Inner Circle Rum was first produced by the CSR (Colonial Sugar Refinery) Company last century for the pleasure of its employees and very special clients - hence the name. From its first distillation, the objective was to make the best rum possible. In 1970, Inner Circle Rum was released into the Australian market and immediately created a cult like following. Those who found the Brand, only spoke of it in whispers but sung its praises loudly! It was originally available in three strengths, Underproof, Overproof and 33% Overproof. The label was instantly recognisable by its coloured circle and became identified as red, green or black dot. However, in 1986, CSR sold their rum distillery interests and Inner Circle was removed from the market. A great Aussie icon disappeared. In 2000 Stuart Gilbert, an Australian Olympic Yachtsman still lamenting the loss of his favourite rum, sought out and became acquainted with Malcolm Campbell who had been responsible for the distillation and quality control of Inner Circle from 1972 to 1986 when he supervised the very last bottling. To Stuarts delight, Malcolm was only too willing to apply his many years of experience to the task of producing a rum deserving of the Inner Circle name. Inspired by this revelation, Stuart acquired the rights to the Brand name and now offers his product to the rum lovers of the world! In 2004, Inner Circle Rum purchased the Beenleigh Rum Distillery which, after some re-engineering, has begun producing the highest quality pot still rums. The Company has also purchased Offices in the old CSR Cooperage building at Pyrmont.
Presently the Rum is produced from Fijian ingredients using the labour intensive pot still method, rather than the continuous distillation method used by most other commercial rums. The pot-still method is generally agreed to produce rums of a higher quality. Inner Circle Rum is made to the same blend and by the same blender as it was when it was last commercially available. The same quality that made it an icon brand has become the standard for the future of this 100% Australian owned company.
