DISTILLERIES
VARELA HERMANOS DISTILLERY
PANAMA
Varela Hermanos is a renowned distillery located in Panama, with a rich history that spans over a century.
Varela Hermanos is a renowned distillery located in Panama, with a rich history that spans over a century.
Established in 1908 by Don José Varela Blanco, originally from Spain, founded the distillery after moving to Panama. He initially established the Ingenio San Isidro, the first sugar mill in the region, capitalising on the fertile lands of Pesé for sugarcane cultivation.
The area enjoys a tropical maritime microclimate created by the Caribbean Sea to the North and the Pacific in the South. Temperatures range between 25c – 32c all year and the combination of tropical sun and plentiful rain help nourish the fertile soils in which the sugar cane is grown.
1936 sees the transition from sugar production to rum distillation under the guidance of Don José’s sons. The family started producing rum using the sugarcane from over 1600 hectares of their own fields, ensuring highest-quality raw materials.
The Mid-20th Century sees a period of expansion and modernization of the distillery operations.
Their own brands begin to be introduced most notably the Ron Abuelo brand, which would become one of their flagship products, along with other varieties of rum.
More recently, continuous innovation has seen Varela Hermanos expansion into international markets whilst still maintaining a commitment to quality and tradition while embracing modern techniques and technologies.
Varela Hermanos is credited with playing a significant role in Panama’s rum industry and contributing to the country’s cultural and economic heritage.
The distillery’s products have received numerous awards and accolades, highlighting their commitment to excellence.
Varela Hermanos’ history is marked by a blend of tradition, innovation, and dedication to quality, making it a distinguished name in the world of rum.
TRINIDAD DISTILLERS
TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO
Trinidad Distillers Limited, a leading rum distillery located in the Caribbean nation of Trinidad and Tobago, has a rich history dating back over a century. Established in 1947, it emerged as a consolidation of several smaller distilleries that were scattered across the island, each with its own unique legacy in rum production.
The roots of rum production in Trinidad can be traced back to the 18th century when sugarcane plantations flourished under British colonial rule. These plantations utilized molasses, a byproduct of sugar production, to produce rum. Over time, the art of rum distillation became deeply ingrained in Trinidad’s cultural and economic landscape.
In the early 20th century, several small distilleries operated independently, each contributing to Trinidad’s reputation for producing high-quality rum. However, as the industry evolved, many of these smaller operations faced challenges in competing with larger, more modern facilities.
In addition to its flagship brands, Trinidad Distillers Limited also began producing rum for export, further solidifying its position as a global leader in the rum industry. The company’s products found their way onto shelves and into bars around the world, introducing consumers to the rich heritage and distinctive flavours of Trinidadian rum.
In the 21st century, Trinidad Distillers Limited remains at the forefront of rum production, combining traditional methods with modern technology to create innovative and sought-after spirits. The company continues to invest in research and development, exploring new techniques and flavour profiles to meet the evolving tastes of consumers.
Today, Trinidad Distillers Limited stands as a testament to Trinidad’s enduring legacy in rum production. With its rich history, commitment to quality, and spirit of innovation, the company remains a driving force in the global rum industry, delighting drinkers with its exceptional products and celebrating the vibrant culture of the Caribbean.
Amidst this changing landscape, the Trinidad government recognized the need for consolidation and modernization within the rum industry. In 1947, Trinidad Distillers Limited was established through the merger of several distilleries, including Fernandes Distillers, Breiner & Co., and Angostura Limited. This consolidation allowed the company to streamline operations, improve efficiency, and capitalize on economies of scale.
Under the new entity, Trinidad Distillers Limited embarked on a period of expansion and innovation. The company invested in state-of-the-art distillation equipment and adopted modern techniques to enhance the quality and consistency of its rum products. This commitment to excellence helped Trinidad Distillers Limited establish itself as a premier producer of rum in the Caribbean region.
Throughout the latter half of the 20th century, Trinidad Distillers Limited continued to refine its techniques and expand its product line. The company’s rums gained international recognition for their exceptional flavour profiles and craftsmanship, earning numerous awards and accolades from industry experts and rum enthusiasts alike.
CORPORATION ALCOHOLS DEL CARIBE
VENEZUELA
Corporation Alcohols del Caribe, commonly known as CADC, is a prominent rum distillery situated in the Caribbean, renowned for its exceptional rum production. The history of this distillery is deeply intertwined with the rich cultural and economic tapestry of the region.
The origins of CADC trace back to the early 20th century when a group of local entrepreneurs saw the potential in the abundant sugarcane fields of the Caribbean. Recognizing the demand for rum both locally and internationally, they pooled their resources and expertise to establish a distillery that would set new standards in rum production.
