Free Rum Tasting and Tours at London’s Only Rum Blending House

Once a bustling trade in the streets of 17th century London, rum blending houses were non-existent in the capital for over one hundred years, until Charles Merser & Co. began operating in Temple three months ago. Now, for the first time, the house will host an open day, where guests will enjoy rum tastings and a chance to see how the brand blends, marries and bottles a range of delicious Caribbean rums.

Those attending the Open Day will need to look out for the sign of The Post & Hound on Essex St; the discreet marker of Charles Merser & Co; which harks back to a time when many Londoners were illiterate and would find their way to merchant houses by means of symbols. Once guests have used the door’s heavy brass knocker to gain entry, they’ll be immersed into the traditions of the past, exploring the four-storey townhouse that has been fully restored and set up to make rums the same way they were made in London over one hundred years ago.

The various rooms include an underground cask store, a blending room, a bar and a tasting room, where guests will get the chance to try Merser & Co’s first blend, ‘Double Barrel’, and the different components it’s made up of, on top of learning about the process of blending and cask maturation.

Charles Merser & Co. has been a major development by the Hayman family, best known for their eponymous range of gins. Their connection to rum blending goes back to the mid-19th Century when they would source stock from West India Docks to create their own proprietary blends. Entry for the Merser & Co. open day is free and no RSVP is required. The event is for over 18’s only. For more information, visit: charlesmerser.com/

Saturday 1st February 2020 2:00pm - 6:00pm Free entry Over 18’s only 44 Essex St, Temple, London WC2R 3JF