See full version: Rum Heritage
The island’s economic stability was further buoyed by the permanent white population’s commitment to maintaining the sugar industry as part of their heritage. They organised an agricultural society that experimented with methods of increasing production while minimising costs; subsequently Barbadian plantations reaped some of the greatest profits in the region. [links]
Those who remained in Barbados struggled through years of fire, periods of drought and excessive rain, as well as a smallpox epidemic that drastically affected the island's slave population. The depression stretched into the 1700s; to survive, Barbadians participated in both legal and illegal activities to supplement their income. Through struggle and strife the islanders persisted; a survey taken between 1717 and 1721 listed 870 estates and 320 windmills used for sugar production. It is this survey that documents that St. Nicholas Abbey, then known as Dottin Plantation, had adopted windmill-driven production by this time. more
The first settlers arrived in Barbados in February 1627; within 10 years over 6,000 English settlers had arrived. Initial landholdings were primarily used for tobacco and cotton; between 1631 and 1637, an additional 37,770 acres of land were handed out. America had a stronghold on the tobacco market, so planters were desperately searching for another prosperous crop.
For several decades, Barbados enjoyed an economic boon; however natural disasters, political unrest, stringent English rule and an increased world supply of tropical products led to declining profits from 1661. It was during this time that John Yeamans and other Barbadians migrated to American Colony known as Carolina in search of greater and more secured prosperity.
Despite the political and economic advancements, plantations continued to encounter difficulties, and there was even a temporary shift to cotton in the late 1700s as it did not require expensive preparation and left more arable land available for growing provisions. A second Sugar and Molasses Act boosted sugar trade, but it was still a very difficult time for many plantations, St. Nicholas Abbey included. more
The settlers’ persistence paid off in 1739, when a new Sugar Act passed providing for direct trade with Europe, leading to a sharp rise in sugar prices. A planter aristocracy established, paving the way for the large plantations that would carry the Barbadian economy through the next century. more
Mondays: All inclusive rate includes the Heritage Railway, The Abbey, Heritage and Rum Tour and live music: $60 adult/$15 child 12 and under *Children under 3 are FREE. Open from 10AM with last admission at 2:30PM. We close at 5:00PM
Fridays: All inclusive rate includes the Heritage Railway, The Abbey, Heritage and Rum Tour and live music: $60 adult/$15 child 12 and under *Children under 3 are FREE. Open from 9.30AM with last admission at 2:30PM. We close at 5:00PM
Early arrival ensures a seat on the train and patrons can tour the house while awaiting departure and resume after the train ride. more
Our 15 year old rum is $425 BDS. more
Tasting Notes [links]
The 15 year old rum is a molasses based rum taken straight from the barrel and aged at St. Nicholas at bottle strength. The final product is a fine example of what excellent ex-bourbon white oak barrels can produce. here
This is a new generation of Barbados rum! Hallmarking the birth of future rums made on the St. Nicholas Abbey plantation, the 5 year old rum is made from our white rum, aged in old bourbon barrels that previously contained our longer aged molasses rums.
St. Nicholas Abbey on the Caribbean island of Barbados was built in 1658. Therefore, more than 350 years of history is stored at this place. The St. Nicholas Abbey is one of the most popular attractions on the Caribbean island. The property was purchased in 2006 by the Warren family. The distillery and the property has been extensively restored by the Warren family. The property is surrounded by sugar cane fields and tropical rain forest. The main house has also been lovingly restored and the gardens invite you to stay and relax. more
In contrast to other rum producers on the Caribbean island of Barbados, you can say that St. Nicholas Abbey is a real a manufactory. They store their rum in old whiskey barrels from the U.S. and the rum is still bottled by hand. Each bottle is also sandblasted by hand. In addition they engrave every single rum bottle, with the date of production and a number. That makes each bottle unique. And rum from St. Nicholas Abbey also tastes very well. [links]
On the Caribbean island of Barbados the St. Nicholas Abbey's is one of the most popular tourist attractions. St. Nicholas Abbey, looks back at over 350 years of history. here
Address and location:
ST. NICHOLAS ABBEY
Cherry Tree Hill
St. Peter, BB 26007
Barbados, West Indies
Tel #1: +1 (246) 422-8725
Tel #2: +1 (246) 422-5257
Online map: St. Nicholas Abbey - Google Maps