Visiting the unique Demerara Distillers in Guyana

Are you eager to know the story of rum making in Guyana? Then visit Georgetown, the capital city of Guyana, and explore the Demerara County to learn about the history of sugarcane plantation and rum production that has been taking place here ever since the 17th century. 

Demerara Distillers is the only rum distillery in the world that takes pride in its glorious heritage. This distillery is renowned world over for its famous El Dorado rum, which is said to be among the finest collection of Demerara Rums. Presently, the distillery is producing an assorted range of over 20 distinct varieties of rum of differing character, style and age.

The history of rum production in Guyana is quite unique. The Demerara County had been at the forefront of rum production in the country. Over 300 sugar estates were operational in Guyana during the 18th century. These sugar estates had distilleries of their own, where they produced their exclusive signature rums. These estates and distilleries have through the centuries merged with their original stills and marques being still preserved.

Demerara Distillers is presently the last remaining distillery operational in Guyana today. It is located on Demerara Distillers’ east bank at Plantation Diamond. Sugarcane was introduced in Guyana during the 1640s by the early European settlers. A decade later the British laid down the production of Demerara Rum during the 1650s. Today, the traditional skills, 9 different original stills and marques remain intact thus making Demerara Rum quite distinctive.

Ever since Demerara Distillers launched its El Dorado range of rums in 1992 in the local as well as international market, the brand of Demerara Rums has grown manifold. It was during the 1992 itself that Demerara Distillers became the world’s first rum producer to market ‘El Dorado 15 Year Old Special Reserve’, a premium quality aged rum.

Visit the Demerara Rum Heritage Centre to get a fascinating insight into the unique heritage of Demerara Rums. The Demerara Distillers has showcased its 350 years history of rum production. The Rum museum opened its doors for the visitors in March 2007. Among the prominent highlights at the Demerara Rum Heritage Centre include miniature models of Stills, parts of its historic distilleries, original machinery, and photographic archive exhibition.