Latest news with #LewisHayes
Yahoo
04-07-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
'The opportunity for innovation in the UK is enormous' – DropWorks founder on redefining the rum category
After being founded in 2023 by bartender-turned-distiller Lewis Hayes, DropWorks has become one of the UK's most ambitious rum distilleries. Based in Nottinghamshire, the brand is challenging traditional rum-producing methods with a bold, bartender-led approach to flavour, innovation and storytelling. Speaking to Just Drinks at the BCB London trade show this week, Hayes shares his vision for carving out a new space in the UK rum category, how DropWorks stands out in a crowded market and what's next for the brand in 2025 and beyond. Lewis Hayes (LH): It's been exceptional. When you invest millions into something, there's always a question mark and a sense of nervousness about what happens next. I think DropWorks is providing a solution to a problem that the world doesn't know exists. I know how ghastly the rum scene is because of all the additives and all the other bad stuff that's going on and I'm sick and tired of it. LH: 'Understanding DropWorks is understanding that it's a reaction to what the world of rum is doing and what it's not doing. We're providing an honest conversation about our production process and we are forward-thinking in the making of our rum. We're laying down all sorts of hybrid casks that have never been used before and our Spice Drop has been spiced in a way that no one has ever done before. We are Europe's largest rum distillery. We've got England's first-ever double retort still, it's the kind of historical stills that you'd still find in the Caribbean today, which are synonymous with flavour. We've got tunnels to age in, so we've got cool climate and we've laid down hundreds and hundreds of barrels already. We've built it at a scale that means we can price this affordably for the industry. That means that the trade and bartenders can get this at an affordable price. LH: Our main line-up consists of five different rums: Barrel Drop, Clear Drop, Spice Drop, Funk Drop and Dark Drop. Rum is just raw material that comes from sugar cane, fermented, distilled and/or barrel aged. The reason we made these products is to get bartenders to understand that it's about the process. If you make it properly, you don't need to add flavourings, sugar, or even glycerol. LH: We are focused on the on-trade at the moment because we need bartenders, waiters and restaurateurs to learn what quality rum looks like. If you can get the industry to understand, they will realise that this is a gift to them. The type of venues we're in now are quality venues. That's been an important thing for me, because we're priced so affordably, what we don't want people to do is to think that we're just another cheap brand. LH: We are across the UK. We're in Edinburgh, Newcastle, York, Sheffield, Leeds, Manchester and all the way down into Bristol and Cornwall. I've got two bars in London, first being Black Parrot and the other being Merchant House. We've got a real focus there as that's where most of the growth is going to come from. DropWorks is currently in a number of Michelin star restaurants and is stocked in over a third of the top 50 bars in the UK and we're not even paying listing fees. We're not paying them to stock us. They're choosing to stock us because we're a quality, sustainable and home-brewed British brand, just without the additives.' LH: We've partnered with distribution agency Glass Half Full and they're a great incubator. They look after brands like Sapling Spirits, Everleaf Drinks, Nc'nean and Double Dutch. They're really good with quality and sustainable British brands. 'We're also with plenty of wholesalers. Any bar that wants to buy it across the UK, they can get it through whoever they're stocking with. We're not with Matthew Clark but we're with most of the other major players.' LH: We're not expecting to be profitable for a while. We're making low margins because we want to get this out to the people by establishing DropWorks as a brand that stands for quality. Our tagline message is 'Created for bars, crafted in Britain.' For 2025, we're already seeing real growth and the curve is looking good. Everyone in the company is very pleased but what we're not doing is focusing on the sales side of it. We're focusing on establishing our brand. Our rums are priced between £30-35 RRP on The Whiskey Exchange and independent bars are getting it individually priced. It is more expensive than your cheap ones but cheaper than what most people would choose to have if they didn't want a Bacardi being or a Captain Morgan.' LH: We want to continue to drive brand-awareness up and down the country, in those key