Australia’s first rum brand founded by a solo female, Soltera Rum, has updated its look.

Founder and distiller Keri Algar creates Soltera at Cabarita Beach on the NSW North Coast. Soltera means bachelorette in Spanish and is both a tribute to Keri’s Spanish heritage and a celebration of her solo journey in the drinks industry.

Algar felt that while her original packaging was adored, it wasn’t speaking to a broader rum-drinking audience.

“I’d been in operation for four years, so it felt a little early to rebrand,” said Algar. “The branding was popular, but it was very feminine, and I felt it was alienating a wider market that was important to reach.”

To reposition and reinvigorate Soltera, Keri partnered with design and packaging specialists Studio Guild. The result is a vibrant revolution, one that captures Keri’s personality, honours the liquid, and celebrates Soltera’s roots in Cabarita Beach.

“We wanted to reflect the incredible energy and positivity Keri brings to everything she does,” said Studio Guild Creative Director Trish Dunstone. “Her passion shines through, so it was important the labels carried that same spirit. We wanted people to feel her story in the design, in every illustration and tactile detail.”

The new look pays homage to the liquid and to how far modern Australian rums have come from their storied past. Influenced by both South American art and the laid-back energy of coastal Australia, this unique and colourful synergy lent itself to a vibrant celebration of colour. The bespoke illustration includes detailing such as the pandanas found at Cabarita Beach, banksia and wattle. The depth of the illustration paints a picture of Soltera’s unique story with many influences, coming together in celebration. 

Algar’s approach is hands-on, from sourcing molasses locally to hand-labelling each bottle.

“Studio Guild took time to research every detail: the product, the brand, the community, they even investigated my small town Cabarita, some details they discovered inspired the label design. This level of thought and sophistication is what makes the label really distinctive,” said Algar.

The practicalities were taken into consideration, given that Algar is a one woman band.

“We needed to keep the packaging simple so that the production line wasn’t overly complicated,” said Dunstone.

“We honoured her existing bottle which is fully recyclable and reusable, created an unusual label shape which is an impactful solution with minimal production investment, made it one label for easy application, and ensured there was space for Keri to hand write her batch numbers.” 

Despite being a small producer, Algar had a clear vision: to evolve without losing her authenticity.

“What I had with Soltera was memorable,” she said. “Now I have something that’s also distinctive, something that represents me, my home, and the work I put in every day.”

Purchase Soltera online at www.cabaritaspirits.com, and through select independent retailers.

For support and insights into becoming a female Rum producer, contact Women Leading Rum & Spirits at www.womenleadingrum.com