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News
Kilchoman plans Barbados rum distillery
Islay Scotch whisky maker Kilchoman has received planning permission to build a rum distillery in Barbados.
Kilchoman purchased the derelict Bentley Mansion and nine acres of land, located in the parish of Saint Philip, in August 2021.
The whisky producer plans to erect buildings to house the rum distillery, mill and cask warehouse, and purchase sugarcane from the mansion’s surrounding fields.
The rum will be made using cane syrup and sugarcane crushed on site. The liquid will be distilled using two copper stills and bottled on site.
Kilchoman founder and managing director Anthony Wills has teamed up with Frank Ward, the former managing director of Barbados distillery Mount Gay, on the project.
Ward will act as a consultant and advise on rum production methods.
Wills said: “This is an exciting development for Kilchoman and we look forward to sharing more news as the project takes shape.”
The Islay whisky distiller plans to use its network of distributors around the world for the launch of its new premium rum.
In February last year, Kilchoman secured a £22.5 million (US$30.4m) funding package from Barclays to expand its site and grow the brand globally.
The brand is available in 50 countries, with France, Germany, the US and China being its biggest markets. The funding will allow the distiller to increase its presence in these four countries.
Kilchoman is Islay’s only farm distillery and is one of nine producers on the Scottish island. The company was founded in 2005 by Kathy and Anthony Wills, and is now supported by their three sons, George, James, and Peter.