A FAMILY-RUN distillery in Islay has struck a lucrative deal with one of Germany's leading premium spirits importers to sell its award-winning drinks across the country.
The Islay Spirits Company, best known for producing The Original Islay Rum, has announced the German family-run firm Kirsch Import will distribute its rums to hospitality businesses and retailers in Germany.
The Scottish firm, which operates the island's first dedicated rum distillery, already sells its products across the UK.
Production of their spirits began in January 2022 in the restored Old Lemonade Factory in Port Ellen, and the business has quickly grown. It is now best known for its Original Islay Rum Barrel Aged, which rested in ex-peated Islay whisky casks.
Andrew Crook, director at The Islay Spirits Company, welcomed the news, hailing the German market as one of the most knowledgeable spirits markets in the world.
He 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.
“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.”
Founded in 1976 by Dieter Kirsch, Kirsch Import is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year and is now run by second-generation Christoph Kirsch at its base near Bremen.
The business supplies retailers and the hospitality sector across Germany with more than 4500 spirits on offer, including one of the country's most extensive whisky portfolios.
Christoph Kirsch, managing director at Kirsch Import, said after 50 years in business his firm has been offered a “lot of rum” and that they have to be “careful” with what brands they decide to work with.
“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,” he said.
“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.”
The German deal follows a run of international recognition for the Islay Spirits Company.
The Original Islay Rum Barrel Aged took Double Gold at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition 2026, won Gold at the International Wine & Spirit Competition 2025, and was awarded three stars at Great Taste 2026, the world's largest food and drink awards.
