The John Watlings Distillery is located on the historic Buena Vista Estate in the Downtown Nassau area. Overlooking the harbor and offering panoramic views, the estate is situated on more than two acres of lush tropical gardens with century-old black olive trees.
Construction of the estate began the same year that George Washington was elected the first President of the United States (circa 1789). Antiques and prints dating back more than 300 years, showcase the rich history and heritage of The Bahamas.
On the grounds is a 200-year-old water well, supposedly carved out of solid limestone by slaves prior to the abolition of slavery in 1833.
You can take a free and self-guided tour of the estate, with the storehouse providing an intimate view of how the rums are bottled, the old-fashioned way, by local hands.
More than 1,000 aging white oak barrels fill the air with the angels share, the portion lost to evaporation during the many years the liquor rests in the barrels.
You will get to sample the Spirit of The Bahamas, as John Watlings' signature creations are known: small-batch Pale, Amber and Buena Vista rums, Red Turtle Vodka, filtered with pink sands from Eleuthera, and a Gin infused with botanicals from Andros and the other islands.
Also, enjoy a traditional Bahamian cocktail at the Red Turtle Tavern; at the gift shop, get a piece of The Bahamas to take back home. The distillery is open from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. daily.