A spiced rum stocked at Jeremy Clarkson’s pub in the Cotswolds, Oxfordshire, has been declared the country’s leading selection.

The Asthall venue, formerly called The Windmill, was bought by the former Top Gear presenter for around one million pounds.

The site reopened as The Farmer’s Dog last August and has become popular with those wanting a pint of Hawkstone.

From the beginning, Clarkson pledged to stock only British-made goods at the establishment, meaning no ketchup or cola is available there.

This policy meant rum was absent from the drinks menu, since the spirit has traditionally been produced from molasses, a waste product from sugar cane processing.

The gap in The Farmer’s Dog’s spirit range was recently filled through the introduction of Alkemy, which makes rum from local ingredients.

After years of producing rum overseas, brothers Will and Rob Tapster founded the distillery in Suffolk in 2021, seeking to create a unique take on the classic spirit.

Alkemy uses molasses from sugar beet grown in the region rather than imported sugar cane to produce its rum.

The rum has now earned recognition after achieving the highest score among spiced rums at this year’s London Spirits Competition.

Now in its ninth edition, the competition assesses each entry using three weighted criteria: quality, value, and packaging.

Entries first undergo blind tasting by a panel of industry professionals, including spirits buyers, bar managers, and mixologists, before pricing and packaging are considered.

To receive recognition, spirits must deliver excellent quality while offering strong value for both the trade and consumers, and must distinguish themselves visually on shelves and back bars.

The judges brought extensive expertise from multiple sectors, including hospitality, retail, and education, guaranteeing thorough assessment of each entry.

The panel was impressed with the Suffolk spirit’s packaging, awarding it 93 points, and its value at 92 points, though it was the quality of the spiced gold spirit that earned the greatest acclaim.

Since the competition began nine years ago, no spiced rum has secured a higher score than Alkemy Spiced Gold this year.

Co-founder Will Tapster said this demonstrates that people are treating spiced rum with increased seriousness.

Historically, spiced rums have performed considerably worse than other rum categories in these competitions, but that has changed.

Consumers are starting to recognise that among the traditionally overly sweet spiced rums, there are options that are as complex and satisfying as any other spirit.

The distillery is aware of the significance of achieving the highest-ever score for a spiced rum.

Co-founder Rob Tapster said they must acknowledge being somewhat surprised, not because of any lack of confidence in the spirit, but because they have received mixed responses in these competitions.

Previously, they have either scored very highly or been disqualified for not being considered a true rum. Both outcomes are viewed as legitimate.