worrying amount of time. It's extremely important that people have a place to socialise and enjoy music safely, whilst we wait for a solution that can end the pandemic and Costa Del Tottenham is filling that void nicely (also putting money in the pocket of creatives who need work more than ever at the moment). 

Nights that used to be hosted at the Cause nightclub, such as London's biggest gay night Adonis, have been able to restructure their format into daytime outdoor parties, such as hosting drag parties which have received amazing reviews. 

DnB Big BBQ Brunch, with all you can drink Pirate's Grog Rum, and the Open Air Live series with 'real life' bands playing outside every Wednesday have injected a much needed release for many people in our community and all have been run safely, maintaining social distancing rules. 

This is a difficult time for everyone so it's important we all look after each other the best way we can and also respect the different difficulties and challenges this has brought each person. Everyone's priorities are different, from people wanting to put food on the table and trying to avoid additional personal debt and mental health issues, to people wanting to protect their elderly relatives from this deadly disease. Nobodies plight is more important than the next person's and it's important we maintain respect and humility for everyone of our neighbours. 

If you've been looking for a safe way to let off some steam and enjoy some great rum cocktails with your friends then here's a list of some of the highlights coming up in the next few weeks:

Weds, 9th Sep: Open Air Live Series: Sambroso Cuban All Stars + Yanet Fuentes

Fri, 11th Sep: Baby Rollén & Gallegos 'Along The River EP' Launch with special guest Desert Sound Colony in The Yard at Costa Del Southside

Sat, 12th Sep: The Cause presents Nabihah Iqbal and Heels & Souls on The Terrace at Costa Del Tottenham Southside

Fri 18th Sep: The Random Shiz Quiz Presented By The Provibers In The Beer Hall At Costa Del Tottenham Northside

Sat 19th Sep: Ejeca, DJ Barley Legal Aad Frankel & Harper On The Terrace At Costa Del Tottenham Southside

View the full event listing here: Costa Del Tottenham Events

And as always your can drink your favourite Pirate's Grog cocktails everyday of the week including the Pirate Pornstar, Mojito, Dark n Stormy and frozen Pina Colada at Costa Del Tottenham! 

OK, so it's technically Espresso Martini day, but as we all know, any vodka based cocktail made with rum is instantly better! None more so than an Espresso Rumtini with Pirate's Grog's devilishly dangerous Black Ei8ht Coffee Rum. 

If you visited our rum bar for a pick me up then we've probably seen you propping up the bar with one of our creamy, chocolate delights in hand.

Without further ado, here's our recipe for a: ESPRESSO RUMTINI

As summer unfortunately draws to a close, the popularity of this classic drinks always becomes ever more popular in the run(m) into the festive season. 

So today we're going to show you how to make the perfect Espresso Rumtini to impress your partner, friends and colleagues with. 

You will need the following ingredients:

- 75ml Black Ei8ht Coffee Rum

- 25ml Vailla sugar syrup *

- 25ml Fresh Espresso **

* To make vanilla sugar syrup, add one part boiling water, to one part sugar. For example add 250ml of boiling water to 250g sugar and you'll get about 375ml of sugar syrup. Stir continuously until all the sugar has dissolved. Then add a few drops of vanilla essence to the liquid to taste. I recommend using 4 or 5 drops. 

** If you have a coffee machine make a shot of hot espresso and that's all you need. If you don't, you can use any type of fresh coffee instead. 

Method

1. Add all the ingredients to a shaker filled with cubed ice

2. This is the really important bit, get your strainer and martini glass ready. If you have a tea strainer you can use this to double strain for extra creaminess. 

3. Close the shaker and shake like crazy! The harder you shake the more creaminess your drink will have. Once you've shaken it like it's heading into orbit, quickly open the shaker, add your strainer and pour slowly into the glass (if double straining use the second strainer whilst doing this). 

4. Whola, you should have a perfectly creamy, amazing cocktail. 

And that's it. Invite over your friends and impress them with these new skills ;-)

Send us your pictures on Facebook and Instagram and we'll repost on the Pirate's Grog pages.

Buy a bottle of Black Ei8ht here: https://piratesgrogrum.com/collections/shop-collection/products/black-ei8ht-coffee-rum

Whatever your feelings of the upcoming day that shall not be named, it's nearly upon us so get yourself prep'd. Whether a fancy dinner with a plus 1 or a night alone in your pants, we all have our own ways of dealing with it. 

Luckily for us here at Pirate's Grog, the one way to celebrate that shall remain timeless for all manner of occasions (yes I include my niece's christening) is booze and shmancy cocktails. In honour of that we've compiled four of our favourite cocktails that are so versatile that they can be used to both celebrate and commiserate the one day a year where an infamous child in nappies is allowed to carry a bow & arrow and unscrupulously target the public. 