regional cities I mentioned earlier. Our ambition is to do more of what we are already doing. We're not looking at international expansion so we're really focusing on the UK. LH: Yes, we are looking for more investment. Because I'm so passionate about this message, the louder and bigger we can be with it, the more we can put behind amplifying this message. We're trying to lay down more stock, trying to create more quality liquid, and trying to grow the team to get the word out.' LH: The opportunity for experimentation and innovation in the UK is enormous. In the Caribbean, there's only 76 distilleries still making rum. By comparison, I could very easily find you at least 30 rum distilleries in the UK, if not more. There are more distilleries making rum in the UK than Barbados, Jamaica, Trinidad, Guyana combined and the number of different styles, producers, and liquid you can taste in the UK is so diverse already. I would say there's at least a dozen distilleries in the UK I'd recommend, because they're making it properly. No additives, and they care. A lot of them are quite small, so the price can be a little bit higher, and they're less accessible than I think we are. They also don't have the passion for hospitality that I do, as in bars and people, but they've got their own motivational drivers. British rum is happening but we've got to be careful to distinguish between buying product from abroad and/or flavouring it and making it from scratch in the UK, as there's a big difference between the two. We need to help consumers understand the difference and the quality of what's being produced in the UK. LH: Long term, we want to be a household name in the UK and we want to be a globally recognised brand that you can buy in the best bars and restaurants around the world. That's the vision, as this is not a flash in the pan. This is about trying to make quality rum accessible to people across the world. "'The opportunity for innovation in the UK is enormous' – DropWorks founder on redefining the rum category" was originally created and published by Just Drinks, a GlobalData owned brand. The information on this site has been included in good faith for general informational purposes only. It is not intended to amount to advice on which you should rely, and we give no representation, warranty or guarantee, whether express or implied as to its accuracy or completeness. You must obtain professional or specialist advice before taking, or refraining from, any action on the basis of the content on our site. Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
The Advertiser
10-05-2025
- Sport
- The Advertiser
ACL fears for debutant Hayes in Bombers' thrilling win
Essendon's thrilling eight-point win over Sydney has been soured by a suspected ACL injury to debutant Lewis Hayes. Leading by 39 points in the third term, Essendon had to deal with a dramatic last-quarter surge from the Swans at Marvel Stadium, before holding on to win 11.5 (71) to 8.15 (63). But the Bombers, who have defied dire pre-season predictions to move to 5-3, will have to deal with a fourth season-ending injury. Defender Hayes grabbed his knee in agony after landing awkwardly in a marking contest with Sydney star Isaac Heeney late in the third quarter. "Lewis Hayes looks like an AFL player, but unfortunately ... we'll wait to absolutely confirm, but it's almost certain that he's done an ACL," Essendon coach Brad Scott said. "I don't know how you sort of handle all of this, other than to say when you face adversity, you've got to come through it "It's just devastating for 'Hayesy' because he's worked so hard to get this opportunity, and he took it. I thought he looked right at home." If the fears prove founded, Hayes will be Essendon's third ACL victim after ruck Nick Bryan and forward Tom Edwards, while Sam Draper (achilles) is also out for the season The Bombers also face a nervous wait for their superstar captain Zach Merrett, who struck Swans defender Nick Blakey in the final quarter. One of the genuine contenders for the Brownlow Medal, Merrett is almost certain to face scrutiny from the match review officer after Blakey underwent a head injury assessment. Sydney didn't say post-game whether Blakey had passed his concussion test. "I thought I tapped all ball, I was about to kick the goal," Merrett told Fox Footy. "I haven't seen it, but I don't think there's anything to worry about." Scott refused to comment when asked about the incident, while Swans coach Dean Cox replied: "Both people just going at the ball." Sydney were their own worst enemies as inaccuracy at goal and poor ball use when going forward ultimately cost them the game. The Swans won the inside-50 count 61-45, but Essendon's defence stood tall as they moved to 5-3 and inside