Historic trading ketch, the Bessie Ellen, has set sail from Cornwall with a barrel of Cornish distilled Rathlees Rum in her cargo hold where it will remain for the duration of her sailing season.

Heading north, the barrel will spend its time gently rolling with the lull of the waves as Bessie voyages to Scotland. Once here she will spend the summer months cruising around the Hebrides and out to St. Kilda. This constant movement allows the rum to absorb the flavours from the wooden barrel - which will also experience a couple of dips in the sea, soaking up the sea salt to leave a lingering taste of salinity on the lips when drunk. Additionally, this particular barrel has travelled across from America where it previously held Tennessee Bourbon, adding an extra flavour level to the finished product.

This isn't the first time the Bessie Ellen has transported cargo, in fact it is the very thing she was originally built for back in 1904 and remains an intrinsic part of her spirit to date. Skipper Nikki Alford explains, “Transporting cargo is a part of Bessie's heritage and we continue to embrace the idea of slow travel as an eco-friendly and non-commercial way of supporting locally sourced premium goods. Rathlees Rum is a high quality Cornish product and we, and our guests, are excited to be a part of their story.”

On Bessie's return to Cornwall, the barrel will be unloaded to produce 50 bottles of outstanding sea-age, cask-strength rum, at 50% proof. Bottles can be pre-ordered via their website – rathleedistilling.com. This will be a distinct limited edition rum, perfect for connoisseurs and lovers of the drink.

Rounding off the year will be an exclusive ticket-only event held in December on board Bessie whilst she is moored in Charlestown. Attendees will be able to sample Rathlees rum whilst dining on Latin themed food. For more information register your interest on the Rathlees website.

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Notes to the editors

Rathlees - Cornish based rum distiller Rathlees are the first fully licensed rum distillery in the South West. Based in Lostwithiel, Cornwall, they distil a premium golden, barrel aged Latin rum with pure Cornish water.

Bessie Ellen – Built in Plymouth, Devon in 1904, Bessie Ellen is one of the last remaining West Country trading ketches. Having been lovingly restored, Bessie now offers sailing holidays around the UK and Europe, adventuring to places that aren't always accessible by road. From weekend sails to ten-day passage crossings between Scotland and Cornwall, a voyage with Bessie promises new skills and memories that last a lifetime. For more information visit Bessie-ellen.com

For more information please contact:

E: niki@wolfrockmarketing.co.uk

T: 01872 262698