A Guide to Bootstrapping: How I Launched DÒDÒ Rum for £600 (I Was Quoted £105,000) ⭐️

Introduction: From Prank to Premium Product

DÒDÒ began as an April Fool's joke – a playful prank about plantain-infused rum that unexpectedly resonated with audiences. What started as lighthearted content quickly transformed into a genuine business opportunity when people began asking where they could purchase this fictional product. This guide details how a creative approach and strategic partnerships allowed for launching a premium spirits brand at a fraction of typical industry costs.

Product Development: Creating a Unique Spirit

The Conventional Path:

Traditional spirits development typically involves:

• Hiring specialised consultants (£2,000+)
• Multiple rounds of expensive test batches
• Lengthy development timelines (6+ months)
• High minimum quantities for initial production

My Approach:

1. Strategic Partnerships: Instead of paying premium rates, DÒDÒ partnered with a black-owned distillery in Scotland that believed in the vision.
2. Expert Collaboration: I collaborated with Tastepoint by IFF, a global flavouring company, who provided expertise in developing the unique plantain infusion process.
3. Recipe Ownership: DÒDÒ secured full intellectual property rights to the recipe, ensuring long-term value creation despite the low upfront investment.
4. Detailed Flavour Profile Development: The product was crafted to have specific tasting notes:
   • Nose: Overripe banana notes with undertones of vanilla, caramel, cinnamon spice, pear drops, honey, and white chocolate
   • Palate: Sweet brown sugar leading to buttered, caramelised plantain, ending with overripe bananas and cinnamon/allspice
5. 40% ABV Premium Positioning: By creating a standard-strength rum at 40% ABV, we maximised market potential while maintaining quality.

Brand Design & Marketing: Organic Growth Through Storytelling