Want to experience a slice of Tortola history dating back as much as possibly 400 years?
Then be sure to visit the Callwood Rum Distillery on your next visit to Tortola. Although no one knows exactly how long rum has been produced on the original Arundel Estate, the Callwood family took over the distillery in the late 18th century and has been producing rum for over 200 years in what is claimed to be the longest continuously operated pot distillery in the Caribbean.
Just a short walk from beautiful Cane Garden Bay, you feel as if you’re walking into a very old and deserted compound, but it’s actually an operating rum distillery and museum.
Rum is produced here from approximately March through August and during this time you can take a short tour of the distillery for a nominal amount.
If you visit at another time, you can still get a sense of the history by touring the grounds and purchasing rum at the museum/shop. Instead of paying a $2 fee to take pictures inside the museum, you can purchase a bottle of rum and take all the pictures you want. We felt the rum purchase was well worth it and wish we would have purchased more to bring home.
Callwood produces a gold rum called the Arundel Cane Rum “Original”, a 10 year old Gold Rum, the Arundel White Rum, the Callwood Spiced Rum and a blend called the “Panty Dropper”. Hmmm.
Arundel Cane Rum is made from pure cane juice, instead of molasses, giving it it’s distinctive flavor, and the hand affixed labels give it as unique and antique a look as the distillery itself. Pick up a bottle or two to bring home. Although it is now available in a few shops in the VI, it’s well worth the visit, a tour and to take a huge step back in time…
Visit the Callwood Rum Distillery website and Facebook Page for more information.
To see more posts on Tortola and other islands, check out our Island Blog Directory
All information is correct to our knowledge at the time of writing, but be sure to verify current information before your visit.
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