Wha Gwan Returns to Its Roots: Rum-Tonic Brand Announces Jamaican Launch and Debuts First Golden Rum

Introducing our Jamaican Rum Tonics (17.2% ABV), now dressed with a bold roaring lion. 

This refreshed label also allows us to uniquely identify any bottles that make their way back to the UK market. 

Wha Gwan, the Caribbean drinks brand redefining the ready-to-drink (RTD) category, is proud to announce its official launch in Jamaica, marking a major milestone for the rum-based tonic brand born in the UK and inspired by island culture. 

Founded with a mission to reflect Jamaican and Caribbean heritage through flavour, storytelling, and energy, Wha Gwan has built a loyal following in the UK with its vibrant, rum-led tonics. For the brand, rum isn’t just an ingredient — it’s a cultural emblem. It represents togetherness, celebration, and identity — the spirit that connects Caribbean communities across the world. 

“Launching in Jamaica isn’t just about expanding into a new market — it’s about going home,” says David Mills, Founder of Wha Gwan Food &

Beverage. “This is where the story began. Rum represents our people’s creativity, resilience, and spirit. Bringing Wha Gwan back to Jamaica is our way of honouring that legacy and sharing it with the world.” 

Across the Caribbean, rum is more than a spirit — it’s the lifeblood of celebration, unity, and cultural expression. It’s the drink that travelled with the diaspora, shaping identity and community far beyond the islands. That’s why Wha Gwan chose rum — not wine — as the base of its tonic range. 

“We’re rum drinkers,” Mills explains. “Rum has always been at the centre of our culture — it’s what our ancestors distilled and shared with the world. By using rum in our tonics, we’re preserving that cultural authenticity and introducing it to a new generation of drinkers who crave flavour with real roots.” 

As part of this milestone moment, Wha Gwan is unveiling a trio of new releases in Jamaica — its first ever 43% Golden Rum (200ml hip flask) and two 200ml ready-to-drink Rum Tonics in Melon Cherry and Pineapple & Coconut flavours. The new formats combine Wha Gwan’s bold l flavour profiles with premium convenience, designed for both local enjoyment and international appeal. 

The Wha Gwan 43% Golden Rum balances smooth character with a rich, golden warmth — crafted for sipping, sharing, and celebrating. Meanwhile, the Melon Cherry and Pineapple & Coconut hip flasks capture the brand’s signature “good vybz and strength” in a perfectly portable serve, ideal for festivals, bars, and beachside occasions. 

The new range will debut in Jamaica as part of the brand’s homecoming celebrations and will be available in the UK from the end of November 2025 through selected retailers and online partners. 

“The Golden Rum and the 200ml tonics represent the next evolution of Wha Gwan,” says Mills. “We’re blending craftsmanship with accessibility — celebrating the real Caribbean spirit in every sense. These releases are about giving people a taste of our roots, wherever they are.” 

The Jamaican launch marks a defining new chapter for Wha Gwan as it expands internationally while staying grounded in its cultural heritage. A series of launch events, cultural collaborations, and tastings are planned across the island to celebrate Wha Gwan’s return to rum’s birthplace.