Equiano Original Rum

The world’s first African–Caribbean rum, Equiano Original blends aged rums from Mauritius and Barbados, tropically matured in ex-bourbon and ex-Cognac casks. Natural, additive-free and bottled at 43% ABV, it offers buttery oak, dried fruits and orange marmalade—refined for sipping and smart gifting.

Tasting Notes & Experience

Buttery oak and butterscotch on the nose with liquorice, orange marmalade and dried berries. The palate is rich yet balanced—vanilla, caramel and tropical fruit—leading to a deep, oak-lined finish.

Key Details

• Distillery / Blender: Gray’s Distillery (Mauritius) & Foursquare Distillery (Barbados); Equiano Rum Co.
• Type: Aged Blended Rum
• Region: Mauritius & Barbados
• ABV: 43%
• Volume: 700ml
• Stills: Pot & column stills
• Aging: Tropically matured in ex-bourbon (Barbados) and ex-Cognac / French oak (Mauritius)
• Other: 100% natural; Vegan-friendly; Gluten-free
• Signature Serve: Neat or over a large cube

Cocktail Pairings

An Equiano Manhattan for spiced-oak elegance; a Burrell Daiquiri to showcase citrus precision; a Gold & Stormy for gingered lift; or an Old Fashioned where natural sweetness and orange bitters sing.

Craftsmanship & Story

Named for abolitionist Olaudah Equiano, this collaboration marries Mauritius column-distilled rum (French oak & ex-Cognac) with Barbados single-blended rum (ex-bourbon). The result is an additive-free profile—no sugar, spice or colour—built purely from cask and climate.

Special Features

First African–Caribbean blend; 100% natural (no additives); dual-cask maturation (ex-Cognac & ex-bourbon); limited-batch bottlings with philanthropic roots.

Recognition & Accolades

Consistently decorated across leading competitions for purity, craft and flavour.

• Trophy: Meininger’s International Spirits Award “Rum of the Year”, 2022
• Gold: IWSC, 2020 (96 points)
• Gold: International Spirits Challenge, 2019 (Rum Aged – No Age Statement)
• Gold: Spirits Selection – Concours Mondial de Bruxelles
• Gold: San Francisco World Spirits Competition
• Silver: IWSC, 2019 (Dark Rum, ~90 pts)
• Silver: Bartender Spirits Awards, 2023 (Equiano Original, 89 pts)

Awards underscore Equiano’s standing as a natural, cask-driven rum with global acclaim.

Perfect for Gifting or Sipping

A sophisticated choice for milestones, anniversaries and corporate thanks—impressive neat, refined over a single cube, and superb in elevated classics.

Fast, Secure NZ-Wide Delivery

Order online for fast NZ delivery. Lovingly packed with a selection of stylish packaging and a personal message option to complete the perfect gift.