Australia’s oldest operating distillery, Beenleigh, has launched its Year of the Snake Rum, crafted to mark the 2025 Lunar New Year and limited to just 2700 individually numbered bottles produced from three barrels.
Crafted from premium Australian sugarcane molasses, the Year of the Snake Rum has been hand-selected by Beenleigh’s master distiller from aged rum parcels matured up to eight years.
Aged in historic ex-brandy vats and ex-bourbon barrels, the rum’s profile is both bold and intricate, with notes of rich butter, warm spice, and oak that add depth to the finely crafted rum. This rare release aims to honour Beenleigh’s 140-year legacy.
Beenleigh operations director, Paul Kassebaum, said when selecting only three barrels, every drop needs to be of the highest quality.
“You’re not just making rum; you’re capturing the distillery’s essence, but after 140 years of honing our craft, we know a thing or two about letting a good rum tell its own story, and this one’s no exception,” said Kassebaum.
“It’s the kind of rum you sit back with, take your time, and really appreciate. It’s got that buttery richness and a hint of spice that speaks to resilience and luck – just like the Snake itself.”
The bottle and gift box feature exclusive artwork by independent female illustrator Qing Feng Che. Known for her intricate, expressive style, Che’s design elegantly blends traditional Chinese motifs with refined detail, featuring the coiled Snake to symbolise wisdom, change, and resilience.
“With the Year of the Snake, I wanted the artwork to reflect both tradition and movement,” said Che.
“The Water Field Pattern speaks to unity and blessings from many, while the ribbons, flowers, and coins symbolise wishes for prosperity and family reunion. These elements connect the Year of the Dragon to the Year of the Snake, carrying love and fortune from us to you.”
The limited-edition Beenleigh Year of the Snake Rum is available at the Beenleigh Rum Distillery, select Australian retailers, duty-free outlets in Sydney, Brisbane, Melbourne, and Adelaide, and online via Sippify, for RRP $150.
