Six Nations European Rum Tour
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 Six Nations Championship receives over 500,000 visitors, or approx. 65,000 for each game. In Europe, stadiums are often in the capital city. There are few rum distilleries in such prime real estate, but we’ll take you to the main hubs and share some local 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 imports 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.
The UK has the most rum producers in the region with approximately 150 rum producers. Not all you can visit, but you can check their profiles and see what’s available locally to have a taste. Make a weekend of it and visit a rum distillery or rum bar. It’s time for kick-off—let the Six Nations tour begin.
England
There are nearly 100 rum brands and distilleries in our England Rum Map. In modern times 2012 saw the first English-made rum, and the rise in craft distilleries has well over 30 rums distilled in England. Matches are held at Twickenham Stadium in London, which can hold 82,000 people. For rum lovers, London has plenty of options for good rum bars. The London Distillery School at London Bridge offers a Rum Blending Experience, which you can book during the pre-match build-up, on Fridays from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
In Central London, there are some rum brand offices, but distilleries to visit tend to be further out. There are not many distilleries to visit close to Twickenham Stadium itself. But, a little further out you can visit The Henley Distillery, the Old Bakery Rum Distillery, or Old Leigh Rum in Southend. The numerous rum bars in the city and West London after the game include; Burlock Rum Room, Black Parrot Bar, Merchants House, Laki Kane, The Rhum Tavern, and Trailer Happiness. Sugar Cane Bar in Lavender Hill is probably the nearest on the way to the stadium. And, there are several Caribbean places like Cottons Restaurant, Ma Petite Jamaica or Limin Southbank. Read 12 Craft Distilleries Shaping the English Rum Scene
See all the English rum brands on our England Rum Map
France
France has about 60 rum brands and distilleries. And, in 2022 the first cane juice rum made in Metropolitan France – organic rum from craft distillers are redefining what French rum can be. For the Six Nations, often the games in France are played in Stade de France in Paris. There are a few options in Île-de-France within an hour of the stadium. The most centrally located distillery to visit is La Distillerie de Paris. In Paris, there’s a selection of rum bars like Dirty Dicks, Maria Loca, Mabel, and La Rhumerie. There’s a new rum bar in Le Monastic on the Reine Margot estate in Issy-les-Moulineaux.
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. Read the Rum Guide to France
See all the French rum producers on our France Rum Map
Ireland
Ireland is more famous for whiskey but has a couple of brands and Irish-made rum. 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
Italy has a deep connection with rum, from traders to bottlers and now craft distillers and even making cane juice rum in Sicily. 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. This is a popular European city break destination. 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
Like Ireland, it’s famous for whisky, but now has around 30 rum brands and about a dozen distilling rum in the land of Scotch whisky. Scotland’s matches are held at Murrayfield Stadium in Edinburgh, the capital city – another popular European city break destination. Matugga Rum Distillery is the nearest artisanal rum distillery, based in Livingston, about a 20-minute drive from the stadium. There are several rum producers based in and around Edinburgh, but the nearest 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 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. Further afield is Blackness Bay Distillery or NB Rum Distillery in North Berwick. Edinburgh also has a rum-focused bar called Ruma near Edinburgh Waverley train station, and you’ll find Edinburgh West End and Haymarket bars popular during the games.
Read the Rum Guide to Scotland
You’ll find local Scottish rum sold in stores and bars, so you can familiarise yourself with them 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
In Europe, tourism awakes from its winter slumber with the Six Nations and Valentine’s Day city breaks. 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. Share your experiences with us on our Instagram
To make the most of your trip, it’s best to contact and book your tour or table ahead of schedule as these are very busy places during the live events. For all 27 European countries with rum explore our Europe Rum Map
Image credits to social platform users.