Equiano Original Rum
The world’s first African–Caribbean rum, Equiano Original blends aged rums from Mauritius and Barbados, tropically matured in ex-bourbon and ex-Cognac casks. Natural, additive-free and bottled at 43% ABV, it offers buttery oak, dried fruits and orange marmalade—refined for sipping and smart gifting. Tasting Notes & Experience
Buttery oak and butterscotch on the nose with liquorice, orange marmalade and dried berries. The palate is rich yet balanced—vanilla, caramel and tropical fruit—leading to a deep, oak-lined finish. Key Details
- Distillery / Blender: Gray’s Distillery (Mauritius) & Foursquare Distillery (Barbados); Equiano Rum Co.
- Type: Aged Blended Rum
- Region: Mauritius & Barbados
- ABV: 43%
- Volume: 700ml
- Stills: Pot & column stills
- Aging: Tropically matured in ex-bourbon (Barbados) and ex-Cognac / French oak (Mauritius)
- Other: 100% natural; Vegan-friendly; Gluten-free
- Signature Serve: Neat or over a large cube Cocktail Pairings
An Equiano Manhattan for spiced-oak elegance; a Burrell Daiquiri to showcase citrus precision; a Gold & Stormy for gingered lift; or an Old Fashioned where natural sweetness and orange bitters sing. Craftsmanship & Story
Named for abolitionist Olaudah Equiano, this collaboration marries Mauritius column-distilled rum (French oak & ex-Cognac) with Barbados single-blended rum (ex-bourbon). The result is an additive-free profile—no sugar, spice or colour—built purely from cask and climate. Special Features
First African–Caribbean blend; 100% natural (no additives); dual-cask maturation (ex-Cognac & ex-bourbon); limited-batch bottlings with philanthropic roots. Recognition & Accolades
Consistently decorated across leading competitions for purity, craft and flavour.
- Trophy: Meininger’s International Spirits Award “Rum of the Year", 2022
- Gold: IWSC, 2020 (96 points)
- Gold: International Spirits Challenge, 2019 (Rum Aged – No Age Statement)
- Gold: Spirits Selection – Concours Mondial de Bruxelles
- Gold: San Francisco World Spirits Competition
- Silver: IWSC, 2019 (Dark Rum, ~90 pts)
- Silver: Bartender Spirits Awards, 2023 (Equiano Original, 89 pts)
Awards underscore Equiano’s standing as a natural, cask-driven rum with global acclaim. Perfect for Gifting or Sipping
A sophisticated choice for milestones, anniversaries and corporate thanks—impressive neat, refined over a single cube, and superb in elevated classics. Fast, Secure NZ-Wide Delivery
Order online for fast delivery. Lovingly packed with a selection of stylish packaging and a personal message option to complete the perfect gift.