the top eight. Fit-again Zach Reid continued his meteoric rise this season, starring as Essendon's most important key defender. Vice-captain Andrew McGrath, the dashing Mason Redman and Nic Martin also provided valuable run. Young Essendon forward Nate Caddy was the leading goal-kicker on the ground with three, while Merrett managed to kick two despite having a quieter game than normal in the midfield. Will Hayward was Sydney's most threatening forward, even after suffering a heavy knock to his shoulder. But the Swans are badly missing injured key forwards Joel Amartey and Logan McDonald, as well as the dynamic Tom Papley, inside 50. Cox refused to blame a lengthy injury list for Sydney's struggles. Minor premiers and beaten grand finalists last season, Sydney have slumped to 3-6 after Cox took over as coach from John Longmire in November. "Probably not as much about personnel, more about method," Cox said. "(It's about) making sure that we engage their defenders as much as we possibly can. "The rule we have is if you can't mark it, you don't get outmarked." Essendon's thrilling eight-point win over Sydney has been soured by a suspected ACL injury to debutant Lewis Hayes. Leading by 39 points in the third term, Essendon had to deal with a dramatic last-quarter surge from the Swans at Marvel Stadium, before holding on to win 11.5 (71) to 8.15 (63). But the Bombers, who have defied dire pre-season predictions to move to 5-3, will have to deal with a fourth season-ending injury. Defender Hayes grabbed his knee in agony after landing awkwardly in a marking contest with Sydney star Isaac Heeney late in the third quarter. "Lewis Hayes looks like an AFL player, but unfortunately ... we'll wait to absolutely confirm, but it's almost certain that he's done an ACL," Essendon coach Brad Scott said. "I don't know how you sort of handle all of this, other than to say when you face adversity, you've got to come through it "It's just devastating for 'Hayesy' because he's worked so hard to get this opportunity, and he took it. I thought he looked right at home." If the fears prove founded, Hayes will be Essendon's third ACL victim after ruck Nick Bryan and forward Tom Edwards, while Sam Draper (achilles) is also out for the season The Bombers also face a nervous wait for their superstar captain Zach Merrett, who struck Swans defender Nick Blakey in the final quarter. One of the genuine contenders for the Brownlow Medal, Merrett is almost certain to face scrutiny from the match review officer after Blakey underwent a head injury assessment. Sydney didn't say post-game whether Blakey had passed his concussion test. "I thought I tapped all ball, I was about to kick the goal," Merrett told Fox Footy. "I haven't seen it, but I don't think there's anything to worry about." Scott refused to comment when asked about the incident, while Swans coach Dean Cox replied: "Both people just going at the ball." Sydney were their own worst enemies as inaccuracy at goal and poor ball use when going forward ultimately cost them the game. The Swans won the inside-50 count 61-45, but Essendon's defence stood tall as they moved to 5-3 and inside the top eight. Fit-again Zach Reid continued his meteoric rise this season, starring as Essendon's most important key defender. Vice-captain Andrew McGrath, the dashing Mason Redman and Nic Martin also provided valuable run. Young Essendon forward Nate Caddy was the leading goal-kicker on the ground with three, while Merrett managed to kick two despite having a quieter game than normal in the midfield. Will Hayward was Sydney's most threatening forward, even after suffering a heavy knock to his shoulder. But the Swans are badly missing injured key forwards Joel Amartey and Logan McDonald, as well as the dynamic Tom Papley, inside 50. Cox refused to blame a lengthy injury list for Sydney's struggles. Minor premiers and beaten grand finalists last season, Sydney have slumped to 3-6 after Cox took over as coach from John Longmire in November. "Probably not as much about personnel, more about method," Cox said. "(It's about) making sure that we engage their defenders as much as we possibly can. "The rule we have is if you can't mark it, you don't get outmarked." Essendon's thrilling eight-point win over Sydney has been soured by a suspected ACL injury to debutant Lewis Hayes. Leading by 39 points in the third term, Essendon had to deal with a dramatic last-quarter surge from the Swans at Marvel Stadium, before holding on to win 11.5 (71) to 8.15 (63). But the Bombers, who have defied dire pre-season predictions to move to 5-3, will have to deal with a fourth season-ending injury. Defender Hayes grabbed his knee in agony after landing awkwardly in a marking contest with Sydney star Isaac Heeney late in