The Tribune

By NEIL HARTNELL

Tribune Business Editor

nhartnell@tribunemedia.net

John Watling’s Distillery has unveiled the limited release of its Bullion rum to commemorate both its tenth birthday and the 50th anniversary of Bahamian independence.

The distillery, in a statement, said its special edition rum has undergone a 10-year double ageing process, maturing first in White American Oak Bourbon Barrels before undergoing additional refinement in French Limousin Oak Cognac Casks.

Pepin Argamasilla, John Watling’s Distillery’s managing partner, said: “To craft a 10-year-old rum is a tremendous honour. We embarked on this journey a decade ago, and it’s truly gratifying to witness it come to fruition.”

Guillermo Garcia-Lay, master blender at John Watling’s Distillery, added: “It was a privilege to use our oldest rums in a new way while remaining true to the John Watling’s house style. The limited quantity makes it both precious and fleeting, something that aficionados will appreciate.”

The Bullion rum has been limited to just 2,250 bottles, each hand-filled and packaged by Bahamian artisans. Jose Portuondo, managing partner at John Watling’s Distillery, said: “From the label to the bottle and outer packaging, no expense was spared in presenting this gift to The Bahamas for its 50th anniversary and John Watling’s 10th.”

The label design, by Bahamian communications agency Octopus Digital, was led by Nicky Saddleton, who added: “The design we co-created is a testament to luxury, elegance and timelessness. The incorporation of the number 10 in the word ‘Bullion’ felt serendipitous, and the aquamarine and gold hues were a heartfelt dedication to our nation.”

Adding a personal touch to each Bullion rum bottle, local calligrapher Candi Thompson at Tied Goat Bahamas individually numbered the labels. Initial sales will take place at the Buena Vista Estate in Downtown Nassau.