Discover the Isle of Man's Fynoderee Distillery: Unveiling the Glashtyn Cask-Aged Rum

Nestled in the heart of the Isle of Man, the Fynoderee Distillery has long been celebrated for its commitment to crafting exceptional spirits that capture the essence of the island's rich heritage and natural beauty. 

With an unwavering dedication to quality and innovation, Fynoderee has now introduced a remarkable addition to its repertoire: the Glashtyn Cask-Aged Rum. This new offering marks the distillery's first foray into the world of cask-aged rums, and it promises to be a game-changer for rum aficionados and spirit enthusiasts alike.

A Nod to Myth and Legend

The name "Glashtyn" is steeped in Manx folklore, drawing inspiration from the mythical water horse known to inhabit the island's rugged coastlines and misty glens. Much like its namesake, the Glashtyn Cask-Aged Rum is shrouded in an air of mystery and allure, captivating those who seek an extraordinary sensory experience.

Craftsmanship and Tradition

The creation of the Glashtyn Cask-Aged Rum is a testament to Fynoderee Distillery's meticulous craftsmanship and reverence for tradition. The rum is distilled from the finest molasses, sourced with an emphasis on sustainability and quality. After distillation, the rum embarks on a transformative journey through time as it matures in carefully selected oak casks. These casks, previously used for ageing premium spirits, impart a depth of flavour and complexity that is truly unparalleled.

Tasting Notes

The Glashtyn Cask-Aged Rum delights the palate with a symphony of flavours that evolve with each sip. On the nose, one is greeted with enticing aromas of caramel, vanilla, and a hint of tropical fruit. The first taste reveals a harmonious blend of rich toffee, dark chocolate, and dried fruits, underscored by subtle spices and a whisper of oak. The finish is smooth and lingering, leaving a warm, satisfying impression that beckons for another taste.

A Celebration of Island Terroir

Fynoderee Distillery's Glashtyn Cask-Aged Rum is more than just a spirit; it is a celebration of the Isle of Man's unique terroir. The island's pristine environment, with its bracing sea breezes and temperate climate, plays a crucial role in the rum's maturation process. The result is a spirit that encapsulates the very essence of the Isle of Man, offering a taste that is both authentic and evocative.

The Perfect Addition to Any Collection

For collectors and connoisseurs, the Glashtyn Cask-Aged Rum represents a must-have addition to any well-curated spirits collection. Its distinctive character and limited availability make it a coveted treasure for those who appreciate the artistry and passion that goes into crafting a truly exceptional rum.

Join the Fynoderee Family

Fynoderee Distillery invites you to join them in celebrating the launch of the Glashtyn Cask-Aged Rum. Whether you're a seasoned rum enthusiast or simply looking to expand your palate, this new release offers an unparalleled opportunity to experience the magic of the Isle of Man in every glass. Visit the distillery, explore their range of spirits, and discover the stories that make Fynoderee a beacon of Manx tradition and innovation.

In conclusion, the Glashtyn Cask-Aged Rum is a testament to Fynoderee Distillery's unwavering commitment to excellence. It embodies the spirit of the Isle of Man, bringing together myth, tradition, and craftsmanship in a bottle. Don't miss the chance to savour this extraordinary rum and become a part of the Fynoderee legacy. Cheers to new beginnings and the timeless allure of the Glashtyn!

https://fynoderee.com/en-gb

Exploring the Culinary Delights of the Isle of Man

Image courtesy of silviaguilera1 from Pixabay

Nestled in the Irish Sea, the Isle of Man boasts not only stunning landscapes but also a rich culinary heritage that reflects its history and culture. With influences from its Celtic roots, Viking invasions, and British traditions, the cuisine of the Isle of Man is a delightful blend of flavours and ingredients that captivate the senses.

Traditional Fare:

At the heart of Manx cuisine lies a reverence for locally sourced produce and seafood. The island's fertile lands yield an abundance of fresh vegetables, while its coastal waters teem with a variety of fish and shellfish. Traditional dishes often celebrate these natural bounties in simple yet delicious preparations.

