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Saint Lucia Distillers gains GI for rum
By Nicola CarruthersChairman’s Reserve maker Saint Lucia Distillers has been granted geographical indication (GI) status for its portfolio of rum brands.

Saint Lucia’s only distillery was granted the GI for its Admiral Rodney, Chairman’s Reserve, Bounty, and Denros rum brands.
Margaret Monplaisir, CEO of Saint Lucia Distillers and chairwoman of the West Indies Rum & Spirits Producer’s Association (WIRSPA), said the recognition was a “testament to the craft and passion of Saint Lucian rum making” and reflected the company’s “commitment to preserving the island’s rich heritage while setting new standards for rum globally”.
Located in the Roseau Valley, Saint Lucia Distillers was established in 1972 following the merger of the last two distilleries on the island.
At Saint Lucia Distillers, water for fermentation is taken from the Roseau River, where it is filtered while retaining its naturally high mineral content.
Approximately 13 million litres of water a year is collected, which is then filtered and used to lower the ABV of the rum before it is poured into casks for maturation.
Saint Lucia said the rainwater is used for blending rum due to its lower mineral content.
The distillery’s rum takes inspiration from the island’s French and British heritage by using expertise from both cultures in fermentation, distillation and ageing. Pot and column stills are used in production.
The resulting liquid from the distillery is said to offer tropical fruit flavours such as honey, raisins and bananas on the nose, while the palate brings warm spices and a salty note.
In October 2023, Chairman’s Reserve rum was given a new look to reflect its Caribbean heritage.
Saint Lucia Distillers has been owned by Martinique-based Groupe Bernard Hayot (GBH) since March 2016.
GBH acquired French liqueur maker Joseph Cartron in 2021 and UK-based spirits distributor Mangrove Global in 2023.
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