Burning Barn Rum, rising like a phoenix in Fife
Born from the ashes of a devastating barn fire, Burning Barn Rum has transformed adversity into one of the UK’s most compelling craft spirit success stories.
Founder Katherine Jenner launched the brand after a blaze destroyed her father in law’s toffee apple business in Solihull. “Everyone has their own version of a Burning Barn, it’s how you respond to it that matters,” she says, a philosophy that continues to drive the company forward.
Katherine and her husband Harry have since relocated to Dairsie, Fife, fulfilling a long held dream to be back in Scotland in a semi rural setting with a bit of land. The move has coincided with strong commercial momentum: month on month UK sales growth and listings with Selfridge's, Master of Malt, Westmorland Family farm as well as new local stockists Aitken's Dundee, Loch Leven's Larder and Luvians Bottle Shop.
Breaking into a crowded drinks market required ingenuity. “We were creative in getting our brand noticed,” Katherine explained, We sent out samples of our rum and used social media.” Their smoked and spiced rums have quickly built a loyal following, with Katherine noting, “Our smoked rum works well in place of whisky in an ‘Old Fashioned’ and the spiced rum has been used a lot this summer as a fruit cup.”
Crucially, the couple credit the support ecosystem in Fife for accelerating their growth. Katherine commented, “We’ve received such a warm welcome and the help we’ve had with setting the business up here has been incredible.” Business Gateway Fife senior adviser, Fraser McKee, highlighted the breadth of assistance, “We were delighted to help Katherine and Harry access Net Zero support, the Fife Investment Fund, introductions to Business Energy Scotland, and specialist advice for financial planning and modelling. Our colleagues in Fife Council Economic Development linked the business with Tourism specialists in Food and Drink and access to trade shows”
The couple has already expanded the offering by launching their new Airbnb, Wester Dron Annex. With a limited edition local collaboration in the pipeline and plans for new accommodation in the way of a former shepherd’s hut and bath house on their land as well as renovation of an old barn, Burning Barn Rum is proving that resilience, backed by the right support, can spark remarkable reinvention.
Whether you're thinking of starting a business or looking to grow or sustain an existing business, contact Business Gateway Fife for a variety of advice and support.