Wray & Nephew Rum: A Legacy Steeped in Jamaican Tradition
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Wray & Nephew history is just as bold as like their rum. This iconic Jamaican brand has been mixing things up for generations, from a humble start in a Kingston tavern to becoming a global favourite.
In beautiful Jamaica, it’s so much more than a drink; it’s a vital part of the fabric of all sorts of celebrations and traditions. Curious how Wray & Nephew went from a local favourite to global star? Stick with us as we pour out the story behind the rum that put Jamaican spirits on the map.
Origins of Wray & Nephew Rum
The Founders: John Wray and Charles James Ward
It all started with John Wray, a gifted entrepreneur with a sharp eye for opportunity and a love of good rum. Back in 1825, Wray opened The Shakespeare Tavern in Kingston next to a popular local theatre, and his entrepreneurial spirit paved the way for all sorts of commerce-boosting shenanigans.
Fast forward 35 years, and his nephew, Charles James Ward, joined the business, helping it grow into something much bigger. Together, the clever pair laid the foundation for what would become Jamaica’s leading rum brand. Wray & Nephew weren’t just making rum—they were setting the stage for the island’s whole rum industry to take off.
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Early days in Kingston, Jamaica
Wray’s Shakespeare Tavern quickly became a hit in the bustling seaport of Kingston. Locals flocked to the spot, and rum was always integral to their celebrations. Using local ingredients and traditional methods, Wray soon started producing his own rum, which quickly became popular with the community.
The first batches of what would one day be known as Wray & Nephew White Overproof Rum were made here, starting a legacy that would extend far beyond Jamaica’s shores.
Back in the day, British sailors used “proof” as a way to measure the strength of their rum. To check if it was strong enough, they’d pour it over gunpowder and light it. If it ignited, the rum was “proof” that it hadn’t been watered down. Anything stronger was called “overproof,” and it had an extra kick! Wray & Nephew White Overproof Rum still carries that legacy with its bold 63% ABV—definitely strong enough to make a statement.
The Role of Wray & Nephew in the Jamaican rum industry
By the early 20th century, Wray & Nephew grew into more than just a local favourite—it was spreading its wings. Exports were booming, and demand for their rum was rising both at home and abroad.
But it wasn’t just about making more rum to keep up with demand; the company massively influenced the way rum was produced in Jamaica. From refining production techniques to helping set the standards for the island’s rum regulations, Wray & Nephew were true trailblazers. They didn’t simply follow the rules, they helped to create them.
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Innovations in distillation and production
Wray & Nephew pioneered innovative rum distillery techniques in the mid-1900s, ensuring that each batch of rum maintained its high quality and consistency. These innovations positioned them as a leader in the global rum world.
What really sets Wray & Nephew apart is its bold, fruity flavors, deeply rooted in the heart of Jamaica. The molasses, a byproduct of sugarcane sourced from trusted suppliers, forms the foundation of the rum’s distinctive taste. Produced in sunny, tropical conditions, this key ingredient captures the vibrant essence of the island, delivering the signature character Wray & Nephew is celebrated for.
Wray & Nephew also uses two types of distillation to craft their rum: the traditional copper pot still, which has been around since the early days of Jamaican rum, and the more modern column still. The pot stills give the rum its bold, full-bodied character, while the column still adds subtle notes of pineapple and banana. After distillation, these different rums are blended to create a perfectly balanced, complex flavour that’s packed with the richness you expect from Wray & Nephew.
Esters are tasty flavour compounds that form during fermentation. Jamaican rum is famous for packing in tons of these, and Wray & Nephew is a step above the rest. With a high concentration of esters, every sip of this rum is loaded with rich aromas and flavours, allowing it to truly stand out in the world of overproof rums.
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Jamaican pride and Wray & Nephew
Wray & Nephew isn’t just any rum—it’s a slice of Jamaica preserved in a bottle. As the island grew into its own, this rum became a badge of honour. It’s more than a drink; it’s a celebration of Jamaican spirit and craftsmanship. Whether you’re raising a glass to independence or just enjoying a night with friends, Wray & Nephew is the go-to choice for proud Jamaicans everywhere. It’s a little taste of home with every sip.
Social and cultural events
In Jamaica, rum and celebrations go hand in hand. Wray & Nephew has been front and centre at all kinds of events—from Carnival to weddings, and even in more solemn moments like religious ceremonies. It’s not just a drink; it’s part of the experience. Whether it’s a toast at a wedding or a key ingredient in the famous Jamaican Christmas cake, Wray & Nephew has become a fixture in life’s biggest moments on the island.
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The modern legacy of Wray & Nephew
These days, Wray & Nephew is known as the Jamaican treasure that has made a splash around the world. From local bars in Kingston to swanky cocktail lounges in London and New York, this rum has found fans everywhere. Bartenders love its bold character, and it’s a must-have for any DIY cocktail connoisseur who is serious about their rum. Whether it’s mixed into classic cocktails or sipped neat, the Wray & Nephew global fanbase just keeps growing. And with exciting collaborations and a place in the latest cocktail trends, this rum is showing no signs of slowing down.
