West Indies Rum Distillery distillery

Introduction to West Indies Rum Distillery

A distillery with passion for craftsmanship

West Indies Rum Distillery is a historic Barbadian rum producer that has been at the heart of Caribbean rum-making for over 125 years. Located on the southwestern coast of Barbados in Brighton, this legendary establishment combines traditional West Indian rum-making techniques with modern innovation to create spirits that exemplify the authentic character of Caribbean rum.

The distillery sits mere steps from the pristine beaches of Barbados, where the tropical climate plays a crucial role in both fermentation and maturation processes, helping to forge rums with distinctive depth and character.

Why we have a soft spot for West Indies Rum Distillery

At Vault of Spirits, we value distilleries that honor their heritage while pushing boundaries, and West Indies Rum Distillery does exactly that. Their commitment to traditional pot still distillation alongside more modern column still techniques creates a diverse portfolio of rums with incredible versatility.

We particularly appreciate their dedication to showcasing Barbados’ rum heritage through both their own brands and the quality distillates they produce for other well-known rum labels around the world.

The history behind West Indies Rum Distillery

Origins and development

West Indies Rum Distillery was established in 1893 by the Stades brothers, German immigrants with a vision to create exceptional rum utilizing Barbados’ perfect rum-making conditions. Initially known as Stades Distillery, it grew from humble beginnings to become one of the island’s most significant rum producers.

Throughout the 20th century, the distillery expanded its operations and became renowned for producing bulk rum for numerous international brands. In 2017, a significant moment in the distillery’s history occurred when it was acquired by Maison Ferrand, bringing new investment and a renewed focus on quality and tradition.

The people behind the distillery

Today, the distillery operates under the guidance of Master Distiller Don Benn, whose encyclopedic knowledge of rum production has been developed over decades in the industry. Alongside him works a dedicated team of local experts who combine traditional Barbadian rum-making knowledge with innovative approaches.

Alexandre Gabriel, owner of Maison Ferrand, has helped to revitalize the distillery while maintaining deep respect for its heritage and the traditions of Barbadian rum production.

The craft and production

From raw material to finished product

Production at West Indies Rum Distillery begins with carefully selected molasses, primarily sourced from Caribbean sugar production. The distillery operates a fascinating mix of stills, including two remarkable pot stills from the 1880s and 1890s that are still in active use.

Their historic John Dore pot still produces rich, characterful rums, while their continuous column stills create lighter, cleaner spirit. This diversity of distillation equipment allows for an impressive range of rum styles, from heavy, ester-rich distillates to lighter, more refined expressions.

Maturation and aging

The warm, humid climate of Barbados accelerates the aging process, creating complex, mature rums in a fraction of the time needed in cooler climates. Maturation takes place primarily in ex-bourbon American oak casks, though the distillery also experiments with various cask finishes.

The “tropical aging” factor is significant – with angel’s share (evaporation) reaching up to 8-10% annually, compared to 2-3% in Scotland. This intensive interaction between spirit, wood, and climate results in rums of exceptional depth and concentration.

Selected products from West Indies Rum Distillery

Plantation Barbados – An introduction to the house style

Plantation Barbados showcases the classic character of Barbadian rum with notes of tropical fruit, vanilla, and subtle spice. Its smooth palate and elegant finish make it an excellent entry point for those seeking to understand what makes Barbados rum special.

This expression beautifully balances the distillery’s traditional techniques with modern precision, resulting in a rum that works wonderfully neat or in craft cocktails.

Plantation Barbados XO 20th Anniversary – An experience for connoisseurs

This premium expression represents the pinnacle of West Indies Rum Distillery’s craft. Initially aged in bourbon barrels in Barbados before undergoing additional maturation in Cognac casks in France, it delivers a complex profile of dried fruits, chocolate, toasted coconut, and vanilla.

With its velvety texture and remarkable length, this is a bottle for enthusiasts who appreciate nuance and depth in their spirits.

Visit the distillery

Tours and tastings

West Indies Rum Distillery offers visitors an immersive experience into the world of Caribbean rum production. Their guided tours take you through every stage of the rum-making process, from fermentation to distillation and aging.

The tasting experience typically includes samples from their diverse range of styles, offering a comprehensive understanding of how different distillation methods and aging approaches affect the final product. The coastal location adds an extra dimension to the visit, with sea breezes carrying the intoxicating scent of molasses and rum.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is West Indies Rum Distillery?

West Indies Rum Distillery is one of Barbados’ oldest and most respected rum producers, founded in 1893. It creates authentic Caribbean rums using traditional methods combined with modern techniques. The distillery produces both its own brands and provides quality rum for other international labels.

Where is West Indies Rum Distillery located?

The distillery is located in Brighton, on the southwestern coast of Barbados. Its proximity to the Caribbean Sea not only creates a picturesque setting but also contributes to the unique microclimate that influences the fermentation and aging processes.

What characterizes West Indies Rum Distillery?

West Indies Rum Distillery is known for its diverse range of distillation equipment, including historic pot stills dating back to the 19th century. They’re also recognized for their adherence to traditional Barbadian rum-making techniques while embracing innovation. Their rum typically expresses bright tropical fruit notes balanced with oak influence and a characteristic smoothness that defines the Barbados style.

Where can I buy rum from West Indies Rum Distillery?

You can find selected bottles from West Indies Rum Distillery at Vault of Spirits. We carefully curate their offerings, including both their core range and limited releases, ensuring you have access to the best expressions of this historic Barbadian distillery.