Two Drifters Rum
Unit 5 Skyways Business Park, Fair Oak Close, Exeter, EX5 2UL
Member Overview
Two Drifters Distillery is one of the UK’s most innovative rum producers — and the world’s first carbon‑negative rum distillery — founded by husband‑and‑wife team Russ and Gemma Wakeham in Exeter. Every bottle is made from scratch using molasses, fermented, distilled, aged, spiced, and bottled at their all‑electric, 100% renewable‑energy‑powered distillery in Devon. The brand exists to prove that world‑class rum can be crafted in Britain while actively helping the planet rather than harming it.
A Science‑Led Approach to Sustainable Rum
Russ, an organic chemist, founded Two Drifters on the principle that “it won’t be my business that hurts the planet.”
They conducted a full life-cycle assessment of their entire operation — from molasses to delivery — to understand every carbon-emitting step. They then redesigned their business model around:
They conducted a full life-cycle assessment of their entire operation — from molasses to delivery — to understand every carbon-emitting step. They then redesigned their business model around:
- Carbon avoidance first, reduction wherever possible, Permanent carbon removal for remaining emissions via direct-air capture, A self-imposed carbon tax to ensure sustainability shapes every decision, every step of the process — fermentation, distillation, labelling, bottling, and shipping — is powered by renewable energy, making Two Drifters one of the world’s most climate-conscious spirit producers.
Packaging choices reinforce this ethos: lightweight British glass, compostable tamper seals, sugarcane-fibre labels, FSC-certified natural corks, and a completely plastic-free supply chain.
Made From Scratch: British Rum Done Properly
Unlike many UK rum producers who blend imported rum, Two Drifters makes all rum onsite from 100% molasses, a by‑product of sugar refining. Their carefully controlled seven‑day fermentation, followed by multiple distillations, creates exceptionally smooth rum that forms the base for their range of premium bottlings.
The Two Drifters Rum Range
Their core range highlights craftsmanship, flavour and sustainability:
Pure White Rum-A clean, dry, silky white rum distilled entirely from molasses — ideal for cocktails.
Lightly Spiced Rum-Gently infused with spices for a warming, balanced flavour.
Signature Rum (Aged) -A beautifully rounded rum aged for depth, complexity and smoothness
Overproof Spiced Pineapple Rum-A fan favourite — big, bold pineapple notes at 60% ABV, celebrated for its tropical intensity. Each rum captures Two Drifters’ ethos: high‑quality, hand‑crafted spirits that also leave the world better than they found it.
Signature Rum (Aged) -A beautifully rounded rum aged for depth, complexity and smoothness
Overproof Spiced Pineapple Rum-A fan favourite — big, bold pineapple notes at 60% ABV, celebrated for its tropical intensity. Each rum captures Two Drifters’ ethos: high‑quality, hand‑crafted spirits that also leave the world better than they found it.
A Love Story & a Devon Homecoming
The name Two Drifters comes from the lyrics of Moon River — a nod to the couple’s travels: their first date was a rum tasting, and their honeymoon was in St Lucia, where rum “was cheaper than water.”
After years of moving for Russ’s chemistry career, they returned to Devon to raise their family — and built the kind of distillery they wished existed: sustainable, science‑driven, transparent and rum‑obsessed.
Rum Without Compromise
Two Drifters believes customers buy first for taste — the sustainability is a bonus. Their rums are known for:
- Clean, smooth finishes
- Layered, natural flavours
- Reduced environmental footprint
- High‑quality, small‑batch production
Their distillery has become a benchmark for sustainable drinks production — cited internationally as proof that spirits can be both premium and planet‑positive.
Recognition & Impact
Two Drifters are widely recognised as:
- A pioneering carbon‑negative distillery
- One of the UK’s strongest examples of transparent climate‑action in food & drink
- A leader in responsible rum production
Their commitment to data, accountability and genuine emissions reduction sets them apart in a category where sustainability claims are often unverified.
Tours & Experiences at Two Drifters Distillery
Behind‑the‑Scenes Distillery Tour- Two Drifters’ guided tour takes visitors through every stage of their molasses‑to-bottle production process — a rarity among British rum producers, many of whom blend rather than distil from scratch. Every tour ends with a seated tasting of the full Two Drifters range. While Two Drifters does not run a full cocktail masterclass, it does include: Suggested serves and cocktail recommendations, Pairing ideas based on each rum’s flavour chemistry, and tips for balancing their Pure White, Aged, and Spiced rums in mixed drinks. Book online on their website.
Tours & Experiences at Two Drifters Distillery
Behind‑the‑Scenes Distillery Tour- Two Drifters’ guided tour takes visitors through every stage of their molasses‑to-bottle production process — a rarity among British rum producers, many of whom blend rather than distil from scratch. Every tour ends with a seated tasting of the full Two Drifters range. While Two Drifters does not run a full cocktail masterclass, it does include: Suggested serves and cocktail recommendations, Pairing ideas based on each rum’s flavour chemistry, and tips for balancing their Pure White, Aged, and Spiced rums in mixed drinks. Book online on their website.
Carbon‑Negative British Rum | All‑Electric Distillery | Made From Scratch in Devon | Sustainable | Award‑Winning
Where to find us