On Remembrance Day, 11 November 2024, Distinct Distillers proudly unveiled the Heroes Cask Reserve, an exclusive release of just 30 British rum casks available for purchase, dedicated to the legacy and bravery of WWII veterans. Each cask represents a tribute to the stories and sacrifices of our WWII veterans, with a portion of proceeds supporting the Taxi Charity for Military Veterans.
The Heroes Cask Reserve is a true collector’s item. Crafted in ex-bourbon barrels, Distinct Distillers’ signature rum, with its rich notes of roasted banana and a delicate infusion of vanilla from the bourbon aging, is meticulously aged in the distillery’s secret underground vaults. These vaults, originally used to store aviation fuel during WWII, have been repurposed to mature a spirit that embodies the very history it seeks to honour. Distinct Distillers will look after these casks for a period of 5 years whereby they can offer different exit options, including extended maturation.
To commemorate the launch, eight WWII veterans visited Distinct Distillers’ historic site - an underground vault that once stored aviation fuel for the war effort. Together, they laid down the Heroes Cask Reserve barrels, with each cask individually dedicated to a veteran preserving not only the taste of history but the voices of those who made it. At the end of maturation, each bottle from the Heroes Cask Reserve will bear the name and story of a specific veteran, with their personal signature on the cask preserved as a tribute. Six bottles from each cask will be gifted to the family members of these veterans, ensuring their loved ones receive a personal memento of their legacy and sacrifice.
Honouring veterans, preserving history, and supporting a cause
For Distinct Distillers, this project is deeply personal. “Our distillery sits on a site rich with WWII history,” says Hannah Boon, founder. “In a time when the world feels divided, we want to come together and honour the brave souls who came together, irrespective of the political beliefs or values to fight for a shared purpose. The Heroes Cask Reserve represents our respect for those who sacrificed so much, and by purchasing a cask, supporters contribute to both preserving their stories and supporting a vital charity.”
For each cask sold, £350 (10%) will be donated to the Taxi Charity for Military Veterans, an organisation run by volunteer cab drivers who dedicate their time and resources to provide veterans with social outings. This isn’t merely a day trip for these heroes; it’s a lifeline of joy, companionship, and purpose, fostering friendships and a sense of community that is priceless in their later years.
Supporting the Taxi Charity for Military Veterans
The Taxi Charity is unique in its mission: to offer veterans social experiences that combat loneliness and improve well-being. Volunteer cab drivers take veterans on outings, often reuniting them with comrades or taking them to places of personal significance. For many veterans, these outings offer life-changing moments of connection and joy.
A once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to own a piece of history
The Heroes Cask Reserve casks are priced at £3,495 each. Interested individuals can learn more about this limited offering and purchase details by contacting casks@distinctdistillers.co.uk. As a thank-you to those who contribute, families of the veterans whose stories are featured in the casks will each receive a bottle from this future release, a small gesture of gratitude for their service.
With only 30 casks available, each purchase represents an exclusive piece of history - a way for supporters to honour the courageous individuals of WWII and champion the work of the Taxi Charity for Military Veterans. Together, Distinct Distillers and supporters of the Heroes Cask Reserve are helping ensure that these veterans’ stories live on, uniting us in remembrance and respect for a generation that embodied resilience and sacrifice.
About Distinct Distillers
Distinct Distillers is a Shropshire-based distillery founded on the principles of quality, heritage, and respect for tradition. Located on a former WWII fuel depot, the distillery crafts premium British rum from scratch, aging each spirit in the site’s original wartime vaults. With each bottle, Distinct Distillers aims to honour the past, create connections, and support meaningful causes that celebrate and protect history.
About the Taxi Charity for Military Veterans
Founded and run entirely by volunteer London cab drivers, the Taxi Charity for Military Veterans is dedicated to providing veterans with social outings and experiences. From simple day trips to events that reunite comrades, the Taxi Charity offers veterans a sense of joy, companionship, and respect, ensuring their sacrifices are never forgotten.
For press inquiries, please contact:
Hannah Boon
