Rum Champions: Fergus McGowan

In recent years, Scotland has become a hotbed for rum producers, with brands like J.Gow and the Ice and Fire Distillery producing top quality tipple. There’s a lot of room for innovation and the opportunity to tell local stories through the medium of drink. 

For Fergus McGowan, he wanted to tell the story of the Isle of Rùm, setting up Askival rum in one of the remotest places in the world. The Rum Ration recently spoke to McGowan about his thoughts on setting up a drink brand in lockdown and what goes into Askival rum to make it unique. 

Rum Champions: John Gulla

Rum Champions is all about sharing the stories of the folks who’re passionate about making, promoting and talking rum. An awesome resource that deals with those last two points is Rumcast, a podcast that’s hosted by John Gulla and Will Hoekenga. 

It was a pleasure to interview John about his journey into rum and what inspired him to set up the podcast. Read on to discover John’s thoughts on how rum compares to bourbon, the state of the rum industry in Miami and the famous historical characters he’d share a tot with. 

Rum Champions: Collin Van Schayk

Rum Champions highlights the stories of the folks who’re doing some awesome things in the rum industry and it was a pleasure to chat to Collin Van Schayk, the founder of J.Gow rum. Named after the infamous Orkney pirate, John Gow, J.Gow is a brand that’s been built from a place of passion and determination.

Collin went into detail about the production method behind his rum, where J.Gow is going in the future and a couple of sexy new releases that are happening soon.

Rum Champions: Lisette Davis

Rum Champions tells the stories of people who’re passionate about rum and how they became a part of the industry. For Lisette Davis, it’s about highlighting the diversity of Grenada culture and the rum that makes the island one of the most beautiful places to visit on Earth.

The Rum Ration caught up with The First Lady of Grenada rum to discuss what makes Grenada special and what it’s like to run a business that combines culture, chocolate and rum into a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Rum Champions: Damian Wampler

Rum Champions is a series that shares the stories of people who’re passionate about rum culture. The Rum Ration is pleased to provide an interview with graphic novel writer Damian Wampler, who is set to release a gripping noir comic called The Rum-Running Queen. Set during Prohibition, the comic is a tale of freedom, morality and feminism.

It was great to chat with Damian about his inspiration behind the comic, what got him into rum and his advice for breaking into the comic industry.