During my recent holiday I visited the River Antoine Estate which is said to be the only plantation on the island of Grenada that still produces rum directly from sugar cane grown on the property. The other distilleries on the island apparently buy-in molasses from other estates/islands.
This was perhaps the most unsanitary production facility I have ever seen. Every part of the process was described by our guide as being "old school" and the only evidence that we were not living in 1785 was that there were a few bits of plastic piping and barrels either in use or lying around.
The smell was quite horrific, particularly in the boiling room where the raw juice is heated to increase concentration and kick-off the fermentation process.
The estate produces three bottlings: a rum punch which is 22% proof; the standard white rum at 69% proof, and; a 75% bottling that would be ideal for stripping paint, all collectively known as "Rivers"* and seemingly enjoyed copiously in parts of the island. None of the products are aged in any way and the average time between harvesting the cane and bottling is around three weeks. The distillery produces 500 bottles per day, provided there is enough water in the river to drive the wheel.
Here are some pictures of the process…
A very interesting visit, particularly when contemplating the sad history of the place.
* the apostrophe crime is theirs, not mine.
Producing Rum the Grenada Way
Producing Rum the Grenada Way
"The first duty of Port is to be red"
Ernest H. Cockburn
Ernest H. Cockburn
- djewesbury
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Re: Producing Rum the Grenada Way
That is quite fascinating. You stopped short of saying that it was disgusting neckrot but I sense a subtext.
How did your Clint Eastwood t-shirt go down?
How did your Clint Eastwood t-shirt go down?
Daniel J.
Husband of a relentless former Soviet Chess Master.
delete.. delete.. *sigh*.. delete...
Husband of a relentless former Soviet Chess Master.
delete.. delete.. *sigh*.. delete...
Re: Producing Rum the Grenada Way
I don't drink rum in any form so didn't feel qualified to comment. If pushed I would say that the rum punch was not as pleasant as others I tasted on the trip. The 75% stuff made my face go numb in the same way as a dentist injection in your top gum does. If that counts as "excellent juice" in the world of rum then this is top-notch stuffdjewesbury wrote:That is quite fascinating. You stopped short of saying that it was disgusting neckrot but I sense a subtext.
How did your Clint Eastwood t-shirt go down?
I didn't have my t-shirt on as it was a cool 31°C that day so was wrapped up in my poncho and cowboy hat.
"The first duty of Port is to be red"
Ernest H. Cockburn
Ernest H. Cockburn
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Re: Producing Rum the Grenada Way
Chewing a cheroot no doubt.
Daniel J.
Husband of a relentless former Soviet Chess Master.
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Husband of a relentless former Soviet Chess Master.
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Re: Producing Rum the Grenada Way
I beg to differ. They are using a very clean white towel to keep the extra protein out. What more would you like?This was perhaps the most unsanitary production facility I have ever seen
- JacobH
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Re: Producing Rum the Grenada Way
I agree with Andy. When the output is at 75% it is hard to see how anything more is needed to keep things sanitary.Andy Velebil wrote:I beg to differ. They are using a very clean white towel to keep the extra protein out. What more would you like?This was perhaps the most unsanitary production facility I have ever seen
Re: Producing Rum the Grenada Way
Which doesn't change the fact that the production facility is unsanitary.JacobH wrote:I agree with Andy. When the output is at 75% it is hard to see how anything more is needed to keep things sanitary.Andy Velebil wrote:I beg to differ. They are using a very clean white towel to keep the extra protein out. What more would you like?This was perhaps the most unsanitary production facility I have ever seen
"The first duty of Port is to be red"
Ernest H. Cockburn
Ernest H. Cockburn
Re: Producing Rum the Grenada Way
The IVDP used to provide spirit with the same I-am-a-monopoly care about quality.DRT wrote:Which doesn't change the fact that the production facility is unsanitary.JacobH wrote:I agree with Andy. When the output is at 75% it is hard to see how anything more is needed to keep things sanitary.