Distinct on GB News; British Rum, Military Heritage, and a Spirit of Service
On New Years Eve, Distinct was invited onto GB News to tell the story of the heritage behind our 1944 D-Day Rum and VE Day Gin. Hosted by the ever-engaging Martin Daubney, the segment explored our work as a business, our commitment to the Taxi Charity for Military Veterans, and, of course, the unmistakable character of our Dark Rum—which Martin famously loved.
The Legacy of WWII Spirits
The Second World War shaped Britain in countless ways, and spirits were no exception. Rum in particular, played a vital role in the Navy and along with Gin they were rationed, revered, and relied upon.
It was also the start of our story, when a secret underground fuel depot was built in 1938 to store aviation fuel for the RAF. Connected by a vast network of underground pipework, fuel was transported from these secret depots to RAF bases around the country.
Over 80 years on, we've transformed our site into not only a distillery but a sanctuary for the finest aged spirits. In the old aviation fuel tanks, we age our casks of Rum and English Whisky - providing the perfect maturation conditions for controlled aging.
To pay our respects to our heritage, our 1944 D-Day Rum and VE Day were created and our work with the Taxi Charity for Military Veterans began.
Supporting the Taxi Charity for Military Veterans
Perhaps the most important part of our GB News appearance was highlighting our ongoing work with the Taxi Charity for Military Veterans. This remarkable organisation provides vital support, companionship, and memorable experiences for veterans—many of whom served during WWII.
At Distinct, our partnership with the charity isn’t an afterthought; it’s integral to who we are. £2 for every bottle sold from our Military Rum and Military Gin directly supports the charity’s work, helping ensure that veterans are never forgotten or isolated.
Sharing this partnership on national television amplified its impact. It reminded viewers that supporting British spirits can also mean supporting British veterans.
1944 D-Day Dark Rum with Depth and Purpose
Our Dark Rum sits at the heart of what we do. Rich, layered, and unapologetically bold, it’s designed to echo the style of historic naval rums while meeting modern expectations of quality and balance.
This is where Military Rum stands apart. It isn’t a gimmick or a label—it’s a philosophy. Every batch is crafted to honour those who served, drawing inspiration from WWII spirits that were as much about morale as they were about flavour.
Discover Our Dark Rum – Taste the Spirit Martin Daubney Loved on GB News
VE Day Gin: Precision, Balance, and Heritage
While rum often takes centre stage, our VE Day Gin is an equally important part of the Distinct portfolio. Gin has long been associated with British identity, and during wartime it was one of the few spirits still legally and practically produced at scale.
Our VE Day Gin reflects that legacy with a disciplined botanical profile—juniper-forward, with notes of lemon verbena for a delicate citrus finish.
Featuring both Military Gin and Military Rum on GB News allowed us to demonstrate how different spirits can tell interconnected stories from the same historical era.
The Growing Renaissance of British Rum
Our appearance on GB News came at a pivotal moment for British Rum. Across the UK, distillers are rediscovering rum’s place in our national story. From small-batch producers to heritage-led brands, the category is gaining momentum.
Distinct is proud to be part of this movement, especially through a military and historical lens. Military Rum isn’t about nostalgia alone—it’s about respect, education, and excellence in modern distilling.
By pairing this with strong values and charitable partnerships, British rum can stand confidently alongside whisky and gin as a flagship of British spirits.
Why Purpose-Driven Spirits Matter
Consumers today are looking beyond the label. They want to know:
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Where was this made?
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Why was it created?
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Who does it help?
Opportunities like this on GB News allow us to answer those questions clearly. Distinct exists to create outstanding spirits, yes—but also to honour service and support veterans. That dual mission is what sets our Dark Rum and Gin apart.
Purpose doesn’t replace quality; it enhances it. A great spirit should taste exceptional and mean something.
Looking Ahead: From GB News to the Future
The response following our appearance on GB News has been overwhelmingly positive. New customers discovered British Rum for the first time. Supporters of the Taxi Charity for Military Veterans reached out. Conversations about WWII spirits and military heritage gained fresh momentum.
For Distinct, this is just the beginning. We’ll continue refining our spirits, expanding our charitable impact, and telling Britain’s distilling stories—one bottle at a time.
As we raise a glass to the past, we also look firmly to the future—where British Rum, Military Rum, and the legacy of WWII spirits continue to inspire, educate, and give back.
And if Martin Daubney’s reaction is anything to go by, that future tastes exceptionally good.
Explore our Commemorative British Spirits Collection Now
