Fourth collaboration for six Qld distilleries

Six Queensland distilleries have combined their rums in a limited-edition blend to mark the fourth Queensland Rum Day on Saturday 17 October, the largest line-up since the collaboration began.

The four founding distilleries, Beenleigh Rum, Diageo-owned Bundaberg Rum, Kalki Moon Distilling and Brewing, and Nil Desperandum Rum, are joined by Burdekin Rum, returning as a guest distiller, and first-time participant FNQ Rum Co.

The Rum Consortium 2026 blends rums made from molasses, sugarcane syrup and fresh-pressed sugarcane juice, aged between two and 12 years. All the sugarcane used was grown in Queensland, and the rum was distilled, matured and bottled in the state.

The release runs to 5280 700ml bottles at 40 per cent ABV with no added sugar, priced at $119 RRP, giving it a retail value of about $628,000 if it sells out. It went on sale online through each distillery’s website on 13 October and will be sold at cellar doors from 10am on Saturday.

Queensland Distillers Association president, Vanessa Chapman, said the day showcased the quality and character of the region’s rums.

“The Rum Consortium takes that a step further, bringing different distillers’ expertise and styles into one shared expression, helping build recognition for Queensland as a premium spirits region, both nationally and internationally,” Chapman said.

Burdekin Rum CEO, Tim Lamb (Burdekin makes its rum from sugarcane juice rather than molasses), said the participating distilleries were spread across 2000km of the state.

“This year, Rum Day brings the scale and diversity of the state together in a glass,” Lamb said.

Nil Desperandum Rum founder, Matt Hobson, said the blend “showcases the category of Queensland rum and the delicious result of giving great spirit the time it deserves”.

Participating distilleries will run cellar door events on the day.