John Watlings Rum Distillery

With tropical drinks, stunning views, and Hollywood history, the John Watling Rum Distillery combines some of the best elements of Nassau, Bahamas. 

If there’s one Nassau destination that mixes together several elements, it’s the John Watling Rum Distillery. From serving up tropical, rum-based drinks to serving as a filming location for a James Bond film in the past, the John Watlings Distillery is a can’t-miss Bahamas attraction. 

John Watling Rum Distillery: Explore the Top Bahamas Rum Distillery

Bahamas Rum Distillery: A History

Like many of the Nassau attractions worth visiting, the John Watling Rum Distillery has a history that stretches hundreds of years in the past.

The Nassau Distillery estate has origins in the late 18th Century.

Located on the historic Buena Vista Estate, the structure dates back to 1789, the same year the American people elected George Washington as the first president of the United States. With its impressive architecture and commanding view of the Nassau Harbour, the estate was one of the most desirable locations on the island. 

After changing hands several times during the next couple of centuries, the estate became a Bahamian hub. For many years, it was famous for its stunning grounds and world-class restaurant. Its fame grew in 2003 when it was featured as a filming location for the James Bond film Casino Royale. 

In 2013, the rum distillery Nassau officially opened. Since then, the John Watling Rum Distillery has become a recognizable name to travelers everywhere. 

What to See and Do at the Nassau Distillery

Try Authentic Caribbean Drinks 

A rum tasting at the John Watling Distillery Nassau is a can’t-miss experience.

Inside the Rum Distillery Nassau is where you’ll find the bar. Here you can look forward to enjoying some of the tastiest drinks on the island.

While rum tasting is a classic experience at the distillery, there’s a full menu of other cocktails and drinks you can order. That said, for an authentic Caribbean experience, you might want to stick to tropical drinks. The piña coladas and Bahama mamas are top-notch! 

Learn About Rum Production and More

Besides sampling different drinks, visiting the John Watling Rum Distillery is also an informative experience. 

While many travelers may enjoy drinking rum, few no what rum production looks like. To remedy that, John Watlings Distillery gives travelers an in-depth look at how rum gets made. From storing it in barrels to bottling it and much more, a tour around the grounds is an eye-opening experience. 

Distilling rum in barrels can take years.

As you walk around the grounds, you can learn about how the site was a filming location for Casino Royale. From Pirates of the Caribbean to Thunderball, the Bahamas has been the backdrop for many iconic Hollywood films. 

Getting into the Rum Distillery Nassau

The John Watling Rum Distillery is one of the many Downtown Nassau attractions within walking distance from the cruise ship terminal. That makes it the perfect excursion to add to an afternoon of sightseeing around the island. 

John Watlings Distillery has become famous for its delicious drinks.

If you’re a cruise ship passenger, it’ll take around 15 minutes to walk from the port to the Bahamas rum distillery. Taxis are always available across most of Nassau. However, unless you’re staying at a hotel on another part of New Providence or Paradise Island, walking will probably be fastest (plus it’s free!). 

The Nassau distillery is open seven days a week, from 10 am to 6 pm. On Fridays, it’s open until 9 pm, making it a great location to enjoy a bit of nightlife. 

Getting Around the John Watlings Distillery

Once you arrive at the John Watling Rum Distillery, you can explore both the interior and exterior of the property. 

Inside the main building is where you can order drinks and purchase t-shirts and other merchandise. You can also see different homages to the estate’s past. 

Outside, travelers can walk around the beautiful grounds, see the site where Daniel Craig makes his famous leap in Casino Royale, and see firsthand the amount of work that goes into rum production. 

You’ll also see chickens wandering around the estate! 

You might see chickens wondering around the grounds of the Nassau Distillery.

Our Travel Guide Suggests…

A mini-tour around the John Watling Rum Distillery is a great way to learn more about the estate and rum production. While it only takes around 15 minutes, it’s informative, and many of the tour guides are entertaining. 

At the end of the tour, you’ll get to try a free sample drink. If you’ve never had a real piña colada before (not just one made from a mix), you’re in for a treat!

A tour around the grounds is an informative and entertaining experience.

John Watling Rum Distillery: Experience a Taste of the Caribbean 

The John Watling Rum Distillery combines refreshing drinks, a fun experience, and fascinating history, making it one of the top Nassau destinations to visit. Whether you’re a James Bond fan or are just hunting for a cold beverage, the rum distillery Nassau has you covered. 

Around the Bahamas rum distillery, you’ll find dozens of other attractions worth seeing. Queen’s Staircase, Fort Fincastle, Graycliff Heritage Village, and the National Art Gallery of the Bahamas are some of the top nearby sites. 

Looking to learn more about Nassau and all that it has to offer? Check out the rest of our sites for more informative guides. Don’t forget to explore our interactive Nassau Guide Map!