John Watling’s Distillery is set in the Buena Vista Estate on Delancy Street in downtown Nassau. The estate dates to 1789 and now houses a working distillery, where small-batch rum is made and bottled by hand. A complimentary guided tour covers the estate’s history and rum production; you can also explore the grounds, see the bottling area and sample rum or order a cocktail at the tavern. The property appeared in the opening scene of the 2006 James Bond film Casino Royale.
The Buena Vista Estate
John Watling’s Distillery occupies the Buena Vista Estate on Delancy Street in downtown Nassau. The estate dates to 1789, and its grounds include tropical gardens and century-old black olive trees. Its location puts the distillery within walking distance of central Nassau and the cruise port.
The property has also appeared on screen: Buena Vista Estate featured in the opening scene of the 2006 James Bond film Casino Royale. As you explore, look for the estate’s artwork and historic details alongside the distillery buildings.
A short tour of rum production
Complimentary guided tours introduce the estate’s history and the process behind John Watling’s small-batch rum. Tours are brief, with accounts putting them at roughly 10 to 30 minutes. You can see the working production area and, from an overhead mezzanine, look down on the rum line. The estate’s history and the distillery’s work are part of the same visit.
John Watling’s has bottled spirits in Nassau since 2003. Its rum is made in small batches, then bottled and labelled by hand. The range includes pale, amber, Buena Vista and single-barrel rums. The distillery also produces gin, vodka and other spirits.
Tastings and the tavern
After the tour, head to the rum shop or the Red Turtle Tavern to sample the spirits or order a cocktail. A complimentary sample is available, and buying a drink or bottle is optional. The tavern serves cocktails made with the distillery’s rum, including the Bahama Mama and Hemingway Daiquiri.
For a different kind of souvenir, a rum-bottling session lets you take home a bottle you have filled. The distillery also runs mixology classes. Ask on site about current availability and arrangements.
Perguntas frequentes
Is the tour at John Watling’s Distillery free?
Yes. Guided tours are complimentary, and there is no obligation to buy a tasting or bottle.
How long does a visit take?
Tours are short, with reported durations ranging from about 10 to 30 minutes. Allow extra time if you want to explore the grounds or stop at the tavern.
What can you taste at the distillery?
You can sample John Watling’s rums, including pale and amber varieties, or order a cocktail at the Red Turtle Tavern. Banana and cherry-chocolate flavored rums are also mentioned as tasting options.
Can you see rum being made?
The tour covers rum production, and the distillery has a working production and bottling area. Weekdays are suggested for a better chance of seeing the process in action.