Founded in the early 1920s, CADC began its journey with humble beginnings, starting as a small-scale operation. However, fuelled by determination and a commitment to quality, the distillery quickly gained recognition for its exceptional craftsmanship and distinctive flavours.
Throughout the decades, CADC navigated various challenges, including economic downturns, changes in regulations, and natural disasters common to the region. Despite these hurdles, the distillery persevered, adapting its techniques and innovating to maintain its position as a leader in the rum industry.
One of the key milestones in CADC history came in the mid-20th century when it introduced its signature blend, a carefully crafted rum that would become the cornerstone of its brand. This blend, renowned for its smoothness, complexity, and rich character, earned CADC acclaim both domestically and internationally, solidifying its reputation as a premier rum producer.
As the years passed, CADC continued to expand its operations, investing in modern equipment and technology to enhance efficiency and quality control. Additionally, the distillery forged partnerships with local sugarcane growers, ensuring a steady supply of high-quality raw materials essential for rum production
In the late 20th and early 21st centuries, CADC experienced a period of significant growth and global expansion. Its rums garnered numerous awards at prestigious international competitions, further cementing its status as a world-class distillery. With distribution networks spanning across continents, CADC’s products became synonymous with Caribbean excellence, gracing the shelves of upscale bars and liquor stores worldwide.
However, CADC remained deeply rooted in its Caribbean heritage, maintaining a strong commitment to sustainability and community development. The distillery implemented eco-friendly practices, such as waste recycling and energy conservation, to minimize its environmental footprint. Furthermore, it actively supported local initiatives aimed at education, healthcare, and infrastructure improvement, contributing to the welfare of the communities where it operated.
Today, Corporation Alcohólica del Caribe Distillery stands as a testament to the resilience, innovation, and passion of the Caribbean people. With a legacy spanning over a century, it continues to produce exceptional rums that embody the spirit of the tropics, delighting connoisseurs and enthusiasts alike. As it looks to the future, CADC remains dedicated to preserving its heritage while embracing new opportunities for growth and excellence in the dynamic world of rum production.
CARONI RUM DISTILLERY
TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO
The Caroni Rum Distillery, located in Trinidad and Tobago, has a storied history that spans more than a century, deeply intertwined with the island’s colonial legacy and the global rum trade. Established in 1923, the Caroni distillery was built on the grounds of the Caroni sugar factory, (established in 1888) part of the British government’s initiative to develop a robust sugarcane industry in Trinidad. At the time, sugar production was a dominant force in the Caribbean, and distilleries like Caroni capitalized on the abundance of molasses, a byproduct of sugar refining, to produce rum.
The origins of Caroni can be traced back to the early sugar estates established in Trinidad during the British colonial period. Sugar plantations were a driving economic force, and the distillery was integrated with the Caroni sugar factory, ensuring a steady supply of raw materials. Caroni Rum soon gained a reputation for its robust and distinctive flavour, known for its deep, smoky, and somewhat oily character, largely attributed to the unique soil and climate conditions in Trinidad and the traditional production methods employed.
During the early 20th century, Caroni became an integral part of Trinidad’s rum heritage, contributing to both local consumption and export markets. The distillery produced a variety of rums, ranging from lighter, column-distilled varieties to heavier, full-bodied rums that were made using traditional pot stills. Caroni’s rums were particularly prized for their use in blends and for aging, and they gained recognition in both the Caribbean and international markets.
However, Caroni’s fate was tied to the fluctuating fortunes of the sugar industry. By the late 20th century, the global sugar market had become highly competitive, and Trinidad’s sugar industry began to decline. The Caroni Sugar Company, which owned the distillery, faced financial difficulties, and the government took control of the company in an effort to salvage the industry. Despite this intervention, the government decided to shut down sugar production at Caroni in 2003 due to unsustainable losses, leading to the closure of the distillery.
The closure of Caroni Distillery marked the end of an era in Trinidadian rum production. At the time of its closure, Caroni was known for producing rums that were highly regarded by connoisseurs, especially for their intensity, complexity, and aging potential. The remaining stocks of rum were quickly snapped up by collectors, and Caroni began to achieve a near-mythical status among rum enthusiasts.
Following the closure, independent bottlers, discovered and purchased much of the remaining Caroni rum stock. Releases of aged Caroni rums, often aged for decades, generated immense interest and led to a revival of the Caroni brand. These rums, some aged in Trinidad and others in Europe, have become highly sought-after collectors’ items, with prices skyrocketing due to their rarity and the distillery’s iconic status.
Today, Caroni is revered as one of the most legendary rum producers in the world. The distillery, now defunct, is remembered for its bold, heavy rums and has a cult following, with enthusiasts and collectors regarding its bottlings as some of the finest examples of Caribbean rum. Caroni’s legacy lives on through these treasured stocks, which continue to shape the rum world even years after the distillery’s closure.
