Scarborough-based Seagrown and Yorkshire Explorer launch region's first seaweed rum with a treasure hunt - how to get involved

Scarborough sea farmers SeaGrown,  has joined forces with Yorkshire-based artisan spirit producer Yorkshire Explorer, to create the first Yorkshire seaweed rum, harvested and distilled in the region.
Yorkshire Explorer seaweed rumYorkshire Explorer seaweed rum
Yorkshire Explorer seaweed rum

York-based Yorkshire Explorer, which has been making its signature gins for almost two years, is the driving force behind the new creation. The brand will sell the new range, which launched on Thursday August 20, through its website and bar network.

Providing the unique seaweed flavouring is pioneering seaweed farming and processing company, SeaGrown. The Scarborough-based sea farmers, who have set up their own seaweed farm on the Yorkshire Coast, have provided Yorkshire Explorer with home-grown Sugar Kelp, which helps give the rum its unique taste of the sea.

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To launch its exciting new venture, Yorkshire Explorer has organised a regional treasure hunt, giving Yorkshire rum lovers the opportunity to be one of the first to taste their new creation.

Starting on Monday August 24th and driven through its social media channels, the Explorer team will be taking the Yorkshire Explorer Defender on tour to five towns and cities across the region to giveaway a limited number of bottles. One of those places being Scarborough.

Clues for where the Explorer Defender will be each day will be posted throughout the week on Yorkshire Explorer’s Facebook and Instagram channels.

Yorkshire Explorer was founded by Callum Houston, director of events company the Yorkshire Bartender. Over the past few months, Callum has used his time to perfect his new rum recipe, which marks a significant move forward for the business.

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With the coronavirus pandemic impacting the events side of the business, Callum has focused his time on growing the spirits side of the business and saw a gap in the market to give customers a unique flavoured rum.

He said: “This launch is a big step for our business, having focused on the gin market for the last 12 months, I’m really excited to branch out into rum. Working with SeaGrown to produce this unique tasting rum has made it extra special and a great thing for Yorkshire. As a Yorkshire business, we’re proud of our heritage so being able to keep as much of the production in our home county is very important.

“We’ve already had a great take up, even before we have officially launched, so I’m confident that it will be a big seller. Following the success of the craft gin movement, we can see rum going in the same direction so it’s important that we offer our customers not only something that tastes good but is authentic and true to our roots.”

Commenting on their involvement SeaGrown director Wave Crookes said: “Working with Yorkshire Explorer is a fantastic opportunity for us to showcase the diversity of our seaweed. Our seaweed farm is now well established and an ethical way to produce sustainable crops that we hope will transform industries over the next few years. Our Sugar Kelp has a very distinctive taste and every customer can guarantee a taste of Yorkshire with every sip.”

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Sugar Kelp is the key ingredient in the Yorkshire Explorer seaweed rum. It is combined with the sweetness of vanilla, locally sourced heather and honey and the rich warmth of clove and ginger to create the Explorer’s unique sweet and salty flavour profile, which is as rich in flavour as it is in the provenance of its ingredients. Each bottle is hand finished, checked for perfection, and sealed by hand.

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