Fire Up! with Sunshine & Sons
Rum Fire is a celebration of rum, food, and live music. John Caruso discovers what we can expect on Queensland Rum Day and the role this iconic spirit has played in our history.
It’s a drink that’s fuelled pirate raids, warmed the cockles of British naval hearts, and even paid off a few American revolutionaries. And then of course there was the Rum Rebellion, a significant event that took place over two hundred years ago when a military coup overthrew William Bligh’s government, a turning point in our country’s history. When we raise a glass to this humble spirit for Queensland Rum Day on the 2nd of November, we’ll be reminded of the rich history and rebellious spirit (pun intended) that rum has embodied over the centuries. It remains a drink that brings people together and today’s distillers are redefining the industry, particularly in the stunning hinterland town of Woombye where Australia’s most-awarded and only organically-certified rum is created.
Nil Desperandum rum range has quickly made a name for itself on Australia’s spirits scene and globally scooping a record number of awards including Gold for Best Botanical Rum amongst its haul of five medals at the World Rum Awards – and almost 50 state, national and world awards in the past twelve months! The latest win at the Australian Distilled Spirits Awards in Melbourne saw The Double Ton by Nil Desperandum taking out the Raymond B “Spike” Dessert III Trophy for Best Rum and shows the depth of quality products coming out of the ‘shed’.
To celebrate, the team will be building on last year’s Rum Fire with an even more spectacular and family-friendly, fun and fabulous event planned.
According to Nil Desperandum’s Brand Dude Jack O’Neill, Rum Fire will celebrate all things Queensland and all things rum, with a huge bonfire, tastings, and a once-in-a-lifetime, limited-edition release that he says will “truly blow your mind”.
Starting at 1pm the festivities will include live music, food trucks, and plenty of entertainment for the kids.
“The highlight of the day will be sampling some of Australia’s finest rum, including Nil Desperandum,” he said.
“Bring a picnic blanket or camping chairs and bring the kids, they’re welcome and they’re free! For adults, the $30 ticket includes entry plus a drink on arrival. Parking and shuttle buses will be operating from The Big Pineapple main car park so it’s nice and easy.”
You can drink in the sunshine every day at Nil Desperandum and Sunshine & Sons distillery. Doors open daily from 10am for tastings and tours. Why not partake in a cocktail masterclass, where you’ll discover why a good cocktail is like a good story; and for those wanting a deeper dive into the rum-making process, the Founder’s Tour is a must-do where you’ll meet the team, hear their stories firsthand, and understand the passion that drives them.
It’s no wonder it has been recognised as a ‘Best of Queensland Experience’ by Tourism Queensland. And so, when we raise our glasses on Queensland Rum Day, let’s remember that rum isn’t just a drink, it’s a rebel with a cause, fuelling revolutions, warming hearts, and bringing people together in a spirit of defiance and camaraderie.
Cheers to the modern-day rebels at Nil Desperandum, who are stirring up a storm, one delicious dram at a time!
RUM FIRE RUNDOWN
Rum Fire 2024, Queensland Rum Day
Saturday 2 November from 1pm
CAVU Distilling, home to Nil Desperandum and Sunshine & Sons.
104 Nambour Connection Road, Woombye
Celebrate Queensland Rum Day at Australia’s most-awarded rum distillery overlooking the lush, green hills of Woombye. Bring a picnic blanket or camp chair for a family-friendly event with live music, food trucks, kids activities and a bonfire celebration plus the exclusive launch of a new limited edition release! Enjoy free parking in the Big Pineapple carpark with shuttle bus transfers.
Tickets: $40 including a drink on arrival. Kids under 18 are free.
