The new kid on the block

Siân Swinton

South Uist Distillers is the new venture from the same mind behind Uist Sea Tours, David Steele.
On his boat, Karleen Belle, on a recent trip to Mingulay, David spoke about the opportunity to branch out and make something new which would, hopefully, create jobs on the island and provide an income outside of the season for being on the water. Thus South Uist Distillers was born.

With gin already being made on Uist and whisky well on the way, David sought out something that hadn’t been done yet – rum.

He spoke about how he had been advised to “soft launch” the product and create anticipation, but instead exploded onto social media with a full website and all products available immediately. The effect was a boom in sales and high levels of interest. The initial announcement posts on social media received a huge outpouring of local support and a few days later people were already sharing their favourite ways to drink the rum, whether neat or with a wide range of mixers.

There are currently three varieties available – a dark rum, a spiced rosehip rum and a scotch bonnet rum. All of these can be bought through the website and, excitingly, can be tried in all pubs across Uist with one pub selling out after just a few days! David recommends trying the scotch bonnet rum with some ginger beer or the spiced rosehip with apple juice.

It’s clear to see the care that has gone into creating the product and the company, both through the packaging and marketing design and by the way David talks about it.

“There’s a story on the bottle,” he said, indicating the aged, weather beaten-map that features on the label. “See if you can work it out!”

David took his pirate inspired thoughts to his designer and the result is a beautiful label and branding that really leans into their tagline: “Adventurous spirits”.

The rum is currently made in small batches on the mainland, with David overseeing every stage of development of the product and all aspects of the company, but it’s hoped that production will soon be brought on to the island and create a small number of jobs for locals once a location can be secured.
“It won’t be a big fancy building, but it will be enough!” he said.

South Uist Distillers have, so far, sent their product all over Scotland and England and have been approached to begin exporting. Unafraid of a bit of graft, David is keen to learn all he can about the industry to make sure he brings as much knowledge and heart to it as he does to Uist Sea Tours. He spoke about the importance of being hands on and learning by doing when you take on something new:
“I’m new to the industry so I just want to make sure I get everything right!” he said. Anyone who knows David and Uist Sea Tours can definitely be safe in the knowledge he’s putting in his all to create something special for South Uist.

It’s just the beginning for this new venture and there are sure to be some wonderful things to come from South Uist Distillers. To keep up with all of their news you can subscribe to their newsletter via their website.