Bundaberg Rum Distillery, c1931

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Bundaberg Rum Distillery, c1931

Well it all started here at the Bundaberg Rum Distillery on the Burnett River...we can thank seven Queenslanders who realised they could make better use of the growing sugar industry and in 1889 the first batch of rum rolled off the production line. 

Did you know they began bottling Bundy and Cola, one of the world’s first mixed drinks, after they noticed the visiting US soldiers during WWII mixed their rum with cola?!

Up until the ‘60s Bundy Rum was still sold in barrels, with agents placing their own label on it. In 1953 they ran a radio competition for the best slogan but the organising agency secretly pre-registered the name ‘Bundy Rum’, which they sold back to their client for a considerable profit.

Why a polar bear on the label and as mascot? In 1961, Sam McMahon, a marketer and brother of future Australian Prime Minster, William secured the brand. McMahon means ‘Son of Bear’ in Irish!  


Then and now...

View of Bundaberg Rum Distillery and Burnett River, c1931

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Location of this image


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