A CULTURAL IDENTITY

The cultivation of sugar cane on Madeira island goes back to the beginnings of colonization and it was so important that we can say that its a part of the genetic structure of the Madeira people.

From very early it was noticed that this garden of Eden located in the middle of the Atlantic had exceptional conditions for the planting of sugarcane. According to history, the king Infante D. Henrique was the responsible for the introduction of the sugar cane in Madeira Island in 1425, 6 years after the Island was discovered. It is said that the first sugar canes sent to Madeira Island were from Sicily.

This decision attribute to our island a strategic importance in the route of the migration of sugarcane. Not only did it marked the transition of the cultivation of sugar cane from the Mediterranean to the Atlantic and the New World (the Americas) but served effectively and literally as an exporting platform for a set of techniques, technologies and socio-economic development models that have their genesis in Madeira.

IDEAL CONDITIONS OF PRODUCTION

In addition to the rich forests, which provided the raw material for the construction of sugar mills and firewood to feed the furnaces, Madeira Island also offered a mild climate, excellent sun exposure on the slopes facing south and abundant water for the irrigation of sugarcane plantations and water powered mills.

However, given the orographic characteristics and territorial insularity, it is also important to mention another fundamental point, the iron will of the first settlers! They were able to turn a very hard landscape into their advantage, that was only possible because of their strength of will, effort, sweat and dedication.

This was the only way to obtain the best harvest of sugarcane to which, once transported to sugar mills, the juice was extracted and subsequently transformed into sugar and other by-products such as honey or rhum.

WILLIAM HINTON’S HEIRS RELAUNCH THE PRODUCTION

In 2006, the original distillery and sugar production was resumed with the help of a still and a variety of rums have been produced since then.

The range extends from limited editions, single casks to mixed rums in various high quality grades.

http://williamhintonrum.com/