Salford Distillery has unveiled the Manchester Explorer Edition, a new airport-exclusive rum created in partnership with Manchester Airport Duty Free, giving travellers the chance to take a true taste of the region with them this summer – wherever they are going.
Developed in collaboration with the airport team, the launch builds on the success of Salford Distillery’s spirits, which have become one of the airport’s best-selling local products.
Inspired by the navy-style rums that once passed through Salford Docks during the city’s industrial heyday, the Manchester Explorer Edition combines carefully selected rums from Jamaica, Guyana and Trinidad, aged for up to five years before being expertly blended and bottled beneath Arch 33 in Salford, home to Salford Distillery. The result is a rich, full-bodied rum with notes of tobacco, caramel and tropical fruit, reflecting both traditional Caribbean rum-making and the craftsmanship of one of the North West’s most celebrated independent distilleries.
Designed to be as collectable as the liquid inside, the unique bottle features a bespoke illustrated map of Manchester’s best-loved landmarks, created by renowned local artist Dave Draws in collaboration with the team at Manchester Airport. The artwork celebrates the city region’s unmistakable identity, making the bottle a unique memento for visitors and proud Mancunians and Salfordians alike.
The launch marks another milestone for Salford Distillery as the brand continues to expand its reach beyond the UK, introducing thousands of international travellers passing through Manchester Airport to one of the region’s fastest-growing premium spirits brands.
The Manchester Explorer Edition is available exclusively from Manchester Airport Duty Free, priced at £27.49.
Tommy Gaughan, co-founder of Salford Rum said: “We’re incredibly proud to launch the Manchester Explorer Edition in partnership with Manchester Airport. This bottle is a celebration of where we come from and the journey we’re on as a distillery. Salford has a remarkable history with rum, thanks to the bustling docks that once connected the city to the Caribbean, and we’ve drawn on that heritage to create something that feels authentically local while looking out to the world.
“Every day, thousands of people travel through Manchester Airport, making it the perfect place to introduce visitors to a spirit that’s proudly made just a few miles away. Whether someone is buying it as a gift, a souvenir or to enjoy on their travels, we hope they’ll be taking a little piece of Salford with them wherever they go.”
A spokesperson for Manchester Airport said: “We are incredibly excited to bring this Manchester Airport exclusive rum to life in partnership with Salford Rum. This collaboration is a fantastic celebration of local creativity and shared ambition, combining their craft expertise with our vision for something truly unique for our passengers.
“The label, designed by Dave Draws with input from our own local airport team, perfectly captures the spirit of the launch – bold, authentic and rooted in the character of Manchester. We’re proud to offer travellers a unique product that reflects both place and partnership.”
Travellers who pick up a bottle this summer are encouraged to share where it ends up by tagging #TakeSalfordWithYou on social media, showcasing the global journeys of a rum proudly made in Salford.
The Manchester Explorer Edition is available exclusively from Manchester Airport Duty Free for an RRP of £27.49.