And don't say we don't treat you blubberin' rum lovers! :)

I Like You Cherry Much 

The awful pun title should say it all really! This is a great twist on a sour which combines a rich and deep flavoured vermouth with our 5 year old rum and cherry bitters. The result is a beautifully smooth drink with a lip puckering kick to it!

Ingredients:

• 30ml Pirate's Grog 5 Year Rum
• 30ml Punt e Mes Vermouth
• 20ml lemon juice
• 20ml gomme/sugar syrup 
• 1 egg white
• Fee Brothers Cherry Bitters

What to do & when to do it:

1. Add all ingredients to a cocktail shaker
2. Shake without ice to emulsify the egg
3. Add the ice and shake until cold
4. Fine strain into a sour glass
5. Garnish with two drops of cherry bitters and, using a straw, use the bitters to draw a heart upon the drink.
6. Alternative garnish: cherry skewered with fork and rested atop.
7. Serve straight away

Wined & Dined

If you're lucky enough to be in a beautifully hot country then you'll probably be in possession of a sangria recipe of your own or from friends or family. Let's be honest, it's the ideal thirst quenching drink for those hot summer nights/afternoons/mornings. 

Our version combines our spiced rum which already contains hints of salted caramel, cinnamon, cloves, vanilla and combines it with pomegranate juice and a drop of dry red wine. We recommend peaches and apples for this recipe but go wild and see if you can get your 5-a-day into a pitcher for the ultimate guilt-free libation!

Ingredients:

Pretty in Pink

Pink bubbles some will use for all occasions even Tuesdays... no judgement here. However, our thoughts are that this is particularly perfect main ingredient in a drink for star struck lovers that will get you and those butterflies in the pit of your stomach tipsy... and then some!

Ingredients:

• 25ml of Pirate's Grog No13 (per flute)
• The Bitter Truth Peach Bitters
• Pink Champagne
• 1 strawberry
• 1 love heart & mini peg

What to do & when to do it:

1. In the bottom of a champagne flute or coupe, soak a sugar cube with a good few dashes of bitters
2. Pour in a shot of the b-e-a-utiful No13 rum and stir
3. Top up the glass with your favourite pink champagne — which in my case would be G.H.Mumm Grand Cordon Rosé
4. Butterfly strawberry into a heart, slit the bottom half and use this to prop on the flute.
5. Peg a love heat to the other side of the flute. Voila!

From Russia With Love

For fans of the White Russian, this is a great chocolatey twist and uses our very own Pirate's Grog Black Ei8ht. Not only does this taste the absolute nuts but it's a great end to a Valentine's evening with the one you love/care about/have ambivalent feelings towards. 

Happy Valentine's!

Old pirate stories often talk of a hidden pirate paradise called Libertalia, derived from the word Liberi in latin meaning "Free". Although undetermined whether such a place actually existed outside of myth and historical literature, many people believe the pirate utopia was in fact the huge island of Madagascar, which sits off the south western coast of Africa. 

Madagascar is the fourth largest island in the world and is home to one of the most epic and diverse landscapes. The central part of the island is raised high up above sea level, bringing a cooler wetter climate to the region. As you venture toward the coast you can find some of the worlds most magnificent national parks, which are home to some of the countries 60 species of Lemur. Venture further and you will discover the famed Baobab tree, easy to spot because of the huge square trunk, which is used to store 1000's of litres of water to endure the dry season.

The coast line hides an array of sea life from whale sharks, reef sharks, turtles and dolphins. Scuba diving is a big tourist attraction to islands such as Nosy Ve and Île Saint Marie on the east and west coast of Madagascar respectively. 

And that brings me on nicely to the little pirate island of Île Saint Marie (also known as Nosy Boraha). It's said amongst locals on the island that they all descended from pirates. As the island housed around 1000 pirates at its peak during the 17th and 18th century, there's probably a good chance that they're right. 

They also lay claim to the only known pirate graveyard in the world! You can only gain access to the graveyard at low tide as a stone walkway mystically appears out of the depths of the mangroves. It's a steep ascent up to the top of the hill where you discover a whole host of graves of pirates amongst others including a couple of preachers who died of malaria. 

There's a memorial to Captain William Kidd who called Île Saint Marie his home for a period of time before heading back to America where he was ultimately caught, sent to England before being tried, hung (only successfully after the second attempt), tarred and left for three years in gibbets on the Thames as a warning to anyone who would dare to think of a career as a pirate. 

The island has many sunken pirate ships scattered on the sea bed around the island and in 2015 US explorer Barry Clifford claimed to have found a silver ingot from the Adventure Gallery (Captain Kidds infamous ship), however under closer inspection by the UN it was found to be 95% lead. So Captain Kidds treasure is still out there to be found...

