Award Winning Penny Blue XO Single Estate Rum

Penny Blue XO Single Estate Rum is an award-winning small-batch rum from Mauritius. Penny Blue is a true Mauritian rum, distilled from locally produced molasses sourced from sugar cane grown at the distillery. Mauritius, a small African island nation in the Indian Ocean, is famous for its beaches, lagoons, and reefs. Each batch has its own distinct personality and is matured on the estate where it is crafted, making every batch rare due to its finite production.

Despite this uniqueness, Penny Blue maintains a continuous style—smooth, rich, and fruity—preserving its connection to its place of origin. Connoisseurs love Penny Blue XO, and the wider global drinks industry also recognizes its excellence, awarding it Gold in the Spirits Business 2014 and 2015 competition, an 'Outstanding' 5-star rating in Difford’s Guide, and yet another Gold medal in the World Rum Awards 2015.

Who Makes It?

Penny Blue XO Single Estate Rum is produced by the Indian Ocean Rum Company—a collaboration between the esteemed Berry Bros & Rudd and the Medine Distillery. Located on the western coast of Mauritius between the mountains and the sea, the Medine Distillery is the island’s oldest working distillery, producing rum since 1926.

The distillery sits at the heart of a large sugar estate, where sugar cane is harvested to produce molasses for rum production. Penny Blue is distilled, bottled, and finished with a distinctive blue wax seal at this location. Berry Bros & Rudd, one of London's oldest wine and spirit merchants, has been in business since 1698 and still operates from its original St. James Street location.

The Story

Penny Blue Rum takes its name from an iconic Mauritian symbol—the famous Penny Blue stamp. In 1847, Sir William Gomm became Governor of Mauritius and set out to improve the island’s postal service by enabling the production of locally made stamps. He commissioned a local engraver to produce 500 one-penny and 500 two-pence stamps.

At the same time, Lady Gomm planned a glamorous ball and intended to use the new stamps for invitations. The engraver, Barnard, rushed to complete the work and mistakenly inscribed "Post Office" on the stamps instead of the correct phrase, "Post Paid." The error was discovered too late, and the stamps were used regardless. Today, only twelve Penny Blue stamps remain in existence, each valued at over £1 million—making them among the world’s most expensive stamps.

Penny Blue XO Single Estate Rum Mauritius

Penny Blue XO is a rich, full-bodied rum with an inviting strength. On the nose, it delivers sweet vanilla, spice, and butterscotch. As the aroma develops, notes of leather, tobacco, citrus, and cinnamon emerge, accompanied by almonds and subtle floral hints.

The palate starts with butterscotch, followed by gentle warming spice, orange, and banana. Vanilla, brown sugar, and cinnamon add layers of depth. This rum is best enjoyed neat, though adding a cube or two of ice unlocks creamy chocolate tones.

This is a superb rum at just £37.99, offering excellent value for its quality. Buy yours here and enjoy this exceptional spirit.