Mastering Rum: An Evening with Jason Scott and SeaWolf at Drinkmonger

On a cool Edinburgh evening, a small group of cocktail lovers gathered in the softly lit tasting room of Drinkmonger for something special—a chance to learn from one of the best in the business. This wasn’t just any cocktail class. It was a Drinkmonger Cocktail Masterclass, led by Jason Scott, co-owner of Bramble, one of the most respected cocktail bars in the world.

The night promised a journey through four expertly crafted cocktails, each built around SeaWolf, Scotland’s first white rum—Scott’s own creation. What followed was an evening of alchemy, history and a redefinition of what rum could be.

Drinkmonger: Where Every Bottle Tells a Story

Tucked into the village-like streets of Bruntsfield, Drinkmonger is more than just a spirits and wine shop—it’s a quiet haven for those who take their bottles seriously. The staff speak about whisky with the reverence of art historians, and every shelf holds a story, waiting to be uncovered.

Partnering with Jason Scott for a masterclass was a natural fit. After all, he’s spent decades shaping Edinburgh’s drinking culture.

Jason Scott & the SeaWolf Revolution

Back in 2006, Scott co-founded Bramble, a cocktail bar that redefined the Edinburgh scene—dark, intimate, hard to find, and completely focused on craft. No gimmicks, no theatrics—just perfectly balanced drinks served with quiet confidence. It’s the kind of place where, if you know, you know. And if you don’t? Well, you’re about to have a great night.

That same philosophy led to the creation of SeaWolf, the white rum Scott launched in 2016 with longtime collaborator Mike Aikman. Distilled in Scotland, SeaWolf defies expectations. It’s bright, dry and just a little wild, named after the mythical creature said to roam the northern seas.

Forget the cloying, sugary rums of tropical clichés—this is a rum designed for mixing, with a crisp backbone that makes a Daiquiri sing.

The Masterclass: Shaking Up Rum’s Reputation

Throughout the evening, Scott wove together history, technique, and wry humour, making a case for why rum deserves a place at the top of the cocktail hierarchy.

We shook. We stirred. We sipped.

Each cocktail showcased SeaWolf’s versatility:

• A Bramble-inspired creation, delicate yet bold.

• A Rum Old Fashioned, delicious and rich.

• A Sesame Daiquiri, unexpected and flavourful.

• A SeaWolf & Tonic, refreshing and light.

By the end, the room was buzzing—not with the brash energy of excess, but with the slow-burning warmth of something done right.

The Takeaway: It’s More Than What’s in the Glass

A good cocktail isn’t just about the ingredients. It’s about who makes it, who serves it, and—perhaps most importantly—who you drink it with.

Have you tried SeaWolf? What’s your go-to rum cocktail? Let’s talk in the comments below!