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How Wray & Nephew continues to shape the rum industry
Wray & Nephew continues to strive for excellence. With an impressive lineup of awards—including the prestigious Double Gold from the San Francisco World Spirits Competition and a Grand Gold Medal from Monde Selection over the years—it’s clear the rum world can’t get enough.
But it’s not just about the accolades; Wray & Nephew has influenced how modern rums are crafted, inspiring new distillation techniques and setting the bar for quality. And while they’re all about innovation, they’ve never forgotten their roots in Jamaican rum history. The Wray & Nephew commitment to heritage keeps them connected to the traditional rum-making practices that started it all, proving that sometimes sticking to what you do best is the real recipe for success.
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Signature Wray & Nephew rum cocktails
1. Corpse Reviver Port of Call
The Corpse Reviver Port of Call is a twist on the classic Corpse Reviver that bursts with bold, citrusy flavours and a hint of herbal warmth, all wrapped up in a smooth, yet fiery finish.
INGREDIENTS
- 20 ml Wray & Nephew White Overproof Rum
- 20 ml Grand Marnier
- 20 ml Kina
- 20 ml Lemon juice
- 2 dashes Orange bitters
- 2 dashes Absinthe
- Ice
METHOD
- Add all the ingredients to an ice-filled cocktail shaker
- Shake until frosty
- Double strain into a coupé glass
- Serve
2. Tingwray
The Tingwray comes to the party with a tangy punch with a crisp burst of brightness and a fun, fizzy finish.
INGREDIENTS
- 45 ml Wray & Nephew White Overproof Rum
- 45 ml Grapefruit juice
- 45 ml Soda water
- Ice
- Grapefruit wedge, to garnish
METHOD
- Build rum, grapefruit juice, and club soda in a rocks glass
- Add ice, garnish with a grapefruit wedge, and serve
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3. Negroni’s Nephew
The Negroni’s Nephew balances rich bitterness with a touch of sweetness, finished off with a smooth, chocolatey depth and a citrusy twist.
INGREDIENTS
- 30 ml Wray & Nephew White Overproof Rum
- 30 ml Campari
- 20 ml Sweet vermouth
- 10 ml Crème de cacao
- Lemon peel, to garnish
- Ice
METHOD
- Add rum, Campari, sweet vermouth, and crème de cacao to a mixing glass with ice
- Stir until frosty, then strain into a rocks glass over fresh ice
- Garnish with a lemon peel and serve
4. Good Word
The Good Word delivers a bold, herbal kick with a tangy burst of lime and a hint of cherry sweetness, all in one smooth sip.
INGREDIENTS
- 20 ml Wray & Nephew White Overproof Rum
- 20 ml Green Chartreuse
- 20 ml Cherry liqueur
- 20 ml Lime juice
- Ice
METHOD
- Add rum, Green Chartreuse, cherry liqueur, and lime juice to a cocktail shaker with ice
- Shake until frosty, then double strain into a coupe glass
- Serve
5. Trafalgar Punch
Expecting a crowd? Treat them to a Trafalgar Punch so that you have more time to enjoy the party.
INGREDIENTS
- Peels of 3 lemons, cut into wide spirals
- 75 cup Sugar
- 180 ml Freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 120 ml Wray & Nephew White Overproof Rum
- 360 ml Tawny port
- 240 ml Armagnac
- Whole nutmeg, to garnish
- Ice
METHOD
- Muddle lemon peels with sugar in a punch bowl and let sit for at least an hour
- Stir in the lemon juice, rum, tawny port, and Armagnac until well combined
- Grate a whole nutmeg over the top
- Add ice to the punch bowl just before serving
Top tips from Tris
Keen to take your Wray & Nephew cocktails to the next level? Here are some insider insights from our friend at Campari Academy UK, Tristram Fini:
- To take your rum cocktails to the next level, always use freshly squeezed citrus. Whether it’s lime for a classic Cuba Libre or lemon for a refreshing twist, using fresh citrus juice enhances the depth and brightness of your drink. It’s a simple but effective way to ensure each sip is bursting with flavour.
- When pairing rum cocktails with food, think about the flavours and origins of both the drink and the dish. For example, Jamaican rum punch pairs excellently with jerk chicken. The fruity, sweet, and sour elements of the rum punch complement the spicy, citrus-driven, and herbaceous notes of the jerk chicken, especially with the intense heat of Scotch bonnet chillies.
Well, cocktail lovers, now you know. Aside from being an amazing rum, Wray & Nephew’s history is also rich and intriguing—the ultimate conversation starter over a gorgeous rum-inspired cocktail at your next dinner party! In the meantime, head over to the Wray & Nephew website for more recipe inspiration, and sign up for our newsletter to stay in the mix.
