Summary
Very few abbeys can provide visitors with a delightful rum tasting experience while also offering opportunities for leisure activities such as croquet. Consequently, a visit to St. Nicholas Abbey in Barbados is an essential component of any itinerary for the island.
Renowned as the birthplace of rum, Barbados boasts several distilleries producing high-quality spirits to this day, with St. Nicholas Abbey standing as the only fully preserved 17th-century plantation on the island.
After immersing myself in the joys of swimming with turtles and enjoying a hearty meal at Oistins Fish Fry, I determined that Sunday should be dedicated to relaxation and sampling the finest rums available on the island.
This excursion was one I had eagerly anticipated, not merely due to the delightful opportunity to sample exceptional rums.
My enthusiasm for the production processes of spirits heightened my anticipation, evidently merging my appreciation for fine dark rum with an exploration of distillation techniques, so a visit to St. Nicholas Abbey was particularly fitting.
Getting to St. Nicholas Abbey Barbados
St. Nicholas Abbey is celebrated as the oldest remaining plantation and operational distillery in Barbados, offering a grand experience as one might expect.
As I navigated through the island’s picturesque hills, quaint villages gradually gave way to grand, colossal trees that framed the roads in a fashion reminiscent of Jurassic Park.
Upon arrival, St. Nicholas Abbey Barbados greeted me amidst the lush greenery of the rainforest.
I felt an overwhelming desire to leap from the vehicle and recreate the iconic arrival scene from Jurassic Park.
Touring the St. Nicholas Abbey Barbados
The Warren family currently manages this plantation, the stately home, and the ancient tradition of dark rum production.
Upon my arrival, a member of the Warren family graciously provided us with an informative session dubbed T.T.T. – a talk, a tour, and a tasting, which I had humorously coined.
Meandering through the Jacobean mansion and pristine landscapes, it becomes apparent why this gem of Barbados captivates so many hearts. I felt as though I had journeyed back to the 17th century.
The meticulously maintained herb garden, the cottage industry, and the croquet lawns invited me to set down my camera and unwind within the Abbey’s tranquil grounds, which I gladly did!
With a refreshing rum punch in hand and a slight sense of euphoria, I made my way to the croquet lawns, enhancing my overall experience.
What About the Rum?
Interestingly, in contrast to its well-known neighbor, Mount Gay Rum, St. Nicholas Abbey Barbados opts against mass production of its heritage rum. Rather, it is selectively distributed, available at only a limited number of locations worldwide.
In London, one can acquire a bottle at prestigious establishments such as Fortnum & Mason or Harrods, an essential consideration for anyone looking for gift ideas.
The production of the rum itself is notable for its traditional methods, including pot still distillation, reflecting the refined smoothness characteristic of the spirit.
The opportunity to explore St. Nicholas Abbey Barbados was genuinely enriching.
There are precious few occasions in life where one can visit a magnificent estate, savor copious amounts of rum punch, and experience a delightful compliment all in one day. Nonetheless, such experiences offer a glimpse of the joy and richness of life.
