The Equiano Rum Co. launches Ominira, its first ever vintage

The Equiano Rum Co. has announced the launch of Ominira, its first ever vintage rum, and first release from its Legacy Blends Series on 15th of April 2024. Makers of the world’s first African & Caribbean Rums, Global Rum Ambassador and Equiano Co-Founder Ian Burrell and his team are leading by example in the category, at the forefront of innovation, guided by a desire to honour the brands’ namesake Olaudah Equiano.

Celebrating freedom of spirit with every bottle, the highly limited batch of 11-year-old vintage is a nod to Equiano the man (1745 - 1797), who was kidnapped and enslaved at 11 years of age. Its name, Ominira means Freedom in Yoruba, the West African language predominantly spoken in Equiano’s birthplace of Essaka. In further recognition of the freedom fighter who changed the world, the aged and rested blend of Gray’s and Foursquare rums have an ABV of 52%, which reflects the age that Equiano lived to.

The rare blend of perfectly aged rums has been respectively distilled by globally-renowned Barbadian distillery Foursquare and one of the world’s best emerging distilleries Gray’s in Mauritius, matured in Bourbon and Cognac casks, and finished with a touch of Sherry cask to add an incredible depth and richness to the liquid. Matured for a minimum of 11 tropical years, the Ominira blend features aromas of ripe banana, sweet molasses, vanilla, allspice and cedarwood on the nose, while the initial taste on the palate reveals luscious notes of dark chocolate, sweet caramel and tropical fruits, layered with a subtle hint of buttery oak. The mid-palate introduces a delightful spiciness with cinnamon and nutmeg adding unique depth, while a long and satisfying finish incorporates light tannins, showcasing the exceptional balance and smoothness of the rum.

The exclusive batch of just 3,000 bottles will drop on equianorum.com and is expected to sell out quickly. Retailing at £180, this launch reflects the growing category of ultra premium rum.

Equiano Co-Founder and Global Rum Ambassador, Ian Burrell, comments, “Vintage rum has quickly evolved into a highly cherished collector’s item, and it is an incredible honour to be unveiling Equiano’s first vintage rum, Ominira, to market.

“Ominira is a rare blend that beautifully marries rums from two of the best distilleries in the world, and two cultures that represent Equiano’s identity. The result is an extraordinary piece of rum history that encapsulates the freedom and spirit of our brand’s namesake, Olaudah Equiano - a liquid to celebrate, toast and share with loved ones.”