Let’s be real for a second: as much as we love our little “dinosaurs” and “unicorns,” sometimes the bedtime routine feels like a tactical military operation. Between the “one more glass of water” requests and the hunt for a lost teddy, by 8:00 PM, most of us are ready to collapse. But lately, I’ve been thinking we need more than just a sofa and Netflix. We need to actually do something that reminds us we have hobbies that don’t involve playdough. Enter the Dead Man’s Fingers Rum School at The Bristol & Bath Distillery. If you’re looking for a way to shake off the “parent-mode” and do something creative (with a side of delicious rum cocktails), this is the ultimate “school” you actually want to attend.
From Pirate Rations to Park Street: A Quick History
Rum’s history is a wild, seafaring tale that stretches back to rum’s miraculous conception in the 17th-century sugar plantations of the Caribbean. Originally a byproduct of the sugar refining process, molasses was fermented and distilled into a potent spirit that quickly became the fuel of the British Royal Navy and the legendary “liquid courage” of pirates. It was a rugged, unrefined drink that travelled the world in oak barrels, eventually evolving into the diverse range of white, dark, and spiced rums we see on our shelves today.
Dead Man’s Fingers entered the scene much more recently, but with a rebellious spirit that honours those pirate roots. It all started at the famous Rum & Crab Shack in St. Ives, Cornwall. The founders wanted a drink that broke away from the stuffy, traditional rules of rum. They rejected the old-fashioned “navy” style in favour of something more versatile and modern, a spiced rum that could be sipped neat or mixed into any cocktail without losing its personality.
The brand’s quirky name actually comes from one of the most popular items on the St. Ives menu: the Long Shore Crab. In the culinary world, the crab’s gills are nicknamed “dead man’s fingers.” Legend has it they are so unpleasant to eat that they’re “deadly,” though in reality, they taste terrible! The founders loved the local connection and the slightly macabre, edgy vibe, and so a cult classic was born.
As the brand’s popularity exploded, the need for a larger “playground” for its flavours became clear. This led to the creation of the Bristol and Bath Rum Distillery, a multi-story temple to all things sugar cane. Moving from the Cornish coast to the heart of Bristol allowed the brand to scale up while staying true to its West Country heritage, blending traditional distilling techniques with the city’s vibrant, urban energy.
Today, Dead Man’s Fingers is famous for pushing boundaries with unexpected flavours like hemp (yes, really), hazelnut, and even raspberry. By opening the Dead Man’s Fingers Rum School, they’ve invited us regular folk into their world of experimentation. It’s a far cry from the harsh rations of the 1600s, but it keeps that same sense of adventure alive—just with much better glassware and a lot more fun!
What is the Dead Man’s Fingers Rum School?
Located in the heart of the vibrant Bristol and Bath Rum Distillery on Park Street, this isn’t your typical classroom. Forget algebra; here, the curriculum is all about botanicals, history, and most importantly, tasting.
The Dead Man’s Fingers Rum School is an immersive experience where you get to go behind the scenes of one of the UK’s coolest rum brands. You aren’t just watching someone else work; you are the lead distiller. You get your own miniature copper still and a literal laboratory of different spices, fruits, and herbs to play with.
The “Rum Making Experience” At a Glance:
- The Welcome: You’re usually greeted with a signature Dead Man’s Fingers cocktail (the perfect way to forget about the laundry pile).
- The Education: A fun, informal masterclass on rum’s rags to riches story with some shots and another cocktail to help you get in the mood.
- The Creation: You choose your flavour profile and distil your very own 70 cl bottle of rum, and enjoy another cocktail to enjoy while you’re waiting for it to distil.
- The Finishing Touches: You name your creation, design a personalised label, and even wax-seal the top yourself!
Our Experience of the Rum Masterclass
Daddy Dino and I went for a little treat for Daddy Dino’s birthday. Daddy Dino has been a rum lover for a while and has quite a few different Dead Man’s Fingers rums, so having the chance to go to the home of Dead Man’s Fingers to make his own bottle seemed like too good an opportunity to miss! When we arrived, we were cheerfully greeted and offered drinks straight away. All the staff seemed genuinely happy and enthusiastic to be there, so we immediately had good vibes.
