The Story of Rum
4.5 / 5 · 51 traveler reviews
Rum, known historically as “rumbullion” and “kill devil,” has deep roots in Barbados, earning the island its reputation as the birthplace of rum. On this unforgettable tour, discover the fascinating story of rum at St. Nicholas Abbey, a beautifully preserved seventeenth century plantation house renowned for its award-winning rum. Explore the historic house, lush gardens and rum distillery, with a chance to sample the estate’s finest spirit. Then, climb aboard the Heritage Railway, a restored steam train, for a scenic journey to Cherry Tree Hill, offering spectacular views of Barbados’ east coast. After lunch, enjoy a brief stop in the picturesque coastal village of Bathsheba before continuing to the Mount Gay Visitors' Centre. Here, expert guides bring the history of rum to life, followed by a fun and engaging tasting experience exploring the distinctive flavors, aromas and subtle nuances of Mount Gay’s finest rums.
Your experience
Stop 1
Discover the rich heritage of Barbados’ world-famous rum at the Mount Gay Visitor Centre, home to Mount Gay, the world’s oldest continuously operating rum producer, with a history dating back to 1703. Explore the story of rum’s origins in Barbados, where sugarcane cultivation and traditional distilling methods created a spirit celebrated worldwide. The signature tour takes guests through the craftsmanship behind Mount Gay rum, including fermentation, distillation, blending, and aging, while highlighting its connection to the island’s culture and sugar industry. The experience concludes with a tasting of this iconic Barbadian spirit, featuring complimentary rum punch and five rum samples. A visit to the Mount Gay Visitor Centre offers an unforgettable journey through history, tradition, and the flavors that define Barbados as the birthplace of rum.
Stop 2
Bathsheba, located on Barbados’ rugged east coast, is one of the island’s most scenic coastal villages, famous for its dramatic landscapes, powerful Atlantic waves, and distinctive coral rock formations. According to local tradition, the village was named after the biblical Bathsheba, whose legendary milk baths were said to resemble the white, foaming surf at the famous Soup Bowl. Today, Bathsheba is recognized internationally as one of Barbados’ top surfing destinations, attracting surfers from around the world with its strong Atlantic swells. The area is also popular with photographers, sightseers, and nature lovers who come to admire its breathtaking coastline and refreshing ocean breezes. Despite its popularity, Bathsheba has preserved the charm of a traditional Barbadian fishing village, with colorful seaside cottages and a peaceful atmosphere that showcases the island’s natural beauty and cultural heritage.
Stop 3
Enjoy a delicious local lunch during your tour at Sand Dunes, featuring a selection of traditional Barbadian favorites. Savor authentic island flavors with dishes such as fried fish, baked chicken, beef stew, peas and rice, macaroni pie, and fresh salads. This relaxing dining experience offers the perfect opportunity to sample the tastes of Barbados while taking a break and enjoying the warm island hospitality. Please advise us of any food allergies or dietary requirements at the time of booking so we can best accommodate your needs.
Stop 4
Discover the history and heritage of St. Nicholas Abbey, a beautifully preserved plantation house, museum, and working rum distillery in Saint Peter, Barbados. Built in 1658, it is one of only three authentic Jacobean mansions in the Western Hemisphere. Explore its historic rooms, learn about Barbados’ sugar heritage, and discover the traditional craftsmanship behind its award-winning Barbadian rum. Enhance your visit aboard the St. Nicholas Abbey Heritage Railway, a beautifully restored steam locomotive journey through lush plantation grounds, mahogany trees, sugar cane fields, and scenic countryside. Learn about Barbados’ railway heritage as you travel to Cherry Tree Hill, where you’ll enjoy breathtaking views across the Scotland District and Atlantic coast. This memorable experience combines history, nature, scenery, and Barbados’ celebrated rum-making heritage.
What’s included
- Entrance Fees
- Bottled water
- Lunch
- Friendly, knowledgeable & licensed tour guide
- In-vehicle air conditioning
- Hotel pick-up and drop-off
Not included
- Gratuities
Before you go
- Specialized infant seats are available
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
- Minimum drinking age is eighteen years.
- A minimum of two adults is required for this tour to operate.
- Motion Sickness & Vehicle Cleaning Policy If you are prone to motion sickness, we recommend taking appropriate precautions before your tour and informing your guide in advance. Please be aware that some of our island roads can be winding and bumpy, which may contribute to motion sickness. We understand that motion sickness can occur unexpectedly, and our team will do its best to ensure your comfort. However, we must also consider the comfort of other guests and maintain the cleanliness of our vehicles. Should vomiting occur inside the vehicle and professional cleaning be required, the guest responsible will be required to reimburse the driver for cleaning before the end of the tour.
- Cancellations made less than 72 hours before the tour will incur a cancellation penalty per person, in accordance with Mount Gay’s cancellation policy.
- Not recommended for guests with limited mobility or anyone who has difficulty climbing stairs or walking on uneven surfaces.
Cancellation policy
All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.
Check the policy for your selected date and option before booking.
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