Wildjac Cherry Wood Spiced Rum Review

1 day ago
3 min read

A flavourful Spiced Rum from the heart of the West Midlands. Here is our review of Wildjac's Cherry Wood Spiced Rum.

Origin : Bewdley, Worcestershire, England

ABV : 37.5%

Flavour : Cherry,Fruity,Light Spices

A Homegrown Spirit from Bewdley

Before even opening the bottle, Wildjac stands out as a proudly local and independent brand. Based in Bewdley, Worcestershire, the distillery is rooted in the Wyre Forest and focuses heavily on sustainability, locally sourced ingredients and small-batch production. Their ethos centres around creating spirits that reflect the surrounding environment, with a strong emphasis on eco-friendly practices and supporting environmental causes. That local identity gives the Cherry Wood Spiced Rum a real sense of place — it’s not just another flavoured rum, but one that aims to combine Caribbean rum with English influence and craftsmanship.

Background of the Product

Wildjac Cherry Wood Spiced Rum is built on a base of barrel-aged rum sourced from Barbados and South America, which is then infused with cherry wood, fruit and spices. The use of cherry wood is what makes this bottle particularly interesting. Rather than simply adding fruit flavouring, the cherry influence is layered in through both wood ageing and infusion, giving the rum a deeper, more rounded character. Bottled at 37.5% ABV, it sits comfortably within the spiced rum category while offering something slightly more unique than the typical vanilla-heavy profile.

Flavour Profile and Overall Character

On the nose, you’re met with a warm blend of cherry and oak, with a slightly sweet, almost jam-like fruitiness. The palate follows through with those cherry notes, balanced by gentle spice and a hint of citrus. There’s a noticeable smoothness to it, making it very approachable, while underlying flavours of vanilla and caramelised oak add depth.

The finish is where it really rounds out — warm, slightly sweet, with lingering notes of orange, vanilla and soft spice. Overall, it leans towards a smooth, fruity and lightly spiced profile, rather than anything too bold or overpowering.

Best Mixers and Cocktail Uses

This is a versatile rum that works well both simply and in cocktails.

For an easy serve, it pairs particularly well with:

Cola (for a cherry cola-style twist)
Ginger beer (to enhance the spice)
Lemonade (for a lighter, more refreshing option)

In cocktails, it’s a great base for:

A Cherry Rum Old Fashioned
A Spiced Rum Sour with a berry twist
A Cherry Daiquiri for something brighter

It’s also strong enough in flavour to hold its own in more experimental drinks, especially those involving citrus or darker fruit flavours.

Is It Worth the Money?

Typically priced around the £30–£35 mark, Wildjac Cherry Wood Spiced Rum sits in the mid-range category for premium spiced rums.

For that price, you’re not just paying for the liquid, but also the brand’s sustainability efforts, small-batch production and unique flavour profile. It may not replace a classic dark rum for purists, but for those looking for something different and flavour-driven, it offers solid value.

Final Thoughts

Wildjac Cherry Wood Spiced Rum is a distinctive and well-crafted spirit that blends traditional rum with a unique English twist. The cherry wood influence sets it apart, giving it a fruity depth that feels both approachable and slightly more refined than many standard spiced rums.

It’s smooth, versatile and easy to enjoy, whether served simply over ice or mixed into cocktails. While it may lean more towards the sweeter side of the spectrum, that’s very much part of its appeal.

If you’re looking for something a little different — especially from a local, sustainability-focused distillery — this is definitely a bottle worth trying.

Rating: 9/10