Enmore distillery

Introduction to Enmore

A distillery with a rich Guyanese heritage

Enmore Distillery stands as one of the most historically significant rum producers from Guyana. Located on the banks of the Demerara River, this legendary distillery has contributed greatly to the distinguished reputation of Demerara rum around the world. Though the original distillery is no longer operational, its legacy lives on through its iconic wooden continuous still and the distinctive rums produced from it.

The Enmore name represents a pinnacle of traditional rum-making expertise, with methods dating back to the early colonial era.

Why we have a soft spot for Enmore

At Vault of Spirits, we treasure distilleries that preserve unique production methods while creating truly distinctive flavor profiles. Enmore captures our imagination through its legendary wooden continuous still – the last of its kind in the world – which imparts a character to rum that simply cannot be replicated by modern equipment.

The Enmore style represents rum with profound complexity, offering extraordinary depth while maintaining elegance – a combination that makes these bottlings among the most sought-after by serious rum enthusiasts worldwide.

The History Behind Enmore

Origin and development

Enmore Distillery was established in the early 19th century in Guyana’s Demerara region. Founded around 1820 by Edward Henry Porter, it began as a sugar plantation with rum production capabilities – a common business model during that era. The distillery was named after the Enmore sugar estate where it was situated, east of Georgetown.

Throughout the 19th and 20th centuries, Enmore became renowned for its distinctive style of rum, characterized by a lighter yet complex profile compared to other Demerara rums. As Guyana’s rum industry consolidated over the decades, Enmore’s operations were eventually moved to the Uitvlugt Distillery in the 1990s before finally being transferred to the Diamond Distillery, where the famous Enmore still continues to produce rum today.

The legendary Enmore wooden still

The heart of Enmore’s legacy is its wooden continuous still, often referred to as the EHP still (after Edward Henry Porter’s initials). Built in 1880, this remarkable piece of equipment is the last functioning wooden continuous still in the world. The still’s wooden construction imparts distinct flavors that cannot be replicated by modern metal stills.

Despite the closure of the original distillery, Demerara Distillers Limited (DDL) preserved this historical still, ensuring that the unique Enmore style of rum continues to be produced to this day at the Diamond Distillery.

The Craft and Production

From raw materials to finished product

The production of Enmore rum begins with locally-grown sugar cane, harvested from Guyana’s fertile coastal plains. The molasses derived from sugar production serves as the base for fermentation, with local yeasts contributing to the distinctive flavor profile.

What truly sets Enmore apart is its unique distillation process using the wooden EHP still. This continuous column still, constructed entirely from Greenheart wood, allows for some copper contact but primarily exposes the spirit to wood during distillation – a process that creates a distinctive medium-bodied distillate with remarkable aromatic complexity.

Maturation and aging

Enmore rums are typically aged in ex-bourbon American oak casks in Guyana’s tropical climate. This environment accelerates the maturation process, with the intense heat and humidity creating significant angel’s share but also driving rapid and profound interaction between spirit and wood.

The tropical aging conditions contribute significantly to Enmore’s profile, developing rich notes of tropical fruits, exotic spices, and subtle woody undertones. Independent bottlings of Enmore rum often feature extended aging periods in European warehouses, adding further complexity to these already distinguished spirits.

Selected Products from Enmore

Enmore Demerara Rum – The classic expression

While there is no standard official bottling from Enmore today, various independent bottlers release expressions that showcase the classic Enmore style. These rums typically exhibit notes of tropical fruits, vanilla, oak spices, and a distinctive floral character that is the hallmark of the wooden still’s influence.

With a balanced sweetness and medium body, these expressions offer an excellent introduction to the unique character that has made Enmore so revered among rum connoisseurs.

Aged Enmore Selections – A connoisseur’s delight

For those seeking a more profound experience, older expressions of Enmore (often 15+ years) reveal extraordinary complexity. These rums develop profound layers of dark chocolate, dried fruits, tobacco, leather, and polished oak, while still maintaining that distinctive floral elegance that defines the Enmore style.

Limited cask releases from respected independent bottlers like Velier, Berry Bros & Rudd, and Kill Devil are highly sought after and represent some of the most collectable rum expressions in the world.

Visiting the Legacy

The Diamond Distillery experience

While the original Enmore Distillery no longer exists, rum enthusiasts can visit the Diamond Distillery in Guyana, where the legendary Enmore still continues to operate. Tours offer a fascinating glimpse into traditional rum production methods and the chance to see this historic wooden still in action.

The visitor experience includes sampling various expressions produced on the different stills, including those made on the Enmore still, providing a rare opportunity to understand the distinct character each imparts.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Enmore?

Enmore was a historic rum distillery in Guyana that produced distinctive rums using a unique wooden continuous still. While the original distillery closed during industry consolidation, the famous Enmore still was preserved and continues to produce rum at the Diamond Distillery, maintaining the distinctive Enmore style and legacy.

Where was Enmore located?

The original Enmore Distillery was located on Guyana’s east coast, near the Demerara River. It was named after the Enmore sugar estate where it operated. Today, the Enmore production continues at the Diamond Distillery, the last remaining distillery in Guyana, located on the east bank of the Demerara River.

What distinguishes Enmore rum?

Enmore rum is distinguished by its production in the world’s last wooden continuous still, which creates a medium-bodied spirit with exceptional aromatic complexity. The rum typically features floral and fruity notes complemented by subtle spice characteristics – a profile that is entirely unique and impossible to replicate with modern equipment.

Where can I purchase rum from Enmore?

Select bottles featuring rum produced on the Enmore still can be found at Vault of Spirits. We carefully curate exceptional expressions, including both official releases from DDL (often under the El Dorado label) and rare independent bottlings that showcase this historic distillery’s unique character and craftsmanship.