This Aussie Distillery Is Elevating Easter with a New Edition of Its Hot Cross Bun-Inspired Rum

With Easter just around the corner, you've probably already got stuck into a few fruit-spiked buns and choccy eggs, with plenty more to come. But here's another, more grown-up treat to add to your wish-list again this year — an Aussie craft rum inspired by the humble hot cross bun.

Off the back of a wildly popular 2022 debut, family-run Margaret River distillery The Grove has been busy whipping up a new edition of its beloved Hot Cross Rum. Once again, the small-batch sip has been hand-crafted using The Grove's four-year barrel-aged dark rum, then housed in a former bourbon barrel made of American oak. Raisins, oranges and a bunch of warm spices are left to steep, before the rum is given a final infusion of classic hot cross bun flavours including cinnamon, cloves and vanilla.

At the end, you've got a warm, rich, festive-tasting spirit, packed with notes of caramelised raisin, vanilla and cinnamon, with a lingering fruity finish and a hit of molasses to round it all out. A 40-percent ABV hot cross bun in a glass, if you like.

The Grove team recommends you sip their new creation neat — with a hot-buttered Easter bun on the side for full effect, of course. Word is that it's also a solid match to a cheese board or dessert, and proves an ideal drop to whip out for any celebratory occasion through the rest of the year, too.

Just 120 bottles of the Hot Cross Rum have been made this year, available now to purchase online, with Australia-wide delivery happening just in time for Easter.

The Hot Cross Rum marks the fourth release from The Grove's Collector's Series of limited-edition spirits. Each of the French cubic glass bottles features a handwritten, numbered calligraphy label by Perth artist Stacey Teo.

The Grove's Hot Cross Rum is available to purchase via the website at RRP $110 for a 500ml bottle.

Images: Freedom Garvey Photographer