Happy hunting pirates!

Time's come again to hoist the Pirate's Grog flag, rinse out your favourite hollowed out enemy's skull and scale the crow's nest to see what booty can be a'plundered on the horizon.

The booty we all seek is the the liquid gold that wouldn't make us pirates unless we wanted it coursing through our scurvy infested veins. We have just the concoction - A Pirate's Bloody Kiss!

This swill starrrrrts with a taste of pure golden rum (as any good drink should!) while the grenadine bleeds down through the rest of the drink. After the initial punch in the face the flavours of the blood orange and pomegranate seep into your soul for a taste that will have your shipmates walking the plank for another! 

The things you'll need to pillage:

• 25ml of Pirate's Grog 5yr Rum 
• 50ml of Pirate's Grog Spiced
• 50ml of Pomegranate Juice
• 25ml of Freshly Squeezed Blood Orange Juice
• 15ml of Lime Juice
• 3 Tsp of Grenadine (ideally Employees Only all natural)
• Lemon and Raspberries for garnish

Skullware IS NOT an optional serving device.

Blood Orange juice can be swopped out for the blood of a willing maiden if no outpost stocks the juice... the amount can be adjusted according to taste. 

A few highlights worth mentioning include our brand new and totally tantalising Coconapple Daiquiri which turned into a best-seller, our new Event Manager, Keith, who can't count or read lists but we love him anyway, watching the tent pump with kids & ravers at The Big Feastival, Pirate Joe entertaining, what felt like, every single person at Taste of London with his acoustic version of Tubular Bells, and finally, Captain Gaz dancing on the bar... it was his Birthday! 

Here's a massive THANK YOU to everyone who came and drank, danced and disco'd with us, it was fab to see so many old faces and connect with plenty of fresh rum lovers. We'll be choosing a winner of our 'Win A Years Supply of Rum' competition very shortly so keep your eyes peeled on our Facebook/Instagram/Twitter. 

And if you have no idea what we're talking about, watch the video below for a short recap... 

MULLED RUM CIDER

Ingredients (serves 5):

Method:

So in addition to our existing range of delicious rums and unique gifting options we've only gone and upgraded our sleigh to bring you even more delightful wonders. So if you can wait another second to find out what could be stuffed in your stocking this year, keep scrolling...

Grog Old Fashioned Barrel

One of the main staples on both our summer and winter cocktail menus is the Grog Old Fashioned, served as a short drink over ice this is one for the rum-lovers and connoisseurs. But what makes our Old Fashioned especially special is that it's barrel aged in a real oak barrel, so the longer you leave it, the tastier it gets! So as requested, we're now offering you the chance to own your very own Pirate's Grog branded barrel! This 2 litre barrel will be available to buy on it's own, with a bottle of rum or a 1 litre pouch of Grog Old Fashioned, so all you need to do is pour it in, sit back and relax... We recommend a 75ml serve poured in your best tumble over ice. Resulting in more than 13 serves per pouch, meaning no pirate will end up short of a grog or two! These will be available to pre-order from NEXT WEEK! Delivery towards the end of October. 

Black Ei8ht Gift Chest

Yes it's finally here, a truly bespoke chest design just for our dangerously delicious Black Ei8ht Coffee Rum. This handcrafted wooden chest includes a printed leather lid that features the award-winning label design and a gold bar of craft chocolate made by the fabulous team at Bullion Chocolate. But this is not just any bar of chocolate, this is a small batch crafted especially for Pirate's Grog Rum fans with cocao nibs soaked in Black Ei8ht which are then added to the bar to give a little rum crunch! Woah, yes we're as thrilled about this as you are!!

It was about time this beauty was provided a throne as the Black Ei8ht is the proud winner of the World Liqueur Awards, scooping four awards for taste and design as well as a Great Taste award! So if that's not enough to make you want to get your hands on one of these straight away, then maybe we should all walk the plank?!

This will be available exclusively on the Pirate's Grog website throughout November with or without a personalised scroll for approx £65. 

Spiced Rum 

Now, we know many of you are eagerly awaiting this product. If you were lucky enough to sample this revolutionary recipe this summer at one of our pop up events then you'll know exactly why everyone is so excited for this bottle of goodness! Using the Five Year as a base, this is a salty caramel infusion with allspice and our secret ingredient, found along the enchanting shores of Roatán, Honduras. Bottled at 37.5% you can expect the same smoothness delivered by the Five Year but with a new dimension of subtle sweetness a a tiny pinch of spice. 

With the new label in production as we speak (well, write/read) it won't be long until you can have this sitting in pride of place on your bar/top shelf/bedside table..? Available from November. RRP £32. 

