About Antigua Distillery Limited
Like most islands in the Caribbean, Antigua once had an abundance of sugar plantations and each had its own brand of rum. In the early 20th century, however, production on the plantations declined and so-called rum stores took over the tradition. In 1934, several of these rum stores joined forces and developed Antigua Distillery Limited. Over time, the new company acquired several estates and a sugar factory.
Their own unique, high-quality molasses gave the rum its distinctive flavor. Their first official brand “Cavalier” was launched in the early 1950s. Today, “Cavalier” remains a popular local brand on the island, but Antigua Distillery is best known for its premium line of English Harbour rum.
One of the most interesting aspects of the plant is its unusual column distillery. Due to height restrictions, it is stacked in segments and four sections wide, but functions just like a traditional plant. It is a unique piece and shows a bit of the innovation of everyone involved in this distillery.
Antigua Distillery is, strictly speaking, an extremely low-key distillery that has become known in Europe primarily for three rums in the English Harbour line. The 5 and 10 year old varieties are amazing, but the 1981 vintage blew away everyone who got to taste it. Meanwhile, there are also bottlings that got a finish in different barrels.
