Shakespeare Distillery has unveiled a new rum tasting experience at Judith’s, the former home of Shakespeare’s daughter, adding another chapter to the town’s rich cultural and artisanal heritage.
The one-hour experience offers visitors a deep dive into the world of rum, featuring a welcome drink and a guided tasting of three distinctive rums, including a special cask-aged release. Priced at £14.50 for adults and £9.50 for children aged 8-17, the experience is available throughout February and March, with weekend sessions continuing from April.
Located in a building steeped in historical significance, the experience takes place at No 1 High Street, a site once home to Judith Shakespeare and her husband Thomas Quiney. The venue’s cellar, reportedly part of an early jail dating back to around 1470, adds an extra layer of intrigue to the tasting experience.
The distillery has quickly become a local attraction, garnering multiple awards including gold and silver at the West Midlands Tourism Awards in 2020, 2022, and 2024. It was also named ‘Stratford’s Top Attraction’ in the Herald Business & Tourism Awards and ranked among the top 10 UK distillery experiences by Spirits Business magazine.
“Our first Rum Tasting on February 1st was completely sold out,” said Peter Monks, Director of Shakespeare Distillery. “We’re excited to offer rum enthusiasts a unique way to explore spirits in such a historic setting.”
Founded in 2015 by Simon Picken and Peter Monks, the distillery is Stratford-upon-Avon’s only working distillery. They are part of a growing trend in the UK rum market, which has expanded from 50 brands 12 years ago to over 200 today. The distillery stands out by creating its ‘Jester’ Rum entirely on-site and offering comprehensive spirit experiences.
Visitors can choose from a range of experiences including Rum Schools, Gin Tastings, Cocktail Masterclasses, and even River Avon Gin Tasting Cruises. The venue promises to blend historical ambiance with contemporary artisanal spirit crafting.
Bookings for the Rum Tasting can be made online at shakespearedistillery.com, offering spirit enthusiasts a unique opportunity to explore rum in a location rich with Shakespearean history.
Leave a Reply