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Callwood Rum Distillery: A Taste of History

Experience the Caribbean's oldest rum distillery in Tortola's Cane Garden Bay, where tradition and flavor have been distilled for generations.

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Callwood Rum Distillery, nestled in Cane Garden Bay, Tortola, is the oldest continuously operating pot distillery in the Caribbean. This family-run distillery, dating back to the 1800s, offers a glimpse into traditional rum-making using methods passed down through generations. Visitors can tour the distillery, sample unique rums, and experience a piece of BVI's cultural heritage.

A brief summary to Callwood Rum Distillery

Local tips

  • Visit on a weekday for a more personal tour experience and to avoid the crowds that can gather when cruise ships are in port.
  • Sample the different rums to experience the unique flavors created by the traditional distillation process.
  • Take a walk behind the distillery to see the sugarcane fields and the original charcoal-powered boiler.
  • Bring cash for the tour, rum tastings, and to purchase bottles of rum as souvenirs.
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Getting There

  • Taxi

    From the Tortola Cruise Pier or Road Town, a taxi is the most direct way to reach Callwood Rum Distillery. Taxis are readily available at the pier. The ride to Cane Garden Bay typically costs around $25 USD and takes approximately 15-20 minutes. Confirm the fare with the driver before departing.

  • Public Transport

    While less direct than a taxi, you can take a local bus from Road Town to Cane Garden Bay. The bus will drop you off in Cane Garden Bay, from where the distillery is a short walk. The bus ride costs approximately $2-3 USD. Be aware that bus schedules can be infrequent, so plan accordingly.

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Discover more about Callwood Rum Distillery

Located in the scenic Cane Garden Bay on Tortola, British Virgin Islands, the Callwood Rum Distillery stands as a living testament to the Caribbean's rich rum-making heritage. As the oldest continuously operating pot distillery in the Caribbean, Callwood offers a unique glimpse into the traditional methods of rum production that have been preserved for generations. The distillery's story began in the late 1800s when a buccaneer named Richard Callwood acquired the Arundel Estate for his son, Richard Jr. The estate already had sugar cane fields and a rum distillery. Today, four generations later, the Callwood family continues to operate the distillery, using much of the same equipment and processes. Visitors to Callwood Rum Distillery can witness the entire rum-making process, from the crushing of sugar cane to the aging of the spirit in oak casks. The distillery still uses its original boiler, which is powered by charcoal, to extract juice from the sugarcane grown directly behind the distillery. The air is filled with the sweet aroma of molasses, a testament to the distillery's commitment to time-honored techniques. The distillery offers tours and tastings, allowing visitors to sample a variety of rums, each with its own distinct flavor profile. From the clear white rum to the dark, aged varieties, there's a rum to suit every palate. The knowledgeable guides share stories about the distillery's history and the significance of rum in Caribbean culture. Visiting Callwood is more than just a tour; it's an immersion into the history, tradition, and flavors of the British Virgin Islands.

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