Meet the Producer: North Point | 2021
The heart of the award-winning North Point Distillery is our home, Scotland. Everything that goes into our products -- from our botanicals and casks, to the backstory, to our sustainability practices -- is inspired by this beautiful place we call home.
Our North Point Pilot Rum, honours the rich history of the seafaring pilots based on the Northern Coast of Scotland, who safely led Caribbean-bound ships through the treacherous waters of the Pentland Firth, some even being swept away and inadvertently joining the Rum trade. It’s a history few know, and one we’re proud to share with the world. The Rum itself comes alive when you taste it: with raw sugarcane from Barbados carrying hints of toffee and vanilla, and further Caribbean styling of muscovado and demerara sugar, this 40%ABV Rum is mellow and sweet, with a robust, smoky finish from the Highland Scotch Whisky casks we use for our 6 month, in-house aging process.
Our one-of-a-kind, electrically-powered Still, which combines a copper pot with a Whisky helmet, Rum column, and Gin basket -- lovingly named: Sandy Stroma -- allows us to combine the distilling practices of the Caribbean and Scotland for our Rum.
Our founders, Struan Mackie and Alex MacDonald, ensured that sustainability is a cornerstone of our distillery and you can see it in our bottle. Sourced from bottle maker Estal, our bottles are made 100% out of recycled glass, creating the unique texture found on our bottles. In fact, no single-use plastic components can be found anywhere in our spirit production. North Point Distillery operates on a simple principle that our Rum should only touch the copper of our Still, the wood of our casks, and the glass in our bottles.
Alongside our Pilot Rum we also have just launched our new Spiced Rum, born from our Distiller’s Edition, which you’ll find has a decadent nose of vanilla and orange zest combined with the richness of cacao nibs, and the earthiness of a cardamom and cinnamon-led spice mix.
Since our launch in September we’ve focused locally, collaborating within our community in Caithness and the Highlands, but we’re thrilled to be part of the Rum Festival to share our story and products with the rest of Scotland. It’s a wildly exciting time for Scottish Rum.
