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River Antoine Estate Rum Distillery: A Step Back in Time

Discover Grenada's oldest rum distillery, where time-honored traditions and a historic waterwheel create potent, organic rum.

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Experience rum-making 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 heritage, using a traditional waterwheel and time-honored techniques to produce potent, organic rum.

A brief summary to River Antoine Estate Rum Distillery

Local tips

  • Wear comfortable shoes, as the tour involves walking around the distillery and estate.
  • Bring sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses to protect yourself from the sun.
  • Sample the rum with caution, as it is known for its high alcohol content.
  • Arrive early to avoid crowds and fully experience the tour.
  • Purchase a bottle of rum as a souvenir, but be aware of airline restrictions on high-proof alcohol.
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Getting There

  • Taxi

    Taxis are readily available throughout Grenada and offer a direct route to River Antoine Estate Rum Distillery. From St. George's, expect to pay around EC$120. Confirm the fare with the driver before starting your journey. Taxis can be paid for in US dollars or East Caribbean dollars, but it is cheaper to pay in XCD. The journey takes approximately 1.5 hours.

  • Public Transport

    Local buses operate from 6:00 am to 9:00 pm, Monday to Saturday. Bus fares range from EC$2.50 to EC$6.50 depending on the route. Look for buses with a route number on the top of the windshield. From St. George's, take a bus to Sauteurs and ask to be dropped off near the River Antoine Estate. From the drop-off point, there may be a short walk to the distillery.

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Discover more about River Antoine Estate Rum Distillery

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 rum distillery in the Caribbean. The estate provides an authentic glimpse into Grenada's rum-making heritage, where methods have remained largely unchanged for centuries. Visitors can witness the entire rum-making process, from the harvesting of sugarcane to the final bottling. The original waterwheel, powered by the nearby River Antoine, still drives the machinery, crushing the cane to extract its juice. The boiler, fueled by bagasse (the solid residue from the cane crusher), heats the juice. The juice ferments naturally in open-air vats, without the addition of yeast, for up to 10 days. The estate is committed to organic and sustainable farming practices, using only locally grown sugarcane. The distillery produces Rivers Royal Grenadian Rum, known for its high proof and strong flavor. The rum is bottled and sealed by hand. Tours are available, offering a unique blend of history, culture, and craftsmanship. Visitors can sample the estate's signature rums, including the 75% and 69% proof varieties. River Antoine Estate played a role in Grenada's labor history; in 1959, workers took over the estate in response to claims of mistreatment. Today, the distillery is a popular tourist destination. Besides sugarcane, the estate grows coconuts and nutmeg.

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