The sun has decided to start to come out to play and we can feel that the beautiful Henley summer is not far off, so here’s some great news about what to drink in Henners this year!

Further to their two limited edition rums at the end of last year, the architects behind England’s Best London Dry Gin, award-winning Henley Distillery will be expanding their repertoire and will be releasing three editions of Temple Island Rum on 12th May – white rum, a spiced rum and coffee. Henley’s first and only rums.

We can already picture those lazy, hazy summer days with a delicious Temple Island Rum cocktail in hand!

Jacob Wilson, co-owner of The Henley Distillery and one of the youngest Master Distillers in the UK, has crafted his rums by blending the very best rums from the Caribbean islands made from sugar cane and molasses before redistilling to enhance and impart new flavours and spices.

Jacob said: “I’m thrilled with all three of the Temple Island Rums, they offer rum fans (and hopefully some converts too) something very special. New product and recipe development is the best part of my job as a Master Distiller and I relish having the creative freedom to push boundaries whilst sticking to my belief in the quality of small batch production.”

A competitive rower in his teenage years, Jacob offers an affectionate nod to Temple Island in the naming of his rum – an iconic landmark on the regatta course and a symbol of home.

Temple Island White Rum

This classic Caribbean white rum has been distilled with Tonka bean and vanilla, then infused with even more vanilla for an exceptionally buttery smooth finish.

Perfect serve:  a versatile spirit, it pairs perfectly with cola, ginger ale or ginger beer. Or transport yourself to the Caribbean with a Pina Colada.

Temple Island Coffee Rum

Distilled with coffee beans, cacao nibs and vanilla beans and then blended with homemade caramel and vanilla syrups to sweeten and add a depth of colour, this rum is bursting with flavour.

Perfect serve: neat over ice – drink this chilled with your eyes closed, and you’d be forgiven for thinking it’s an Espresso Martini but without the caffeine hit.

Temple Island Spiced Rum

A contemporary twist on a classic Spiced Rum, expect to find notes of cinnamon, ginger and black pepper along with soft notes of vanilla and caramel to round out the palate.

Perfect Serve: enjoy neat over ice or with classic pairings of cola, ginger ale or ginger beer. Or a great addition to spice up a Daiquiri or Mojito.

The Temple Island Rums will launch on 12 May (pre-order available soon) and will be priced at £35 for the 50cl bottle and £15 for the 20cl bottle.

Here’s to happy rum filled Henley summer…

* The Henley Gin Classic Dry won the award for the Best London Dry Gin in England at the World Gin Awards 2022 and The Henley Distillery won the award for New Distillery of the Year (worldwide) at The Gin Guide Awards 2022.