Callisto Rum

Callisto Rum was founded by Giles Templeman, who moved from his native Bermuda to the Bay Area of California with a vision to broaden the American palate for rum. After a year of dedicated effort in infusing rum blends with Californian botanicals, the perfect recipe was developed, leading to the brand's online launch in November 2020.

Callisto Rum is known for producing botanical rum, specifically the Callisto California Dry Botanical Rum. This spirit is a fresh interpretation of traditional Caribbean rum, crafted by blending charcoal-filtered aged rums sourced from Trinidad and Nicaragua. The rum is then infused with a unique mix of locally sourced Californian botanicals, including flowers, herbs, seeds, roots, and bark, such as rosemary, lavender, burdock root, cherry bark, artichoke leaf, rose, and celery seed. The production process involves separating the rum blend into two lots, with one portion steeped in botanicals and then re-distilled before being blended back with the untouched base rum. Callisto Rum contains no artificial flavors or sweeteners and is bottled at 40% ABV (80 proof).

What makes Callisto Rum distinctive is its pioneering role in the botanical rum category and its ability to capture the essence of California's diverse natural landscape in every sip. The resulting spirit offers floral aromas, a pine and floral base, a creamy texture with a hint of salty sweetness, and a dry, crisp finish. Its unique botanical and dry profile often leads to comparisons with gin, and it is frequently recommended for use in gin-based cocktails.

The primary and notable expression from the brand is Callisto California Dry Botanical Rum. The rum is produced in Petaluma, California, by award-winning master distillers, further underscoring the quality and craftsmanship behind the brand.