the third quarter. "Lewis Hayes looks like an AFL player, but unfortunately ... we'll wait to absolutely confirm, but it's almost certain that he's done an ACL," Essendon coach Brad Scott said. "I don't know how you sort of handle all of this, other than to say when you face adversity, you've got to come through it "It's just devastating for 'Hayesy' because he's worked so hard to get this opportunity, and he took it. I thought he looked right at home." If the fears prove founded, Hayes will be Essendon's third ACL victim after ruck Nick Bryan and forward Tom Edwards, while Sam Draper (achilles) is also out for the season The Bombers also face a nervous wait for their superstar captain Zach Merrett, who struck Swans defender Nick Blakey in the final quarter. One of the genuine contenders for the Brownlow Medal, Merrett is almost certain to face scrutiny from the match review officer after Blakey underwent a head injury assessment. Sydney didn't say post-game whether Blakey had passed his concussion test. "I thought I tapped all ball, I was about to kick the goal," Merrett told Fox Footy. "I haven't seen it, but I don't think there's anything to worry about." Scott refused to comment when asked about the incident, while Swans coach Dean Cox replied: "Both people just going at the ball." Sydney were their own worst enemies as inaccuracy at goal and poor ball use when going forward ultimately cost them the game. The Swans won the inside-50 count 61-45, but Essendon's defence stood tall as they moved to 5-3 and inside the top eight. Fit-again Zach Reid continued his meteoric rise this season, starring as Essendon's most important key defender. Vice-captain Andrew McGrath, the dashing Mason Redman and Nic Martin also provided valuable run. Young Essendon forward Nate Caddy was the leading goal-kicker on the ground with three, while Merrett managed to kick two despite having a quieter game than normal in the midfield. Will Hayward was Sydney's most threatening forward, even after suffering a heavy knock to his shoulder. But the Swans are badly missing injured key forwards Joel Amartey and Logan McDonald, as well as the dynamic Tom Papley, inside 50. Cox refused to blame a lengthy injury list for Sydney's struggles. Minor premiers and beaten grand finalists last season, Sydney have slumped to 3-6 after Cox took over as coach from John Longmire in November. "Probably not as much about personnel, more about method," Cox said. "(It's about) making sure that we engage their defenders as much as we possibly can. "The rule we have is if you can't mark it, you don't get outmarked."
Yahoo
10-05-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Essendon hold off fast-finishing Swans challenge
Essendon have hung on for a tense eight-point win over Sydney after surviving a surging last-quarter comeback from the Swans. Down by 39 points in the third quarter, Sydney suddenly found form late in that term to set up a thrilling finish at Marvel Stadium. Essendon didn't score a goal after midway through the third quarter, but somehow prevailed 11.5 (71) to 8.15 (63). But the Bombers will face a nervous wait for their superstar captain Zach Merrett, who struck Swans defender Nick Blakey in the final quarter. One of the favourites for the Brownlow Medal, Merrett is almost certain to face scrutiny from the match review officer after Blakey underwent a concussion test. "I thought I tapped all ball, I was about to kick the goal," Merrett told Fox Footy. "I haven't seen itn but I don't think there's anything to worry about." Sydney were their own worst enemies as inaccuracy at goal and poor ball use when going forward ultimately cost them the game. The Swans won the inside-50 count 61-45, but Essendon's defence stood tall as they moved to 5-3 and inside the top eight. Fit-again Zach Reid continued his meteoric rise this season, starring as Essendon's most important key defender. Vice-captain Andrew McGrath, the dashing Mason Redman and Nic Martin also provided valuable run. The result was soured after Bomber debutant Lewis Hayes went down with a suspected serious knee injury late in the third quarter. Hayes grabbed his knee in agony after landing awkwardly in a marking contest with Sydney star Isaac Heeney. Young Essendon forward Nate Caddy was the leading goal-kicker on the ground with three, while Merrett managed to kick two despite having a quieter game than normal in the midfield. Will Hayward was Sydney's most threatening forward, even after suffering a heavy knock to his shoulder. But the Swans are badly missing injured key forwards Joel Amartey and Logan McDonald inside 50. Minor premiers and beaten grand finalists last season, Sydney have slumped to 3-6 after Dean Cox took over as coach from John Longmire in November.