When we went for our rum experience, there was us and one other couple who arrived shortly after we did. Once all the event participants had arrived, we were all taken upstairs (there is a lift for those who need it) to the rum school. We got settled at our table with our equipment, botanical wheel and a cocktail and sat back to listen to our fabulous host tell us about rum’s creation, the different processes, rum’s many personalities, the regulations of the venue, the move to the new home of Dead Man’s fingers and the best way to blend the bold flavours. While we were listening and then selecting our botanicals, we got to do some rum tasting to see if we could identify different flavours.
Once we had all selected our botanicals and made a note of the recipe for our unique blends, we went through to a room full of copper stills so that we could add our botanicals to the superior spirit and let it distil. While this process was happening, we all got to enjoy another cocktail and come up with a name for our creations. Once we had decided on a name, a Dead Man’s Fingers label was printed, which we could attach to our bottles. When the distillation process had finished, we could add a little colour if we wanted to, and then we filled our bottles and sealed them with wax. The only downside is that once you’ve finished, you need to wait a few weeks before you can try your rum so that the flavours have a chance to fully develop! Other than that, it was a brilliant experience, and I will definitely be going back to make another flavour!
Top 5 Dead Man’s Fingers Rum Flavours in 2026
Before you start distilling your own, it helps to know what the pros are doing. Dead Man’s Fingers has come a long way from their original spiced roots. Here are the fan favourites that are topping the charts this year:
- Spiced Rum: The award-winning classic with notes of saffron cake, caramel and vanilla.
- Pineapple Rum: Super refreshing and tastes like a holiday in a glass.
- Cherry Rum: Rich and zesty, amazing for a grown-up cherry cola.
- Coconut Rum: The ultimate tropical vibe with hints of mango and lime.
- Tequila Coffee Liqueur: A parent’s best friend! Infused with roasted coffee for a bit of a “grown-up” kick.
Is it worth the trip?
As a parent, I’m always protective of my “free time.” If I’m arranging for a babysitter, the experience has to be worth it. The Dead Man’s Fingers Rum School hits the mark because it’s both a social activity and a craft.
You spend about 2 to 3 hours learning and laughing. The atmosphere at the Bristol and Bath Rum Distillery is edgy yet welcoming—think industrial-chic with neon lights and copper stills everywhere. It’s the perfect place for a unique date night or a long-overdue night out with the “mum-squad.”
Frequently Asked Questions (The Quick Version!)
How much does the Dead Man’s Fingers Rum School cost? The full Rum Making Experience typically costs around £80 per person, or £120 for a “couple’s ticket” where you share a still but both get to enjoy the cocktails.
Do I get to take my rum home? Yes! You leave with a full 70 cl bottle of rum that you personally distilled and labelled. It makes a great trophy for your kitchen shelf. If you like it, you can even reorder it because they store all the recipes!
Is it easy to get to? It’s located right on Park Street in the centre of Bristol. It’s very easy to reach by train or bus, which is ideal because you won’t want to be the designated driver for this one!
Do they do private functions? Yes! You can either do the rum school as a private booking, or you can hire one of their range of different rooms for your event.
Final Thoughts: A Little “Me Time” in a Bottle
Whether you’re a rum connoisseur or just someone who enjoys a good spiced ginger ale on a Friday night, the Dead Man’s Fingers Rum School is such a refreshing break from the daily grind. It’s creative, it’s slightly rebellious, and you get a bespoke souvenir to enjoy once the kids are finally asleep.
Have you ever tried making your own spirits, or do you have a favourite rum cocktail recipe that saves your sanity? Let me know in the comments below! I’d love to hear your “parenting survival” drink choices.
If you want to have a go at making your own booze in the comfort of your own home, check out our Unicorn Vodka recipe!
