The beautiful Richland Rum distillery nestled on a 70-acre estate.
Richland Rum, established by Erik and Karin Vonk, has transformed from a hobby into a prominent craft distillery in Georgia, utilizing sugarcane juice for production. Their unique methods and aging process have garnered significant recognition, attracting visitors and notable figures. With legal changes boosting the rum market, Richland Rum continues to thrive and plans for expansion. The couple’s commitment to quality sets them apart in the growing craft spirits landscape.
Richland, Georgia – After 25 years of operation, Richland Rum has evolved from a post-retirement hobby to an award-winning craft distillery, making significant strides in Georgia’s burgeoning rum industry. Located on a 70-acre estate approximately 120 miles south of Atlanta, the distillery has become a key player in the so-called “rum renaissance,” a growing trend in the production and enjoyment of craft spirits across the state.
Richland Rum is distinguished by its unique production method, which involves directly sourcing sugarcane juice from the estate instead of using the more common molasses. This practice enables them to fall within less than 5% of rum producers globally who follow similar protocols. The distillation process begins with the fermentation of 90 gallons of syrup, which is mixed with 500 gallons of water and six ounces of yeast. This mixture undergoes fermentation for about 7 to 10 days before it is distilled using copper pot stills at 120 proof.
The aging process of the rum occurs in American white oak barrels, with certain products aging for over a decade. The aging is considered vital to enriching the rum’s quality and complexity, a factor the founders regard as essential to their success. The distillation and aging facilities include three copper pot stills and over 1,000 barrels, with the distillery frequently offering single barrel selections to discerning customers.
Richland Rum has gained considerable recognition, attracting over 1,000 visitors monthly to its tasting tours, where guests can witness the distillation process firsthand. The distillery has welcomed notable figures, including former President Jimmy Carter and his wife, Rosalynn Carter, leading to the creation of a unique “presidential barrel.” This accolade has further solidified the distillery’s reputation for producing high-quality rum.
Since the passage of legislation in 2017 that relaxed Georgia’s previously stringent liquor laws, distilleries have been allowed to sell directly to consumers from their facilities. This change has catalyzed growth in the state’s rum market, which was nearly nonexistent prior to these legal adjustments. As a result, Richland Rum has seen a surge in interest and sales, positioning it favorably within the competitive landscape of craft spirits.
Erik and Karin Vonk, the Dutch couple who founded the distillery, transitioned from corporate careers to farming and distillation. Their journey is characterized by a learning curve filled with trials and errors, leading to their current status as celebrated craft distillers. The couple’s commitment to quality is mirrored in their choice of sugarcane, which originates from a variety originally grown in Indonesia. Agronomists assisted in the selection process to ensure optimal growth for the locale.
Richland Rum has also embraced innovative production techniques through collaborations with local breweries, resulting in special barrel-aging programs that add unique complexity to their offerings. Currently, the distillery is undertaking significant expansions of its facilities and has plans to open a second location in Brunswick, Georgia, soon.
The Vonks humorously recount the challenges of balancing their personal relationship with business ownership, referring to the experience as “madness.” Nevertheless, their passion for craft distilling and their commitment to producing high-quality rum drives their ongoing success.
As Richland Rum continues to thrive and innovate, it stands as a testament to the resurgence of craft rum in Georgia, bringing unprecedented attention to the artistic and complex world of spirit production.
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