1. Manx Bonnag:

This iconic bread, akin to a soda bread, is a staple of Manx cuisine. Made with flour, buttermilk, and baking soda, Manx Bonnag is hearty and versatile, often enjoyed toasted with butter or paired with cheese.

2. Manx Kippers:

Smoked herring, known as kippers, holds a special place in Manx gastronomy. The fish are cured and then smoked over smouldering oak chips, imparting a rich, smoky flavour. Served hot with a squeeze of lemon, kippers make for a quintessential Manx breakfast.

3. Queenies:

These succulent scallops harvested from the surrounding waters are a delicacy on the Isle of Man. Whether pan-seared with garlic butter or served in a creamy sauce atop pasta, Queenies showcase the island's seafood prowess.

Influences from Across the Sea:

While traditional dishes remain cherished, the Isle of Man's culinary scene also reflects influences from beyond its shores. With its proximity to Britain and Ireland, as well as historical ties to Scandinavia, the island's cuisine has embraced a diverse range of flavours and cooking techniques.

4. Pasties:

Drawing inspiration from Cornwall, the Manx pasty is a handheld delight filled with meat, potatoes, and vegetables, encased in a flaky pastry crust. Perfect for a quick lunch or a hearty snack on the go, the pasty embodies comfort food at its finest.

5. Lamb Dishes:

Manx lamb, raised on the island's lush pastures, is celebrated for its tenderness and flavour. Whether roasted with rosemary and garlic or simmered in a hearty stew, lamb dishes feature prominently in Manx cuisine, paying homage to the island's agricultural heritage.

6. Scandinavian Influences:

The Isle of Man's Norse heritage is evident in dishes such as smoked haddock and creamy fish pies, reminiscent of Scandinavian comfort food. These dishes highlight the island's culinary diversity, bridging the gap between past and present.

Modern Innovations:

As the culinary landscape evolves, so too does the Isle of Man's food scene. With a growing emphasis on sustainability and innovation, local chefs are reimagining traditional recipes while incorporating global influences and techniques.

7. Farm-to-Table Dining:

Embracing the island's abundant produce, restaurants across the Isle of Man champion farm-to-table dining, showcasing seasonal ingredients in inventive and flavourful dishes. From vibrant salads to inventive vegetable-centric mains, Manx cuisine is evolving with the times while staying true to its roots.

8. Fusion Flavours:

Innovative chefs are blending Manx ingredients with international flavours, creating fusion dishes that tantalise the taste buds. Whether it's Asian-inspired seafood dishes or Mediterranean-influenced tapas, these culinary creations reflect the island's cosmopolitan character.

9. Craft Beverages:

The Isle of Man's burgeoning craft beverage scene is also making waves, with local breweries and distilleries producing a diverse array of beers, ciders, and spirits. Visitors can sample artisanal brews and spirits crafted with care, adding another layer of depth to the island's gastronomic offerings. I must admit I'm rather partial to a pint of Okells beer.

In conclusion, the cuisine of the Isle of Man is a vibrant tapestry woven from tradition, innovation, and a deep connection to the land and sea. Whether savouring time-honoured classics or exploring modern culinary creations, visitors to the island are sure to embark on a gastronomic journey that delights the senses and leaves a lasting impression.

Refuge Manx Rum is announced by Fynoderee Distillery

The Fynoderee Distillery is pleased to be able to announce details of Refuge Manx Rum, the second premium spirit to be launched as part of its Coastal Collection of Spirits range, the distillery’s fundraising partnership with the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI), which also aims to shine a light on the Manx origins of the charity. 

The barrel-aged Refuge Manx Rum will be a limited-edition organic spirit launching in 2024 to mark the 200th anniversary of the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI). 

Living up to its name, this very special rum is currently securely locked away in the iconic Tower of Refuge and will mature in the monument for over a year before being released for sale towards the end of next year, 2024.

It will have a very special journey for a very special cargo, electric tram, horse tram and tractor! The Fynoderee team felt the rum’s journey to the tower deserved a very special send-off from the distillery, which is based next door to the Manx Electric Railway station in Ramsey. 

