The Tribune

THE Watling’s Distillery is now open for free tours at the Buena Vista Estate in Downtown Nassau.

The Estate, founded in 1789 and overlooking the harbour, is the site where Bahamians hand-craft John Watling’s small-batch Pale, Amber and Buena Vista rums.

John Watling’s features a production and museum-style tour, shopping and signature Bahamian cocktails at its Red Turtle Tavern.

Within walking distance from the cruise ship port, John Watling’s Distillery is located on Delancy Street and is open from 10am-6pm, seven days a week.

The distillery has worked with the Antiquities, Monument and Museum Corporation (AMMC), the National Insurance Board (NIB), N&M Architects and Coastline Construction to refurbish the Buena Vista Estate to its original splendour.

The restoration which also includes the construction of a 10,000 square foot purpose-built barrel ageing and production facility as its storehouse lasted more than a year.

“It is very important to us that John Watling’s Distillery and the Buena Vista Estate celebrate the rich history and heritage of The Bahamas.

We have made sure that everything from our distillery to our rums is of the highest quality,” said Jose B Portuondo, founding partner. “John Watling’s Distillery is a must-see stop in Nassau – in fact, here visitors will find a multisensory experience which features history, architecture, natural beauty, sweeping views of the harbour and the chance to take home a bottle of John Watling’s rum”

The estate is set on more than two acres of lush tropical gardens with centenary black olive trees.

Construction started on the house the same year as the United States Constitution was enacted; George Washington was elected President of the United States, and the start of the French Revolution.

The Buena Vista Home hosted many famous patrons in the past, including Robert Mitchum, Bobby Kennedy, Ed Sullivan and Joan Crawford.

The estate made its Hollywood debut when it was featured in the James Bond film Casino Royale, starring Daniel Craig.

The tour begins in the entrance lobby of the Buena Vista house and includes antiques and prints dating back more than 300 years. Photographic exhibits and displays have been provided by the descendants of the Buena Vista’s long list of residents.

The tour then continues to the storehouse where guests get up close and see how John Watling’s rums are bottled the old-fashioned way by local hands.