The Islay Spirits Company, producer of The Original Islay Rum and the island’s first dedicated rum distillery, has agreed to a distribution partnership with Kirsch Import, one of Germany’s leading premium spirits importers. Under the deal, Kirsch Import will take the brand’s core portfolio into new accounts across Germany, building on the distillery’s direct-to-consumer sales, which already ship domestically in the UK from its website.
The core range comprises three expressions. The Original Islay Rum Barrel Aged is rested in ex-peated Islay whisky casks.
The Original Islay Rum Geal is a pure single white rum. The Original Islay Rum Peat Spiced is smoked over a peat fire.
Quick whisky question
Single malt is everywhere, but what does it mean? We want to know what the word “single” means to you. Three quick questions, under a minute.
Islay is known globally for its whisky. Rum has been made at The Islay Rum Distillery since production began in January 2022. The distillery operates from the restored Old Lemonade Factory in Port Ellen. It is led by head distiller and distillery manager Ben Inglis.
In May this year, the distillery released its first single cask expression, The Original Islay Rum Sherry Wood, limited to 390 bottles.
The German deal follows a run of international recognition for the business. The Original Islay Rum Barrel Aged took Double Gold at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition 2026, scoring 98 points.
What Will Whisky Look Like in 2027? Voices from Whisky Live Paris
READ THE STORYIt also won Gold at the International Wine & Spirit Competition 2025 and was awarded three stars at Great Taste 2026, judged by more than 500 food and drink experts.
Kirsch Import was founded in 1976 by Dieter Kirsch and is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year. The family business, based near Bremen, is now run by second-generation Christoph Kirsch and supplies retailers and the hospitality trade across Germany with more than 4,500 spirits, including one of the country’s most extensive whisky portfolios.
Andrew Crook, director at The Islay Spirits Company, said: “As a family-owned, independent business, we feel very closely aligned with the Kirsch Import team. They share our values in good, honest business and they have seen the magic of The Original Islay Rum.”
He added: “Germany is one of the most knowledgeable spirits markets in the world, and its drinkers already have a deep affection for Islay whisky. Kirsch has spent 50 years earning the trust of that audience, and there’s no better partner to introduce our rum to it.”
Christoph Kirsch, managing director at Kirsch Import, said: “Fifty years in this business makes you careful about what you take on. We get offered a lot of rum and say no to most of it, but this is their own spirit, distilled in Port Ellen, not bought in and dressed up.”
Kirsch continued: “Islay is home ground for us. We have sold whisky from that island to German drinkers for decades, so we know the audience will be curious about this one.”
Latest On The Whiskey Wash