They were able to utilise and promote the Isle of Man’s unique Victorian transport network to navigate the challenging task of transporting their rum to the Tower. Barrels were loaded onto the Manx Electric Railway’s Goods Wagon (previously not used for several decades) to Derby Castle Station in Douglas. They were then loaded onto a horse tram pulled by “Torrin” the Clydesdale Trammer who pulled the cargo along the promenade to the War Memorial in Douglas. 

Sent to the Tower?

Exploiting the last Equinox low tide of the year, the rum was then loaded onto a trailer and towed along the causeway to the Tower by tractor where it will rest, maturing in first-fill oak Bourbon casks and absorbing the unique atmosphere of the Manx stone-built tower and the mineral rich salinity of the sea air. 

Refuge Manx Rum will be available to purchase from the distillery’s website with a proportion of the sales revenue being donated directly to the ENLI charity. Also, and That's Food and Drink really approves of this idea, two bottles will be donated to every one of the 238 lifeboat stations in the British Isles, to be auctioned to generate further much-needed funds for the RNLI life-saving endeavours in its very special 200th year. 

The Refuge Manx Rum film 

And the Fynoderee team have produced a special short film which tells the story behind Manx Refuge Rum including its relationship with the RNLI and its journey to the Tower of Refuge. 

The film was premiered at Media Isle of Man’s Awards for Excellence on Thursday 16 November 2023 and can now also be viewed on the Distillery’s website at www.fynoderee.com/RNLI200

Anyone wishing to continue following the journey of Refuge Manx Rum, including release information, and to find out more about Fynoderee’s Coastal Collection of Spirits, can sign up to receive updates at https://fynoderee.com/pages/signup 

Paul Kerruish, co-founder of The Fynoderee Distillery said: "When we were considering how we could make this Rum extra special, we were struck by the idea of taking it out to the Tower of Refuge to barrel age. It feels somewhat surreal now to think that we actually did it!"

He went on to say: "Every time we look out towards the Tower, often watching the waves crashing over the top, we think of our rum nestling safely inside. We're eager to find out how the unique maritime atmosphere of the tower impacts and enhances the flavours within our rum made from ‘scratch’ here on the Isle of Man and we will be undertaking progress visits to “dip” the casks and monitor how the spirit develops. 

"As many locally know, the Tower was commissioned by Sir William Hillary, founder of the RNLI, and therefore couldn't be more apt. But we knew there'd be hurdles to overcome logistically! The journey to date has been a real community effort and we're extremely grateful for the special permissions granted to us by HM Customs and Excise and the Department of Infrastructure to make the project become reality. 

"Within the film you will see many of those who helped us on the day, especially the team at Isle of Man Transport. Being able to use our heritage railways to transport the barrels provided a nostalgic nod the Island’s uniqueness that we're always so proud to promote. 

"Ultimately, we hope that this very special rum will generate a significant amount for the RNLI and provide the perfect ‘Manx-made tot’ for everyone who wishes to salute all those brave RNLI crew members past and present who have saved lives at sea over the generations."

Tiffany Kerruish, co-founder of  The Fynoderee Distillery added: "As a distillery it's always our aim to celebrate and promote Manx culture and heritage through the storytelling of our products. To be able to do so with products that will generate funds for such a beloved charity is a real privilege for us and we are so excited to work with the RNLI and in collaboration with local organisations like Manx National Heritage to keep the spotlight firmly on the Island and our five lifeboat stations operating around our coastline throughout the 200 year commemorations. 

"While we all wait patiently for “Refuge Manx Rum” to be ready, we hope that supporters of the charity and local Manx producers will continue to enjoy our ‘Fynoderee Manx Dry Gin – RNLI Edition” a classic gin packed with aromatic juniper and incorporating a nod to its maritime heritage with a touch sugar kelp. The gin is proving to be a very popular part of our range with buyers from the Island and further afield and we think it makes the perfect present for Christmas!"