On Monday 11th May 2026, V Rum launched their hotly anticipated V Dark Rum in style – with an event held in the heart of the distillery; bringing distinguished guests and cherished friends together to celebrate the launch.
Guests arrived in glorious sunshine at the V Rum Distillery in Eastleigh, and were greeted by all of Team V. Whilst Founders Carl and Nicole Churchill, Managing Director Johnny Neill, Sales Director Steve Hickey and Head Distiller Mikey Melrose entertained the guests, the Marketing team served V Dark Rum cocktails from ‘Vanessa’ – the V Rum Mobile Bar!
Guests enjoyed tasting V Dark Rum neat, and as part of two classic cocktails – A V Dark Rum and Pineapple, made with fresh pineapple juice and pineapple wedges; and a Dark & Storm-V – a twist on the classic, made with fresh lime juice, ginger beer and bitters.
Next, guests enjoyed a Distillery Tour and guide from Head Distiller Mikey Melrose, before Founders Carl and Nicole Churchill toasted to the launch of V Dark Rum. To crown the distillery experience, the very first V Dark Rum bottle was opened, and a commemorative V Rum barrel was unveiled – with guests signing their names and messages for all time.
Events Marketing Lead Brad Hall led an up-close-and-personal V Dark Rum tasting inside the V Bar – which is tucked inside the heart of the distillery, with sweeping views of the stills. Guests enjoyed learning about the story behind V Dark Rum, and trying their hand at a professional spirits tasting experience!
Later in the afternoon, local independent coffee shop, bakery and deli experts (and friends of V Rum) Bay Leaves Larder served stunning platters of sweet and savoury hand-made food, including refreshing smoked salmon, succulent sausage rolls and arguably Britain’s finest dessert – jam and cream scones.
Drinks and conversations flowed late into the afternoon, with the pièce de résistance revealed just a couple of hours before closing. V had secretly partnered with local Gelato producers Bon & Rose to create a completely bespoke gelato and sorbet made with V Dark Rum. The Result? A pair of rich and creamy desserts – A V Dark Rum & Raisin Gelato and a Dark & Storm-V inspired Sorbet.
V Rum are raising a toast to everyone that helped make the launch such a memorable occasion. From the Team at V that pulled the event together, to the partners that added their own flair, and most importantly the guests, customers and friends that experienced it all – and there’s even more exciting news coming soon.