Trinidad Distillers Limited distillery

Introduction to Trinidad Distillers Limited

A distillery with passion for craftsmanship

Trinidad Distillers Limited is a renowned Caribbean rum distillery nestled in the lush landscape of Trinidad, combining centuries-old traditions with modern innovation. As the home of the world-famous Angostura rum portfolio, this distillery has established itself as one of the premier rum producers in the region, crafting spirits that capture the essence and vibrancy of Trinidad and Tobago.

Located in Laventille, just outside the capital Port of Spain, Trinidad Distillers operates with a deep commitment to quality and consistency, producing rums that showcase the unique terroir and character of the island.

Why we have a soft spot for Trinidad Distillers Limited

At Vault of Spirits, we value distilleries that maintain authenticity while pushing boundaries, and Trinidad Distillers Limited exemplifies this philosophy. Their approach to rum-making strikes the perfect balance between honoring tradition and embracing innovation.

What particularly impresses us is their meticulous attention to detail – from their proprietary yeast strains to their unique five-column continuous distillation process that creates clean, refined spirits with remarkable character. Their commitment to extended aging in the tropical climate of Trinidad results in rums of exceptional depth and complexity.

The history behind Trinidad Distillers Limited

Origin and development

Trinidad Distillers Limited (TDL) was established in 1947, though its parent company, Angostura Holdings, traces its roots back to 1824 when Dr. Johann Siegert first created the iconic Angostura bitters in Venezuela. The company eventually relocated to Trinidad in 1875, where it has flourished ever since.

The distillery began producing rum in earnest during the mid-20th century, gradually expanding its operations and refining its techniques. Over the decades, TDL has evolved from a local producer to an internationally acclaimed distillery, earning a reputation for excellence that has made their rums sought-after worldwide.

The people behind the spirit

Today, Trinidad Distillers is led by a team of masterful blenders and distillers who combine scientific precision with artistic sensibility. Their Master Distiller oversees a process that has been perfected over generations, ensuring that each bottle meets the exacting standards that have made Angostura rums famous.

The expertise of their team is evident in the consistent quality of their products, from their accessible white rums to their premium aged expressions that have garnered numerous international awards.

The craft and production

From raw material to finished product

Trinidad Distillers begins with locally sourced molasses, a byproduct of sugar production that forms the foundation of their rum. This rich, viscous liquid is fermented using the distillery’s proprietary yeast cultures – a closely guarded secret that contributes significantly to the distinctive flavor profile of their rums.

The distillation takes place in their state-of-the-art facility that houses five continuous column stills, allowing for precise control over the distillation process. This method yields a clean, refined spirit that serves as the perfect canvas for aging.

Maturation and aging

The true magic happens during maturation, where the tropical climate of Trinidad accelerates the aging process, creating rums with remarkable depth in a fraction of the time required in cooler climates. The distillery uses primarily ex-bourbon American oak barrels for aging, though some special releases may see finishing periods in other types of casks.

The “angels’ share” – the portion of rum that evaporates during aging – is particularly generous in Trinidad’s humid climate, sometimes reaching up to 8-10% annually. This results in more concentrated flavors but requires careful monitoring to ensure optimal development.

Selected products from Trinidad Distillers Limited

Angostura 7 Year Old – An introduction to the house style

This medium-bodied rum offers an excellent entry point into the Trinidad Distillers portfolio. Aged for a minimum of seven years, it delivers an elegant balance of vanilla, toffee, and tropical fruit notes with a hint of spice. The smooth, mellow character makes it equally enjoyable neat or in premium cocktails.

Angostura 1919 – A celebration of heritage

Named after a fortunate incident in 1919 when, following a fire that destroyed the government rum bond, Master Blender J.B. Fernandes purchased the surviving casks and discovered their exceptional quality. This golden amber rum offers a complex bouquet of cocoa, vanilla, and baking spices with a notably smooth finish – a testament to Trinidad Distillers’ blending expertise.

Angostura 1787 – An experience for connoisseurs

This super-premium expression commemorates the establishment of Trinidad’s first sugar mill in 1787. Limited in production and exceptional in quality, it presents an intricate tapestry of dried fruits, oak, chocolate, and spice. Its velvety texture and lingering finish make it a truly contemplative sipping rum for special occasions.

Visit the distillery

Tours and tastings

Trinidad Distillers Limited offers engaging guided tours of their facility, giving visitors insight into their rum-making process from fermentation to bottling. The experience typically includes a visit to their impressive aging warehouses and culminates with a tasting session featuring several expressions from their portfolio.

For enthusiasts planning a Caribbean trip, this tour provides a fascinating glimpse into one of the region’s most respected rum producers and deepens appreciation for the craft behind these exceptional spirits.

Frequently asked questions

What is Trinidad Distillers Limited?

Trinidad Distillers Limited is a renowned rum distillery based in Trinidad and Tobago, known for producing the famous Angostura range of rums. With over 70 years of distilling experience, they combine traditional Caribbean rum-making methods with modern techniques to create distinct, high-quality spirits that showcase Trinidad’s unique rum heritage.

Where is Trinidad Distillers Limited located?

The distillery is located in Laventille, near Port of Spain, the capital city of Trinidad and Tobago. This location in the southern Caribbean provides the ideal tropical climate for accelerated aging of their rums, contributing to their rich, mature character.

What characterizes Trinidad Distillers Limited?

Trinidad Distillers is known for their clean, refined distillation style using a five-column continuous still system. Their rums typically feature elegant, balanced profiles with less heavy congeners than some other Caribbean styles. Their proprietary yeast strains, meticulous blending, and expertise in tropical aging all contribute to a house style that balances smoothness with complexity and character.

Where can I buy rum from Trinidad Distillers Limited?

You can find selected bottles from Trinidad Distillers Limited at Vault of Spirits. We carefully curate their offerings to bring you both their core expressions and special releases, ensuring you have access to these exceptional Caribbean rums. Their versatile portfolio offers something for both cocktail enthusiasts and serious rum collectors alike.