A Rugby and Rum Lover’s European Tour 

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In Europe, the odd-shaped ball tournament is called the Six Nations. The nations involved are England, France, Ireland, Italy, Scotland and Wales. Played every year on weekends in February and March, its history goes back to 1883, but in the current format since 2000.

The 2024 Six Nations Championship will receive a total number of visitors over 500,000, or approx. 65,000 for each game. In Europe, stadiums are often in the city, but there are so many rum distilleries in such prime real estate. However, we’ll take you on a tour of rum options.

A weekend city break to Rome, Dublin, London, Paris, Edinburgh, or Cardiff awaits. But what if you also love rum? Are there rum distilleries or rum bars you can visit? Let’s take you on a nation-by-nation tour.

But, wait, do cold European countries make rum? The quick answer is: Yes. However, it’s best to plan your visit. There are over 300 rum producers or brands in Europe. Some import spirit, and many import the stable raw ingredient called molasses to distill it to make rum. The nearest sugarcane growing regions are Madeira, Canaries, or Sicily, but there is one grower in the south of France.

In The UK, about 135 rum producers are shown on our map. Of course, not all of you can visit, you can check their profiles and see for yourself. Make a weekend of it and visit a rum distillery or producer. It’s time for kick-off, let the Six Nations tour begin!

England

Twickenham Stadium in London holds 82,000 people. For rum lovers, London has a few options but it’s worth planning. The London Distillery School at London Bridge has a Rum Blending Experience you can book in the pre-match build-up – on Fridays 6:30pm– 8:30pm.

In Central London, there are some rum brand HQs, but distilleries to visit tend to be further out. So, there are not many producers to visit near Twickenham Stadium. A little further out you can visit The Henley Distillery, the Old Bakery Rum Distillery, or Old Leigh Rum in Southend.

However, there are plenty of rum bars to explore in town or West London after the game and try local rum for instance; Burlock Rum Room, Black Parrot Bar, Merchants House, and Trailer Happiness. Sugar Cane Bar in Lavender Hill is probably the nearest on the way to the stadium. And, there are numerous Caribbean options like The Rum Kitchen Soho. See all the English rum producers on our England Rum Map 

France

Often the games in France are played in Stade de France in Paris. However, in 2024 the games will be played in 3 different locations; Stade Vélodrome in Marseille Parc Olympique Lyonnais in Lyon, and Decathlon Arena, in Lille.
In Marseille, Maison Ferroni has a store in town, and their distillery at Château des Creissauds is about 30 30-minute drive outside the city. They offer a free guided tour by appointment to visit the cellar and taste some of their interesting range of rums.

For Lille, The nearest rum distillery is Distillerie Vauban about 30 minutes away.  La Pirogue cocktail bar in the old city is a good spot to try rum. In Lyon, you can book the Distillerie De Lyon or shop at La Maison Des Rhum. For rum bars try Barberousse, and La Taverne du Perroquet. 

If you spend a night in Paris, there’s a selection of rum bars like Dirty Dicks, Maria Loca, Mabel, and La Rhumerie. For 2024 there’s a brand-new rum bar in Le Monastic on the Reine Margot estate in Issy-les-Moulineaux. See all the French rum producers on our France Rum Map 

Ireland

Rugby’s No.1 rated team hosts its games at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin. Better known for Irish whiskey and Guinness, a few rum brands are emerging in Ireland. Two Shores Rum is an Irish rum brand based in Dublin.

There are plenty of rum-soaked bars like Ohana Tiki Bar, or the Wigwam in Dublin (pictured). The nearest rum distillery to visit is a 90-minute drive away at Fore Distillery. In the north, Killowen Distillery is the nearest, and about 2 hours’ drive from Dublin. See all the rum producers on our Irish Rum Maps: Northern Ireland 
Republic of Ireland

Italy

The Azzurri team hosts their games at the Stadio Olimpico in Rome. It’s unique in that it also hosts both local football teams Roma, and Lazio.
For rum lovers, Rome is home to the Samaroli rum brand but not distilleries you can visit. You’d have to go further north to La Casa Del Rum Distilleria Toscana on the Tuscan coast.

However, Rome has some cool spots to try rum; Alambicco rhumerie, Q’s Rummeria, Banana Republic, or Makai Surf & Tiki Bar (pictured) are good options. See all the Italian rum producers on our Italy Rum Map 

Scotland

Scotland’s matches are held at Murrayfield Stadium in Edinburgh, the capital city. Matugga Rum Distillery is the nearest artisanal rum distillery, based in Livingston, about a 20-minute drive from the stadium. You can check dates and book here for their tours held at 6.30pm-8pm.

 There are several rum producers based in and around Edinburgh, but your best bet in town for a visit is at Holyrood Distillery (pictured) which produces Elizabeth Yard Rum, specialises in Sherry cask finished rum, and has a tour. There’s also a ‎bookable Rum School event here at The Cumberland Bar, in the new town. You’ll get to distill your recipe in their small copper pot stills and take a bottle home.

As of April 2024, Edinburgh has a new rum bar called Ruma 
Scotland is better known for Scotch whisky, however, there are now over 20 rum producers here. See all the local rum producers on our Scotland Rum Map 

Wales

Wales is a rugby nation where passionate fans meet bang in the middle of Cardiff at the Millennium Stadium. It holds 73,931 people and is a must-visit for rugby fans. Cardiff Distillery was established in 2019 and produces rum for brands, but doesn’t currently offer a tour. The nearest rum tour is a 30-minute drive to Newport for the Spirit of Wales Distillery. You can book ahead on their site on Friday and Saturday at 2pm and 4pm.

Rum lovers can enjoy a few options for bars pre/post-match; Barker Rum & Fizz cocktail bar (pictured), The Bootlegger, The Dead Canary, or Kapu for Tiki drinks. See all the local rum producers on our Wales Rum Map 

The Six Nations championships kick-start Spring in Europe as tourism awakes from its winter slumber. Whether you get to a match or want to find a good spot to try rum and explore local producers; keep an eye on our ever-changing rum maps. Tag and share your favourites and how you get over on our socials

Image credits to social platform users. 

 

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