A rum brand from Islay is expanding into Germany through a new distribution partnership with a leading spirits importer.
The Original Islay Rum, produced by The Islay Spirits Company at the island's first dedicated rum distillery, has launched in the German market through a partnership with Kirsch Import.
The deal will see the brand's core range distributed across Germany, building on its existing direct-to-consumer sales in the UK.
The Islay Rum Distillery, based in Port Ellen, began production in January 2022 in a restored former lemonade factory.
Its core range includes Barrel Aged rum, which is rested in ex-peated Islay whisky casks, Geal pure single white rum and Peat Spiced rum, which is smoked over a peat fire.
The distillery released its first single-cask expression, The Original Islay Rum Sherry Wood, in May. The limited-edition release comprised 390 bottles.
The expansion into Germany follows a series of industry awards for the brand.
The Barrel Aged expression won Double Gold at the 2026 San Francisco World Spirits Competition, scoring 98 points.
It also won Gold at the 2025 International Wine & Spirit Competition and received three stars at the 2026 Great Taste Awards.
Kirsch Import was founded in 1976 and is now led by Christoph Kirsch.
The company distributes more than 4,500 premium spirits to retailers and the hospitality sector across Germany.
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Andrew Crook, director at The Islay Spirits Company said: “As a family-owned, independent business, we feel very closely aligned with the Kirsch Import team.
“They share our values in good, honest business and they have seen the magic of The Original Islay Rum.
“Germany is one of the most knowledgeable spirits markets in the world, and its drinkers already have a deep affection for Islay whisky.
“Kirsch has spent 50 years earning the trust of that audience, and there's no better partner to introduce our rum to it.”
Christoph Kirsch, managing director at Kirsch Import said: “Fifty years in this business makes you careful about what you take on.
“We get offered a lot of rum and say no to most of it, but this is their own spirit, distilled in Port Ellen, not bought in and dressed up.
“Islay is home ground for us.
“We have sold whisky from that island to German drinkers for decades, so we know the audience will be curious about this one.”
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