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River Antoine Estate Rum Distillery: A Step Back in Time

Discover Grenada's rum-making heritage at the River Antoine Estate, where time stands still and tradition lives on.

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Experience rum production the old-fashioned way at River Antoine Estate, Grenada's oldest functioning rum distillery. Established in 1785, this historic estate offers a glimpse into the island's rum-making heritage using traditional methods powered by a waterwheel. Witness the entire process from sugarcane harvesting to bottling, and sample the potent, flavorful rums crafted with techniques unchanged for centuries.

A brief summary to River Antoine Estate Rum Distillery

  • Monday 9 am-5 pm
  • Tuesday 9 am-5 pm
  • Wednesday 9 am-5 pm
  • Thursday 9 am-5 pm
  • Friday 9 am-5 pm

Local tips

  • Wear comfortable shoes, as the tour involves walking around the estate and distillery.
  • Bring cash, as it's customary to pay for taxis and purchases in cash.
  • Sample the rum with caution, as the estate's signature rums are known for their high alcohol content.
  • Combine your visit with a trip to nearby Lake Antoine or other attractions in St. Patrick.
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Getting There

  • Taxi

    From the Melville Street Cruise Terminal in St. George's, a taxi to River Antoine Estate Rum Distillery will take approximately 1.5 hours. Negotiate the fare beforehand, as taxis in Grenada typically do not use meters. A one-way trip will likely cost between $60-80 USD. Confirm that the driver knows the way, as the distillery is located in a remote area.

  • Public Transport

    To reach River Antoine Estate via public transport from St. George's, take a bus heading to Sauteurs. These buses typically display a 'Sauteurs' sign. The journey will take approximately 2 hours. From Sauteurs, you may need to take a taxi for the final few miles to the distillery, as bus service directly to the estate is infrequent. The bus fare from St. George's to Sauteurs is between EC$2.50 to EC$6.50 (approximately $1-2.40 USD), and the taxi from Sauteurs to the distillery should cost around EC$40 (or $15 USD).

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Discover more about River Antoine Estate Rum Distillery

The River Antoine Estate Rum Distillery, nestled in the northeastern parish of St. Patrick, is a living museum of rum production. Established in 1785, it stands as the oldest functioning water-powered distillery in the Caribbean. A visit here is a journey back in time, offering an authentic glimpse into Grenada's rich rum-making heritage. The distillery uses methods that have remained virtually unchanged for centuries. A historic waterwheel, powered by the nearby River Antoine, drives the mill that crushes locally grown sugarcane to extract its juice. The leftover sugarcane stalks, known as bagasse, are dried in the sun and then used as fuel for the furnace that heats the pot stills. This commitment to organic and sustainable practices results in rums known for their strong flavor and high proof. Visitors can take a guided tour to witness every step of the rum-making process, from the crushing of the cane to the fermentation and distillation. Knowledgeable guides share the history of the estate and the importance of rum in Grenadian culture. At the end of the tour, you'll have the opportunity to sample the estate's signature rums, including the potent 75% and 69% proof varieties. The distillery typically produces around 500 bottles a day, and the locals consume all of it.

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