A new independent drinks company Upbeat Spirits, formed in Cornwall, is launching an exciting new premium spiced rum – inspired by celebrating music and good times. Created by two friends Matt Franks and Jeremy Mitchell, the duo brings together a wealth of business and alcohol marketing experience – to launch Cornwall’s newest spiced rum, 8Track.
Owing its name to the iconic recording medium, 8Track was born from a shared love of music, togetherness and celebrating good times. The refreshing, easy-drinking spirit boasts a full flavour, that’s smooth, zestful and balanced with fresh citrus and warm spice. Made from fine Guyana and smooth 8-year-old vintage Barbados rums, the bespoke blend is infused with Seville oranges, vanilla, cloves, ginger and cinnamon. The all-natural and high-quality new product is designed to be enjoyed served straight on the rocks, with a quality mixer or as the base of a cocktail.
8Track has already secured a valuable wholesale listing and distribution partnership with St Austell Brewery and established numerous local listings with key businesses including The Old Bakery Studios, The Longstore restaurants, and Rebellion restaurants amongst others – due to popular demand.
Jeremy Mitchell, 8Track co-founder, says: “Having worked in drinks marketing and hospitality for much of my career, I’d always wanted the opportunity to start up a new business and create a brand from scratch. Events of the last 18 months gave me a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to join forces with Matt and to fulfil this ambition through 8Track. As the world rebuilds and society opens up again, we believe the timing is right for 8Track, a unique and delicious spiced rum brand that celebrates togetherness, good times and doing things better.”
Matt Franks, 8Track co-founder, adds: “We’re super excited to be working with such a talented team and really proud of the brand we’ve created. We’re lucky to have received such incredible support already from local bars and customers and can’t wait to see how it all develops.”
Standing out from the crowd, the fun-loving and exciting new rum is presented with a bold and bright label design – encapsulating its ‘good times’ philosophy – created by Falmouth design agency Kingdom & Sparrow, with web design and photography provided by The Design Room, in Truro.
Striving to do better for the planet, 8Track uses only lightweight recycled glass bottles (which are 100% recyclable) and is partnering with Porthleven based paper packaging pioneers, Flexi-Hex – to offer a sustainable packaging solution that’s plastic free.
In addition to Cornish stockists, direct to consumer nationwide sales are available from the 8Track website. 8Track will also be supporting new and live music sessions at the Old Bakery Studios, in Truro, and hosting activations at key Cornish music festivals and events including Rock Oyster Festival and Paul Ainsworth’s Travelling Feast, during 2021.
8Track is £28.50 for 70cl (37.5% ABV).
