The Best Wineries Breweries And Distilleries In The Bahamas

There’s no better way of drinking in the Bahamian culture than through its local rum and craft beer. From top Bahamas beer Kalik to the Luna Rum Distillery, there’s plenty to satisfy all tastes after a day sailing through the archipelago. Here’s a round-up of the best Bahamian booze producers to give you a real taste of Caribbean island life.

Sample the best Caribbean rum by booking a spot on Culture Trip’s eight-day sailing vacation around the Bahamas, complete with a skipper and crew.

1. John Watling’s Distillery

Bar, Cocktails

The colonial architecture of John Watlings Distillery on the Buena Vista Estate in Downtown Nassau, Bahamas

After mooring up in Nassau, head to the city’s downtown area and roll into the John Watling’s Distillery, named after a 17th-century buccaneer. The business, which has been producing small-batch rums and vodka since 2003, is located on a historic estate overlooking the harbor. It offers complimentary tours where you can learn about the history of rum and the production process. Round things off with a refreshing drink at the on-site tavern, plus there’s a store where you can pick up a bottle or two. The distillery is open seven days a week.

2. Rip Ty’d Bahamian Craft Beer

Brewery

If craft ales are your thing, point your compass in the direction of the Rip Ty’d brewery, situated near the main port in Nassau. The small-batch Bahamas brewery is open daily for tours and tastings, with a relaxed bar area for sampling afterward. Rip Ty’d pride itself on using natural ingredients and Bahamian water in its libations. Some of its creations include Wild Passion – an IPA infused with passion fruit – and One in a Melon, a German Pilsner with hints of watermelon. The brewery is open from Tuesday to Sunday.

4. The Bahamian Brewery

Brewery

Work up a thirst before sailing over to the Bahamian Brewery in Freeport on Grand Bahama. The small team produces eight beers – ranging from a punchy black stout to a refreshing grapefruit-flavored Radler. Its most popular product is Sands beer named after the CEO Jimmy Sands and you’ll find this served throughout the island chain. The brewery, which opened in 2007, runs regular tours around the factory facilities, so you can see the beer-making process from start to finish. After watching the beer being bottled, pull up a seat in the tasting room.

5. Luna Rum Distillery

Distillery

After producing Bahamian rum cake for many years, Luna on the outskirts of Nassau ventured into the world of rum production in 2020. Book onto a 30-minute tour and learn how one of the island’s newest distilleries goes about making its products from locally sourced ingredients. At the complimentary tasting, knock back the factory’s more unusual creations – including banana and cherry chocolate-infused rums. Be sure to swing by the rum cake factory and stock up on sweet treats to enjoy back on board.

6. Commonwealth Brewery Company

Brewery

The Commonwealth Brewery Company is behind the best-selling beer in the Bahamas, Kalik. The name was derived from the “Kalik, Kalikin’ Kalik” – the sound of the cowbell instrument used in Junkanoo, otherwise known as a traditional Caribbean street parade. You’ll find Kalik across the archipelago, with different variations including Kalik Light, Gold, and Lime. It is not possible to tour the Commonwealth Brewery Company, but you can stock up on Kalik and conduct your own tastings back on board.

7. Pirate Republic Brewing

Craft Ale Bar, Beer

“X” marks the spot at this drinking establishment, where you’ll hit upon gold in liquid form. The Pirate Republic Brewing Company, located in Nassau, has been deemed one of the best microbreweries in the Caribbean and it was the first to land in the Bahamas. It brews a wide range of drafts including the Black Beer’d Stout (a chocolate malt) and Island Pirate Ale, its flagship IPA. The beer-infused cocktails are also worth dipping into – with the Renegade (a blend of IPA and Campari) and the Flaming Dr Pepper (a mix of Long John Pilsner and Amaretto liqueur) among the unusual concoctions.

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

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