Callwood Rum Distillery — Attraction in Tortola

On a recent trip to visit Tortola in the British Virgin Islands we made our way to a quiet beach with a local-vibe on the northwest side of the small island - Cane Garden Bay Beach.

Just south on Route 1 from the beach is a rum distillery with big time word-of-mouth, some great history, and not much else. This may be the smallest distillery of any kind I have ever seen. It’s history dates back to the late 1800s and the facility certainly looks like it. They have been producing 1800s-style rum for over 100 years and offer tourist groups a sampling of 4 different rums for a mere $1.

Naturally, most everyone visiting is a tourist and takes them up on this offer. Nice pit stop during your stay on the island, but don’t go too out...

The Callwood Distillery is a real find. This place has been making rum for over 400 years. They still use the same original still and a press that’s over 200 years old. It is $5 per person for a tour that is about 10-15 minutes, it’s well done and worth it. You can get a taste of all four of their rums for $1 afterwards. If you are there while they are making rum you can see the still at work. The sugarcane used is all grown on Tortola. I wouldn’t expect to spend more that 20 minutes here if it’s isn’t crowded. It’s a short walk from Cane Garden beach....

So glad we, the Houston Party Pod, toured this place! We have been to BVI (and Cane Garden Bay) several times before but didn’t make a point to go to Callwood until our recent visit. Mark was very friendly and knowledgeable about the history of the distillery and his family business! It was only $5/person (cash only) and you get the nickel tour and 5 tastings. I’m not a huge rum drinker but the panty dropper was pretty dang good straight up! Support the locals and don’t miss seeing an old fashioned way...