Attraction Guide: John Watling's Distillery, Nassau, Bahamas

John Watling's Distillery Guide

Taste the Spirit of the Bahamas: John Watling's Distillery Guide

John Watling's Distillery, located on the historic Buena Vista Estate in Nassau, offers a unique and immersive experience for rum enthusiasts and history buffs alike. This small-batch distillery produces handcrafted rums using traditional methods, showcasing the rich heritage of rum-making in the Bahamas. The estate itself is a beautifully restored 1789 mansion, providing a picturesque backdrop for your rum-tasting adventure. The Buena Vista Estate, where John Watling's Distillery resides, has a rich history dating back to 1789. It has served as a private residence, a hotel, and even a filming location for the James Bond movie "Casino Royale." The distillery's name, John Watling's, pays homage to a 17th-century pirate who was known to frequent the Bahamas. The distillery's commitment to traditional methods and the use of locally sourced ingredients reflects a dedication to preserving Bahamian heritage. Visitors to John Watling's Distillery can take a free tour of the estate and learn about the rum-making process, from the arrival of the sugar cane molasses to the aging of the rum in oak barrels. You can sample the distillery's signature rums, including pale, amber, and Buena Vista blends. The on-site Red Turtle Tavern offers a selection of cocktails made with John Watling's rums, as well as light bites. You can also purchase bottles of rum and other souvenirs at the gift shop. While not a culinary tradition in the sense of a specific dish, the distillery's focus on using local sugar cane molasses contributes to the unique flavor profile of their rums, reflecting the Bahamian terroir.