Canefields Distillery founder Luke Farrelly is a fourth-generation cane farmer who wanted to carry on the family tradition and decided rum was the most logical vehicle for him to do so.
But the discovery of ten different ‘heirloom’ sugarcane varieties growing on the family property led him down the path of exploring which of them would be able to provide the most distinctive flavour profiles.
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Enter Dr Marlize Becker of the University of Queensland, whose research over the last decade has focussed on understanding the flavour and aroma compounds in wine.
Funded by a university grant, Marlize undertook a study of the sugar cane varieties growing on Luke’s farm that enabled the application of her wine expertise to assist his business.
The initial results are exciting, offering the potential for Canefields Distillery to elevate its cane juice rums and bolster what is surely one of Australia’s most unique agritourism experiences.
This interview with Marlize and Luke was recorded at the recent Australian Distillers Association conference on the Gold Coast.
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