The Rendsburger Bürgermeister Rum series is where North German town history meets the craftsmanship of Caribbean rum — a project deeply shaped by Thomas Krüger, founder of Whisky Krüger and co-founder of one of the world’s first online platforms for fine spirits.
Krüger’s passion for rare bottles was sparked early on in his family’s delicatessen shop in Rendsburg. Together with Klaus Rosenfeld, he launched WhiskyAuction.com in 1997 — the first whisky auction website, even before eBay. Since then, he’s become known for his expertise, integrity, and uncompromising standards when it comes to authenticity and quality.
A milestone in his rum journey was his first meeting with John Barrett of Bristol Classic Rum in the early 2000s. This connection led to the acquisition of two legendary 1996 Caroni barrels, which Krüger bottled at cask strength — still a rarity in the rum world at the time. Fully tropically aged, these bottlings are now considered some of the most authentic Caronis ever released outside the Velier range.
With the Mayor Rum series, Krüger pays tribute to historical figures from Rendsburg’s past — each release is a single cask, full proof, and steeped in local history. Six editions have been released so far, with a seventh already in the works.
Edition No. 1 – Christian August Berger (Mayor 1822–1850)
About the Rum
Rum: Rockley Still (West Indies Rum Distillery) 1986, Barbados
Distillation method: Pot still
Age: 18 years
ABV: 63.8%
Bottled: 2005
Bottles: 150
Special feature: A rare Barbados pot still rum, aged in a cool English cellar and hand-selected by Thomas Krüger
About the Rockley Still:
The so-called Rockley Still refers to a legendary pot still once housed at the West Indies Rum Distillery (WIRD) in Barbados. Known for producing rums with a uniquely smoky, herbal and medicinal character, the still is often associated with vintages from the 1980s. However, it's widely believed that the original still was no longer operational by 1986 — raising doubts about whether this particular rum was truly produced on that equipment. Nevertheless, the bottling was marketed under the name Rockley Still and has since become a cult favorite among collectors.
Adding to the confusion is the name Black Rock, which appears on various bottlings of Barbadian rum from the same era. Both Rockley and Black Rock are place names — coastal areas in the parish of Saint Michael, west of Bridgetown. Rockley is known today for its beach and resort, while Black Rock lies just north of it and was historically home to rum storage and shipping facilities. Whether these names reflect actual production sites, shipping points, or simply stylistic branding remains unclear — but they evoke a distinct era of Barbadian rum history that continues to fascinate.
About the Mayor
Christian August Berger held office as mayor of Rendsburg from 1822 until 1850 — one of the longest tenures in the city’s history. His administration spanned the final decades of Danish rule before the upheavals of the First Schleswig War. Following the Battle of Idstedt in 1850, a decisive Danish victory that marked the end of the uprising, Berger retired from public service. His name now marks the beginning of this historic rum series.
Tasting Note:
The rum was first tasted on May 4th, 2005, by Hideo Yamaoka with the comments: “smoky, ham & tarry”
Edition No. 2 – Heinrich Karl Esmarch (Mayor 1850–1852)
About the Rum
Rum: Monymusk 1997, Jamaica
Age: 7 years
ABV: 68.3%
Bottled: 2004
Bottles: 153 hand-bottled in Rendsburg
Special feature: Pot still Jamaican rum, matured in a cool English cellar and selected for its sweet and lemony character
About the Mayor:
Heinrich Karl Esmarch served as mayor of Rendsburg from 1850 to 1852 during a politically turbulent time. His appointment was supported by the Altsädter Bürgerverein, but ended abruptly when Danish troops returned to power, forcing him to leave office.
Tasting note:
Sweet & lemon
Edition No. 3 – Christian Friedrich von Gußmann (Mayor 1852–1853)
About the Rum
Rum: Black Rock 1995, Barbados
Distillation method: Pot still
Age: 10 years
ABV: 63.8%
Bottled: 2006
Bottles: 150
Special feature: A rare Barbados pot still rum, aged in a cool English cellar and hand-selected by Thomas Krüger
About the Mayor:
Christian Friedrich von Gußmann served as mayor of Rendsburg from 1852 to 1853. Originally a police master, he took office during Danish administration. His term ended when the Danish government reclaimed control in 1853. A short tenure, but one marked by significant transition.
Tasting Note:
The rum was first tasted on July 20, 2006, and was described by Thomas Krüger as “strong & excellent.”
Edition No. 4 – Julius Heinrich Wriedt (Mayor 1855–1882)
About the Rum
Rum: Port Morant 1975, Guyana
Still type: Double Wooden Pot Still
Age: 32 years
ABV: 56.9%
Bottled: 2007
Bottles: 205 hand-bottled in Rendsburg
Special feature: Exceptionally long-aged Port Morant rum, matured in a cool English cellar and selected for its powerful, aromatic style
About the Mayor
Julius Heinrich Wriedt served as mayor of Rendsburg from 1855 to 1882. Originally working in the court system, he became chairman of the municipal government in 1863 and was formally appointed mayor in 1868. His long service marked a period of institutional stability and administrative growth.
Tasting note
“Strong notes of raisins, licorice & dark herbal power — with a long & warm feeling in your whole body.”
📖 Further reading:
We featured this bottling in a dedicated article back when it was first time in the auction.
👉 Read the original blog post about Edition No. 4
Edition No. 5 – Gustav Emil Kraatz (Mayor 1882–1885)
About the Rum
Rum: Caroni 1996, Trinidad
Age: 12 years
ABV: 69.1%
Bottles: 500 hand-bottled in Rendsburg
Special Feature: Cask strength – one of the earliest independent Caroni releases in full proof
About the Mayor:
Gustav Emil Kraatz served as mayor of Rendsburg from 1882 to 1885. He initiated the construction of the new town hall (now the municipal music school) and later went on to become mayor in Pforzheim and Naumburg. A figure of foresight and civic vision – fittingly honored by this bold and complex rum.
Tasting note
“Licorice & rich burnt flavors – with a long & warm feeling in your stomach.”
Edition No. 6 – Richard Rühle von Lilienstern (Mayor 1885–1909)
About the Rum
Rum: Caroni 1996, Trinidad
Age: 12 years
ABV: 69.1%
Bottles: 500 hand-bottled in Rendsburg
Special feature: Cask strength – one of the rarest Caroni expressions from the early independent bottlings
About the Mayor
Richard Rühle von Lilienstern served as Rendsburg’s mayor for an impressive 24 years. During his tenure, two major harbours were built, and the city was connected to the Kiel Canal — setting the foundation for Rendsburg’s economic growth in the early 20th century.
Tasting note
“Licorice & dark burnt flavours with a long & warm feeling in your stomach.”
What Comes Next?
With six unique editions released over the years — each honoring a mayor who shaped the city of Rendsburg — the Mayor Rum Series has become both a collector’s treasure and a historical tribute in liquid form.
And the story isn't over.
Edition No. 7 is already in the works. While details of the rum itself remain under wraps for now, we can reveal this much: it will honor a figure whose name still resonates in Rendsburg today — not least because it appears on a school building.
Stay tuned.