Westerhall Rum Estate

Ever wondered how a rum distillery could also house the oldest working waterway in the western hemisphere? Here at the Westerhall Rum Estate, that unlikely pairing is a reality. Westerhall Rum Estate isn’t just a distillery. It’s a sprawling 500-acre testament to Grenadian history and craftsmanship, nestled in St. David’s. The estate’s origins trace back to the late 1700s, a time when sugar cane ruled. Westerhall flourished, producing sugar alongside spices, cocoa, and fruits. As you explore the grounds of Westerhall Rum Estate, you’ll encounter more than just the fragrant aroma of rum. You’ll see remnants of a bygone era. Ruins and old equipment stand as silent witnesses to the estate’s sugar-producing past, including intriguing copper kettles. The heart of Westerhall’s rum production lies in its time-honored traditions. The rums are handcrafted, a practice abandoned by many modern distilleries. This dedication to tradition results in about three barrels of rum per working day. Westerhall Rum Estate boasts a diverse portfolio of rums. The flagship, Westerhall Plantation Rum, is a must-try. The estate’s rum-making journey began with bulk containers and casks. The first bottled rum, Rum Sipper Strong Rum, appeared in 1974. It later evolved into White Jack Strong Rum. For those with a taste for the intense, there’s Jack Iron Rum, bottled at a fiery 70% alcohol by volume. It’s been around since 1987. Westerhall also caters to refined palates with its 10XO (formerly Westerhall Vintage Ten Year Old Rum). Westerhall Dark, aged for at least seven years, offers a rich, spiced profile perfect for cocktails and cooking. Westerhall also produces a five-year-old rum, specifically designed for the US market, known for its smoothness and complex flavors. Their Superb Light Rum, aged for three years, is a popular choice for mixed drinks in Grenada. Finally, the crisp Westerhall 12 Degrees Rum, introduced in 2011, provides a modern twist, ideal for those who prefer lighter spirits. The estate’s history is intertwined with Grenada’s colonial past. Originally named “Baccaye Estate,” it was acquired by Sir William Johnstone of Scotland in the late 1700s. He renamed it Westerhall, after his ancestral home. Over the years, the estate changed hands several times before coming under the ownership of Mr. George Williams and Mr. John Otway in 1965, forming Westerhall Estate Limited. The legacy continues within the Williams/Wells family to this day. A tour of Westerhall Rum Estate is a journey through time, a sensory experience blending the past with the present.