AUSTRALIA, 28 MARCH – As advocates of extraordinary spirits, Proof & Company proudly expands its Australian portfolio through a strategic partnership with Husk Distillers, Australia’s very first cane juice rum distillery. Nestled in the lush Northern Rivers of New South Wales near the town of Tumbulgum, Husk epitomises the “farm to bottle” ethos, making Husk an ideal fit for Proof & Company’s mission to elevate local spirits.
Husk Rum Range
As of 1st May, Proof & Company proudly assumes exclusive distributorship for Husk’s esteemed range of spirits, including their diverse and unique Australian rums and the iconic Ink Gin. Leveraging Proof & Company’s expansive network and brand-building capabilities, this partnership will capitalise on Husk’s unwavering commitment to excellence and innovation in craft spirit distillation.
“We’re thrilled to be partnering with Husk Distillers and cannot wait to bring their exciting portfolio to our markets across APAC. As someone who grew up in the Tweed Valley, mere steps away from the distillery, this place holds profound significance for me with fond memories of the region’s vibrant sugar cane production, it’s such a special place,” says Damian Kaehler, General Manager of Proof & Company Australasia.
“Paul and Mandy have built two amazing brands in Ink Gin and Husk Rum, both representing the very best of the local area and we can’t wait to cultivate their story in our markets. Their ethos tightly aligns with ours, with independent craft distilling and sustainability, from farm to bottle, the introduction of their portfolio into the ecoSPIRITS programme will further support this mission.”
Paul Messenger, Founder & CEO of Husk Distillers
“Starting life in a small shed at Husk Farm in 2012 it took more than 3 years before we were ready to offer our first bottles of Ink Gin for sale in June 2015. Later that year we released our first barrel of Husk rum. Since then, we’ve sold over a million bottles and now, after almost 9 years distributing our brands, we are thrilled to be partnering with Proof & Company to share our story and our liquid, enriching consumer experiences and elevating social occasions across the country. We are very impressed with the Proof & Company team and business model, and we share a passion and belief that together we can make great things happen.”
At the core of Husk Distillers’ narrative lies the pursuit for authenticity and distinction, driven by founder Paul Messenger’s transformative Caribbean expedition in 2009. Amidst the lush landscapes, the bars and distilleries of Martinique, Messenger encountered rhum agricole – a revelation that would inspire a new style of Australian rum. The raw, terroir-driven ethos of fresh cane juice rum has driven Husk on a pioneering journey in Australian rum production that continues to this day. Embracing the essence of their Northern Rivers volcanic terroir, Husk introduced a groundbreaking approach, crafting rum from freshly pressed cane juice grown on their own farm. This commitment to place, quality and authenticity is ultimately reflected in the Australian Cultivated Rum (ACR) mark, a geographic rules-based accreditation pioneered by Husk to protect and promote pure, single-estate Australian cane juice rums in a manner similar to the European system of Geographic Indicators.
In a parallel pursuit of innovation and a spirit of rebellion, Messenger’s exploration of exotic botanicals led to a serendipitous encounter with a curious flower. What followed was three years of experiments in a farm shed that culminated in the launch of the world’s first butterfly pea infused gin winning the 2016 Australian Drinks Industry Award for Best Innovation in Spirits and inspiring a colour revolution in the gin category.
Husk Distillery, Northern New South Wales
Ink Gin Range
Husk Farm
Now, as Husk Distillers joins forces with Proof & Company, a new chapter unfolds in both brands’ narrative. Together, they aspire to elevate the Australian spirits landscape, sharing Husk’s exceptional portfolio of farm-to-bottle spirits with enthusiasts across the Asia Pacific region. With Husk, Proof & Company is poised to enrich consumer experiences and cultivate a deeper appreciation for Australia’s extraordinary spirits.
ABOUT HUSK DISTILLERS
Husk Distillers is renowned as Australia’s first and foremost farm-to-bottle rum distillery and has become the country’s largest rum exporter. For over 12 years, Husk has led the charge in pioneering a distinctive style of Australian rum. Situated amidst the stunning 150-acre Messenger-Perkins family farm in the historic Tweed Valley of Northern New South Wales, Husk Farm serves as the perfect backdrop for the creation of this new style of Australian rum.
Utilising freshly harvested sugar cane grown and milled on-site, Husk Rum embodies sustainability and strives to encapsulate the unique terroir of the region within each bottle. Every year, the elements of geology, soil, water and climate culminate in a seasonal harvest of single estate sugar cane to yield a diverse selection of Australian sipping and mixing rums that are guaranteed to challenge your perception of rum.
In addition to their acclaimed rum offerings, Husk Distillers also produce the multi-award-winning Ink Gin. Ink Gin seeks to capture the essence of nature in every bottle, reflecting Husk’s commitment to excellence and innovation.
For more information, please visit Husk Distillers.