A distillery based in a village near Andover is now offering a delicious spiced rum thanks to a UK government funding boost to help it expand its business.
The River Test Distillery in Longparish applied for a Rural England Prosperity Fund (REPF) grant earlier this year through Test Valley Borough Council.
Famous for their delectable gin, River Test received £4,280, which enabled them to work with Craft Gin Club to develop an original spiced rum recipe, which was promoted as the Craft Gin Club’s ‘Rum of the Month’.
The new spiced rum is now nestled pride of place alongside their other tantalisingly tasty tipples at Winchester Cathedral Christmas Market.
“When we were given the opportunity to work with Craft Gin Club on this campaign, there were real time pressures as the project was 14 weeks from inception to delivery,” said owner Sarah Nelson.
“Fortunately, the grant process was very smooth, and we were supported throughout the various stages of the bid. The REPF funding was crucial in helping us with some of the capital costs incurred.”
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REPF grants are enabling small rural businesses such as the River Test Distillery to make capital investments to improve productivity and growth, promote the visitor economy and support innovation.
TVBC cabinet member, Cllr Alison Johnston, said: “I am absolutely delighted that all £257k of REPF funding shared with TVBC has now been allocated to a plethora of businesses across Test Valley, helping to boost and transform local rural enterprises.
“The River Test Distillery is much loved locally, nationally and internationally thanks to their exceptional gins, and now their spiced rum adds a tasty new product to their offering.”
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