Star & Key expands in Europe – The Spirits Business

Dublin-based Cobblestone Brands has brought its Star & Key Rum to Belgium and Luxembourg.

The rum will be available in leading bars, restaurants and retailers across Belgium through distributor Premium Spirits.

The launch will be celebrated at Belgian rum festival Salon Du Rhum, held in Spa on 5 and 6 October, with more than 2,500 rum enthusiasts expected to be in attendance.

Star & Key debuted in March and is made in Mauritius from fresh cane juice. A single-estate rum, it is the second spirit from Cobblestone Brands following the launch of its Four Corners American gin.

Gary McLoughlin, co-founder and marketing director of Star & Key, said: “Our rum is not just a product of the island’s rich terroir but also of our passion for producing authentic, craft spirits with a real sense of place.

“Mauritius was one of the first places to cultivate sugar cane, and today, that heritage informs every bottle we produce. Fresh cane juice retains the essence of the soil and climate throughout the growing season, and by utilising both red and yellow cane varietals, we create rums with unparalleled authenticity and character.”

Star & Key is made on the Labourdonnais estate, which is the eighth-generation estate of one of Cobblestone’s owners Nice Wiehe. The estate is one of the oldest in Mauritius, having been established in 1856.

There are two Star & Key expressions: VSOP and Passion Fruit Rum.

The VSOP won two Master medals at The Rum & Cachaça Masters 2024.

“Star & Key’s dedication to authenticity and craftsmanship aligns perfectly with our ethos”, added Jacques and Claudia Carlens, owners of Premium Spirits.

“A great liquid in an innovative, appealing bottle with a real distillery and well known key professionals are behind this future star brand. We are excited to introduce these exceptional rums to our market and are confident that they will resonate with both connoisseurs and casual drinkers alike.”

Visitors at the Salon Du Rhum launch celebration will be able to sample both of the brand’s expressions and learn its story.

After that, the rums will be introduced to the Italian trade at Show Rum 2024 Italian Rum Festival in Bologna, on 7 October.

Earlier this year, The Spirits Business spoke to Kevin Keenan, creative director and co-founder of Cobblestone Brands, who told us about the rising interest in cane rum.

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