Firm helps iconic rum producer look to future
Law firm Ward Hadaway has helped bring in a new era for the producer of North East drinks Alnwick Rum and Alnwick IPA.
Lawyers from the Newcastle firm advised on an agreement for Ian Linsley, founder of the Alnwick Rum Company, to be joined by two new business partners.
The trio – Linsley, Chris Walwyn-James and David Ainsley – have set up a new operating company called Spirit of Northumberland to encompass Linsley's core businesses Alnwick Brewery Company and Alnwick Rum Company.
A separate holding company – Harry Hotspur Holdings – will manage the traditional recipes, trademarks and intellectual property of the business.
Alex Shiel, partner and head of intellectual property at Ward Hadaway, led the team advising on the new arrangements.
"We are delighted to have helped Ian to set out on what looks like an exciting new era for the business," said Shiel.
"He has a real passion for the work which he does and the products which he makes so it is very rewarding to be able to assist in the development of the business.
"Hopefully with the new structures in place, Ian and his new business partners will be able to take Alnwick Rum and Alnwick IPA on to a new level."
The trio have a range of new ideas including rolling out a number of bespoke beers, as well as the original recipe Alnwick Rum, to a potentially global market.
Spirit of Northumberland has already been in discussions with suppliers and breweries to expand its range to include a Scotch ale while there are plans to make different Alnwick Rum blends – including a white rum – using recipes from records passed down to Linsley.
Alnwick Rum, a blend of Guyana and Jamaica rums, dates back to the First World War and was produced by the Alnwick Brewery Company, which began trading in the 1860s.
The Alnwick Brewery ceased trading in 1986, and it wasn't until Linsley's father's death in April 2001, when the original rum recipes were found among his papers, that he decided to re-register the Alnwick Rum Company and set about reviving the drink.
