The Many Different Rums to Try in Barbados
For the past 350 years, rum has been produced in Barbados, and the island is known for its wide selection of rums. During your next trip to Barbados, there are some fantastic rum tour opportunities, as well as plenty of chances to taste the island’s strong rums. When planning your stay in Barbados, take some time to learn more about the island’s rum-making history at one of these locations on the island.
Mount Gay Distillery
Since 1703, the Mount Gay Distillery has been producing rum, and it’s considered the birthplace of this spirit. It’s believed this is the oldest producer of rum in the world, and you can take a trip around the distillery during your next stay in Barbados. During your tour, you’ll learn about the production process, and of course, you’ll enjoy sampling the oldest rum in the world. As well as the basic tour, you could also join in a cocktail-making workshop or dine on a Bajan lunch during your visit.
St Nicholas Abbey
St Nicholas Abbey is a sugar plantation that’s been producing this crop for hundreds of years. It’s located in St. Peter, and this Jacobean mansion was built back in 1660. You can enjoy a free tour of the house, where you’ll see antiques and displays sharing its history. After exploring the inside of the house, head outside to visit the gardens, boiling house, and the rum distillery where St. Nicholas Abbey Rum is still produced today.
The current owner of St Nicholas Abbey is a well-known Bajan architect called Larry Warren. He actually designed and lived in our villa for over twenty years with his two sons, and was one of the architects who worked on the infamous Sandy Lane. St Nicholas Abbey is a must-visit spot for couples and families, and they have the only steam train in the Caribbean. Make sure you enjoy a coffee and cake stop while sampling their rum after your tour.
West Indies Rum Distillery
West Indies Rum Distillery was opened in 1893 by a pair of brothers, and their rum is now recognised around the world by consumers of the spirit. They use various distillation methods, which set it apart from the other manufacturers on the island, and they are best known for producingMalibu, Blue Chair Bay Rum, and Cockspur.The site is planning to open a visitor centre soon, which will offer tours and displaysabout rum-making on the island.
Foursquare Rum Distillery and Heritage Park
Located in the south of the island, this eight-acre site is located on what was previously a sugar plantation. The site still produces rum today and offers a wide selection of products for visitors to the island. Popular varieties produced here include Doorly’s, E.S.A. Field, and Old Brigand. It’s free for visitors to enter the site, and you’ll enjoy a self-guided tour around the factory. During your visit, you’ll learn about the rum-making process while also gaining a greater insight into the role this product has played in the history of Barbados. Of course, no trip to Foursquare Rum Distillery would be complete without sampling their products, which you can enjoy at the bar at the end of your visit.
Throughout the island, you’ll find dozens of shops and bars where you can continue your exploration and sampling of the island’s best rums. Rum is the perfect gift to bring home to your family after your stay in Queens Tower, or you could just enjoy a cocktail by the pool at sunset. Rum is a huge part of the culture and heritage of Barbados, so you’ll want to take the time to explore the historical sites related to its production on your next visit.
