Shakespeare Distillery in Warwickshire is celebrating its biggest international success to date after its Jester Rum Cask Strength Sherry Expression was crowned 'World's Best' at the prestigious World Rum Awards 2026.

Following last year's Bronze Medal success, the Stratford-upon-Avon distillery has gone one step further, with its latest limited-edition release progressing through every stage of the competition to claim the highest accolade in its category. Crafted from scratch using the distillery's award-winning Jester White Rum, the expression has spent five years maturing in carefully selected ex-Bourbon and Oloroso Sherry casks before being bottled at natural cask strength.

The World Rum Awards are among the most respected global accolades in the spirits industry, judged by an expert panel that assembles some of the world's leading rum authorities. Following the initial blind tasting rounds in Norwich earlier this year, Jester Rum Cask Strength Sherry Expression was awarded Gold and named UK Style Winner in the Hybrid Still (5 Years and Under) category. The rum then progressed to the World Rum Awards Finals in London on Tuesday 2 June, competing against category winners from around the globe before being awarded the title of World's Best Hybrid Still Rum.

Simon Picken, Director of Shakespeare Distillery, says: "Having our rum recognised by our peers on the world stage is a huge testament to the dedication and skill of our distillery team here in Stratford-upon-Avon. To be named World's Best among entries from across the globe is an achievement we're immensely proud of and one that reflects the passion, patience and craftsmanship that goes into every bottle we produce."

Jester Rum Cask Strength Sherry Expression officially launched on 4 June and is available online at shakespearedistillery.com/shop, at Shakespeare Distillery's 1 High Street shop and at the distillery visitor centre. Prices start from £7.25 for a 5cl bottle and £48 for a 50cl bottle. For more information about Shakespeare Distillery please visit shakespearedistillery.com

PHOTO: Sam Evans (Head of Sales & Customer Experiences), David Picken (Head Distiller) and Jack Rose (Assistant Distiller) with the winning rum.