Merch

Next month we're launching our new merchandise competition which will see talented designers, artists, tattooists and the like battle it out for the chance to win a years supply of rum. So if you know any budding creatives with an eye for edginess and the heart of a pirate send them a message in a bottle about our competition! The end result will be some awesome new t-shirts, hoodies and caps that will all be available to purchase via the website. 

Who would have thought it? After decades of dabbling on the margins of the fashionable bar trade, rum is enjoying its most successful spell in the limelight since the early ’90s, when spiced rums swept all before them.

If rum were a person it would be a frivolous and fun-loving seductress, whispering: “I can be anything you want me to be, darling,” in your ear. 

No other spirit has as many facets. Rum can be light and frothy, spicy and flirtatious, golden and stylish, or dark and mysterious. It can be a young party animal happy to be mixed with cola or blackcurrant and not ashamed to wear an umbrella. But it’s just as happy reaching a grand old age and being sipped by connoisseurs in wood-panelled members’ clubs. It has various connotations, from swashbuckling pirates on the high seas, to trendy youths frolicking on the decks of luxury yachts, to Brazilian and Bajan beach parties, and to the tall ships of Nelson’s navy.

It is an all things to all people sort of spirit, and quite possibly that has worked against it in a world where marketing and an emphasis on heritage and provenance are so important. After all, it comes from the Caribbean, right? So where does all that British historical naval stuff fit in?

Actually there’s a simple link to all of the above, and it all makes perfect sense when you acknowledge the two elephants in the room: the slave and sugar trade, and the commissioning of legal pirates – buccaneers – to plunder loot from the ships of rival countries.

But I digress. Rum has come in from the cold and is enjoying renewed popularity. The tipping point for this writer was when a local pub held a rum night and it sold out within a day. Now it boasts a monthly rum club with more than 50 members.

Why has this happened?

There are several reasons. It may well be little more than the fact that it was rum’s turn for a bit of love and attention. But its chameleon-like qualities may well be working in its favour at the moment, too. On the one hand it offers a more robust and way less fussy antidote to the plethora of gins and their increasingly ridiculous recipes of obscure botanicals, and a shelf’s worth of different flavoured tonics (really?).

And at the other end of the scale, complex, dark rums aged in oak are providing a much cheaper but arguably as satisfying alternative to the over-priced single malt whisky market. Many drinkers are feeling at best unhappy at the cost of un-aged entry-level malts and, at worst, disgusted at how quality whisky has all but priced itself out of the reach of the regular bar dweller.

In between the two extremes are the rums that can be mixed into long drinks and cocktails without fuss and with no hint of superiority or snobbery.

Perhaps, though, rum is becoming popular for no other reason than that it’s happy juice. It is to spirits what Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again is to movies; a harmless, easy to love slice of fun, designed to help us escape from an increasingly grim and depressing world.

Whatever the reason for its success, the trend is a welcome one. Yo ho, and verily, ho.

Let us know why rum floats your boat... 

This irresistible little number is made with
30ml Pirate’s Grog Five Year
20ml Disarrono
20ml Lemon Juice
10ml Orgeat Syrup,
25ml Egg White,
1 x Cherry Bitters

Glass: Baby Coupette

Garnish: Cherry on a stick

Method: Shake & Strain

BUT THAT'S NOT ALL...

As part of this month long celebration the crew will be TAKING OVER London Cocktail Club in Bethnal Green on Thursday 25th October, to shower all who dare with rum and riches!

The venue is a basement bar / rum parlour, where skull and crossbones adorn the walls, making it the perfect spot for a pirate knees up.

The Captain has announced that, for one rum & bass night only, he will be delivering his finest liquor to craft a special menu of signature serves available for ONE NIGHT ONLY!

So corsets and cutlasses at the ready... Let's get LOOSE!

For more info visit the Facebook Event Page

WINTER EVENTS

For Winter 2018 the crew have selected a few of their favourite events, where they will be hosting an irresistible winter warmer menu that's sure to get you into the perfect Christmassey spirit. 

MASTERCLASSES

We're also excited to announce the launch of our new masterclass space at PG HQ in Tottenham Hale. Throughout October, November & December, all discerning pirates will have the opportunity to come and meet the crew, try the whole Pirate's Grog product range, including the brand spanking new Pirate's Grog Spiced Rum and whip up a few fancy cocktails to enjoy. Expect a copious amount of rum, a lot of laughs and a smattering of naughtiness! 

Stay tuned to find out how to get tickets!

BAR HIRE

And finally, if all that isn't quite enough for you and your dastardly gang, you can hire the Pirate's Grog Rum Bar for private parties and events. Find out more on the Bar Hire page or email info@piratesgrogrum.com