There’s an air of disrepute associated with rum; the piratical Caribbean, slavery and drunken sailors. In Australia in the early 1800s, rum was even used as payment for everyday commodities. When word reached London of this rum do, William Bligh (remembered by history as the disposed captain during the Mutiny on the Bounty), was appointed governor of New South Wales with orders to stamp out the practice. Bligh’s heavy-handed actions sparked a ‘rum rebellion’ and it took two years to restore some semblance of order.

However, we digress. The Caribbean and Central America is traditionally viewed as the centre of the rum production. However, hidden in the backwoods of East Yorkshire you can find a rare insight into the world of Moonshine and Rum. Out of sight, by hammer and by fire, the family behind the Twisted Roots Distillery hand-built their crowning glory. It stands 10ft tall and is a one thousand litre, copper pot still. By fire it was born and by fire it’s heated. Separating spirit from wash, the gentle purr of the flames burn on for 18 hours at a time.

At the White Lodge you will have the opportunity to taste two rum based cocktails, four full measures of the rums distilled at Boynton and snacks. The tasting will be led by the owner and lead distiller of Twisted  Roots, Piers Moats. It’ll be a Rum Do to be sure! Ring the White Lodge Hotel between 8am and 3pm on 01723 514771 to obtain a virtual ticket. The tasting takes place on Thursday 10th March from 7pm. Tickets are just £25 and include some snacks.