This story starts at the bottom of a swimming pool. Brought together following Ed’s miraculous recovery from a tragic accident that left him paralysed from the neck down, Olly and Ed formed their life long connection after the successful launch and growth of Ed’s charity Millimetres 2 Mountains in 2018. An idea dedicated to empowering others to confront their own challenges using the great outdoors as the facilitator to inspire positive change.

After the success and bond formed during the continued growth of M2M Olly approached Ed during lockdown about a new adventure, to take their life long love of rum and the curiosity around the provenance of it, to a new place and create their own. From scratch, with every stage of the process carried out on home soil in England. No white labelling and no blending of rum from other distilleries.

“Choosing to produce Vapoura on home soil was crucial to our liquid and our story as a brand. We’re passionate about championing English craft and the product of it but it also gives us clear sight on each and every stage of the production process.”

Olly Barkley, Vapoura Co-Founder

Recognising they couldn’t do it alone and the wider need for expertise, they approached close friend Ross and Olly’s brother Charlie. Ross for his experience in the brand world and Charlie for his knowledge in working with start up brands. Together they set about carving out their own rum story. Seeking to bring a contemporary perspective to one of the oldest spirits in the world whilst honouring traditional production methods and craft. 

“When we held our first bottle, it represented more than just a bottle of rum to us. it was a tribute to resilience, friendship, and the desire to create something unique and memorable with your favourite people.”

Ed Jackson, Vapoura Co-Founder.

Named after a moth native to England, symbolic of positive change and transformation, this is Vapoura: a traditionally crafted rum, brought to the world in an untraditional way.