DropWorks Distillery, Europe’s largest rum distillery, is celebrating its second anniversary with ambitious growth plans. Recently, they appointed Graham Appleyard as the new CEO, who aims to triple the company’s growth in 2025, leveraging the firm foundation built over the past two years. Now present in over a third of the UK’s premier cocktail venues, DropWorks plans to expand its presence in hundreds of additional bars.

Founded in 2023 by Lewis Hayes, DropWorks has gained attention for its high-quality British rum, crafted specifically for the bar industry. Appleyard, with over 20 years of experience in the drinks industry, emphasizes the importance of product excellence for brand success. He highlights their unique offerings, which include “Drops” of various flavors, as creating a fresh and exciting drinking experience.

The distillery is located in Nottinghamshire’s Sherwood Forest, encompassing 17,000 sq ft and capable of producing up to 1.5 million bottles of rum annually. Each step of the rum production process, from fermentation to bottling, is conducted on-site with bespoke copper stills.

Lewis Hayes, the founder and Master Distiller, reflects on the transformation of his initial ideas into a burgeoning brand with a range of products tailored for bartenders. The company is not only poised for growth in venues but also plans to enter the retail market.

DropWorks has already been recognized for its quality, winning multiple industry awards, including the Experience of the Year at the 2025 Nottinghamshire Tourism Awards, highlighting its contribution to local tourism and the spirits industry.

With a clear vision for the future, DropWorks is set to expand its footprint across the UK, offering drinkers a chance to rediscover rum through its creative and diverse range.