We always knew launching a rum brand would raise a few eyebrows — but we didn’t expect to end up making headlines.
At the weekend, the Ham & High ran a brilliant feature on Solar Reserve Rum and our founder Anthony Delaney’s unexpected leap from tech recruitment into the world of premium spirits. Spoiler alert: it all started with a so-called mid-life crisis.
📰 Read the full article here
From Recruitment to Rum — A Founder’s Leap of Faith
After 20 years connecting people with opportunities in the ERP and Microsoft Dynamics world, Anthony decided it was time for something a little less... transactional.
Inspired by travels, family roots, and a deep love of both storytelling and rum, he launched Solar Reserve Rum Co — a small, sustainable rum brand blending bold Caribbean spirit with a distinctly British sense of humour (and decency).
Solar Reserve Rum: What Makes Us Different?
We don’t do pirate clichés or corporate fluff. What we do is:
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🌍 Source exceptional liquid from world-renowned distilleries: Lluidas Vale in Jamaica and AFD in the Dominican Republic
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♻️ Keep things sustainable, with lightweight bottles, recycled labels, and no greenwashing
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🥃 Blend with purpose — our award-winning rums are crafted to shine in both cocktails and sipping moments
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🥇 Win big — Silver at the IWSC for our SR55 and a Gold 95 at the London Spirits Competition for SR8
From a funky, mix-friendly SR55 to our refined 8-year SR8, everything we make reflects the care, craft and character we believe rum deserves.
What’s Next for Solar Reserve Rum?
The article touches on our journey so far — but we’re just getting started.
We’re now stocked in some of London’s best bars, featured in top spirits competitions, and building a growing following of people who, like us, want better rum with fewer gimmicks.
Whether you’re local a or just love a good independent brand, we’d love to share a drink with you.
Read the Full Ham & High Feature
Thanks again to Bridget Galton at the Ham & High team for the brilliant piece. You can read the article in full below — and if you feel seen by the phrase “mid-life crisis,” don’t worry. Ours just happened to come with a cork and a gold medal.
👉 Recruitment exec starts rum brand in mid-life crisis – Ham & High
